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Featured Author Julie Rowan-Zoch Sept 2020

12 x 12 September Featured Author – Julie Rowan-Zoch

Julie Rowan-ZochThank you, Julie and Kelli – and our beloved 12 x 12 community! It’s an honor to be the 12 x 12 Featured Author for September! I’m here today because of my debut-pb illustration work, to celebrate LOUIS, but I really want to talk about getting back on the creativity horse when life gets in the way. And maybe I’m just lucky, but life always gets in the way.

Creativity and Life Collide

My creative dream is a cozy studio, beautifully lit, tastefully decorated with inspirational items and comfortable furniture, a big window for staring, and a balance of Dvořák and Beethoven sprinkled with chirping birds. And coffee! If I could be there all day creative juices would f-l-o-o-O-W! Well, I don’t have any of that (okay, coffee), but even if I did stuff always happens. Sometimes it’s manageable (we can squeeze time between deadlines and needs). Sometimes it’s complex (we can finish illustrations from a hospital waiting room). Sometimes it gets put on hold (we can put family first and resume later).

And sometimes we can’t: personal trauma (been there), financial worries (yup), or out-of-the-blue global pandemics (oh, boy!). I’m happy to remind you… there is no recipe, no pill, no blueprint. Like trying to finish a puzzle blindfolded, you just have to keep trying different pieces. What eventually has worked are things I go back to:

  • poetry opens a mind-window painted shut
  • writing out the text from a good PB – copy the masters!
  • “draw this in your own style” – akin to yoga in your undies!
  • a change of space is like exchanging the air in your lungs
  • one chore out of the way says, “I am productive!”
  • a walk earns me the right to have my butt-in-chair+coffee
  • crack the whip: “You are a professional – get back to work!”

LOUIS by Tom LItchenfeld and Julie Rowan-ZochFinally there is the life-saving drug I have to take every day to keep illustrating: one drawing. I have had super-busy days where I skip, but I must get right back to drawing something every day, or else. I’ve dealt with “or else” and it’s a killer. So I’ve accepted it. It keeps me active, afloat, alive!

Two books that helped while I wallowed in what felt like quicksand: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Curry

But wait! I still need to say something about illustrating LOUIS, right? It releases just shy of 3 years since I read the manuscript. It was intimidating to illustrate for a famous author-ILLUSTRATOR! All the illustrations were done in Procreate on an iPad. And while LOUIS is obviously grumpy about the appalling treatment he receives in his new situation, it is a story about the gravitational pull of love: bear meets boy!

And if you want to know more I will be posting only juicy interviews in the “About Me” page on my site (see bio*)!

 

BIO*: Author, illustrator, bookseller, and activist: Julie Rowan-Zoch grew up collecting freckles and chasing hermit crabs in NY, and spent years slicing rich breads in Germany before waking up to 300 days of blue Colorado skies. If she doesn’t answer the door, look in the garden! Her new book, LOUIS is out October 6, 2020, and her author-illustrator debut, I’M A HARE, SO THERE! releases March 16th, 2021, both published by HMH. Julie is on Twitter @JulieRowanZoch, Instagram @jzroch and her Blog.

PRIZE: One 12 x 12 member will win a signed copy of LOUIS at the September check-in, so the book go get you butt in chair!

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263 Responses

      1. Thank you so much Julie…the inspiration to keep going in spite of all life’s speed bumps is invaluable (especially now)! Now, taking a deep breath as I move onward and upward.

  1. Butt in chair, i simply stare. I love that you wrote about the creative life, and what you picture it to be, and how it truly is. You’ve motivated me to get my groove on today. Congrats on ‘louie’ and “I’m a Hare, so There!” Can’t wait to read!

  2. Julie, I so appreciate your list of things you “go back to!” They are motivators to live by, especially right now. Congratulations on LOUIS and your author-illustrator debut, I’M A HARE, SO THERE! I can’t wait to read them!

  3. When I first moved to Colorado, there was a sign at the head of a trail that asked if were to encounter a mountain lion and any techniques you used work, would you please let the trail service know! We should all be sharing our survival tips!

      1. Thank you, Julie, for sharing helpful tips to get back on the “creativity horse” when life gets in the way. I definitely will be reviewing your post and trying out some of these suggestions.
        Also, I love the idea of drawing everyday. When I was young, drawing brought me great joy, but to be honest it has been a long time since I have sketched anything. This may be a true key
        for me to use to open new doors of creativity. Thanks!
        Congratulations too on your new books. I’m celebrating with you!

  4. What a pleasure to see your debut book in the world, Julie. As well, surviving and thriving during this time is an important discussion to have. Thank you for resources and suggestions. Congratulations!

  5. Julie, Your dream studio sounds so idyllic 🙂 But it’s good to know, even without that ideal spot, there are ways to get the work done. Love your tips and the book suggestions. And congrats on the two upcoming publications! Look forward to both of them.

  6. Thanks for a fun interview! It’s difficult to focus these days, but focusing on creativity is a great escape from everything else that’s going on. Congrats on your book release!

  7. Poetry (I’m a big fan), doodling, and bubble diagrams are my “go-to” techniques to overcome whatever struggle may be holding on to me. Thanks for sharing the techniques that work for you!

  8. “a walk earns me the right to have my butt-in-chair+coffee”. . . This one shouted my name 🙂 Congratulations Julie for sharing a terrific tip to keep trying with different pieces. My recipes seem to run amuck and it takes me a while to get back into my groove. Congratulations on LOUIS and I’M A HARE, SO THERE! I look forward to reading the books!

  9. Julie, I have copied the things you go back to so I can keep them right there when needed. Thank you for sharing! 🙂

  10. If only I could have cook/housekeeper/ yard person…then maybe some aspects of life wouldn’t collide quite so much with creative time. My studio–a work in progress. Poetry and a walk–definitely needed to get me going (plus that coffee, of course!). And then there’s that THING one absolutely must do, preferably each day, to keep the momentum going….so much of this post rung a familiar bell. Thank you for sharing!

  11. Congratulations, Julie! This is so exciting!! And thank you for sharing the things that work for you. I, too, have coffee – and not the other things. But COFFEE!! Yay! All the best to you!!

  12. There are always challenges to writing. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t had work, illness, divorce, etc. throw a wrench into things. Your illustrations look awesome. I’m looking to start with Procreate, but have yet to purchase an iPad. What is the least expensive model I could use to get started and how much memory do you suggest? Thank you.

    1. Thank you. I guess that’s the Pro model? I see a lot of illustrators using that. I never had formal lessons. I’ll see if I can go with 128 GB on something a little more reasonably priced. Wish I could draw like you. Lol

  13. Thank you for your post on writing and illustrating some new books. I didn’t know you were writing and illustrating in the western states. Nice to have more of you over here on this side of the country.

  14. Congratulations on Louis!

    I love reading what others do to remain creative. It gives me ideas to try. We each have to come up with ways to get ourselves into our chair and turn the channels of our brain to productive so we stay in our chair. I might find something to keep me writing, but then it peters our after a few days It’s like starting a diet. Works well at first. I have to find a way to be consistent.

  15. I can so relate to being distracted and giving myself a great speech to get myself back in the groove. You come from the illustrator side of books, and I from the writing, but you hit so much of my own thoughts and doings, that I feel there are definitely more people out there than just me. Thanks for writing and making it real and OK. I can relate to your “studio”, but I wonder if I would be any different that who I am.

  16. Great post Julie! I love our survival tips and most of all the unstated permission to deal with what life throws you, while finding ways to remain true to your craft, your illustrations. Congrats on an adorable book!

    1. Thank you, Maria! Julie H has a great magnet on her fridge with a Vivian Greene quote: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”

  17. You have no idea how much I needed to read this today! Thank you for these awesome tips. Julie. I’m going to start using them first thing tomorrow. 🙂

  18. I so relate to your tips and sometimes I add a blast of LOUD music to break a foggy moment. Many congratualtions on LOUIS!

  19. This hit my heart. Life does get in the way sometimes and I always feel guilty when it does. It’s always a matter of prioritizing. Some of your go-tos are the same as mine. Especially coffee. Thank you! 🙂

  20. Thanks for a thoughtful post with some great reasons to keep on going! I can’t wait to get my hands on LOUIS!

  21. What a refreshing post! Your “creative dream studio” sounds exactly like mine (dreaming, of course…). 🙂

  22. Thanks, Julie, for your post. I’ve definitely been struggling with my creative energy this year and always welcome ideas to reinvigorate it! Congratulations on your books, and keep up the great work!

  23. Definitely one of my most favorite Featured Author posts, ever. Perhaps it’s because I’m also a writer-illustrator and Julie’s words felt so relatable? I wrote out the list of “what works” and pinned it to my cork board! Congrats on LOUIS *and* I’M A HARE, SO THERE! ! So exciting!

  24. What a wonderful uplifting post … it’s the little things that keep us going – and it’s so important to ‘keep going’! My ideal workspace would also have a large window for gazing – looking out over a cliff top.

      1. Cliff top, big window. In the Escalante Grand Staircase maybe. Great image. Lovely idea. Thank you. Can we get Louis at Old Firehouse Books?
        I’m so glad I took the time to read this. Such good juju. Danke.

        1. Bitte, bitte! Thanks for reading, Gwen! Yes, you can get it at Old Firehouse Books! You can pre-order it online (or phone) and if you want me to sign it leave the request in the comment section.

  25. I try to write every day and you’re correct–sometimes life gets in the way (like the power outage we had yesterday from 5 PM to 1 AM). I try to handle it with humor as well. Thanks for sharing yours with us!

  26. Congratulations! Always good to get a reminder to try all the things. I especially like the image of doing a puzzle blindfolded. 🙂

  27. I’m always late to these comments…It’s hard to look at a computer screen after a regular job of looking at one all day! I still use paper and pen for first drafts, just to stay away from technology. Enough about me…Thank you for your inspirational post! It really comes down to finding what works for you, and taking breaks to refresh your mind so you can come back to butt-in-chair and get the job done. Now you’ve got me thinking about chasing the fiddler crabs by the beach here on Long Island…I can’t wait to read your new books! Congrats!

  28. I’ve caught myself daydreaming about the perfect creative workspace too. Thanks for the great list to breathe fresh air into my lungs when I start to languish in the “if onlies”! And congratulations on Louis!

  29. LOVE that bulleted list! My list would have some overlap for sure (I am highly motivated by the ability to claim “I am productive!”) while others on your list won’t do it for me, but I like the idea of examining practices that work for me.

    Congratulations on the book, Julie! Can’t wait to check it out!

  30. Thank you for the tips on how to stay creative. Congrats on Louis and I’m a Hare, So There! I’ll be looking out for both of these.

  31. Julie, I so enjoyed your post! It is so easy to let stuff-happening get in the way of our work, our art. I feel encouraged by your sharing here. Thanks so much. Can’t wait to hold your book in my hands!

  32. Wonderful post! Thanks for the tips and commiseration. So many “been there, done that!” Best wishes and congratulations!

  33. Definitely a timely reminder to keep a spark of creativity going every single day! Thank you for sharing and best of luck with LOUIS!

  34. Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement Julie! Lol!! Your dream studio sounds very similar to my dream writing room! I love your Louis illustration! What child wouldn’t pick that book off a shelf?!

  35. Congratulations on your books! The cover illustration for Louis is adorable! I like the idea of a change of space to help the flow of creativity.

  36. Julie –

    I loved how you rationalized taking a walk then allowing yourself “butt in chair”!!! I do the same thing! Thank you for sharing!

  37. Thanks so much, Julie! This really helped–especially today! So excited to read LOUIS! Many many congratulations! (Oh, and I share that dream of the perfect writing space! Mine is still a work in progress!)

  38. I agree! I too have learned that if I immediately complete a job or a project each morning, then that success propels me forward to a productive day. Love your humor!

  39. I saw Tom was drinking coffee from his Louis mug. That has to feel good and help through some of this craziness that is 2020. Thanks for sharing your insights. I have discovered that when I don’t write and or draw it’s like I am punishing myself for some reason. But when I sit down and do it, I feel alive again. Even a few small squiggles and ideas bring back that lifeblood.

  40. Love the “change of space” tip. Even during pandemic lock-down, switching up rooms to work in has really helped. Looking forward to reading “Louis.” Congrats!

  41. Hi Julie, I finally read this post and it’s an absolute gem. Your crack the tip comment made me crack up. I can’t wait to get my copy of Louis. Congratulations!

  42. Thanks so much for sharing your tips for staying on track, despite life’s distractions! I appreciate that you remind yourself: “you are a professional! Get back to work!” That really resonated!

  43. Great post!
    One of these days I’m going to snatch my daughter’s iPad and try out the Procreate app-I’ve heard great things and sounds invigorating to be able to change things on a whim…
    Thanks and congrats!

  44. Thank you Julie for being real. I am pretty disciplined but life does get in the way, and I have to get resourceful about staying with the creative me- even if it’s just a toe hold.
    Sometimes, if I promise to get just one thing done, it turns into two and pretty soon I’m back in a habit and mode of creating.. Congratulations on Louis!

  45. Yes, Julie,
    Finding a window of time for our creations is ongoing. I find some of my most productive times are the least expected; while waiting in the Starbucks drive-thru, sketching on a park bench, waking in the night with a fresh idea. Congratulations on Louis!

  46. “Poetry opens a mind-window painted shut” is a beautiful image and a great way to remember a helpful tip! Thank you!

  47. Congratulations on your upcoming book Louis! It looks like a nice story!

    You are right that we need to keep writing and illustrating each day, even when other things get in the way. Thank you for your helpful tips to keep on track!

  48. Thanks for sharing your creative tips. Well worth remembering and applying. Look forward to reading Louis.

  49. Thank you for these tips, Julie! Poetry and taking a walk have always been my go-to, not only for my creativity, but also just to help me get through hard times. I needed this reminder, because it’s been a while since I’ve done either. I will also be trying out some of the others!! Thank you!

  50. Some very good suggestions here. I will try the copying a PB to see how it feels. I do love poetry also, and so glad to hear that a walk gives you the right to sit down and work.

  51. Life certainly does get in the way! I feel like I am so far behind in life in general and in my writing. I have three manuscripts ready to submit but can’t seem to write a good query letter! I have another manuscript to revise. But my butt just sits in front of my computer. I don’t feel the time is right for creativity or motivation. Glad to hear it took you so long to finish your task. I know I’m not the only one!

    1. May I suggest reading some of Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog posts for “Would You Read it?” (usually Wednesdays). It really helped me to learn how to refine a pitch and be helpful to others in the community at the same time! And you can also feel productive without having to create from scratch!

  52. Congratulations Julie on this adorable book! I LOVE this cover illustration and cannot wait to dive in to read it !
    Your list of survival skills during this pandemic and even as a writer, I can totally relate to! I have had a really hard time creating new stories this month. Have many to revise and my own book to debut which now looks like perhaps next month! Yikes!
    Wishing you all the best with your new book sales! I will be launchi8ng Mimi’s Story Hour once I get my book launched. Let me know if you would consider having your book read aloud online with children by myself or it could be in person. Still working through the details. My email: MBTGrouCB@gmail.com
    Cheers!!

    1. Hi Marianne! Best of luck with the work you have ahead! As far as reading online goes, each publisher has their own COVID guidelines and restrictions, and I am sure they will be evolving as time goes on. At this time that right is reserved for teachers/librarians and some booksellers. You’ll need to check in with respective publishers when you are ready. Thanks for considering Louis!

  53. Thanks for sharing how you keep the creative ideas flowing. Congrats on Louis! I can’t wait to read it and see all your wonderful illustrations!

  54. We could all use tips for keeping creativity on track, this year! Thanks for your insights and great sense of humor!

  55. This is my very first comment on any post. I have often been unsatisfied with my writing space. I use it as an excuse for not writing! Reading this post is inspiring and hopefully will help me move on. Baby steps. I did write one pb and halfheartedly worked on rewritng two others.

    1. I do hope you can take some time to create a more engaging and inspiring space for yourself – and if all else fails, use your imagination! A patio on a Greek island, maybe? haha! All the best, Ellen!

  56. This was an awesome post and just what I needed. I’ve gotten a little stuck the last couple of weeks and need the flow to flow without the “perfect” conditions. I’ll try some of your methods! Thank you!

  57. This was an awesome post and just what I needed. I’ve gotten a little stuck the last couple of weeks and need the flow to flow without the “perfect” conditions. I’ll try some of your methods! Thank you!

  58. Your dream workspace sounds like exactly what I would love to have…..and the coffee…iced coffee for me, please! It’s good to read already published authors struggle in the same way aspiring authors do. It actually inspires me more when I read this because sometimes it’s easy to think of giving up or that you don’t have it in you for whatever reason. This pandemic made it tough to stay in a good creative mind frame for me in the beginning. I wished I could have looked at it like I initially thought I would…that being..oh – I will have ample time to create. Nope…didn’t happen. My creativity went out the window for a while. So thank you for your inspiring words!

  59. Thanks for your helpful tips in staying creative when dealing with Real Life. Couldn’t be more timely. I, too, long for that perfect, comfy setting, but instead, Real Life. lol. You carry on, and so shall I. 🙂

  60. Poetry! I don’t use it neary enough. Thanks for the reminder, Julie. Your illustartions are captivating – that cheeky face is a true invitation to read the book.

  61. I almost missed this one. Glad I didn’t. I really appreciate the list of things that worked for Julie. I am copying those. Good stuff.

  62. Thank you for a great post Julie! I love your work and congrats on your debut author-illustrator book – so exciting!!

  63. Thanks, Julie! It’s good to be reminded that life gets in the way for everyone at times. Congratulations on Louis! I can’t wait to check it out!

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Financial Need Scholarship Guidelines

All applications will be accepted via email only between November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023 at kelli@juliehedlund.com.

Subject line of the email:

  1. 12 x 12 Financial Need Scholarship
 

Please include the following in the body of the email:

  1. An autobiographical statement and career summary in 250 words or fewer.
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  3. A sample query letter for the manuscript you are submitting with your application.
  4. Pitches for two additional completed picture books.
 

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  1.  The full text of one picture book manuscript, attached as a Word document named as FIN_YourFirstName_YourLastName_Title_of_Manuscript.doc (or docx).