American painter and illustrator , is one of her inspirations . “ I love the innocence and humor he was able to infuse into his illustrations .”
Johnson has been writing professionally since 1997 , but has been sharing stories with friends and family since fourth grade . She writes everyday and is constantly on the lookout for a great story . “ For example , if I smell bread , that means there is a magic baker making bread to take to the princess he wants to marry ,” she says . She likes to write about animals and has recently started a nonfiction work , “ No Fear For Freedom : The Story of the Friendship Nine .” Johnson ’ s fourth grade teacher , Mrs . Gresham , was an inspiration for Johnson . “ She always shared poetry , and I think that inspired me to write my own work .”
Marshall ’ s title character – Captain Courage – was originally created as a tool to teach elementary students public speaking skills . The Captain Courage series evolved into articles and stories where the superhero ’ s adventures would intertwine with tips about
confident communication and belief in yourself .
Marshall later decided to turn her series into a book , which she admits was more difficult than anticipated . “ I wrongly assumed that like my articles , I would submit my first manuscript and immediately get a contract from a publisher ,” she says . After seven years , numerous edits , hard work and waiting , Captain Courage and the Fear-Squishing Shoes was released in September 2012 . A second book in the series is due out this fall .
THE PROCESS AND ADVICE So how do you get ideas and art off the table and into your favorite book or magazine ? Illustrator Ranucci begins with a manuscript sent by an author . After reviewing the script , she adds pictures to the story with pencils sketches on a storyboard to show the flow of the narrative . She then presents her idea to the author . Her sketches are mostly in black and white , she notes , making it easier to go back and fill in color once the illustrations are approved . Ranucci was ecstatic to show her friends and family her first illustrated hardcover book , My Mother is My Friend , written by Johnson . “ I was so proud to show it to my friends and family and announce to the world I was a children ’ s book illustrator !”
Besides writing every day , Johnson says she prefers to do her work in a place with a lot of noise . She says the commotion and conversation help her think . She also encourages young writers to stay open to suggestions and be willing to get up and try again , no matter how many rejections they face . “ Remember that ‘ no ’ to a manuscript just means the door hasn ’ t opened yet ,” she adds .
Marshall finds it helpful to seek help and encouragement when starting a new project . “ I often enlist the help of family and fellow writers for constructive criticism ,” she says . Be patient , as the process can be long and tedious . “ For my Captain Courage book series , the process from beginning the first story to having it published took nearly seven years .” The process included numerous edits , finding a publisher , securing a contract , working with an illustrator , waiting for proofs and making final changes . Marshall has stuck to what she is passionate about and that has made a huge difference . “ My hope is that my books and articles will not only entertain readers , but also inspire kids , and adults , to speak up with pose and self-assuredness .” Johnson agrees . “ Find a topic you are really good at and perfect your knowledge in that area .” ou have dreams of becoming a writer or illustrator , what does it
Kimberly P . Johnson
10 – My School Rocks !