My name is Lynda Stewart, and I am completing my Diploma for Drawing and Painting through London Art College, with my tutor Heather Jolliffe. I have taken a couple of months out from the course, to finish illustrating and to print my fourth children’s book. Since starting the course with the LAC, my confidence has increased to try new styles. One of my assignments, was to draw my pet guinea pig, and I have incorporated this illustration, into my book, “Cookie’s Caravan Holiday!” You will find the image, as a small ‘pretend photograph’ in newspaper article, where Cookie the guinea pig, becomes famous!
I have been writing, illustrating and self-publishing my own children’s books for the past 5 years. As a Primary School Teacher, I have read many stories, and I decided I wanted to write and illustrate my own! I have established my own cottage industry, and have learned how to buy bar codes, ISBN numbers, navigate and upload my books onto the Nielsen Title Editor Page, worked with Graphic Designers and negotiated printing costs!
I have initiated all my own advertising and marketing strategies, including ‘live reading’ on radio, storytelling events, newspaper & magazine articles and I am pleased that three Historic Houses, now sell my books in their gift shops, as well as many smaller, independent outlets too.
Three of my books are about my pet guinea pigs, called Buttercup and Cookie and the stories are based on true events. The other book is about a special magical 100-year-old mouse that lives in a sweet shop. They are suitable for (4 – 9 years old)
I used coloured pencils for my very first book, ‘Who’s in My Bowl?’ and the illustrations were a simple vignette style. Since then, I have developed my own style in watercolour and black fine liners. The size of the illustrations, the font, style of text and format, are all consistent. The characters & flow in the story have developed over time with more thoughtful, colourful illustrations including some double page spreads.
I developed my own brand, Dorset Daisy Book Publishing, and had my website made professionally, so that my books can be bought all around the world. This has taken some time, but I have enjoyed every minute. The books cost either £4.99 or £5.99 +P&P
I am pleased with my achievements, but my favourite part is still reading the stories to the children and seeing their reactions to the characters. I hope the children learn that they can be imaginative & creative too and learn something factual from each book!
Please do have a look at my website for more details: www.dorsetdaisybookpublishing.co.uk
Lynda Stewart
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