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Kathy's Colored Pencils
Questions / Answers
What made you want to become an author?
I never intended to become an author. I did, however, want to be an illustrator. Since you need a story to base the illustrations on, I tried writing one. I had heard the best way to get started was to write about what you know. Being an art teacher and a Mom was what I felt most comfortable with. Out of that came The Picture That Mom Drew. It took three years to complete. I worked on that book almost everyday during that time writing and re-writing, and drawing and re-drawing.
Where do you get the ideas for your stories?
My family has inspired most of the ideas for my books. And, for some reason I also seem to get ideas from stuffed animals. Hey, whatever works, right?
What medium do you use for your illustrations?
I try to choose materials that will best suit the feel of the book. Since each book has been different, I found myself using different materials. The Picture That Mom Drew was done in colored pencil. Seven Stars More! was done with colored pencils and acrylic paints. For both Brave Bear, and Just Ducky I used colored pencil and acrylic paint to create the characters, and oil pastels for the background. Trouble in the Tracks was done using colored permanent markers with an overlay of colored pencils. Before beginning work on a new book, I love looking through the art catalogs. I get lots of ideas there. Using different mediums keeps things interesting.
The Picture that Mom Drew Seven Stars
More!		 Brave Bear Trouble
on the Tracks		 Just Ducky
Oh, Brother Mama Love Papa Pride
How long does it take to write a book?
Once I get an idea for a book, I usually spend some time thinking about it before putting anything to paper. Writing is the hardest part for me, so I like to have it pretty much planned out in my head before I sit at my computer, that way I figure I won't give up on an idea. Once I begin typing, I try to pace the story to fit into a twenty-four page format. As I'm writing, I'm also thinking about how the illustrations will play out on the page since the two go hand in hand. Once I have a rough draft for the story, I begin working on the pencil sketches for the dummy. With the dummy completed (or so I think), I then run the idea past my agent making revisions based on his suggestions. Eventually, the revised dummy makes its way to my editor's desk where, hopefully, she instantly falls in love with the book. In all, this part of the process can take anywhere from four to six months.
How long does it take to complete the finished art for a book?
Once all of the revisions have been made both in the text and the illustrations, I begin work on the finished art. If I'm lucky, this stage usually happens during the summer months when I'm not teaching. I begin in June when school gets out, and I try to have all the illustrations done before September. If all goes well, it usually takes about three months.
Which one of your books is your favorite?
My favorite book is usually the one I am currently working on. I must admit, though, I did some pretty serious bonding with both Bear and Ducky in their respective books. They really took on personalities as I was creating them.
Do you have any pets?
At the moment we have just one cat named Ollie. He reluctantly posed for several pictures that I used as reference photos for Trouble on the Tracks. Over the years we have had a dog, two cats, two birds and a bunny. Ebby, Meg's black and white bunny appears in Trouble on the Tracks. Can you find him?
Where do you work?
My family and I live in a cape house that was built in 1838. Upstairs at the far end of the house is my studio. I am lucky to have a beautiful studio with several skylights and plenty of room for my art supplies.
Where do you live?
My husband and I bought our house in Lebanon, Maine back in 1980. We've enjoyed the better part of our marriage here. It has been a wonderful place to raise our family.
Kathy Mallat Signature
Welcome About Kathy Books Author Visits Q & A Email Kathy
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