Peter's Perfect Picture - Voting has begun

I'm pulling for Pulaski Heights Elementary to win an ebook library from MeeGenius. Vote for Peter's Perfect Picture and help out!

Here is the link:
http://www.meegenius.com/challenge/peters-perfect-picture-by-quinn-cole

Many thanks,
-Q

Jim Brickman's music

I've listened to Jim Brickman's piano music for many years. It has been in the background for many of life's highs and lows. A week ago, I attended a live performance and it was charming! Brickman makes the audience feel like family and has a boyish way of glancing out that seems to say, "Isn't this fun?" It was the perfect kickoff to the holiday season.
Catch a Brickman concert if you get the chance. 

-Q

Artistic Cross-training

Have you ever thought of all the ways people are creative? I attended a museum art sale today and the myriad of media, colors, and creative interpretations were inspiring. I wonder if any of those artists write? I often take a short break from a picture book manuscript to draw or paint (watercolors). I like to think of it as artistic cross-training. Try it and let me know what you think?

-Q

Read, Read, Read

I just ran across the American Reading @ Home website. Their idea of matching a child with the right book at the right level made all the difference when my children were learning to read. From simple board books, Dr. Seuss, and Captain Underpants, to the Jedi Apprentice and Harry Potter series, my children went from literary toddlers to avid swashbuckling, light saber wielding readers. The key was to meet them at their reading level and allow days/weeks/months for them to gain confidence. They always knew when they were ready for the next adventure. I had as much fun as they did discovering a new series and applauding their developmental leaps.

-Q

Vote for Peter's Perfect Picture

Last week, I submitted Peter's Perfect Picture to the MeeGenius 2011 Author Challenge picture book contest.

On November 28, 2011, the first round of reader voting will begin. Over 400 entries were submitted, so competition will be awesome. VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

After the initial voting round, the top stories will be professionally illustrated and reader voting will open again. I'm really excited because the winner also gets a year of ebooks for an elementary school of their choice! Cool! So fingers crossed!

Wildly excited,
-Q