Thursday 20 June 2013

New York and chasing my Childhood Dreams

It's been rather quiet over here on my Blog,  but not quiet in my life!  I have some thrilling news to share with you all, a 'secret' I have been keeping to myself for quite some time.  There are times in life when something happens that could so dramatically catch your lifetime dreams that you almost feel too scared to share it in case of breaking the spell!

But then I thought to myself, you have all been by my side through this creative journey since I started out, firstly sewing my Artist Bears, then into the world of Illustration and Embroidery...  So today I am taking a deep breath and sharing my news with you all! The connection with New York will become clear!

As a child I was always creating hand made gifts, cards and I loved to write and draw stories, usually whilst sat outside bare foot in the garden writing about all the wildlife I would see.  At school Art & English were my favourite subjects.  I still vividly remember visiting a friend for Tea and her Mum was a children's book illustrator and I thought to myself what a dream that would be.

Well, during a wonderful trip back to Dorset, amongst the meandering lanes and rolling hills where my Granny had lived.. I got an email out of the blue from a Literary Agent in New York!!!  She had seen my Illustrations online and was asking me, yes me, if I would be interested in writing and illustrating Children's Books!!  Well, first of all I had to pinch myself, then get my fiance to pinch me too, but once I checked out the Agency it became real!  My Granny was always a great believer in my creativity, always saying things like, "one day your creations will be sold on Oxford Street in London" so it seemed even more precious to get this news on this trip, it felt rather like magic to be honest!

So on my Birthday I made the hugely exciting and somewhat knee trembling decision to join Teresa Kietlinski as my Agent at Prospect Agency in NY, America and signed my contract!


On this trip to New York I had hoped to meet up with Teresa, sadly this time it was not meant to be.  But the inspiration in this City was... awesome! Sat silently in the New York Public Library, coming eye to eye with the original Winnie The Pooh Toys surrounded by Children's Books, the way you could always feel part of nature even in such a big city.  I will do another post with more photos if you fancy?

A very important date! Alice in Wonderland Sculpture in Central Park

 New York Public Library complete with clouds in the ceiling!

The Original Toys!

Thoughts of Books all around!

A HUGE amount of work writing and illustrating ideas for Picture Books has gone under the bridge so far, but after many versions I am VERY excited to say that my first Picture Book Story complete with 32 pages has been 'finished' (so far!) and transformed into a pitch to send out to Editors!  Now it gets even more knee trembling as I will wait to hear whether it will be wanted and one day be published!    So I thought whilst I waited patiently, rather nervously, you could wait with me and share in my dream chasing!  
Thanks for being by my side, 
Catherine x







19 comments:

Nerdy Knitter said...

I worked with Teresa at Viking ages ago; you couldn't be in better hands. Congratulations!!

Conni said...

Wonderful news! Congratulations!!!

Leaff Design said...

Catherine! What amazing news this is - a huge congratulations! I'm so incredibly pleased for you, and proud of you too! This story will serve as a massive source of strength and inspiration to so many creatives, we are sure, and we can't wait to hear how your first book gets on. We will really look forward to having the chance to one day purchase one of your tales, and so will Charlie xx

Elanor Clare Andrews said...

Catherine, this is the most amazing news! I am so pleased for you. I can't wait to go and buy your book in print, I just know that it won't be long :0)

Hugs
Elanor xx

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

What marvelous-marvelous news!
I am delighted for you, and only surprised it had not happened sooner. Congratulations. And I love your post about New York. I have not, yet, been, but your point of view renews my desire to go some day.

Unknown said...

Huge congratulations! You are very deserving of luck and success, your illustrations are just *perfect* for children's books. I do hope you will promise to sign copies of your first book for your blog followers and embroidery fans... ;-) Christine x

Debora Hoffmann said...

Oh, Catherine, how wonderful! I am so excited for you! I think your illustrations are wonderful and will be great in books. I always wanted to write and illustrate children's books but didn't have the opportunity to work hard on it. Go, girl, go! :o)

Amanda said...

Yeah! I am so excited for you. Your next trip to Ny give a call and I will bake you a cake. You will Only be two hours away!

forgetmenotsblue said...

Congratulations :)
Look forward to seeing your book in print x

peterbear said...

That is fantastic news, Catherine, and I am thrilled for you. I am sure it will be a wonderful book and I for one, can't wait to see in the print!

Hugs,
Peter & the Bumpkin Bears

Unknown said...

Congratulations Catherine! Your illustrations are always so beautiful. I'm sure you will turn them into stunning stories!

TerriSue said...

Congratulations Catherine! This is very exciting news. I can't wait for your book to come out.

Lyn said...

Well done you! Good luck and wish you all the best and looking forward to seeing your book:o))
Take care and have a good weekend.
Hugs Lyn x

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

Wow, this is the most fantastic news Catherine and so well deserved!....I'm so happy for you and can't wait to see your first book in print!!
Happy Weekend,
Susan x
P.S Beautiful pics of New York too...

Charlotte said...

Catherine, Catherine, Catherine! Ah my love - I am just so pleased for you. Will read and email properly later - just wanted to send a quick one now. You are an inspiration to me :) x x x x x

woolies said...

Huge congratulations!

Vicki Boster said...

How very wonderful for you Catherine!! NO one deserves this recognition more than you!!!! Congrats-- and good luck with your future publishing--- we are all just so excited for you:)

Xoxo
Vicki

Caroline said...

This is such wonderful and exciting news Catherine, you must be completely thrilled! Extremely well deserved...your illustrations are absolutely perfect for children's books :))
Love Caroline xx

Sewn With Grace said...

So very excited for you! Way to go! Dream do come true!