Thoughts on Art

Self-publishing offers writers the freedom to bring their stories and ideas to life without relying on traditional publishing houses. Yet, navigating this path can be complex. From editing and design to marketing and distribution, authors face many challenges. Finding trustworthy, expert advice is essential to avoid costly mistakes and build a successful self-publishing career. Fortunately, several organizations and platforms provide detailed guidance, tutorials, and referral

Publishing a children's picture book is a unique challenge. The vibrant illustrations, the tactile experience of the pages, and the overall presentation all play a crucial role in how young readers connect with the story. Many authors and illustrators turn to Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) because it’s easy to use and offers wide distribution. But is KDP always the best choice for children's picture books? The answer is not so simple. This post explores how Amazon KD

What happens when my book goes on sale? What does that mean? I recently had the pleasure of being part of one of my client’s book launch party for her book release, and thought it would be good to explain what that means for you! There are a lot of words that revolve around children’s picture book publishing when it comes to selling a book for the first time. No matter your avenue for publishing, eventually, your book will spawn into the market. So what do you do about it? Th

For first-time children’s book authors, self-publishing can be a fantastic way to get started. You can work closely with illustrators, like Lauren Elise Reeves, who specializes in heartfelt, detailed artwork that brings stories to life. Lauren offers a full-design service as well so you don't have to.

When you’re stepping into the world of children’s books, finding the right illustrator can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want someone who not only understands your story but also brings it to life with heart and creativity. That’s where Lauren Elise Reeves shines. Her unique illustration styles make her a standout choice for first-time authors who want their books to sparkle with personality and warmth. Let’s dive into what makes her work so special and

When you’re stepping into the world of children’s books, the magic often lies in the illustrations. They bring stories to life, spark imagination, and an additional narrative that carries the story to another level. If you’re looking for an artist who truly understands this, you’re in for a treat. Let me introduce you to the enchanting world of personalized illustrations of Lauren Elise Reeves . Her approach is warm, detailed, and collaborative—perfect for first-time authors

When you’re stepping into the world of children’s books for the first time, finding the right illustrator can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want someone who not only understands your story but also brings it to life with warmth, charm, and a sprinkle of magic. That’s where the creative children's illustrator Lauren Elise Reeves shines. Her artwork isn’t just pictures on a page—it’s a heartfelt collaboration that transforms your ideas into vivid, memorabl

Understanding the Creative Process Professionals in any field have “bad days” — including illustrators and book publishers. Sounds crazy? The truth is that the people behind the work are just that — people. We strive for the ultimate artwork and the perfect responses to our work every time we sit down. But let’s be honest: it rarely comes out right the first time. It requires time, feedback, and adjustments. There are numerous sketches, and yes, sometimes we toss out bad draw

Squirrel sculptures from 2024 artist markets. They were so fun to make, we're working on some more for 2025. They say hobbies are the spice of life - or at least I do. I think it's a vital part of being a human being. If we don't enjoy some personal project, or some activity that stimulates us outside of our regular work week, I think we miss out on enriching our minds, expressing our joys, and finding a little peace. Making time to do something fun just for the sake of the a