Ask the Author: Barbara DiLorenzo
Answered Questions (2)
Barbara DiLorenzo
As an artist first, I consider myself a visual writer. I draw sketches that tell the story, then work fold the words into the pages to create a fuller reading experience. Because I am not a writer first, my manuscripts give editors plenty to work with. :-) Between issues with grammar, voice, and age-appropriateness for my young readers, so much of what I type needs help. The best thing about being an illustrator first is that a drawing of a character can convey a visceral response from a reader without a word. I love exploring the fine line of when a word works best, and when to swap out a word for a well-drawn expression pulls at the heartstrings.
Barbara DiLorenzo
Writer's block happens to painters too. I noticed this when I spent a year studying at the Art Student's League of New York. One day, I showed up to paint the model, and not a single brush stroke worked out. It was as if I had suffered a concussion, or my skills just oozed out of my brain in the night. I was really amazed at the difference from the day before. I had been painting from 8:45 am - 12:30 pm, M–F for months, and this hadn't happened before. I asked my teacher, Mary Beth McKenzie, sheepishly wondering if I had hit my end as a painter. She laughed, and then told me the same thing happens to her from time to time. That made me feel a little better. I asked how she got through it. She simply said to keep showing up, day after day, and the act of painting would flow again naturally. I realize now that the same thing happens with writing. It's not always a problem of staring at a blank page. Sometimes it's hard to make progress on a current project. Her advice remains strong though. The only way to get through it is to keep doing the work, day after day.
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