My Creative Life for Artists and Creators

Hi, Everyone, this is Nancy So Miller with My Creative Life. I've been contemplating the whole work-life balance. It's been a challenge, and I decided to talk about how a schedule has helped me stay on track with what I've been working on with my book project, teaching, and family. I've decided to air episodes once every two weeks to keep things going on the podcast. It's not a perfect solution, but it's all a work in progress. Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! This season, I interviewed quite a few authors, and I noticed there was a feeling of confidence about the work that they created. I wanted to discuss the importance of confidence and trust in your abilities and how it can help you reach your goals. Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! It was my pleasure to interview Sita Jit, children's book author. Here is more about Sita: Sita Jit (she/her) is an Indian-Canadian writer and educator. She writes picture books, chapter books and middle grade novels that are full of heart, joy and community. DIVYA FAR FROM HOME (Capstone, Fall 2024) is the first book in her debut chapter book series. Sita on Instagram Sita's website Sita Twitter Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is, Arlene Abundis is a Cuban American author whose work honors resilience through mental and emotional health. A former preschool teacher, she lives nestled with her husband and three children between the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains in California. Arlene Abundis’s debut picture book, INTO THE MIGHTY SEA, with HarperCollins, will be released on June 4, 2024. To Order Into the Might Sea Arlene's Website: https://www.arleneabundis.com/ Arlene's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arleneabundis/ Arlene's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArleneAbundis Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone, my guest today is Kelly Rice Schmitt, children's book author of I SHIP published by Lerner Books. Here is more about Kelly: Kelly is an advocate for girls in STEM and business. Combining a love of writing with her STEAM background, Kelly creates books to inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators. Kelly is the author of I Ship: A Container Ship's Colossal Journey published by Lerner books. I Ship was an NPR Science Friday 2023 Best STEM Book for Kids pick and is the winner of an Undie Award for its creative case cover! Link to buy the I SHIP: https://bookshop.org/p/books/i-ship-a-container-ship-s-colossal-journey-kelly-rice-schmitt/19571828?ean=9781728476827  Kelly's website Kelly's Instagram Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Lauren Emmons, who returns to share her wonderful book No Cats in the Library. Here is more about Lauren: Lauren Emmons is a North Dakotan-based author-illustrator with an MA in Children's Book Illustration. Their first illustrated picture book, Prak Fills The House, will be published by Peachtree Publishing in 2023; and their debut author illustrated book, No Cats In The Library, will be published by Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster in 2024. Lauren's Website Instagram Pre-order No Cats in the Library Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Melquea Smith, an illustrator and world traveler. We tackle the subject of budgeting and travel in this episode. Here is more about Melquea: Melquea Smith is a Black award-winning illustrator pursuing a career in illustrating books for children and children's media. She is the illustrator of The Biggest Gift of All published by INCLUDAS Press and The Time Machine published by Cardinal Rule Press. Melquea's website: https://www.prettykittypaintings.com/ Email List. https://www.prettykittypaintings.com/lets-keep-in-touchInstagram https://www.instagram.com/prettykittypaintings/ Going.com  https://going.com/  Kouraku in Osaka 3 Chome-28-17 Tengachaya, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, 557-0014, Japan Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today I'm interviewing David MacMullin, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about David: David McMullin is a full time traveler and picture book author. He has also been an actor, library youth specialist, and a teacher! His debut book is Free to Be Fabulous, about picture book about being yourself is illustrated by Robbie Cathro and published by Clarion for 2024. David's Travel YouTube David's Website Instagram Twitter Thanks for listening!

Hi, Everyone; I had the wonderful Laura Lacámara⁠ as a return guest! Here is more about Laura: Laura Lacamara is a Cuban-born Laura Lacámara is the award-winning author and illustrator of Dalia’s Wondrous Hair published by Piñata Books, a bilingual picture book and the author of Floating on Mama’s Song Illustrated by Yuyi Morales and published by HarperCollins, Floating on Mama’s Song was a Junior Library Guild Selection for Fall 2010. Visit Laura's Website. Laura's Instagram. Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Jackie Morera, children's book author of Aubelo's Flower Shop. Here is more about Jackie and her writing: Jackie Morera is a Cuban-American author of books for young readers of all ages. Born and raised in Miami, Jackie now lives in Central Florida with her husband, son, and goofy pup. She enjoys telling stories, savoring pastelitos, and cozying up for a good nap. Her debut, ABUELO’S FLOWER SHOP, illustrated by Deise Lino, will be released by Beaming Books on June 4, 2024. Click for Jackie's website. Jackie's Twitter Jackie's IG Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! Some big news I wanted to share with everyone! I SOLD a book! This episode is just me, Nancy So Miller, talking about selling my debut as author/illustrator. Here is a little bit about me: Nancy Miller is a Korean American children's book illustrator and art teacher. She creates tiny worlds that capture the magic and joy of childhood for clients. These worlds are handmade, allowing the viewer to feel like they are part of that moment. She volunteers for the SCBWI Southern Breeze as a Local Liaison for Savanah. Nancy teaches art to her lovely K-8 students and lives in Savannah, Georgia, with her husband, son, and guinea pigs.  Nancy's website: https://www.nmillerillustration.com/ Nancy's Instagram: instagram.com/nmillerillustration/ Bitsy's List: https://bitsykemper.com/publishers/ Thank you for listening! Please subscribe for future episodes!

Hi Everyone! I have return guest Jime Wimmer chatting about the topic of AI, art, and education. Here is more about Jime: Jime Wimmer currently resides in Savannah and is a full-time ​Drawing Professor. She instructs all levels, from Freshmen through Seniors in Traditional and Digital Drawing and Drawing for Storyboard. She raised two sons while working through her BS in Art Education and earning her MFA in Illustration. She has taught HS for ten years and college for over six years. To see her work visit: ⁠https://www.prettylines.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/myprettylines/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/wimmerswoods/⁠ Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Julissa Mora, children's book author and illustrator. Here is more about Julissa: Julissa Mora is a children’s book author and illustrator and surface designer living in Austin, TX. She made her author/illustrator debut with Baking with Abuelita published by Random House Books for Young Readers. She enjoys creating whimsical scenes filled with cute and playful characters. She has illustrated a number of books, editorial publications, toy packaging designs, and puzzles, and has created work for many other applications. Julissa's Website: https://www.julissamora.com/ Julissa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julissamora/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest today is Lenny Wen, children's book author and illustrator, and I'm a fan of her work! Here is more about Lenny: Lenny Wen is an author-illustrator who was born in Indonesia. She is the author/illustrator of several picture books, SPICY SPICY HOT(2023) and WOLFGANG IN THE MEADOW. When she is not illustrating or writing, you might find her staring at the trees, doodling hundreds of bears in her sketchbook, filling up her cup with coffee, or hugging her dog. Lenny's website: https://lennywen.com/ Lenny's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunartcy/ Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today my guest is Erin K. Robinson, Illustrator of some fabulous books. Here is more about Erin: Erin K. Robinson is an Emmy-nominated illustrator in the News and Documentary category. Trained at the Parsons School of Design and the Corcoran School of Art, Erin’s illustrations have been featured in the New York Times and the Washington Post, among others. She works in a variety of mediums that include watercolor, ink, markers, charcoal, stencil, collage as well as digital artistry. She is the illustrator of the A Library and the Magical Snowflake published by Union Square Kids. To see more of Erin's travels and art visit: https://www.instagram.com/brooklyndolly/?hl=en Thanks for listening!

Hi Everyone! My guest is Meg Auchenback, children's book author and illustrator. It was a delight to speak with Meg, and here is more about her: Meg Auchenbach, Children’s Author & Illustrator and her debut IF YOU ARE AN ARTIST (Peter Pauper Press, 2024) was inspired by her former career as an elementary art teacher, where she watched children daydream, experiment, and create. Meg’s hope is to create stories that inspire magical thoughts and cultivate a sense of wonder. Meg's Website: ⁠https://www.megauchenbach.com/⁠ Meg's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megauchenbachart/ Links to order If You Aren An Artist. Aaron's Books (Local Independent Bookstore in Lititz, PA): https://www.aaronsbooks.com/book/9781441342010 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Artist-Meg-Auchenbach/dp/144134201X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36YQA85LN4MHD&keywords=meg+auchenbach&qid=1694019984&sprefix=meg+auchenbach%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1 Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1144008650?ean=9781441342010 Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! Today's guest is Violet Tobacco, an Atlanta-based illustrator I met at the SCBWI Southern Breeze Springmingle. Here is more about Violet. Violet is an illustrator based in Atlanta, Georgia. Violet studied theater in college but gravitated toward other mediums of art before graduating. Always a storyteller with an affinity for whimsy, humor, and a well-delivered moral.  Violet's clients include Scholastic, Simon & Schuster, Hachette, and Disney Hyperion. You can find Violet online at: https://www.instagram.com/violettobacco/ https://www.violettobacco.com/ More about Violet's Journey https://thebrightagency.com/us/blog/artist-journey-violet-tobacco Thank you for listening!

Hi Everyone! My special guest is Merrill Rainey, Picture-Book-Creator and Paper-Toy-Maker. Here is more about Merrill: Growing up, Merrill Rainey spent most of his Saturday afternoons drawing, watching monster movies, and going on imaginary adventures. Today, he is a cowboy-boot-wearing, picture-book-creator and paper-toy-maker. Merrill’s work focuses on exploring creativity and imaginative play. His current titles include Roar! I’m a Dinosaur (winner of the Good Housekeeping Best Kids' Board Book of 2022), Oink! I’m a Pig, and the Color, Cut, Create series. His newest illustrated title Giants Are Very Brave People, written by Florence Parry Heide, is a reimagined classic picture book about a little giant that learns to be brave with the help of a new friend. Merrill also works for many children’s magazines like Highlights, Ranger Rick, and Humpty Dumpty. He has served on faculty at the Highlights Foundation retreat center and is currently the illustrator coordinator for the Northern Ohio chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Merrill lives in the village of Whitehouse, Ohio, with his editor (his wife), subject matter experts (his kids), and very opinionated coworkers (a very hungry toad and some crabby hermit crabs).  To see Merrill's work: https://littlerainey.com/ Merrill's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlerainey Thank you for listening!

Hi, Everyone! I decided to discuss why Art Teachers Make Good Freelancers. As I was working as an art teacher and freelance illustrator, I started noticing that there were experiences I'd had that allowed me to do better at my second go around with working as a children's book illustrator. Thank you for listening! Please subscribe and rate the podcast!

Hi Everyone! I interviewed Amy Houts, a children's book author who has written over 100 children's books. She has written for a wide range of markets. It's incredible what she has accomplished in her career! She was so kind to share. Amy's site: https://www.amyhouts.com/ Amy's X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyHouts Thank you for listening! Please like, subscribe or leave a review of the podcast!