Claudia Gadotti, Illustrator
Though many of you are familiar with my illustrator, Claudia Gadotti, I’d like to introduce her to those that may not be. She’s an amazing artist with a unique story. Please watch our two-year old YouTube video to learn more.
She designed and hand-painted each of the beautiful images for the Emeline series and now is working hard on the new series of early reader chapter books: Oakwoods. This new series tests her skills at portraying less-admired animals like opossums, a turkey vulture, a skunk, a bat, a snake, squirrels (who doesn’t like them, though), and a crow.
Pip O’Possum is in the design stage, so her work is done for that title. By the end of July, she’ll have all the images for Sally Skunkskin finished. I think she’s the best. She says the hardest part is the character design and sketch. For Sally, she drew at least ten different versions. In that way, art is like writing. I never go with my first try either.
Claudia also teaches art in a primary school part-time and enjoys time with the children. She designed the after-school program which incorporates other subjects and it is quite popular. She always shares her artwork and the author’s stories with them. I’m anxious to hear what they think of Oakwoods when it launches April 1, 2025.
COVER DESIGNER
Andrew Brown of Design for Writers (Ardel Media) took Claudia’s cover art and made this new cover. At first, I wasn’t sure I liked it, but it’s growing on me! And, we can use the full illustration elsewhere in the story. Do you like it?
Oakwoods Merchandise
Fun new merchandise in My Shop. Click below for more on these items. All the t-shirts are cotton. You might order one size up.
Author Interview?
I know I promised an author interview with Amy Harmon. I finished reading her latest release, The Outlaw Noble Salt, a second-chance romance for Butch Cassidy.
While I enjoyed it, the themes and scenes are for adults and we decided to cancel since our audiences are so different.
I still recommend her writing for adults who can handle some old-fashioned language from the wild bunch.
For those interested, please visit her website.
Sister Trip
The first week of August I’ll be flying with one of my sisters to meet the other in Fraser, Colorado. The last time we did something like this was about ten years ago when we met in Sedona, AZ. So, it time to do it again!
I’m skipping the first Tuesday blog in August but will catch up with you on the third Tuesday. I’ll announce the August giveaway winner then, too.
