Sssssh! Gossip!

Happy Friday! I'm thrilled to have Rose Cooper, author and illustrator of Gossip from the Girls' Room, here today! Take it away, Rose.

As the author and illustrator of GOSSIP FROM THE GIRLS’ ROOM, A Blogtastic! Novel, I feel so very lucky that I get to combine the two things I love the most: writing and drawing.

The most embarrassing question I get asked (and try to dodge) is, “How long have you been drawing/doing art?” Especially when I’m surrounded by experienced artists at galleries or events. Sometimes I’ll say “oh, since I was a kid,” since really, I did draw as a kid. Or during moments where I feel like being completely honest, I’ll quickly say, “beendoingthisfortwoyears.” and then change the subject.

So yes, two years ago when I received my first book deal (and told they were keeping my illustrations) I started drawing again just for fun. Things quickly took a turn when I entered a gallery event on a dare, and actually made it in. I’ve been invited to many art shows and events, sold my art in boutiques, and now it’s something I do all the time.

As a kid, I drew a little and wrote a lot. I proclaimed my career as a future author in 6^th grade, but never in a gazillion years guessed that I would be an author AND illustrator of my own books. My mom kept all my drawings from when I was very young, so I dug out the box and got a good laugh! Now it’s your turn! You can tell just how old this is by the color.

I now sell my art (I like to think I’ve progressed some since those pictures!) and Blogtastic! book inspired items in my Etsy shop (www.HappilyEtsyAfter.etsy.com).

Wow, talk about talent! I can't even draw a stick figure; everything I sketch looks like a malnourished worm. Rose's wonderful blog is here, her website is here, and you can buy her fantastic novel is here! Thank you, Rose.