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Monday, February 22, 2016

So, here's how it goes as the deadline approaches. All my ducks are in a row, except for two that are missing. They are small illustrations and easily replaceable, but I clearly remember having done them. I simply can't find them. I search through all my files of past books, both hard copy and digital, to see if I have misplaced them. They don't show up. So, I tell my editor I'll do them over and send them to her this week. I decide to make one more pass at my digital files to see if I have scanned them. I have bazillions of images just for this book, because I scanned artwork from the two previous editions and also have hundreds of digital files from new artists' submissions. I've already checked these, but I skipped a couple of folders where I am certain I would not have put them. This time I decide to take no shortcuts. You've already guessed--that's where I find both of them: in the illustrated color glossary folder. You know that feeling? I remember doing them. They disappeared without a trace. I was beginning to think my memory was failing me. All better now.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Well, I hope you haven't been holding your breath waiting for that update I promised. I found I could't write about the book and do the work at the same time.
Feeling so relieved today. My editor picked up the artwork and notes for my new North Light book, Exploring Color Workshop, which is a 30th anniversary edition of my original Exploring Color. I've revised, revamped, reorganized, and added the work of 32 new artists and some new exercises and demos. Whew! The hard part is over, unless my editor wants a lot of changes. She will finalize my layout and determine if there is room for all the art I packed onto the pages. If all goes well, we will have an August pub date. You would think I'd be used to this by now, this being my eighth book, but it is always hard work and it is always exciting.
I'm so grateful for my editor, Stefanie Badders Laufersweiler. This is our fourth book together, including The New Creative Artist, Confident Color, and New Creative Collage Techniques. She is a pro and a delight to work with. Stef took a selfie of the two of us when we got together months ago. Can you believe there's an editor who makes house calls? We even have a favorite deli where we grab lunch before or after conferencing. How fun is that? Lucky me.
I'll try to do a better job of keeping you up to date. Meanwhile, waiting for Spring....