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mar's Desk

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Marcoujor: From Alphabets to Artichokes

7/29/2015

12 Comments

 
Picturemarcoujor
I'm in awe at the speed with which summer is passing by. 
 
Before long the kids will be returning to school.  In the world of nursing, classes never stop.  Summer semester has been hopping.
 
As such, the best reads these days for me are quick ones. I discovered the sweetest children's book, written by Vinaya Ghimire and illustrated by Sannel Larson called "Amazing Alphabet".

I was thrilled when both Vinaya and Sannel took time out of their busy lives to answer a few questions for me - ever curious that I am...!  I suspect you will enjoy learning the back-story of this book as much as I did. 
 
Available in both hard copy and Kindle editions, I highly recommend this learning adventure for the little ones on your gift list... it really goes beyond a 5-star to me!

Collaborators

Picture
Sannel Larson of Sannnel's World
Picture
Vinaya Ghimire of Hubpages
Maria: Vinaya, what was your motivation for this charming undertaking called "Amazing Alphabet"?

Vinaya: One of the subjects I studied in my creative writing program was “Writing for Children.” However, apart from the stories I wrote for my dissertation, I did not write anything for children until a client asked me to write a story for children. It had been more than 7 years since I had attempted to write anything for children. I accepted the job because the payment was good, however, when the client gave me positive feedback, I was encouraged.  
I did not know where to begin, but then one day I paid attention to a story my sister was telling to her three year old son. I found the way.
  

Maria: Vinaya, what made you ask Sannel for assist with illustrations?


Vinaya: Sannel had not only written and illustrated number of children books, but also collaborated with many writers. One day I wrote a short children's story and asked Sannel to give her feedback. Sannel not only gave a nice critique but also explained what it was like publishing children's books on CreateSpace. When I proposed to collaborate, she immediately agreed. I worked on a story and developed a manuscript; however, it was different from what I had sent to Sannel as a sample. After reading the first draft, Sannel sent me a sample image. It was exactly what I had in mind.

Maria: Vinaya, what was it like working with Sannel?

Vinaya: I  have known Sannel since 2012. I have seen her grow from a writer on a residual income site to an author and illustrator of children's books and a digital artist. She has also helped me as a critic and promoter of my works.

I wanted to get published but I did not know where to begin. One day I asked Sannel about the publishing process. She sent me YouTube links. Because of other priorities in life, I abandoned the idea of book publishing. That was about two years ago.


Last year, Sannel sent me her books as a gift to my nephew and niece. I liked the story as well as the illustrations. When I was ready to publish my first children's book earlier in the year, no one but Sannel knew what was in my mind. I don’t think I my idea would have been materialized in a book without Sannel’s assistance.


Sannel is a writer, illustrator and a digital artist. She must be very busy. However, despite her busy schedule she found time for my manuscript. I will love to work with her again.


Maria: Sannel, what did you learn about yourself when working with Vinaya?

Sannel: Each piece of illustration work brings up new challenges, and I always learn something new. Illustrating is quite a solitary process. I will find myself locked away for hours, days and weeks on end, while new characters are being born through my imagination and my hands. I feel tremendously satisfied when I work on an illustration project, knowing that in the end when the book comes out, my illustrations will have lots of kids smile. With each project I learn more and more, that I truly love this job.

Maria:  Sannel, what was this experience like?

Sannel:  To be an illustrator can be an inspiring and joyous experience, or it can be quite difficult. Much of that depends on who your are working with. I have been fortunate so far to work with some wonderful and easy going authors, and Vinaya is one of them. 
I'm sure when Vinaya wrote the “Amazing Alphabet” story he had a vision of how the illustrations would match the story. He trusted me completely and from the start, he left me free hands with the illustrations.  It was so much fun working with Vinaya, and I hope that I will have the privilege to do it again sometime.

The Yum Factor!

This week I also wanted to share what's up in Justin P. Moore's (of The Lotus and the Artichoke as well as nephew of friend and author Peg Cole of Hubpages) kitchen...
Picture
Sri Lankan Super Star: Vegetable Fried Rice!
Picture
Banana Lassi with Chia Power!
More to come in a future review of this up and coming chef's latest in, The Lotus and the Artichoke - SRI LANKA Vegan Cookbook by Justin P. Moore himself... but if I have piqued your curiosity a little go ahead and check out these links - you will not be sorry... there is a lot of good stuff happening in this guy's kitchen.

Website: lotusartichoke.com
Facebook: @lotusartichoke
Instagram: @lotusartichoke
Twitter: @lotusartichoke
Kickstarter: http://kck.st/1dVOGQ2

Meanwhile, here's what's happening in other parts of Weeblyville:

  • Findings on Finger Labyrinths via marcoujor's musings
  • Garden Tours Spark Inspiration, Relaxation and Conversation via Bravewarrior's Feathered Pen
  • Angela Mobley: Blossoms for Dinner! via WarnerWords
  • DottoTech: Free & Easy Tech Tutorials! via flashPress


Until next week, sending you peace and hugs,


mar



12 Comments
Mike
7/29/2015 02:29:40 am

.Hello mar. You have gathered some of my favorite people here in this presentation. I am sure Peg is proud of her nephew and his second book. I understand he did well with the first one. And Sannal is so very creative and the collaboration with Vinaya is wonderful. All in all this is stellar.

Reply
Maria link
8/2/2015 11:04:04 pm

As usual, I couldn't agree with you more, dear Mike - thanks for stopping by with such a great comment!

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
7/29/2015 04:20:23 am

Prof. Mahreer,

I'm happy Vinaya and Sannel were able to collaborate in an endeavor dear to them both. The results look awesome!

And, if I'd known about Justin and his excellent dishes while I was living in DFW, I'm sure he'd have been a favorite for me, my friends and colleagues there. Sounds like he's thriving and Dallas is a city that embraces all types of cuisine, so very happy he's in an area that will appreciate his talent!

femme

Reply
Maria link
8/2/2015 11:07:28 pm

Hi femme,
I agree that Vinaya and Sannel are a winning combination.
I believe that Justin has made a name for himself - his talents are amazing and it's exciting to watch his journey.
Special thanks for your help this week. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Martie link
7/29/2015 06:28:33 am

Dearest Maria

What a delightful interview with Vinaya and Sannel! I LOVE their pictures in here, and every word they have written. My congratulations to both of them. It is such a privilege and pleasure to see my friends climbing the ladder of success in the world of writers.

Now let me go check Justin P. Moore's kitchen....

Thanks, Mar, for another most inspiring blog post from your desk :)

Reply
Maria link
8/2/2015 11:09:33 pm

Dear Martie,
I appreciate your visit and support of our friends - old and new... :)
It's also exciting for me to be able to share their talents here on my website.
Love and hugs to you - wishing you a peaceful week, mar

Reply
Sannel link
7/29/2015 10:08:22 pm

Hello dear Maria,
You never cease to amaze me with your constant support to your friends. Always willing to share our works with the world. I'm so thankful to you for all the things you do, my beautiful friend. You're an inspiration to me.

Thank you for a wonderful post. I loved to read what Vinaya had to share with us, and about Peg Cole's nephew, Justin P. Moore. I loved his first book, "The Lotus and the Artichoke" where he combines great artwork with scrumptious vegan dishes. Showing people that vegan food are not only healthy and delicious, but looks amazing as well.
I hope while I write this, you're truly enjoying your well deserved vacation together with Geoff and Andy.
Take care!
Sending wrap-around-hugs from Crete to you, and also to my friends here in the comment section.
Sannel <3

Reply
Maria link
8/2/2015 11:12:25 pm

Dear Sannel,
It's a pleasure to share your talents - so keep 'em coming, girlfriend.
I'm not surprised you also enjoyed Justin's first cook book as I have - he has quite a series going here... :)
It was lovely getting away for a couple days - and now to catch up!

Reply
Shauna
7/31/2015 05:58:48 am

Mar, I almost missed this post. If it weren't for the link Vicki shared on her post today, I would have. For some reason I wasn't notified. Hmmm.

Vanaya's book looks absolutely adorable! Sannel did a great job on the illustrations. They look so professional! I'm sure it will do quite well in sales.

The food shots are making me hungry. Time to go forage in the kitchen and see what I can find!

Reply
Maria link
8/2/2015 11:15:56 pm

Dear Sha,
The professor played hooky for a couple days... some R & R and never did share this post - hoping my loyal friends (like you) would find it - so thanks for that!
Wishing you a lovely week as I head back to the class room...:)

Reply
Theresa
8/7/2015 10:47:51 am

First off, I just love your new chic hairstyle, girlfriend. So lovely on you!

What a wonderful collaboration with Sannel and Vinaya! I just know my grands will love the book. The interview is interesting indeed. I noticed that Vinaya is no longer on HubPages, but so happy he is pursuing such dreams. Sannel's illustrations are adorable.

Thank you for sharing those tempting recipe photos there. What a creative chef.

I appreciate your email about this month being peach month. We have the best peaches in my county. Heck, in my little town, we have a peach orchard on every corner, literally! So, every "thang" is just peachy here. Hubby did have knee surgery yesterday to repair a torn meniscus and scoping. Not too bad, but necessary.

Hugs to all,

Theresa

Reply
Maria link
8/27/2015 07:44:55 am

Dear Theresa,
Thanks for your kind words on our behalf...you are a sweetheart.
Glad to discover this while it's still Peach month...:( I wasn't notified.
Love and hugs, Maria

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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  • Home
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    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me