I heard from my publisher last week and I should have my first draft sketches this week! Eek! This is all so surreal. It was more difficult than I thought to describe the images in my head. As I wrote Ellie’s story, I could envision all the scenes in vivid detail. But for the book, I’m working with an illustrator who obviously can’t see my thoughts. During the initial submission process, I had to describe in great detail every image with its corresponding portion of the story. Luckily for some of the characters, was able to submit model photos.
Meet Ellie
Ellie is inspired by my daughter, Anya. More specifically, my daughter Anya in the 4th grade.
I have no idea why “4th grade Anya” is Ellie, but she is. Anya has even asked me, but the truth is, when I was writing this is the exact picture I envisioned. Being almost 16 now, I had to go quite a ways back on the camera roll to find this gem. But Ellie she is.
I cannot wait to see how my illustrator draws her and brings her to life!
Abundantly 