Box full of dreams
Anyone remember the scene at the end of Back to the Future when Marty McFly’s dad, George, becomes a famous sci-fi writer and opens the box full of his latest novels? That is totally what it is like when you get your complimentary books from the publisher (without the Delorean).
My editor, Kevin, is totally cool and will often send me his only advance copy fresh from the printer. This can be months (or even a year) before the book is released. One of Simon & Schuster’s VPs, Rubin, hand-delivered the first and only copy of Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to me from New York City! (Okay, he was on his way to visit his son in Boston, but it was so awesome! And Ang cooked a great meal to celebrate.)
I get so excited because I really like to draw, and I really like to spin a yarn, but I LOVE making books. I love the size of them in your hand, the paper texture, the printing effects on the cover, and the smell of the ink (yes, I smelled dittos when I was a kid - this was destiny my friends). My favorite feeling of all, though, is sitting alone on the couch with a cup of coffee, or in bed right before sleep, and immersing myself in the story presented in those bound pages with a little bit of ink printed upon them. It is true magic for me. (click the thumbnails for a bigger view):
And I want to share some of this excitement with you. I have been so inspired seeing what everyone has done with the “Spiderwick Drawin’ Contest” that I want to keep that creativity going. So, next week, I will announce a “Design Your Own Dragon” contest and will give away some of my own fresh-off-the-press copies of Kenny & the Dragon…stay tuned!
June 29th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Wow, that sounds incredible! I can only imagine what it feels like.
June 29th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Man T.
that sounds incredible. i totally cant wait for that first book experience of my own.
i have enjoyed my unfinished copy of Kenny and cant wait to get my hands on the finished version. looks really great.
im already pumped up to go draw some pictures just by reading your post!
June 30th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Geez, it’s not going to be long before I’m opening my own box of books. It makes me weepy just thinking about it.
July 1st, 2008 at 7:45 am
Man, the book looks really beautiful. Sometimes I wish I was eleven again so that I could enjoy your books as an eleven year old because they would have been exactly what my eleven year old self was looking for. I love the old style look of the inside cover. Was that your idea or was that a design decision? I have mine ordered and I can not wait. very cool shirt by the way, I keep playing She’s a Rainbow over abd over while I work lately.
July 1st, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Can’t wait for the dragon contest!! I hope I remember to check back!
Super big congratulations on the book! It looks fantastic and I can’t wait to buy it for my kids.
I can only dream of the feeling of opening a box of your own books, someday maybe. . .
Your fan,
Ian
July 6th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I CAN”T WAIT FOR THE DRAGON CONTEST!!!
Anyway, that sounds pretty cool. I cannot wait for an experience like that of my own.
Did Biff bring in the books for you?
July 7th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Congrats!!! I’m so gald for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can’t wait to read the book. Part with the bagder and the dragon looks cool!!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 2:46 am
I already drew mine