Category: Lori Nawyn

Pre-ReFoReMo Day 2: A One-Question Interview with our Resident Illustrator: Lori Nawyn

2/28/2016

Which picture books have influenced your illustration voice?

The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau

I absolutely love this story about self-taught artist Henri Rousseau. I admire his resolve to pursue his love of painting. His work garnered harsh criticism, yet he found the strength of heart to improve his craft and find success. True magic flowed from his paintbrush! Rousseau's paintings now have homes in prominent museums world-wide.

Amanda Hall's illustrations are captivating and colorful; Michele Markel's text deftly captures the soul of the man in an unforgettable story of determination. I was drawn to the book because I enjoy picture book bios that aptly balance depth of emotion and kid appeal. In this case, readers
not only understanding what it takes to reach goals and dreams, but a feeling of pride for someone who persists in their craft, and the sense they can do the same.

Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909

I so enjoyed Markel's book on Rousseau, I also picked up this story about young Clara Lemlich. Again, Markel's writing is the perfect blend of historical fact and soul that makes the character come alive in young hearts and minds. The book reminds all ages that anything one puts their mind to is possible. Melissa Sweet's (one of my absolute favorite illustrators!) illustrations are, as always, rich in detail with a splash of whimsy that makes you want to jump inside the page.

Flora and the Penguin

I can't get enough of Molly Idle's books! Tea Rex and Flora and the Flamingo made me a diehard Idle fan. Flora's icy escapades with her new-found penguin friend has visions of ice skating penguins swirling still through my head and heart. Looking forward to the May release of Flora and the Peacocks! Idle's simple yet masterful work is hard to equal. Her ability to convey depth of story through the smallest gesture or expression make her the kind of illustrator I want to grow up to be!

Lori Nawyn is the author of two inspirational books for girls and women, the author of three cookbooks, and the illustrator of three children's books. She has written freelance articles for online and print publications across the U.S., and she enjoys writing picture book biographies, stories of courage and impossible journeys, and living and working in the out of doors.

After breaking her leg in a dog sledding accident last year, Lori decided life is too short to not do what you absolutely love. She is currently pursuing a degree in Outdoor Product Design and Development and plans to create all-season outdoor apparel and gear for women and children to enhance their enjoyment of being in and exploring nature. A chief component of her work will be dedicated to developing a series children's travel and sports books that will coordinate with matching fabric and design elements as they celebrate the spirit of adventure.

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PreReFoReMo Day 2: Lori Nawyn Illustrates from the Heart

2/27/2015

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It is with great pleasure that I introduce Lori Nawyn. Her gentle heart and creative spirit shine through our ReFoReMo badge and all of her illustrations. As picture book writers, we know the impact illustrations have. They bring new meaning and life to stories, producing a combined art form unlike any other. Lori takes her illustrations a step further, and aims to help others. It is my honor to feature her work here in the ReFoReMo community.

CB: What has influenced you most as an illustrator?

LN: I think my greatest influence was my grandfather. With no more than an elementary school education, he designed and built fabulous machines that "flew" over the snow. His SnoPlanes--he built over ninety of them in his lifetime--made winter travel possible (during the 1930s through early 1950s) in the snow bound regions of Idaho and Wyoming, and for Eskimo school children in Alaska. In addition to having a keen sense of functionality for his machines, he also had a keen eye for color and design. A park ranger in Yellowstone once noted that Grandpa's snowplanes were some of the most beautiful crafts he'd ever seen. Not only has my grandfather's artistic sense inspired me, but also his claim that there's, " . . . no such word as can't." He firmly believed that if you have the passion and drive you can achieve whatever you set out to do.

CB: What was the inspiration behind the books you have illustrated?

LN: I endured a very abusive situation when I was a child and it is my passion to share with others what I have learned about emerging from the shadows and living in happiness and joy. In particular, to share my work with children.

I was so touched to be invited to illustrate Love, Hugs, and Hope! The book was written by a marriage and family therapist, Christy Monson, from Utah. Her heart aching, she wanted to somehow reach out and touch the lives of children after the tragedy at Sandy Hook. She wrote the text the weekend following the shootings; her publisher called me the following Monday. I worked nonstop to complete the illustrations before Christmas. It has touched me deeply the children and parents (not only those associated with Sandy Hook) who have said they have found healing in its pages—whether from death, divorce, loss of a pet, illness, bullying, or abuse, as well as the fear, sadness, and anger we can all feel at times. The book in now used in therapy settings and with children who are hospitalized.

I loved illustrating What Are You Thinking? as well. The book is still selling strong, and has helped children overcome negative emotions and believe in themselves and their capabilities. It will be released as an app late this year. From Head to Tummy was written by the phenomenal Haley Freeman, an anorexia survivor who is passionate about helping children with self-esteem issues and eating disorders.

Addie and Sage are a part of my Gratitude Journal Project on Facebook -- a series of art for all ages that explores what it means to live in gratitude and joy. I am currently seeking licensing opportunities for the characters (and a turkey, penguin, and duck that accompany the Addie and Sage collection) on gift products.

My paperdolls celebrate the strength, courage, and talent of girls and women across America! They are currently only available on Etsy, and they are just as introductory one-page downloads (and I still need to get all the states uploaded to Etsy). The full doll sets (six pages) include several changes of clothing and articulated toys (in addition to the teddy bear each one has) a craft to complete, and a decorative carrying case kids can assemble themselves. The full sets will be available later this year as already printed sheets and stickers. Read more about the inspiration behind the dolls HERE.

Abbie & Jack are part of my children’s travel series, which will launch spring 2016 with Familius Publishing.

CB: Where can we find your work?

LN: Samples of my art are on my art blog. I'm also experimenting with an Etsy shop, where you can find my paperdolls and other goodies. My books on Amazon.

CB: What type of art are you drawn to in picture books?

LN: For me there's no one that can simultaneously touch my heart and sense of humor (and humanness) more than Mo Willems. I could read the Knuffle bunny books over and over again. Trixie so reminds me of my youngest daughter and her early childhood adventures with her teddy bear.

I love the work of Brian Floca, in particular his book Locomotive, because I frequently write about the history of the transcontinental railroad.

I also enjoy the mesmerizing and beautiful work of David Wiesner.

Our ReFoReMo badge collaboration was a special treat, Lori! In true fashion, your giving spirit shines through, once again. ReFoReMoers, please proudly display the participation badge on your sites and social media. After your reading efforts are complete, you will be rewarded with a winner's badge, too! I am so excited to reveal it, but you will just have to wait until the end of March!

Now, please give it up for Lori...a standing ovation is in order, wouldn't you say? When you sit back down, please tell Lori which illustrations inspire you.

Lori Nawyn is an award-winning writer, illustrator and graphic designer whose key passion in life is to help others discover their own unique inner strengths. Her short stories, which touch on surviving grief and thriving with joy, have been included in six anthologies. Her essays and articles have been featured in numerous print and online publications, and she is the author of seven books.

Wife of a fireman, mother of four, grandmother of four, and mentor to three opinionated dogs she's training for urban mushing, Lori enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, reading, and growing basil and lavender.

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It's ReFoReMo Registration Time!

2/15/2015

I can hardly contain my excitement… We’ve made it to ReFoReMo registration time! If you are ready to read lots of picture books and work through them with a fine-toothed comb, then let’s get started. Registration is open between 6 am CST February 15 - March 1 at 11 pm CST.

Please follow these steps to get registered:

1.     If you have not already, subscribe to this ReFoReMo blog using the box on the right hand side. You will see a little captcha box pop up after entering your email address, so please don’t skip that step. A verification email will come to your email inbox. Confirm that email and you will be set to receive blog posts. A very limited number of updates will arrive before February 26. You will receive three days of PreReFoReMo posts, and from there on out, you will receive the author-educator posts from March 1-31. Please feel free to leave comments for the author-educators each day. They are writing rock-stars! This challenge would be 31 days of me blah-blah-blahing in your ear without them. *big grin*

2.     At the bottom of this post, there is a comment section titled, “Leave a Reply.” Fill out the reply form completely, making sure you list the same email address that you used to subscribe in step #1. (Your email will not be visible to the public unless you put it in the comment box.) Listing your email will assist admin in knowing if you are registered properly, so please do not skip this step. Then, use the comment box to repeat your FIRST and LAST NAME as the first words of your one sentence comment. Example: CARRIE CHARLEY BROWN is ready to read! If you don’t want to use a sentence, feel free to just leave your name in the comment box. Example: CARRIE CHARLEY BROWN  If you need assistance, please contact Carrie by email, and leave this comment feed open only for registrations.

You must have steps one and two completed by March 1 at 11 pm CST in order to qualify for prize entries at the conclusion of ReFoReMo.

3.     Optional: Head on over to the private ReFoReMo Facebook group and request to be admitted. It was designed to build community and host discussions about picture books as mentor texts. Prior to February 26, we will post one link each day to serve as a research prompt. You are also welcome to start discussions about mentor texts on your own. Please refrain from promoting events or posts unrelated to picture books as mentor texts. Once ReFoReMo officially begins, we will feature the link to our daily author-educators. (The blog post will also be delivered to your inbox.) We will check to make sure you are properly registered with steps 1 and 2 before adding you to the Facebook group. Thank you for your patience while we take care of everyone.

4.     Standing ovation for illustrator Lori Nawyn!!! She created this amazing participation badge for us to use on our websites and/or social media sites! Please link the badge back to this address: http://www.carriecharleybrown.com/what-is-reforemo.html

5. In addition, you may add a Twibbon to either/both your Facebook or Twitter profile pictures. Go here, to access the Twibbon campaign. Your ReFoReMo cheerleader will look like this...isn't she precious?! You should be able to resize her once you access the campaign.

While you are waiting for ReFoReMo to kick into high gear, feel free to check out the Schedule and Tools tabs on the ReFoReMo menu above. You may also enjoy exploring the Carrie On… Together tab where I’ve been interviewing authors for the last two years. Authors can learn so much from one another.

6. Prizes and eligibility will be announced at a later date. When March 1 rolls around, keep your research notebook close by and keep track of what you read each day. To be eligible for prizes, you will want to make efforts to consistently read picture books on a day to day basis. While I have dangled a huge goal of reading five picture books a day from March 8-28, I realize that life gets in the way. The idea is to read consistently and utilize the mentor texts as study tools to help you with your current writing goals. Whether that is one picture book each day or five, your efforts will enhance your writing.

That's it for now! Official PreReFoReMo blog posts will begin on February 26. A special SURPRISE guest-educator will join us on February 28! You won't want to miss out! Get ready to rock your writing with mentor texts!

Carrie Charley Brown is a professional critique mentor with an editorial eye. She is the founder of ReFoReMo, a research challenge for picture book writers. Carrie is a children’s writer, kidlit video producer, writing coach, and dedicated blogger. She was a 2014 CYBILS fiction picture book panelist and an elementary teacher. You can follow her writing journey right here on this blog.

Pre-ReFoReMo Day 2: A One-Question Interview with our Resident Illustrator: Lori Nawyn

PreReFoReMo Day 2: Lori Nawyn Illustrates from the Heart

It's ReFoReMo Registration Time!

ReFoReMo

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