Ask the Author: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Answered Questions (7)
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Best solution, I've found: take a walk outside, unplugged (I don't listen to music or audiobooks). The fresh air, the change in scenery, the exercise...it helps clear my mind and spurs creativity.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Letters and comments from young readers about my books. Kids are so honest. My favorites are letters from young readers who say my books inspired them to read, write or draw more.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
I'm lucky in that this is my fulltime career. I'm in awe of those who do their illustrating, writing, school visits etc. AND have young children at home AND a day job!
I'm still learning how to better manage my time. Some things I've learned:
1. To be better at saying no to favour requests or social event invites, even if it means sometimes disappointing people and even if the event sounds like fun.
2. To regularly remind myself about my longterm goals: both my career goals as well as semi-longterm (e.g. "I'm going to finish writing my middle grade novel this year"). This helps me prioritize everything else.
3. To always be looking for ways to be more efficient with my time, to streamline my process. But at the same, to make sure I build in time to slow down, to play, to experiment, to get outside and take walks, etc. Sounds ironic, I know, scheduling in playtime...but I've found that as a freelancer who enjoys her work, I tend to want to work ALL THE TIME otherwise. And without playtime/downtime, my creative well dries up and I lose energy and enthusiasm.
I'm still learning how to better manage my time. Some things I've learned:
1. To be better at saying no to favour requests or social event invites, even if it means sometimes disappointing people and even if the event sounds like fun.
2. To regularly remind myself about my longterm goals: both my career goals as well as semi-longterm (e.g. "I'm going to finish writing my middle grade novel this year"). This helps me prioritize everything else.
3. To always be looking for ways to be more efficient with my time, to streamline my process. But at the same, to make sure I build in time to slow down, to play, to experiment, to get outside and take walks, etc. Sounds ironic, I know, scheduling in playtime...but I've found that as a freelancer who enjoys her work, I tend to want to work ALL THE TIME otherwise. And without playtime/downtime, my creative well dries up and I lose energy and enthusiasm.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Advice for young writers:
Read. Read voraciously. If you like a book, ask yourself why you liked it. If you didn't like a book, figure out why you didn't like it.
Advice for grown-up writers:
Intelligent perseverance is as important as your writing when it comes to publishing success.
If you're thinking about writing picture books because you think short = easy/quick, think again.
Advice for those who want to get published: Join the SCBWI or (esp in Canada) CANSCAIP. Meet others in the industry. Learn, commiserate, exchange info and encouragement.
Read. Read voraciously. If you like a book, ask yourself why you liked it. If you didn't like a book, figure out why you didn't like it.
Advice for grown-up writers:
Intelligent perseverance is as important as your writing when it comes to publishing success.
If you're thinking about writing picture books because you think short = easy/quick, think again.
Advice for those who want to get published: Join the SCBWI or (esp in Canada) CANSCAIP. Meet others in the industry. Learn, commiserate, exchange info and encouragement.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
I'm illustrating I'M SAD, a sequel to I'M BORED (for Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers). I love Michael Ian Black's story so much! It's funny and sad and hopeful all at the same time.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Reading ALWAYS inspires me. Sometimes I read new books that I've heard about. Sometimes I reread old favourites.
Debbie Ridpath Ohi
I got the idea for WHERE ARE MY BOOKS? from my love of libraries, starting from when my parents took the kids to the library once a week and through high school, when I was in the Library Club, and then later on in life when I did part-time work as a Page for the Toronto Public Library.
I got the idea for SAM & EVA because of "cartoon wars" I used to do with my friends back in university (starting with my first boyfriend) and then with nieces and nephews later on.
Apologies for missing this question earlier! I missed seeing the notification. :-(
I got the idea for SAM & EVA because of "cartoon wars" I used to do with my friends back in university (starting with my first boyfriend) and then with nieces and nephews later on.
Apologies for missing this question earlier! I missed seeing the notification. :-(
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