Warm the Chill

Life at this moment. In further detail:

1. Things are starting to sprout. I started cherry tomatoes, chamomile and Icelandic poppies indoors, using this tutorial to make the newspaper starter pots. Fingers crossed, they're looking pretty decent.

2. A trip to Portland for the Maine Comics Arts Festival is a reminder I should head north more often. Crema Coffee Co., I like you.

3. Not pictured: cold-brewed ice tea, Foyle's War and a bicycle that's ready to hit the road.

Drumroll, Please

 

So I tallied up the comments, added in the social media entries and the winner is: S. Fizer! If you want to shoot me your email, m'am, I'll get Bella right out to you.

And for all you stateside, Happy Memorial Day weekend.

(Pearl Harbor, 1942 -- my grandfather is the red-head teenage sailor in the middle)

Illustration Friday - Liquid

It's been ages since I've done an Illustration Friday prompt, so I decided to give it a go this week. And in the interest of creative exploration, I switched things up and did a comic with some brush inking.

To see full size, click here.

Dudley J. Stackpole, Esq.

"Bella's Rules"

 

It's release day for Bella's Rules -- hooray!

Bella's Rules is the story of the irrepresible Bella who really, really, really doesn't like rules. A free spirit, Bella marches to the beat of an entirely different orchestra. That is, until Puppy shows up and THEN things start to change. Elissa Haden Guest's story is hilarious and heartfelt, an absolute delight to illustrate. From the very first read through of the manuscript, I fell in love with Bella and Puppy and I can't wait for readers to do the same.

  

(The sketch version of the final art from above.)

So, then, how's about a Bella's Rules giveaway? Here's the deal:

1) Leave a comment on this post any time between now and 11:59 PM EST May 23 to be entered.

2) Want to up your chances? Post about the giveaway to either Twitter or Facebook and that counts as a second entry (just let me know in the comments). Or if Instagram is more your speed, take a photo of the book and tag it with #bellasrulesbook.

3) I'll choose the winner randomly using this tool.

4) I'll ship the book to any locale, but overseas readers are responsible for any customs fees that may be incurred.

 

The Harbinger

The Glitter Trap

 

Today's release day for The Glitter Trap by Barbara Brauner and James Iver Mattson! The first book in the Oh My Godmother series, substitute fairy godmother Lacey Unger-Ware's adventures have been a real treat to illustrate. She's a terrific character, full of spunk, wit and a whole lot of heart -- I mean, how could you not love a character with a name like Lacey Unger-Ware? I don't want to give away too much of the plot, but if you have any interest whatsoever in snarky fairy godmothers, school plays run amok, to'd baby chickens and making wishes come true, then you're going to want to read this one.

And for tweens, there's the OMG: The Glitter Trap Sweepstakes over on Miss O & Friends that looks like a whole lotta' fun.