All the World: Squee-ing over Sketches

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Some of you may know that I’ve got a couple more picture books coming out soon (although “soon” in publishing is a very relative term).

I’ve referred to the manuscripts here as Wind and World, in case of title changes. They both sold to Allyn Johnston of Harcourt (and really, I should do a whole long and flowery post about her awesomeness) and they’ll both be illustrated by the totally tremendous Marla Frazee (again, a dedicated post is necessary).  For now, suffice it to say that I am a really, really, really lucky gal.

I made kind of a fuss over these books when they sold, and in the last ten days, I’ve been on a similiar hopped-up vibe.

Because…. 
I. HAVE. MARLA’S. SKETCHES. FOR. THE. FIRST. BOOK!!!!!!!

Right here.
On my desk.
I can touch them whenever I want to.
The word ‘sketch’ does not do them justice.
Seriously you guys.

!!!!!!!!!

So, now’s the time to tell you that the book formerly known as World is actually titled All the World and it is due out next year. (That is, if I don’t just xerox a whole bunch of copies of this dummy and start handing ’em out to all my friends and neighbors.)

The journey of a book being born is long one. 
There’s a whole lot of work and a whole lot of waiting.
Most of my work on this baby is done — I devoted a good portion of the fall to tweaking the manuscript, under the visionary tutelage of my editor — and now I’ll wait. And work on other stuff. And wait. 

But can I just say that the waiting got a whole lot easier and more pleasureable the day these sketches arrived, wrapped in a wide pink ribbon, on my front stoop. I’m so excited to share this book with you all… someday soon.

 

60 Responses to “All the World: Squee-ing over Sketches”

  1. jamarattigan

    OH, how utterly delicious! I LOVE marla’s work. You are definitely very, very lucky! And the combination of your words with her pictures? Can’t even begin to imagine the awesomeness!!

    • liz_scanlon

      Isn’t it an amazing treat, Jama, to have written a picture book text and then to see the art — beyond what you’ve imagined? I kind of think Truman’s Aunt Farm must have been like that for you. Christmas morning. BETTER than Christmas morning.

      • jamarattigan

        I was thrilled to see G.Brian Karas’ artwork — but I wasn’t privileged enough to see any sketches. The first I saw of the art was with F&G’s. It was that way for all 3 PB’s. I wonder if this depends on the editor, or have times just changed where maybe there’s more openness/sharing going on?

  2. lurban

    I am DYING to see those sketches! I got to see a little bit of preliminary work in October — but I understand that it has changed a great deal from what you have in your hands. I can’t wait to see the finished book, Liz. The combination of text and image is going to be magic.

  4. saralholmes

    Wow-ee. This sounds marvelous. Do we really, really have to wait a whole year?? Yes, I know we do…but at least I’ve got that lovely title to think about. All the World. Love that.

    And Marla Frazee? I’d be pinching myself every day if my book were illustrated by her!

  5. kristydempsey

    Sqeeeeeee-ing with you. I can’t wait to see the art and read the book and…are you *sure* you can’t just make copies and send them to me? 😉

      • kristydempsey

        Sigh. Okay then, I’ll just wait with the rest of the world for release day.

        You know I was kidding, right? I’d never expect you to make copies and send them to me. Of course you couldn’t do that. Just send along the originals whenever you get a chance.

        Okay, okay. I’m kidding again. Those are under lock and key. I’ll just have to steal them.

  6. bernadettenoll

    All the world is lucky that book is coming out soon.

    All the world will want to have their own copy of All The World. It is a perfect realization Liz! I can’t wait to have one to read to my own kids and all the kids I know.

    • liz_scanlon

      Re: All the world is lucky that book is coming out soon.

      All the world should be lucky enough to have friends like you, Bern…

  7. Anonymous

    I got to see the sketches this past weekend and it was all I could do not to sneak it into my bag and run for the hills. Absolutely perfect in every way!!!! Start your pre-orders now.

    xo,
    shannon

  8. Anonymous

    yup, i can already imagine reading All the World to my grandkids and telling them about how i got to see the sketches before the book came out, and how auntie liz’s dynasty used to be just a little family startin’ out…..
    k

  13. Anonymous

    Cloudscome says:

    I’m so happy and excited for you Liz! I just wish I could come over for coffee to see them!