251 Reflections on Finishing

Hi Everyone! I had the honor of interviewing NYT Bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller—author of the beloved picture books Sophie’s Squash, Be Kind, When You Are Brave, and many more! We talked about her creative journey from journalism to children's books, her approach to storytelling, and Pat's perspective on the role of the illustrators for her books.Visit Pat's website: https://www.patzietlowmiller.com/

Hi Everyone, I had the pleasure of interviewing Victoria K. Chapman, kidlit author and illustrator, on this episode of My Creative Life. Here is more about Victoria:Victoria K. Chapman is a fine artist, illustrator, author, and teacher who grew up in New England and currently lives in central Massachusetts. She graduated from the University of Connecticut’s illustration program in 2004. Victoria’s art shares joy in nature, wildlife, the Earth, mindfulness, and imagination. She uses elements of nature to celebrate the diversity and beauty of life on this planet and among our humanity.Victoria's website.Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, I interviewed Melissa Gardner, children's book author and illustrator. Melissa and I connected over a love of Kdrama's and kidlit art!Here is more about Melissa:When I was a little kid, I was always creating things. I remember making an entire family of bunny rabbits, complete with handsewn dresses, out of empty eggshells and cotton balls. I remember molding bits of clay and wood together to make teeny, tiny mouse houses that I would place all around my room. Most of of all, I remember the countless hours, laying on my bedroom floor, pouring over images from artists I loved. During those hours, Maurice Sendak and Gustav Klimt ‘taught’ me how to paint, as I copied their works over and over- determined to reproduce the brilliance I saw. The funny thing is, that even though I deeply loved creating, I never imagined that art could be anything other than a well loved hobby. So I grew up, got married, got a dog, went to grad school and eventually started a psychotherapy practice in Boston, Massachusetts. I loved being a therapist because I loved helping people feel better, but I also felt a lot of stress and concern for many of my patients. The more stressful my work became, the more art I created on the side. Then 2018 came around, and my husband and I decided to take our family on a year long sabbatical.We packed up our belongings, rented out our condo and started an adventure that went from Switzerland, to Italy, to NYC, to Oregon and then we landed in California. All that travel and family time helped me reimagine my life and I finally embraced the inner creative in me. So, in 2019, I closed up my psychotherapy practice and we permanently moved to the West Coast of the US, where I became a full time artist, illustrator and storyteller. Now, I live in the glorious and rainy Pacific Northwest, with my husband, my two kids, our three dogs, and our 6 chickens. Most days, you can find me in my studio, painting and drawing, sipping coffee or tea, and taking frequent breaks to give my dogs all the scritches they desire.  Although the pandemic slowed my artmaking down temporarily (especially when my kids needed to be homseschooled!) I’ve still had wonderful opportunities to partner with others to make beautiful creations. My most recent collaborations have been with SCBWI, Cricket Media/Spider Magazine, the San Franscisco Symphony, Jehane Ltd and Nice Dog Books.Melissa's website Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my special guest is Sarah Choi, founder of Komerican Pie, a quarterly webzine celebrating Korean-American Komerican life and the immigrant experience with defiant joy since 2024. Made with heART. In 2023, Sarah canceled her debut book deal with an international publisher to take a chance on creating new channels of media and representation. She resides in Atlanta with her family.Komerican Pie website to learn more.Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, I interviewed Courtney Pippin-Mathur, children's book author and illustrator. I got to meet and talk with Courtney in person at a KW retreat and she was so welcoming!Here is more about Courtney:Courtney grew up in East Texas and passed the hot summer days reading, drawing, watching She-Ra and exploring her grandma’s farm. She doodled constantly through elementary, middle and high school but didn’t think about art as a career until a fateful art history class at The University of Texas at Austin. After transferring from Government to Studio Art, she moved to the east coast and started pursing a career in childrens’ books where she could combine all of her favorite things.She now lives in Northern VA with her husband and three kids and is the author/illustrator of several picture books, Maya was Grumpy, Dragons Rule, Princesses Drool, Fairies Don’t Fight and Dinosaur Days (2026, author only) She has also co-written and illustrated  a picture book with her sister-in-law, Sanyukta Mathur, titled Happy Diwali! and illustrated It’s Holi! which Sanyukta wrote. Courtney also makes paper maché and polymer clay figures, ornaments, original acrylic paintings and more. (See shop link above)To see what she’s up to lately, follow her on Bluesky or Instagram @pippinmathur.Visit her website: www.pippinmathur.comThanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! I interviewed the skilled author, Eric Bell, of Alan Cole Is NOT a Coward. Eric shared some incredible wisdom about his journey as an author and someone who struggled with mental health. Here is more about Eric:Eric Bell lives and writes in Pennsylvania. He was once in middle school. He survived. You will too. Alan Cole Is Not a Coward is his debut novel, followed by Alan Cole Doesn't Dance. You can find him online at www.iamericbell.com.www.iamericbell.comThanks for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Lindsey Gerow, artist and art teacher. She talks about her passion for creating art, teaching art, and founding the Effingham Artists Association in Georgia. To learn more about the Effingham Artists Association, visit:https://effinghamartists.org/Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! I interviewed Erin Richardson, Illustrator. Here is more about Erin:As a lifelong artist, I’ve always been drawn to storytelling through illustration. Growing up, I spent countless hours lost in books, captivated by the details in the artwork and eager to create my own. My vivid childhood imagination still inspires me today—whether it’s the cozy world of my beloved dollhouse or the magic of turning a simple idea into something tangible.My dream project is to build a 3D set to illustrate the story of a spunky girl navigating her emotions in a miniature world within her dollhouse. It’s a tale of self-discovery, unlikely friendships, and realizing you don’t have to shrink to escape.I’m inspired by all things that matter to kids—emotions, relationships, and the beauty found in small, everyday moments. My artistic influences include Jessie Wilcox Smith, Norman Rockwell, David Hohn, Arthur Rackham, Chris Van Allsburg. I loved the classics from storytellers C.S. Lewis, Roald Dahl, and Judy Blume. If there’s an element of fantasy, magic, or adventure, I’m all in!Beyond illustration, I’m passionate about color, texture, and atmosphere, blending vintage aesthetics with modern storytelling. I’ve painted Trompe L’Oeil murals, designed hand-painted furniture, and created custom cards and advertising. Lately, I’ve been exploring 3D set design, finding joy in building miniature furniture and discovering new textures.  Studying the papercrafting and 3D world building from Samantha Cotterill, Nancy So Miller and Cybele Young, I am fascinated with the interaction between cut paper and the way a shadow falls from a structure in dimensional set.  If I am not illustrating, I can be found hiking the Rocky Mountains, trying a new recipe, or spending time with family and friends. Most of my illustrations are digital, using Photoshop and my Cintiq, yet I love traditional media like watercolor, gouache, ink, and cut paper.  I believe pictures open doors where words sometimes can’t, offering kids a window into new worlds and deeper emotions.This year, my goals are to write and illustrate my own manuscript, expand my website with a store and blog, and continue honing my skills through SVS Learn. I’m excited about school visits and hope to inspire kids to believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to. Awards: Top 12 Critique Arena, 2022 SVS LearnWinner of the Rocky Mountain Chapter SCBWI Annual Calendar Contest, 2023Illustrator of the Month, September 2024 SCBWI Books:Oliver’s Shadow, Brinkley Press, written by Martin Knight-Yeager.  When Oliver discovers his shadow disappears as soon as the light goes out, he decides his shadow must be afraid of the dark. Joined by favorite bear, Watson, they set out to find his shadow. This heartwarming tale of Oliver's misguided first impression about his shadow's disappearance leads them both to explore the unknown. Yet, it also allows the reader to explore a bit more about the fears we all face. As Oliver decides his shadow must be fearful of the dark, he also shares his concerns about being alone.   I’m Making a Wish, Tootsie and Teed, written by Linda Teed. One little girl’s travels in her grandfather’s car evoke an overflow of emotions that remain deeply woven in her heart. Years later, she recalls those early days as she makes new memories with her husband, children, and grandchildren. I’m Making a Wish is a tribute to all those that enjoy the simplicity of time spent together and the memories that are created for a lifetime.In development:  A Magic Stick Box, by author Michael Kujawa.  Release date TBD 2025Erin Richardson Designswww.erinrichardsondesigns.comIG: @erinrichardsondesigns21Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! In this episode, I talk about finishing my picture book and reflecting on what's next!My work can be seen at:https://www.nmillerillustration.com/Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! I interviewed the lovely Allison Rozo, children's book co-author of Diego Fuego the Firefighting Dragon and Unique Like You. She and her Colombian husband, Rafael Rozo, write bilingual stories in English and Spanish for their children to weave together their two cultures. Here is their site:https://www.rozobooksart.com/Thanks for listening!