Barney Saltzberg Noodlings

Now That I Am An Author, You Want Me To WHAT?

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:31:00 PST

Now That I Am An Author, You Want Me To, WHAT?

I am in a hotel room in Clarksville Tennessee. It’s 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon and I just arrived from Los Angeles. I flew to Nashville and was taken to a Macaroni Grill where I found everything on the menu except Macaroni. After lunch I was driven to a tiny hotel in Clarksville. I don’t really have to be in Clarksville until 8:00 AM the following morning, but with the plane schedules and such, I now have some time to kill before I get picked up in the morning to begin a week of visiting elementary schools.

I decide to take a walk. There seems to be two places to visit in this part of Clarksville. A Boot Barn, which is right next to the hotel and a Walmart Superstore across the street. The Boot Barn was having a going out of business sale and I thought it might be the perfect opportunity to buy a pair of cowboy boots at half price. I felt like Cinderella, jamming my feet in to any boot that looked at all like something I would wear. There wasn’t a pair of boots in the entire Boot Barn that fit! Wonder why they’re going out of business?

The next stop on my afternoon tour was the Walmart Super Store. It was as great as any museum I had ever been to. Never having entered a Walmart, let alone a Walmart Superstore, I might as well have been wearing a floppy hat and had a camera and a pair of binoculars hanging from my neck. I was a tourist and I could tell there was some serious site seeing to do at Walmartland. Do you know that you can buy ammunitionand cottage cheese all under one roof? (Not to mention all sorts of firearms so your ammo doesn’t go to waste) I’m not sure what the occasion might be where you would need both cottage cheese and ammunition, but it didn’t matter, the fact that you could buy both in the same store was truly a wonder to me.

I opted for the cottage cheese and passed on the ammunition. I did, however, buy a box of crackers. Having spent two hours wandering through the Walmart Superstore, I went back to the hotel and started clicking through channels while enjoying my edible souvenirs on the bed. (Yes, my dear wife, I removed the bedspread first!)

I settled on the Biography channel and found myself fascinated with the Carny Willson story. I was actually her camp counselor when she was four or five. (I kept sending home notes pleading with her parents to send Carny with tennis shoes because it was rather hard for her to run like the other children since dear little Carny came to camp wearing flip flops every day) Here I was, lounging on a bed, eating crackers with cottage cheese and learning that Ms. Wilson had her stomach stapled. (Always a fun subject when stuffing one’s face with cottage cheese and crackers) Thinking back, it now occurs to me that had Carny been able to run around more as a child, she might not have needed this painful procedure, but I’m losing the point of this story. So, I’m watching this gripping program when suddenly I noticed a message scrolling across the bottom of the TV screen. “TORNADO WATCH AND FLASH FLOOD WARNING”.

I opened the door of my room and see that it’s pouring rain. We’re talking Monsoon pouring. I’ve seen heavy rain, but this Tennessee rain was coming down furious and flying sideways. This was a day of firsts. Cottage cheese and ammo and now sideways rain. I look back at the TV and there's that lovely message still zipping along the bottom of the screen; “TORNADO WATCH AND FLASH FLOOD WARNING”.

I have an old friend, Adie who lives in Nashville so I called and asked her what to do if there actually is a Tornado, given that there didn’t appear to be a basement at the hotel, and my only real life experience of what to do in case of a Tornado, comes from being tormented by the annual viewing of the Wizard of Oz on TV and we all know that the trick at a time like this is to hide in the basement. The only reason I said, ‘tormented’ is that the flying monkeys scared me, every year. “Take a blanket off the bed,” Adie instructed me, “And lay down in the bathtub and cover yourself with the blanket”. Note to self, next time I visit a Walmart Superstore buy a helmet and a rowboat)

I stared at the TV screen and asked myself, “HOW DID I GET HERE?”

Notes From Students

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:00:00 PST

After over thirty days of visiting schools around the country, it's GREAT to be home.
These notes along the way helped!

On the Road - Day 10

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 21:52:00 PDT

On the Road - Day 10

Austin Texas. I’m a happy camper. I love this city. I woke up in Vero Beach, Florida.

Hurricane Sandy had already started licking the shore outside my window. The wind was whipping and the trees were dancing. It warm outside and I really loved being there, but was happy to hop on a plane after my two school visits.

I started off at a Catholic school. The grounds were physically like a hotel. It was a spectacular property. The auditorium was stunning. Full time sound man. The sound was perfect. The kids came in with their grandparents. It was a great crowd. Very responsive. One of the grandmothers came up to me after and said that she’d come see me if I had an event for ‘just adults’! I’ll add it to my list. The second school had the most enthusiastic librarian who was wearing homemade Arlo glasses, complete with dog bones glued to the temples! I signed tons of books today.

I was whisked away in a limo to drive a little over an hour to Melbourne, Florida. (Who knew there was such a place?) Flew to Atlanta.

The Atlanta airport was the most crowded airport I’ve ever been it. It was a zoo. My publisher was kind enough to buy a day pass for me to hang out in the Sky Club. That was pretty crowded as well, but a much better place to be than out in the sea of people.

Met a really interesting guy sitting next to me..... Hearing that he’s ‘killed’ over 250 wild animals in Africa was an interesting test. I knew there was nothing I could say that was going to change his mind about his favorite past time. Moving beyond that, he was really interesting... Just were just, clearly very different.

Met a sweetheart of a young woman (24) from Austin on the plane. We yapped the whole way to Austin. I really enjoyed speaking with her.... Never would have crossed paths if not for the flight.

The Texas book festival has volunteers who help out. My escort was waiting at baggage and she zipped me in to town where I checked in to the Hilton in Austin. She told me about a great, inexpensive Tex/Mex restaurant around the corner. I went out to explore and found that they were closing as I arrived. They suggested Jacalope, down the street. A typical bar. Ordered two fish tacos and a beer at the bar. They brought me my food. I watched the end of the World Series game. Tacos were great... Accent on the ‘were’. Just as I was finishing, something caught my eye and I saw a GIANT cockroach about to climb on to my plate from the table. I flicked it on to the floor. Jumped up and told the bouncer about the uninvited guest at my table. He suggested I tell the ‘server’. I said I was NOT going back inside..... SO sorry I had paid before the meal.

Fought the urge to vomit on the way back, and now I’m very happy being in my room.

A few schools in the morning, so that’s all I’ve got for today.

Adios.

Random pictures from Florida.

On the Road - Day 9

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:40:00 PDT

Woke up in Miami. I'm writing tis in Vero Beach, Florida which is under tropical storm watch. I'm staying at the Vero Beach Spa. I so wish I could actually 'stay' here and play. I'm on the second floor overlooking the ocean and the palm trees are swaying as the wind makes my curtains dance into the room. The air feels like Hawaii or Mexico. I love it. I'm getting picked up at 8:00 AM so I really won't get a chance to enjoy this beyond tonight.

Early today I visited three schools. Everybody was very enthusiastic. Rushed around with the Miami traffic and was so blown away by the amazing bookstore, Books and Co in Corel Gable. They had so many books to sign, it was a delight. Plus, I loved talking to the book buyer. A sweetheart!

Had an amazing drive with Clarence, the limo driver, who took me three hours north to Vero Beach. Loved talking to him and as much as I wanted to nap, we seemed to yap!

SO happy to be in a lovely hotel. I might even use the HUGE bathtub and soak.

Adios until Texas!

On the Road - Day 8

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 21:31:00 PDT

Woke up in Minnesota to a rainy day. I haven't had one night where I've slept completely through the night.... Maybe tonight....

I took the shuttle over to the Mall of America. Much different on a Tuesday morning. Very quiet. I'm really glad I checked it out on Sunday to get my bearings. When I approached the stage, there was a giant marquee over head with my book, Andrew Drew and Drew being advertised! Very cool to see.

I could see the kids were gong to be little. It is Toddler Tuesday. I opted to sit on the edge of the stage so I would be closer to the kids. I was surprised to see how many children and parents were there. It was an incredibly attentive group. The participated in singing along and really listened intently when I read my books. I was really happy with the way it went.

I signed a handful of books. (I don't think this is really a buying audience. They are looking for a morning activity to keep their toddler busy) When I was finished signing books the woman from Barnes and Noble, (who supplied the books) said I had one more show. Who knew? It turned out to be a whole different crowd, only a half an hour later. Again, a great audience and a small batch of signed books. I did have a mom say her daughter thought I should go on American Idol. I told her I was flattered but that I was a bit too old for that show!

Flew to Charlotte and then on to Miami. Had a wonderful conversation with a really interesting guy who is at Loyola Law school and interested in Environmental law, in New Orleans. It was such a treat to meet someone who is clearly looking to do good things on this planet. As tired as I am, it is one of the perks of traveling so much. It's the people I meet along the way.

I better go to sleep since I'm getting picked up in eight hours!!!!

Adios.

More random shots from today.

On the Road - Day 7

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:59:00 PDT

My last night in Minnesota. It's getting a bit blurry as to who, what, where, so by at least stopping at the end of the day, I am trying to sort everything out.

I visited three schools today. Kids everywhere are great. Today was no exception. I 'thought' I had asked for LCD projectors at each stop but it's hard to know for sure. Bottom line, make each visit work. I was able to use two dry erase boards. Worked perfectly. When I couldn't show my video, we sang and talked a bit more. In some ways, it's good to have to improvise! Keeps you from getting stale!

My wife says I have liked all of my drivers. Today was no exception in that department either. Tim was however, the first guy and a Democrat! Felt very at home, right away. I met the owner of the Red Balloon bookstore. VERY, very sweet. I didn't get to go to the store, but they brought books to two of the schools. I did get to go visit the Wild Rumpus bookstore. Knocked out!!!!! Two chickens live in the store along with a bunch of other pets! I felt so at home the moment I got there. They even have a smaller front door for kids to walk through, built right into the front door. It's so inspiring to see such passion for picture books!!!!!!!

I took some photos. Will post below. Got to have dinner in the room and watch the third and final debate!!!! It's hard to believe we all vote in two weeks. Mall of America tomorrow morning and off to Florida. Can't wait to write about performing at the Rotunda.

Adios for now.

Here are some funky shots of 'some' of the pets who live at the Wild Rumpus.... Also, they are having illustrators sign tiles which will be installed in their new bathroom. You'll see my contribution.

On the Road - Day 6

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 19:14:00 PDT

Woke up at the Airport Hilton to find the Minnesota Wildlife Reserve next to the hotel! I walked in silence for a couple of hours. A nice change of pace. Enjoy the photos. I only wish I could pass the incredible smell along as well.

Back to schools and bookstores tomorrow.
Goodnight.

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 18:25:00 PDT

On the Road, Day 5

Note’s from a teacher after my visit to The Miami Valley Early Childhood Center, Dayton Ohio.

Charlie - “I laughed so hard when he said, “My boss is going to come in, in a second”. “Then a dog came in!” (After seeing the video from my powerpoint)

Trevor - “I liked the silly book about the dog that needed glasses. I wear glasses too”.

Maya - “I liked all his dogs”.

Cate - “We got to read all the books then I got to take them home. Mommy is going to read them to me at bedtime tonight”.

On another note, I have been in Ohio for five days. Can we talk about political commercials? YIKES! 90% of them are from Romney. I was told that even though I have seen pockets of Republicans, that a majority of the state is Democratic. Oh, the TV is on as I write this and here’s another Romney ad. “I’m not going to raise taxes on anyone….”

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Today I am underwear at a Macy’s sale. I am sitting in a large room at the Duke Energy Center with a gazillion other authors at a table behind stacks of my books. Hundreds of people are strolling down the isles and stopping by each table, thumbing through our books. It’s a bit bizarre. In the time it took to write that last sentence, two woman pushing a stroller, turned a few pages in Oops and moved on to another table.

The day actually turned out to be amazing. I was quite surprised to see how many families came out for books. I lost count of how many copies I autographed. I went into the ‘kids corner’ to perform and saw that there was a small stage on the opposite end of the room where a musical performance was going to take place when I finished. Given that I have a small guitar and the size of the room, I was eyeing the stage. Zak Morgan, a Cincinnati local was kind enough to offer me his stage as well as his lovey Taylor guitar. We switched gears and I was able to show some books, draw and sing from the stage. A delightful group for the half an hour and a good number of them followed me back to the book signing table.

I met a girl, I believe she’s in the third grade, Brooke. She was such a delight. Clearly bitten by the picture book bug. She draws and writes and was so enthusiastic. Her mother showed me a sketchbook that Brooke has been filling with stories and art. We did a little squiggle drawing together and it was clear, she ‘gets’ it. I loved meeting her and asked her to send me some stories. Now that connection wouldn’t have happened if I stayed home!

Speaking of connections, I met a wonderful Economics professor, Bernard, from South Africa. We talked the entire flight to Minnesota. I found my first Obama supporter for the first time in a few days. Too bad he can’t vote here! We talked about the education system in South Africa. He said there’s almost 100% graduation rate in high school. The alternatives are so bleak that people stay in school. What was troubling is that they are starting kids at the age of 3!!!!!! I asked what impact that was having, given that developmentally these kids aren’t ready for school. He said they’re pretty stressed out by the age of 5. YIKES.

Bernard suggested I come to Africa to speak to the children. I gave him my card since he said he’s connected to schools. Who knows!!!!!!

At the Airport Hilton in Minnesota. Room service again. Looking forward to NOT having to be anywhere tomorrow. I have work to do. I think I’ll probably camp out all day in my sweats because I’m eight to ten miles out of the city. A perfect recipe for hunkering down. More work on Monday.

Adios.

Here's my signing table and some fellow authors feeling like underwear at the sale. (Honestly didn't ask but it's a good guess!)

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 18:19:00 PDT

On the Road, Day 5

Note’s from a teacher after my visit to The Miami Valley Early Childhood Center, Dayton Ohio.

Charlie - “I laughed so hard when he said, “My boss is going to come in, in a second”. “Then a dog came in!” (After seeing the video from my powerpoint)

Trevor - “I liked the silly book about the dog that needed glasses. I wear glasses too”.

Maya - “I liked all his dogs”.

Cate - “We got to read all the books then I got to take them home. Mommy is going to read them to me at bedtime tonight”.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Bernard suggested I come to Africa to speak to the children. I gave him my card since he said he’s connected to schools. Who knows!!!!!!

Adios.

My signing table and some other fellow underwear authors on sale behind the tables.

Book Tour, Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 19:21:00 PDT

On The Road, Day 4

Back in my hotel after being gone from 8:45 AM until 8:15 PM.

We crossed the bridge from Cincinnati to Kentucky this morning and went to Newport. Very economically challenged area. The facility felt like a high school but it was Elementary. I saw Kindergarten and 1^st grade. The most racially diverse group of children I have seen since being on this trip. The teachers hadn’t read my books to the kids but it really didn’t matter. The kids were delightful. Very responsive and present. My favorite question at the end of the session was from a little girl who asked, “How come you don’t have a boss?” Very astute! I mentioned that I still had to answer to an editor but that authors who wrote books worked for themselves, but we still had to run things by our editors.

Left there, bought some sweats (since I forgot mine) from Target. Targets are Targets. I could have been in LA or Richmond. Pretty crazy.

I had two hours to explore the Underground Railroad Museum which honors and documents the slaves who were moved into hiding and ultimately to freedom. VERY moving!!!!! I honestly needed a lot more time to explore.

Was picked up and brought to another school in Ft. Wayne, Kentucky. I met with pre-K and Kindergarten. The older ones had just visited a pumpkin patch on a Friday. Talk about pumped up…. I couldn’t read a book without the kids shouting out what the next word was. It was wild and fun. Tearing the page off a large pad on an easel, a large piece hung from the top of the page as it tore. I drew an elephant and used the hanging paper as a trunk. The kids were giggling and lovely…

Off to a beautiful, homey, intimate bookstore on the bottom floor of a house. The Blue Marble. The first signing I have ever had where nobody showed up….. Humbling at the least. 6:00 on a rainy Friday night, I wasn’t expecting much. The good news is, I loved the owner of the store and we had a wonderful afternoon together!!! Amazing and inspiring to see real picture book lovers!!!!!! They even have a room which is decorated like the bedroom in Goodnight Moon.

Left there and went to an upscale neighborhood and visited the Blue Manatte bookstore. Really beautiful store with a little café attached. ALL picture books. The walls were covered with drawings and signatures from picture book authors. I was honored to sign the wall and join the group. Small group of kids and parents, but LOVELY kids and parents. LOTS of fun!!!!!!

I have had the privilege to have my media driver, Cathy, shlep me around. She is a ‘fiscal’ Republican and someone who believes in God and occasionally goes to Church. Needless to say, we have had some wonderful political and religious conversations. I have so enjoyed our time together.

On to a book conference tomorrow called Books by the Banks near the river and them I zoom off to the airport to fly to Minnesota. Sunday is a free day and then more schools and bookstores before flying to Florida on Tuesday night.

That’s enough for now!

Adios.

More random shots from today..... The quilted images are from the Underground Railroad Museum. Tornado sign is from a school today. Not a sign I have ever seen before!!!!

Book Tour Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 19:09:00 PDT

Book Tour Day 3

You know you are tired when you don’t know what city you are in. I do know where I am at the moment! Downtown Cincinnati. Actually, I’m on the 17^th floor of a beautiful, art deco Hilton hotel. I was told by my publicist (boy that sounds funny) that there is a great bar downstairs, but that will have to wait for tomorrow night. I need to re-group. Still, there were times during the day today where I had to quietly ask, "What city are we in? What's the name of this school?"

I woke up in Delaware, Ohio and visited two public schools. Both large assemblies in gymnasiums. Thank goodness for good sound systems! I have been to so many school gyms where the speakers are in the ceiling and the amp is too far away to plug my guitar in. Both schools today had new sound systems right were I was standing along with LCD projectors so I could draw on my iPad and project the images on the screen.

The kids were attentive and great. I had lunch in downtown Delaware. This is where Wesleyan University is. Lovely tree lined streets with sweet two story, either brick or wooden houses. The houses and fall colored trees made me feel like I was in a Charlie Brown Halloween special. Not a Spanish house or palm tree anywhere. I’m not in Kansas Toto!

A new Cathy driver. (Found out that yesterday’s was Kathy) Media drivers. Cathy has been driving authors for thirty years. I told both Cathy and Kathy they need to write a book, Driving Authors! They have me tons of people and I’m sure, have tons of stories to tell. We drove to Dayton and I visited Books & Co. A BEAUTIFUL store. Low turn out for me. When an event is scheduled for kids at 6:00 PM….. we ran in to dinner time… but the kids and adults who came were terrific! I signed all of the stores stock for my titles which is ALWAYS amazing because it means the book seller feels confident they can sell all of your books. (Which didn’t sell at the event) Much better than the store returning the remaining copies to the publisher.

Sitting with my diver for so long in the car, it’s hard (for me) not to talk….. We covered politics and religion. I have been in Christian and mostly Republican land. I am grateful for the opportunity to have uninterrupted time to share our thoughts…. Non-judgmental. Just sharing. It’s been really enlightening and much better than listening to the news and hearing about another poll.

Another hour in the car and I am now in my hotel room and VERY happy to have the HBO special, Ethel, on and I just finished room service, dinner. (Delish!) Happy to be in one hotel for two nights. Two schools and two bookstores tomorrow and maybe I will have enough energy to explore the bar tomorrow night.

Adios.

Random shots from today....

Arlo & Andrew Tour Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 21:05:00 PDT

Book Tour Day 2

So, after a restless night in Columbus, Ohio my alarm went off at (4:30 AM CA time) 7:30 AM here. I think I had about three hours of deep sleep. I was met by a lovely woman named Kathy who drove me an hour and a half to Dayton. (There are full time media drivers!) It’s FALL here and the trees are in full bloom with splashes of orange, reds and yellows!

Whenever I go to a new town I like to see which neighborhoods would look good for trick-or-treating. Pretty much everywhere I went today was perfect! I was blown away by the school in Miami Valley. Great staff. Great kids. I had a pre-k girl say, “I’ve seen you before!” I mentioned that I had never been there and she said, “I saw you before when I didn’t see you….” I picked up the guitar and quickly composed a song with that as the chorus. Lot’s of fun. Lot’s of signed books. Great morning.

Driven and hour and a half back to Columbus for lunch and then off to a beautiful bookstore, Cover to Cover. It’s so encouraging to see so many picture book enthusiasts. I realize now, I should have taken a picture of the walls at the bookstore. Every illustrator who visits the store draws a picture and signs with a sharpie pen. There wasn’t much room but I found a spot to squeeze in a little drawing. Honored to be on the wall!

Left the store for the Orange Branch library. The building was built a year ago and one of the nicest libraries I have ever been in to anywhere. GREAT staff. (Especially Julie) I felt completely at home there and when the kids and parents walked in for a 700 PM program. Sang, read books and did a little drawing. Signed a gazillion books and took a lot of photos with the kids. I’m assuming that’s a good sign unless they wanted to have a record of that guy they want to avoid in the future. Out to a lovely dinner with a retired librarian and an optimistic children’s book seller. Lot’s of bacon on the two menu’s I saw today. I was told there are a lot of hog farmers here.

No craziness today. (Unless you count the Romney signs plastered around town) Time for this guy to sleep….

More adventures tomorrow.

Adios

Cover to Cover Bookstore, Columbus, Ohio

Movie theater in Delaware, Ohio

Arlo and Andrew Book Tour, Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:20:00 PDT

On the road. Day 1

Sitting in the bulkhead on an American Airlines flight to Chicago where I will dash to a connecting flight to Ohio. I'm feeling a bit guilty about all the leg room. I could. Fit in the overhead with these legs of mine. The guy next to me is built like a linebacker and he 'needs' the extra room. Actually, the seat next to me is empty and he should probably lift the arm and spread out some more... On the other hand, I never appreciated what the arm rest on a plane does. It's kind of like those little bars people plop down at the checkout line to separate their food from the other customers. No, I am NOT buying Wonder bread. Can't you tell by my organic salad mix and the hummus in my pile?

If somebody could take a picture of me and my neighbor two seats over, I'm sure we make quite a pair.
He couldn't wrap me around his neck for a pillow.

Okay. Turbulence. My favorite. Do you think my neighbor would mind if I buried my head on his shoulder? If we crashed, I'd probably end up as tattoo on his arm. Oh, lovely thoughts when the plane goes over ruts in the road....

My lovely AND smart wife, Susan reminded me this morning that I have been talking about this trip forever. She has been amazing, running around and making sure I have everything. Kind of like a squirrel gathering supplies for the winter. I have more than enough of everything for this trip. Possibly she's in a hurry to get me out of twin so she can hunt down the ever elusive, George Clooney. Suffice to say, my suitcase is stuffed with supplies! Wanna buy some hand sanitizer? So now I am officially gone. Grand Canon out my window!!!!

I know this will be an adventure. I am honored to have two publishers who believe in me enough to have arranged all of this. It's quite an extensive trip and they have crammed as much in to a day as I could ever imagine. It will make traveling with Susan seem like a vacation instead of a sprint!!! I figure if the candidates can travel like this for a year, I can handle a few weeks!!!

My biggest concern is being present. Three or four presentations in a day can get daunting. The good thing is, I mix things up each time to make it more interesting for myself and hopefully the audience.

Some people my age are retiring so to be going on such an extensive trip to promote my new books at this stage is quite validating. This old dog has more tricks to learn, songs to sing and books to make. As usual, once I'm done obsessing about what's ahead and I jump in, I enjoy the ride! More tomorrow when I have actually spent the day book stumping!

Well, I have met a teamster from Chicago who said the teamsters are voting for Romney and now the guy next to me from Ohio says he's voting the same way.... Not good averages so far!!!

More thoughts as I ride in a pencil of a plane from Chicago to Ohio. I see a lot of business people on this flight. I set off to be an artist and even though I'm not dressed like these people, we are all business men and women. I did set out thinking we'd have a farm and I would convert the barn for a studio. That's a thirty year old dream now.

So I write these stories and make these drawings in my studio and now I am zipping across the country to promote these new books. It's kind of odd when you think about it. I mean, I'm appearing for Toddler Tuesday at the Mall of America. I'm envisioning a batch of little kids who are wild little banshees and their moms yapping to each other while I attempt to read a story to everyone sandwiched somewhere been Hot dog on. Stick and Cinnabon. Not what I was imagining, ever! Who knows, I am hoping to be surprised! I am looking forward to meeting independent book store owners and teachers and students across the country. It's an honor to have the opportunity to spend time with these people.

Got to watch the first five minutes if the presidential debate. Obama was off to a good start Hate that graph on CNN. Undecided voters weighing in on I every line. I had to turn off the iPad as we took off. I'm looking down below at lots of houses where the lights are on. I bet there are a lot of TVs watching what I had to turn off!

At my first hotel in Columbus, Ohio. Time for bed!

Picture Books In St. Petersburg, Russia

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:52:00 PDT

Too tired to say much on my last night in St. Petersburg. I did stop at a wonderful bookstore and naturally headed for the children's section.

Here are a few of the books I saw!

More soon.

Leaving for Russia

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 09:02:00 PDT

Saturday I fly to Moscow. Now, that's a sentence I haven't written before. I am visiting Moscow and two other cities to speak on behalf of the US State Department about creativity. I will have an interpreter wherever I go. ALWAYS fun to sing a song and have each line translated. I'm not sure what to expect. I'm looking forward to the adventure!

I will try to post from my trip. I wasn't able to access my account when I spoke in China. We shall see how open Russia is. I still can't believe I'm going!

More soon.

Summer is Zipping

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:42:00 PDT

I have been so busy, I haven't stopped to write anything for my blog in a long time. Realizing that the Olympics start today and August is around the corner, I thought I would take a moment to put down a few thoughts.

I have been wading through the book, IMAGINE by Jonah Lehrer. (I am a very slow reader) The book talks about the way the brain works and creativity. I find myself re-reading over sentences and paragraphs to try and absorb all the information. I am looking forward to my wife reading the book so we can discuss it. (Maybe she'll be able to explain some of it!!!) At the rate I'm going..... I'm not sure when I'll move the book over to her nightstand.

What's been interesting for me is that I have been having out of the body moments when I'm working. I'm now noticing how my thought processes happen. Maybe it's because I'm not carpooling and running all over town since my children grew up and are on their own, but I seem to be able to let ideas percolate differently.

Lehrer talks about the state of mind when you are still in bed. You're not dreaming but you aren't quite awake. I find that while I'm working on things, I go to sleep thinking about whatever it is I'm trying to figure out. I always fall asleep before I come to any great break throughs. When I feel myself waking up, I go back to the issue at hand. I have found solutions at that moment. They don't always work, but I have had some visions of clarity that have helped whatever it is I'm working on. I think it's partially that the brain isn't in full gear and all the distractions of day to day life haven't filled my mind.

There's a great part in the book I just read where Keith Richards, way back in the early sixties, fell asleep with a tape recorder running. He woke up to find the tape just spinning on it's spindle in the morning. He re-ran the tape and heard himself singing a song and then there was forty minutes of snoring. The song he was singing in his sleep was Satisfaction. Funny, I remember trying to write a science fiction story in college where they would plug your brain into a video recorder so you could watch your dreams when you woke up.

To finish my thoughts here.....Interestingly enough, I needed a way to finish a book with a fun spread where the message is, 'open your mind'. Not only did the visual of what goes on inside the brain happen, but when I went to work, I googled, 'cardboard gears'. Ordered a couple of packages and painted them. These puppies actually spin!

If you are looking for an interesting read, check out IMAGINE by Jonah Lehrer.

Adios.
Barney

Trusting Your Gut

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 08:29:00 PDT

When I first wrote, Would You Rather Be A Princess Or A Dragon? I had a different ending than the one that's in the final version. Ultimately, the message is the same but there was an edit by my editor that I wish I had fought to keep.

In the 9th grade, I had a ceramics teacher, Mr. Bassler. We were working on coil pots which you make by rolling the clay into long, snake like pieces and coil the pieces together until it stacks up into a bowl. I added a snake head on mine. Mr. Bassler suggested I take the head of the snake off. "You'll thank me later," he told me. I listened to him, and in a way, I have thanked him many times, in the sense that he taught me a great lesson. LISTEN TO YOUR GUT! I LOVED the snake head. It made the coil pot MY ART. I edited the piece for him and it became an ordinary pot!

So, flash forward to a gazillion years later.... I am not suggesting we don't listen to our editors. But, there are times when we have to decide which battles to choose. There are always compromises.

In the case of my princess and dragon story, the ending says something along the lines of; "Inside every princess is a little dragon. And inside every dragon is a little princess." The illustration shows the feet of the little princess sticking out of the dragon's mouth. It's a bit shocking, but it makes you turn the page to see what happens. (Part of the rhythm of a picture book) We see the princess is alive and well and the moral of the story is then read. My editor asked me to remove the picture of the feet sticking out of the dragon's mouth. I understand it was a bit much, but it was funny!

My publisher closed the day I turned in the artwork. I ended up publishing the book as an iBook. I wish I had thought to rework the ending to look more like I had originally intended.

So, the lesson of the day, follow your gut!

Adios.

Early storyboard. This version is far from being finished!

Photos instead of Drawing

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Thu, 31 May 2012 15:41:00 PDT

Sometimes the hand needs a break. You never know where and when you will be inspired to click.
These guitars were next to my bed!

Apples to Market

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Wed, 30 May 2012 10:32:00 PDT

So, you work and you work and you work. Idea. Concept. Left turn. Right turn. Dead end. Baby steps. Rejections. Encouragement. More directions. Two steps forward, twelve steps back. Hang on tight to this bucking horse and don't fall off. If you do, dust off your pants and jump back on. Maybe, sometimes, a book gets sold! Then begins the WORK.

I don't think it's much different than tending to an apple orchard and nurturing the fruit until it's ripe and beautiful. Then the farmer takes it to market.

After all is said and done. You get on to another project. About a year after you're done....

Someone send you a photograph from a store. OH YEAH! I remember that! It's here.

Out in the world!!!! LOVELY!

This just 'happens' to be my wonderful niece Rebecca's lovely daughter, Ella in Santa Fe, New Mexico!

How do you like 'them apples?'

I'm still here!

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:52:00 PDT

Amazing what it took for me to sit down and write another entry. I was moving a couch this morning and had that lovely electrical jolt in my lower back that dropped me to the floor. I iced and now, I'm sitting with a heating pad strapped to my back. I still want to take the Randy Newman song, I Love LA and re-write the lyrics; I Love Old Age!

I have been so busy working on books that I haven't stopped to write any blog posts. I'm realizing I created a video for my book, Arlo Needs Glasses. I will include that as well.

I did want to say that everyone has a different process for writing and creating. My father recently told me that I used to make the book covers for elementary school reports, before I had done any of the research or written one word! It must be my wiring. Now that I am working on 'interactive' books a lot, I have noticed that after making some preliminary pencil sketches in my notebook, I need to create art, cut and tape and fold and 'make' the book. It's a lot of work to do at such an early stage, but I am clearly a visual learner and need the hands on experience of seeing how the individual pages work so I can map out the book.

Right now, my studio has an entire book spread out on a table. Every page has some type of interactive doodad. I know internally, what the concept is. What the message is. Now that I can hold it in my hands and turn the pages, the actual text is forming. An odd way to work... Not necessarily one I recommend... Then again... it is working for me. What it proves for me is, there is no right or wrong way to create a book. You have to just follow your instinct.

I'll follow mine, back to my studio, as soon as I unplug from the heating pad!

Adios for now.

Barney

I tried bring the url in from youtube for the Arlo video but the blog isn't accepting it.
If you copy and paste this into your browser, you can see the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEpNPMCWltc

Clay Sheep

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:22:00 PDT

Sometimes it helps to make a model. Zeroing in on the 'look' of this mad sheep!

Sheeping

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:26:00 PDT

Trying to create a character for a book is like having a casting session for an actor. I know it's a sheep.
WHO the right sheep is, is another story! Trying traditional drawing and computer! Thoughts?

Oops Ripple

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:10:00 PDT

I had to take a break after completing my thirtieth poem. I went to New York to speak at a conference of Art teachers. My theme was about using Beautiful Oops in the classroom.

I had low expectations given the attendance of some California teacher events. I was knocked out to find a standing room only crowd. I was surprised and very pleased to hear that a large percentage already had Beautiful Oops in their classrooms and they were using it with their students. It seemed fitting to ask 'how' they were using the book.

There were lots of projects using either torn paper, spills or crunched paper to make art. Every teacher seemed to focus on the message that you can turn an oops into something beautiful. I can't tell you how wonderful that makes me feel. Okay, yes I can. IT FEELS WONDERFUL! (How was that?) Seriously, it confirms my hunch that when you remove the sting of making a mistake, it's incredibly freeing. When you show anyone, at any age how something 'should' look, it can be daunting. Knowing that, before they ever start creating, there isn't a preconceived notion of what the end result is, is liberating.

I would encourage you to try this with yourself and any child you know! Send me a picture. I would love to post it if you feel like sharing.

Poem #30!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 23:04:00 PST

Poem #29

noreply@blogger.com (Barney Saltzberg Author, Illustrator, Songwriter) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 07:36:00 PST