Learning that less is more

I had hoped to post a new blog at least once a week but I have been busy getting back in the groove this year. My husband and I have decided to take the P90X Challenge. In order to fit it in in our day we have decided that the best time to do it, or shall I say the only time to do it is at 5:30 am. Aside from that I am learning about computer graphics, interface with Photo Shop and at the same time trying to fit in my children's picture books venture.

After my first meeting with a critique group I learned that my picture book story is actually 3 picture books. I guess there are not that many 3000 word picture books out there.  I am learning to chop it up and visualize the layout on a picture book dummy template. That being said I am ahead of the game with my 12x12 picture book challenge. I hope every one is having a good jump start of their new year. I certainly am.

Cheers!
Toni

Taking the Characters Out of the Sketch Book for the First Time

As a new member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) I have gotten plugged in with many helpful individuals in the field. Being a part of this group has shown me that becoming an illustrator and writer is an attainable goal. I had casually toyed with the idea of someday becoming a writer of children’s books but for years abandoned that dream while working on other endeavors.

Recently I have visited a few of the blogs posted by other members of the SCBWI and enjoyed reading of their triumphs and the journey they took toward accomplishing their goals. I enjoyed it so much so that I have decided to follow in their footsteps and post some of my works in progress. As a newbie in the field I have the “first time” hesitations of posting my work as I feel that I have a lot to learn. This is not to say that I am afraid of critiques. On the contrary I welcome them. Even though I am new to the field I am not new to feedback when it comes to my art. That being said here is a look at my characters for my first book; It was a warm summer night. Without further ado I give you Jose, Pablo, Rosita and Alberto.

By the way this is the first of the 12 books I hope to draft this year.

A Story Has To Start Somewhere...

Once upon a time in Texas there was a little girl who would dream about what she wanted to be when she grew up. As she got older she started to write down her goals and one by one most of them came to fruition. All but one has come true...how will the story end? I believe our lives are a story and they need to be shared. The little girl is now a woman. Will she dare to write and illustrate the stories in her heart?

Hi I am Toni Rocha Rico. I am blessed to have so many wonderful stories to tell. I am blessed to have had so many family members that have touch my heart and mind. It is my dream to share the characters that I have created that are inspired by those dearest to me.

Last year after completing my master's degree (dream accomplished) I found myself questioning, "What now?" I realized that I have been so busy with family, work and education that I had neglected my first dream which was to be an artist and writer. I have a few drawings of characters for a children's picture book and a comic book along with stories and origins but they have been collecting dust for years I am disappointed to say.

I have decided that this is the year to start my new chapter in life and that chapter involves research, writing and drawing. From the research I have done already I have seen that there are wonderful supportive groups in this field and I look forward to getting to know you and your story.

So any advice for this little girl at heart who is dreaming of one day seeing her work published?

Happy New Year and Best Wishes to All,

Toni