# illustrating (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 2 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover illustrating. Page: Feed: --- ## [Meet #kidlit Debut Author Evgenia Mantikas](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/08/18/meet-kidlit-debut-author-evgenia-mantikas/) _2026-08-18 · Carol Gordon Ekster · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ CAROL GORDON EKSTER: I met Evgenia at the Kindling Words East retreat in 2026. What sweet and contagious energy she has! I am so excited Continue reading ## [Researching and Writing Nonfiction](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/08/11/researching-and-writing-nonfiction/) _2026-08-11 · Alumni & Guests · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ Guest Post by Lauren H. Kerstein I am beyond thrilled to be here. I’ve long enjoyed reading Writers’ Rumpus posts and am excited to share Continue reading ## [Transitional Readers – Diving into Early Readers and Chapter Books](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/08/04/transitional-readers-diving-into-early-readers-and-chapter-books/) _2026-08-04 · Alumni & Guests · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ I recently launched my newest series, One Mad Cat. My publisher calls it a “graphic reader.” SLJ calls it an “early reader.” JLG calls it a “chapter book.” So what on earth is it? And does it even matter? I’m going to talk about the world of early readers, including the various formats, craft considerations, and pitching. Continue reading ## [The Puffin Who Whispered: Interview with #kidlit talent Marcia Strykowski … and a giveaway, too!](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/07/28/the-puffin-who-whispered-interview-with-kidlit-talent-marcia-strykowski-and-a-giveaway-too/) _2026-07-28 · Laura Fineberg Cooper · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ In this interview, I'm excited to interview my gracious and uber talented friend about The Puffin Who Whispered on its fledgling day. Although this charming book is fiction, I guarantee you'll be as puffin-obsessed as I am after reading Marcia's responses! Continue reading ## [HOW TO MIDDLE GRADE](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/07/21/how-to-middle-grade/) _2026-07-21 · Alumni & Guests · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ Hi! My name’s James Ponti, and I write Middle Grade book series such as City Spies and The Sherlock Society. I’m excited to share some pointers with you, but only with a major caveat. I know a bunch of writers and we all do it differently. I’m not talking plotting vs. pantsing, but radically different approaches. Continue reading ## [SKIPSHOCK by Caroline O’Donoghue: A Master Class in World Building](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/07/14/skipshock-by-caroline-odonoghue-a-master-class-in-world-building/) _2026-07-14 · Laura Fineberg Cooper · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ For writers of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, this genre-blending novel is a master class in how to create details and imagery that pull readers into the plot and keep them riveted from first page to last, and importantly, leave them eager for more. Continue reading ## [Writing Side by Side: Adriana Mather and James Bird on Books, Family, and Finding the Magic](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/07/07/writing-side-by-side-adriana-mather-and-james-bird-on-books-family-and-finding-the-magic/) _2026-07-07 · Hilary Elizabeth Margitich · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ Writing is often described as a solitary pursuit. Most of us spend our days alone with our thoughts, our characters, and a blinking cursor. Yet Continue reading ## [Celebrating America’s Birthday with a talented author/illustrator team!](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/07/03/celebrating-americas-birthday-with-a-talented-author-illustrator-team/) _2026-07-03 · Marcia Strykowski · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ We’re just in time to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with Roxanne Troup and Jennifer Doehring. They have a beautiful new picture book, Happy Birthday America, Continue reading ## [#kidlit Interview with the Awesome and Talented Caroline Perry](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/06/30/kidlit-interview-with-the-awesome-and-talented-caroline-perry/) _2026-06-30 · Carol Gordon Ekster · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ Carol Gordon Ekster: Welcome, Caroline! I’m so excited to highlight you here at Writers’ Rumpus. Can you tell us about your journey into becoming a Continue reading ## [Ooh! Ahhh! Whoaa! Interview and Giveaway with Chana Stiefel and Susan Gal, the AWEsomely Creative Team Behind AWE!](https://writersrumpus.com/2026/06/16/ooh-ahhh-whoaa-interview-and-giveaway-with-chana-stiefel-and-susan-gal-the-awesomely-creative-team-behind-awe/) _2026-06-16 · Laura Fineberg Cooper · WRITERS' RUMPUS_ Yes, the title of this post borrows from this gloriously AWEsome picture book (published March 3, 2026 by Scholastic Press), but I totally couldn't resist! Both a visual treat (thank you, Susan) and an inspiring read (thank you, Chana), what makes AWE! vault into being one of the best picture books I've ever read is how the words and pictures meld together to create a memorable, soul stirring,… ## [profullstack on Ko‑fi (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/NR3SXpHYjVxL) _2026-06-16 · **Sponsored**_ Open the creator's Ko‑fi page. ## [On Making Art by and for Humans](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/making-art-by-and-for-humans) _2026-03-12 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ In this post, I share my perspective as a human artist on why making art is an essential part of being human, and explore the relationship between Ai-generated images and art made by - and for - humans. ## [How to Begin an Illustrated Journal Practice](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/create-your-illustrated-journal) _2025-11-14 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ Want to switch from writing your journal to illustrating it? In this post, I walk through my simple three-step process—pencil sketch, ink, and add color—so you can turn everyday moments into visual stories. I’m also sharing favorite journal pages from recent adventures and a free supplies & layout guide to help you get started. ## [Creating Compelling Podcast Cover Art](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/podcast-art) _2025-10-10 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ Ever wondered how podcast cover art comes to life? In this behind-the-scenes post, I share how I collaborated with Kelly MacLeod on “It Might Get Dark”, a podcast about grief and sobriety. From mood boards to final illustration, I combined traditional watercolor style with digital painting in Procreate to capture light, dark, and transformation—the heart of her story. ## [On Perfection](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/on-perfection) _2025-09-07 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ Is perfection getting in the way of your creativity? In this post, I share how I became a perfectionist, and my strategies for silencing self-doubt and enjoy making art again. ## [Illustrating The Emperor](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/illustrating-the-emperor) _2025-06-14 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ This is a cross-post from my blog, Tarot of These Times. The Emperor card, number 2 in the Major Arcana, represents rules, power, and authority. It also represents patriarchy and other repressive systems. I am sharing this post with my Behind the Scenes blog subscribers on “No Kings” Day in the US. ## [Remembering a Furry Friend](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/furry-friend) _2025-05-16 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ A behind-the-scenes peek at my process for painting a sweet pet portrait of a client’s beloved family dog. Including my drawing process, what watercolor paint colors I used, and how I capture the face of a beloved family pet. ## [Painting Plants](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/painting-plants) _2025-04-21 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ I was a gardener for 20 years before I started drawing and painting plants. Now, I know these plants so much better. Learn tips and methods for how to sketch plants and natural landscapes in ink and watercolor, and see some of my favorite botanical illustration sketches. ## [Illustrating history](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/illustrating-history) _2025-04-05 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ This is the story of how I restored this antique photograph of a 19th-century house, and turned it into a watercolor illustration that honors the family’s history. ## [An (Im)perfect Plan](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/daily-planning) _2025-02-19 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ I am a lifelong list-maker. Recently, I changed my habits to center creativity, self-care, and wholeness. Sound corny? It is, but it’s also been a healthy change. In this post, I share my personal daily planning process, thoughts on being creative vs. being productive, and my FREE DOWNLOAD daily planning worksheet. ## [You are creative. Really.](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/you-are-creative) _2025-01-30 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ In this post, I share why I believe that we are all intrinsically creative. Includes resources for how to tap into your own creativity, plan your next creative project, or get 1:1 assistance or coaching support for your creative endeavor. ## [ThreatCrush on GitHub (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/kvqeedZko9uC) _2025-01-30 · **Sponsored**_ View the ThreatCrush listing on the GitHub Marketplace. ## [Watching Paint, Dry.](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/watching-paint-dry) _2025-01-15 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ What it’s like being a visual artist who also has Dry Eye Disease. Starting in 2017 with LASIK surgery, my ability to use my eyes was limited to about two hours per day, broken up into 5-10 minute increments. This is the story of what impact that had on the trajectory of my life, and how it informs my work as a creative coach. ## [Taking Up Space](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/taking-up-space) _2024-12-18 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ In this post, originally published in Upward Gallery Magazine, I describe how pivotal it has been to have a dedicated art space in my home, and my work to support others’ emerging creative voices. ## [Pink: The color everyone loves to hate](https://mollychidsey.com/blog/why-pink) _2024-10-25 · Molly Chidsey · Behind the Scenes_ I used to hate the color pink. After I learned its history, and remembered how I loved it as a kid, I began to love it. Here's to the color that represents vulnerability, power, and love, and why that used to scare me.