Interview with Author, Illustrator and App. Creator Jamie Stevens!

Jamie Stevens

If you are looking for that spark of silliness that touches your heart and makes you smile, look no further than the author and illustrator of the Peep and Friends series. Ms. Stevens looks at life with unabashed joy and believes in living in the here and now. It is her belief that by doing so leads you onto a path of happiness. She will readily admit that she is very good at daydreaming and isn’t afraid to get up in a crowd and do the funky chicken. Is it any wonder that she is a children’s writer and illustrator? A lifelong artist, Ms. Stevens has always dabbled in writing as well, and her desire only grew stronger when her daughter came along. She found that sharing stories with her daughter, reading picture books, and creating memories deepened her passion for writing. It is not surprising that the values she finds in relationships has found its way into her writing style. She is extremely influenced by the bonds between children, children and adults, children and animals, the way animals interact, and even our own personal relationship with the Universe. Ultimately, it is about how to be happy in the moment, something children are so naturally predisposed to.

Q. Why were you inspired to create “Peep and Friends” (the series of interactive book apps)?

A. Some years ago when my daughter was very young and sick in bed, I was reading poetry to her from “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein. It was Spring break and our house had sweet Easter decorations around. The combination of Shel’s playful poetry, the decorations and my desire to help my daughter feel better, all conspired to have me peep out “Peep!” She giggled! Pretty soon a natural rhythm fell into place as I began each stanza by saying “Piper, Penny and Peep.” The ideas really started forming then and the stories grew. The Peep stories incubated for years! The characters went through a few different looks before I settled on the illustration style you see today. The inspiration for creating interactive book apps came to me in 2009. I was inspired by the movement, narration, music and sound capabilities that an interactive app can provide the reader and the appeal of the reader engaging with an interactive app. I set out to find a way to create my own book apps.

Q. Brilliant! So glad you did. Which was the most difficult – writing, illustrating or building the book apps?

A. Every part of creating the series has had its own challenges. First of course, was the writing. I had already set a certain level of difficulty by limiting myself to words that rhyme with peep. There just aren’t that many that are a true rhyme. Also I wanted the stories to be fun, repetitive in the structure, and have simple early word recognition. The stanzas needed to be in a logical sequence in order to make sense as individual stories. Illustrating the Peep and Friends stories is a long drawn out process, especially so when it comes to creating all the individual graphic elements that are required for an interactive app with frame animations. I paint with water color on paper and edit in Photoshop. I’m currently working on the second app and it is much more involved in the illustrations and animations then the first app “Peep’s Spring Surprise!” Building my first book app, especially in the beginning, had a definite learning curve. I use the InteractBuilder. Like any new software, there is the time spent in understanding the language and getting to know your way around. Fortunately the InteractBuilder is a design tool so I didn’t have to learn coding. It is very rewarding to see my characters moving around, interacting with the reader and each other. While I’ve had my “moments” building the apps, all in all it is a lot of fun to see my ideas taking life. Out of the three, I’d say illustrating is the most difficult because of the volume of illustrations required.

Q. That’s so cool…thanks for sharing! Switching gears, what kinds of trials and tribulations must Peep undergo along the way?

A. Since the stories are for ages 2 to 5, the trials are very mild. “Peep’s Spring Surprise” is absolutely free of any difficulties. There’s a tiny amount of drama that shows up in the second story of the series, “Piper, Penny and Peep”. Peep gets himself into trouble by climbing up stairs that are too high for little Peep. But don’t worry, he has help to find his way back down. Also, in the same story there is a bit of crankiness between Peep and his friends Piper and Penny, because they need their milk and naps! In the third story, “Bo and Peep”, Peep and his friends find themselves consoling Bo Peep, and it’s not because she lost her sheep!

Q. LOL! Does Peep get a lot of help from his friends?

A. My answer may be a bit of shock, but no he doesn’t! My books are basically little adventures of Peep and his friends. The trio are always together. While Peep is small in size and only has one word to say, he is right in there with his friends. There aren’t any morals or lessons to be learned.

Q. Nice! I’m sure many readers will appreciate that, too. So, who are Peep’s primary “anipals?”

A. There’s Piper, who is a boy dog. He likes to be first, but he’s not pushy about it. Piper’s not as brave as he thinks he is. He’s a sweet one. Penny is a girl cat. She’s smart and adventurous. Penny is independent but kind. Supporting background anipals are what I call “The Stormy Sheep.” That’s because of how their wool looks and has nothing to do with their disposition. They are in all three of the stories and are a big part of “Bo and Peep.”

Q. Awesome! Speaking of pals, how has being part of the KLA community helped you get the word out?

A. Kid Literature Authors is a very supportive FB group, website and twitter community for kid lit authors and illustrators. KLA was founded by Karen Emma Hall. This community helps to get the word out because it is a community. Everyone does their best to support each other. I’ve met many wonderful friends through KLA. I had largely stayed away from social media because it was overwhelming, but along came Karen and here I am! KLA has been a huge blessing in my life, otherwise I would be sitting all by myself and nobody would know about Peep and Friends.

Q. I couldn’t agree more: love Karen and the community! Now, obviously chicken nuggets make Peep shudder, but are Peep’s friends “veggies” too?

A. Absolutely! Except that they do drink organic milk from happy cows when it’s nap time.

Q. Are you currently working on the second book? If so, then what can readers look forward to?

A. All three stories in the series are written. Currently I’m in illustration and animation mode as I build the second story app “Piper, Penny and Peep.” The second story takes place in their playroom and they are busy playing with their toys. Their imaginations take them on different types of transportation; train, tug boat and car, which are interactive frame animations. Peep has a very special toy that also keeps watch over him and helps him out when he gets in a bit of a pickle. After such a full day of play, the trio are in definite need of a nap. The story ends with blissful sleep.

Q. What’s on the horizon for the remainder of 2014?

A. A big push to complete the “Piper, Penny and Peep.” When that is completed I will also release an updated version of “Peep’s Spring Surprise.” Both book apps then will have text highlighting, which I’m very happy about. Also, I’ll be submitting the Peep and Friends series to publishing houses as I’d like to see the stories in print.

Q. Where can readers go to connect with you and your wonderful work?

A. If you would like to learn more about my work and how I have blended the “traditional” story book with technology, explore my interactive book app, “Peep’s Spring Surprise!” on iTunes. Hereʼs all of the links to all things Peep and Friends: http://www.peepandfriends.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PeepandFriends https://twitter.com/PeepandFriends https://www.youtube.com/user/peepandfriends123 http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/peeps-spring-surprise/id547074449? mt=8 http://www.jamiestevensillustrator.com

Interview with Author and Illustrator C.L. Murphy!

C.L. Murphy

C.L. Murphy is the author and illustrator of the children’s picture book series THE ADVENTURES OF LOVABLE LOBO.  She describes herself as having the spirit of a glitter fairy with milk chocolate dipped wings, who wishes to spread some sparkle and a bit of yum. Her fourth book in the series, LOBO’S HOWLIDAY, was recently named a gold medal winner in the eLit Awards competition! Can you howl “Ho Ho Ho”?

 

Q. Many of your readers have fallen in love with your wolf pup in the series:  “The Adventures of Lovable Lobo!” On your site here you mention that “He’s not your ordinary wolf pup!” Is one of the ways he differs because he’s a ‘vegetarian wolf?’ In what other ways does he differ?

A. He’s a silly one, that Lobo! Yes, he considers himself a herbivore and it’s quite a dilemma to have when you are amongst a pack of apex predators. In the first book of the series, LOBO & POPO FOOL THE PACK, he is asked by the alpha, his father, to provide for the pack as a right of passage. The story line poses some interesting questions. Do you go against your father’s wishes or do you try to fool the pack? It’s meant to be thought provoking and to a encourage discussion. Lobo is not unlike many young children who are eager to please their parents, meet new friends, and curious about life.

Q. What challenges must he overcome to make him the best wolf he can be?

A. I’d say his biggest challenge is that he considers all animals his friends and the thought of eating one of them isn’t a pleasant one.  Haha! At times, he has to deal with the stigma that comes from being feared, although he doesn’t seem to recognize it.  Lobo’s character is one of acceptance, curiosity, kindness with a dash of impetuousness, and a pinch of attention deficit disorder thrown in. Oh my,  I believe I’ve just described myself! As authors, it’s funny how we can’t help but include a little bit of yourselves in the characters we create. Lobo never hesitates to help a friend and aims to be the best furry pal one could ever hope for.

Q. LOL! That’s true. Switching gears, what’s the release date for Book 5?

A. The fifth book in the series should be released by September.  This book will take Lobo and Roxy, his right-hand(wing?) raven, to the Galapagos Islands.  What fun it was to create new characters for the book!  I called upon children of the kindergarten classes, that I visited in March, to help name some of the new characters.  They came up with some very interesting and unusual names and we all giggled over many of the ideas.  That age is a delight to work with, and I find their imagination, honesty and spontaneity quite charming.

Q. So great that “Las aventuras del adorable Lobo” is obviously available in Spanish, too! Is the series available in other languages besides English and Spanish?

A. The process to have LOBO VISITS THE BARNYARD translated in Spanish was an interesting one. The vocabulary is simple in this picture book, but it was surprising how many questions the translator had for me to be certain the words had the same meaning.  What tickled me was when the translator kept insisting on changing the sounds that the farm animals made, as she was reading from the manuscript. The animals’ sounds in the book are the actual audio sounds of the animals not the words.  It took me a bit to get that across.

For now, only the second book in the series is translated into another language.

Q. The ‘PAWSOME’ pledge is nothing short of awesome! Please tell readers what the acronym stands for.

A.  Thanks, Gia! You are PAWSOME and have certainly made my day! The pledge consists of some inspiring words to live by and I wear my PAWSOME wristband proudly, everyday, to help remind me of the pledge.

Play nice…….because that’s the only way to play.

Always be kind…..because kindness is magic.

Work hard……always try your best.

Stand up fur what you believe in……and that includes yourself, too!

Only take what you need……..don’t be greedy.

Make someone’s day…….it’s so important to think of others.

Eat your fruits and greens………….a healthy diet is essential.

Q. If you weren’t a wonderful writer, then what would you be?

A.  I’d be out there looking for Bigfoot! I’m kidding, just wanted to make sure you were still paying attention! While Lobo has met Squatchy, a little Bigfoot,  in LOBO FINDS BIGFOOT, I, on the other hand find it curious that there are so many sightings and yet no conclusive evidence has been discovered. I fantasize about the possibility though….excuse me as I digress.

If you’re asking what I’d consider my dream job, then “paws down”, I’m doing it! Creating for children has always been my passion!  If you would have asked me twenty plus years ago I would have said that my dream job would have been working for Walt Disney Studios. Disney made such an impact on me when I was young, and to me, is the embodiment of everything happy and fanciful.  The fantasy world that he and his legacy continue to create is nothing short of magical.  Pictures do tell a thousand words! Even to this day, watching Disney’s movies I treat as a glorious lesson.  As a very visual person, I’m not just watching, I’m studying the colors, design, the shadows and the sumptuous detail that they include. Walt Disney’s life is one of such inspiration and to think that it all started with a mouse!

Q. I love your sense of humor, so I definitely was! And, I’m pretty sure all readers who haven’t forgotten the magic of words were, too! 🙂 Where can readers go to connect with you and your wonderful work?

A.  The best place to see all things Lovable Lobo is on the website. My favorite social media platform is twitter, and I’d like to invite your readers to engage this wacky wolf pup with a tweet and a follow.

Website: http://lovablelobo.com

Blog: http://lovablelobo.wordpress.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LovableLobo

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lovable-Lobo/265661023552725

 

 

Interview with a PR Personality and Gorgeous Model: Camille Key!

Photo Credit: Travis Teate

Camille Key is the founder of both the CHS365.com website and the MIA365.com website. These sites offer complete on-line branding, marketing and PR packages, amazing graphics, photography, video production, marketing schemes, website development, the ability to measure your ROI (Return on Investment) as well as image consulting and fashion styling. In fact, the phrase ‘Modern-Day Renaissance Woman’ may well come to mind—especially after reading this interview!

 

 

 

GL:  Wonderful that you’re expanding into the Florida market with your site (Mia365.com), etcetera. How did it come about?

CK:  I’ve been traveling down to FL from Charleston for years and finally decided to be based out of there since most of my business was coming from there. I miss my amazing creative Charleston family though —there’s nowhere like it!

GL:  Besides marketing your own events, you’ve also been a part of promoting the Charleston International Film Festival, ART Mag, IceBox Bar, etcetera. What events will you be promoting in Florida (for the remainder of 2013 and 2014)?

CK:  I had some fun helping with the creation of the Big Data Combine, which was a hedge fund event, in Miami in October of this year; however, there are some other large events coming up in the near future that have been taking a lot of planning. We’re currently producing the 2nd Annual Rose Ball for New Year’s Eve in Charleston this year, along with IceBox Bar, and we have some exciting announcements coming up about an incredible international opportunity we’re working on for January 2014.

GL:  I’ve enjoyed reading your “Be In The Know” entries at your www.chs365.com. So, I know you’ve been a part of fundraisers, like “Party for the Parks 2013,” and that you also review venues—like the Mercury Bar on King Street in Charleston, SC. Will you be blogging about the same kind of things in your Florida market?

CK:  Absolutely!  We’ve been doing that already and have met some wonderful businesses and people in Miami, who have been featured on our MIA365.com website.

GL:  Now, I know that you’re great ‘on film’, too, as you’ve been both an interviewer and have been interviewed that way many times. So, have you given much thought about branching out more—into maybe acting or perhaps hosting your own TV show or webisodes?

CK:  Ha ha! I don’t know if I feel like I’m great on film, but that’s awesome of you to say. It’s actually been a challenge for me because I’ve enjoyed being behind the scenes and usually prefer that, so I’ve had to really work at it. I would most definitely jump at an opportunity to do anything Saturday Night Live-ish though!

GL:  I could easily see you doing that! Switching gears, I am already so excited to be going to ‘The Rose Ball’ this year! Please tell readers when and where it takes place and what’s in store for this year’s event (as in, which musicians, models, DJs, Charleston Celebrities, artists, etc. are slated to be there).

CK:  I’m really excited, too! I’m excited to come back up to SC and ring in the New Year with my Charleston family. We’re holding the 2nd Annual Rose Ball at the same location, which is the Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium, which is at 68 Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403. We’ve got some incredibly talented artists with us this year, including; DJ Jonas Tempel, Co-Founder of Beatport and Factory Design Labs from Denver, Colorado, along with DJ Cato K from Miami, DJ Arthur Bros., Vocalist Quiana Parler, The Dubplates Band, Ballerina Andrea De Vries, Deejay D-Nyce and DJ Mateo. We’ll also have some fun surprise performances throughout the evening. Tickets and info are up on our site at CharlestonRoseBall.com. Looking forward to having you as our guest!

GL:  I can hardly wait! So excited, and thanks so much for inviting me! In a different vein, you know that I love hearing about your jet-setting lifestyle. Please tell readers some of the places you’ve traveled to in 2012 and 2013.

CK:  2013 has definitely been a fun year, and I was fortunate to be able to visit some cool places such as Dubai, London and the Bahamas.  Definitely hoping to expand into some new territories next year!

GL:  Where can readers go to learn more about you and your wonderful projects?

CK:  We are constantly posting via both our sites (Mia365.com and Chs365.com), and, of course, we update our Twitter account daily (@ChsAfterDark).

It’s always a pleasure, Camille! All the best to you!