School started here recently, and we've got quite the neighborhood crew that hops aboard the bus bright and early every morning. But not our youngest, Gwen. She'll go to Kindergarten next year, but for now she's the only one left behind when the big kids head off. There's something mellow but a little magical about the time we have together when Leo's at school for the day. That felt like something I could tie into a fall-themed piece. I recently read the book Amah Faraway by Margaret Chiu Greenias (Illustrated by Tracy Subisak), which is SO INCREDIBLE. The author wrote it as a reverse poem, where the second half of the story is in perfect reverse order of the first and tells quite a different tale. Not an easy feat! But I thought I'd give it a shot for this entry. And, for funsies, I made a digital painting to go along with it.  A Little While: A Reverse PoemBy Allison Strick
119 words It’s only Mom and me, for a little while. Brother’s getting on the bus. Things feel different. I sigh. She says, “He’ll be back soon.” No school for me-- I’m younger, littler. In the woods, it’s quiet, quiet, except for our feet in the leaves. Two sets of tracks follow Mom and me, holding hands. Crunching, Kicking. Pausing. Listening. Being. Turning back. Kicking, Crunching. Holding hands, Mom and me follow two sets of tracks. Except for our feet in the leaves, it’s quiet, quiet in the woods. I’m younger, littler-- No school for me! She says, “He’ll be back soon.” I sigh. Things feel different. Brother’s getting on the bus. For a little while, It’s only Mom and me.
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I create a piece of art to match the SCBWI Draw This August illustration prompt--"Lunch Break." To my delight, I was chosen as one of the winners! I've really been working on my storytelling skills in my illustrations--I guess it's paying off!  I work in Procreate on the iPad. This piece was done with the "Imperfect Patterns" brush set created by Lisa Bardot, to whom I owe most of my knowledge of Procreate. If you're looking to get started with digital illustration, look her up!
Hello! Thanks for visiting my blog to read my #SpringFlingKidLit contest entry. This event, hosted by Ciara O'Neal and Kaitlyn Leann Sanchez, challenges writers to write a 150-word (or less!) spring-themed piece inspired by a gif. I made my own gif this year using Procreate. Hope you enjoy it!  SuperbloomBy Allison Strick
In the Arizona desert stood a grumpy old saguaro. “Cheer up!” said young Rosita. “Grandpa, spring begins tomorrow!” He squinted through the sunlight on his aging, weathered face, and grumbled, “There’s no springtime in this hot, forsaken place!” ......(end excerpt)..... |
