Friday, April 22, 2011

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 6th 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.

31 comments:

  1. Wonderful interview Rosie sounds a very interesting and talented lady.
    Thanks Tallie.
    Yvonne.

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  2. Ah the talent...isn't it wonderful!

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  3. It's always fantastic when two loves get together.

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  4. Interesting interview! Rose, I think it's awesome that you kind of "discovered" your drawing talent recently and how it took off. Your illustrations are really unique!

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  5. Brilliant style. Wonderful! :O)

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  6. Her drawings have a "Nightmare Before Christmas" feel to them.

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  7. I love Rosie's art! It's so creative. Writers who can also draw so well are super lucky. What a wonderful talent to have!

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  8. Hi Talli and Rose .. me too I'd love to have talent like that - but I admire from afar .. brilliant that you're using your talents to the full ..

    Your book "Gossip from the Girls' Room" seems like a very good read .. and I'm sure will be successful ..

    Cheers and Happy Easter .. Hilary

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  9. Ooh - nice drawings!!!

    Have a great day Talli and Rose! Take care
    x

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  10. That rare author who can illustrate her own books!

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  11. I'm a little envious, my preferred writing genre is children's picture books and even my stick figures look awful. Oh to be able to draw!
    Nice review Talli.

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  12. Love the style! So fresh and fun! Off to check out her book now.

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  13. Loved hearing about this artist!

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  14. I love these illustrations & the use of color.

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  15. I love those pictures. So full of life. And a great interview.

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  16. She's the gossip queen and I love the creativity that's given in each post she's done on this blog tour!!

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  17. O...M...G. Stunning artwork. Simply stunning!

    http://elliegarratt.blogspot.com/p/news.html

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  18. Love the drawings, rose!! You should consider selling your earlier stuff, too! Bestseller!

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  19. Thanks for introducing us to Rose! Fantastic illustrations.

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  20. This art work is cool, Rose! And to think you've only been doing this for two years. That's wicked.

    Talli, thanks for introducing me to Rose's work.

    Jai

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  21. Great work. I'd love to be able to draw, but am utterly useless. I hope Rosie's book does well.

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  22. Thanks Talli and Rose! Love hearing about other writers (and their other talents:).
    Have a great weekend,
    Karen

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  23. I love that,“beendoingthisfortwoyears.” and change the subject. lolol!

    At least you are able to do the two things you love.

    Before I could write, I drew my stories. Mom has some of my illustrated stories. I've always loved to draw, as many of my siblings and I do, but I had an art teacher tell me my drawings had no life. I loved portraits because people's faces tell a story if you look. I wasn't a quick sketch sort--she was--mine were like, well pictures. I thought mine captured the *story*. I draw for me.

    Isn't it funny how so many have various creative outlets?

    Love your flower pic!  

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  24. Thank you so much for being a part of the tour, Talli! You and your blog rock! And lets not forget about your wonderful readers :)

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  25. Ack, even as a kid she drew better than I can! Way to go, Rose!

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  26. Its wonderful!Thank you for the post

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  27. Rose is a very imaginative illustrator! I liked seeing her drawings come to life! Julie

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  28. Oh man! Those last few are amazing.

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Coffee and wine for all!