Call of the Creator: Fantasy Writing from a Christian Worldview

I officially have my first appearance scheduled as a book illustrator! The work I've been doing on the Harry Moon brand is pulling me from my typical introverted seclusion into not one, but two opportunities to sell and sign books on Small Business Saturday, which is just after Thanksgiving. These events will be great, for a few reasons: I will be able to hobnob with the Queen of Author Events herself, Suzanne Kuhn, who will be signing the Honey Moon books she's written alongside me as illustrator. I will be able to encourage people to support local, independent businesses--a Christian bookstore and one that sells all book genres. I am a big fan of the "Shop Local" movement. I'll get to see my work pass into the hands of new readers--what creative person doesn't love that? So, if you know anyone in the Mid Atlantic who would like to pick up some fun reading for their elementary aged kids, please tell them about us. Find us at The Master'...

Lieutenant Commander Vinyanel Ecleriast, Windrider Battalion The other day, during my lunch break, I got the itch to draw. You see, I'm in the midst of trying to come up with the right cover image for the third book in The Windrider Saga, entitled Valor's Worth. I really want this cover to feature Vinyanel prominently. The trouble is, with all the work I've done on him in terms of sketches, I have never really "nailed" his look. That was, until yesterday. (The right reference makes a world of difference, by the way.) I was very pleased with the drawing I cranked out over lunch, but there are problems with it from its inception that I will never be able to fix: I started it in a crummy sketchbook with a horrible pencil. This picture at the left here is drawn in a $2 spiral sketchbook from IKEA. I love IKEA, but it's not exactly the best place to shop for illustration supplies. My goal at lunch was just to do a study or two of Vinyanel's face, but on...