Oof, this hits on so many things I've been struggling with! I have a singular talent for getting in my own way, but maybe I can channel Ylla a bit and just "buy the bear" without overthinking it so much.
I had also not heard of her, but her work reminds me of Dare Wright and her Lonely Doll books. Have you seen those?
Thank you for that question at the end of your video, Julie. Currently, I’m recovering from being ill, and not on my planned writing retreat, and yet, so far this cloudy, cool morning, for the first time in weeks, I’m called to the page. Life is weird. And short. And constantly sending the unexpected ox across our path. Looking forward to reading more about this “lost” photographer.
OMG, Julie! I loved this share so much! I did not know about Ylla (certainly not, esp. not as a creator)--BUT now I am remembering that my Mom had The Sleepy Little Lion b&w picture book! I mean, it wasn't mine--LOL!--it was actually *hers* on her shelf of books, and I guess I got it down a few times because I remember it--the lion cub basically goes to sleep all over the place--with like, some kids, maybe?, but I esp. remember the spread where his mom is yelling at him (or I think I do? Maybe that was a different book). Anyhow, now I need to go find that book ASAP and thank you for jogging all this. Now I'm remembering another animal photo book that I loved, too, that was definitely vintage. So much bubbling up! 😍
Go get it -- I'm telling you, her books are priced way too low on used book sites. I think "a lion cub goes to sleep all over the place" is such a brilliant concept for a picture book.
I love this discovery -- I’ve never heard of Ylla either but I definitely feel inspired by her life. Like you, I want to write a novel and after I finish the art for my debut picture book, my plan is to go for it even though I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Novels have so many pieces to juggle -- and I need to learn how to juggle. Way to go on your novel(s)! Excited to see what you do next. Also I saw your book announcements -- congrats!!!!
Novels have SO many pieces. And a lot of it is very fun, to be able to put in all that stuff, which I can't do in a picture book. But it's a lot to learn, figuring out what should be in there, what shapes the story. I wrote my Two Dogs in a Trench Coat books (which are...chapter books? novels?) with intense editorial help (which was lovely) and have at this point written four novels (five? I lost count). It's all so much practice.
That is seriously so amazing, Julie. 4-5 novels + chapter books!!! -- I love all of your picture books and now I need to get Two Dogs in a Trench Coat from the library ASAP. You definitely inspire me through your newsletter and your work.
I've never heard of Ylla either! That book looks adorable. I'm tempted to look up more of her photographs and books right now, but instead I'm taking your message to heart and am going to work on my novel instead. And then maybe Google her later. :)
I did buy two more of her books after I recorded this video -- Animals in Africa, and Dogs. They are ridiculously cheap. It's weird. These things are incredible. She had such an eye for photographing animals!
Oof, this hits on so many things I've been struggling with! I have a singular talent for getting in my own way, but maybe I can channel Ylla a bit and just "buy the bear" without overthinking it so much.
I had also not heard of her, but her work reminds me of Dare Wright and her Lonely Doll books. Have you seen those?
Yes, I've seen those Lonely Doll books! There is a similarity -- some of which might come from photography technology at the time?
I love thinking of it as "buying the bear" -- yes, let's get out of our own way!
Thank you for that question at the end of your video, Julie. Currently, I’m recovering from being ill, and not on my planned writing retreat, and yet, so far this cloudy, cool morning, for the first time in weeks, I’m called to the page. Life is weird. And short. And constantly sending the unexpected ox across our path. Looking forward to reading more about this “lost” photographer.
Oooo, I LOVE the image of the "unexpected ox." Speedy recovery, Cathy!
OMG, Julie! I loved this share so much! I did not know about Ylla (certainly not, esp. not as a creator)--BUT now I am remembering that my Mom had The Sleepy Little Lion b&w picture book! I mean, it wasn't mine--LOL!--it was actually *hers* on her shelf of books, and I guess I got it down a few times because I remember it--the lion cub basically goes to sleep all over the place--with like, some kids, maybe?, but I esp. remember the spread where his mom is yelling at him (or I think I do? Maybe that was a different book). Anyhow, now I need to go find that book ASAP and thank you for jogging all this. Now I'm remembering another animal photo book that I loved, too, that was definitely vintage. So much bubbling up! 😍
Go get it -- I'm telling you, her books are priced way too low on used book sites. I think "a lion cub goes to sleep all over the place" is such a brilliant concept for a picture book.
I love this discovery -- I’ve never heard of Ylla either but I definitely feel inspired by her life. Like you, I want to write a novel and after I finish the art for my debut picture book, my plan is to go for it even though I’m overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. Novels have so many pieces to juggle -- and I need to learn how to juggle. Way to go on your novel(s)! Excited to see what you do next. Also I saw your book announcements -- congrats!!!!
Thank you!
Novels have SO many pieces. And a lot of it is very fun, to be able to put in all that stuff, which I can't do in a picture book. But it's a lot to learn, figuring out what should be in there, what shapes the story. I wrote my Two Dogs in a Trench Coat books (which are...chapter books? novels?) with intense editorial help (which was lovely) and have at this point written four novels (five? I lost count). It's all so much practice.
That is seriously so amazing, Julie. 4-5 novels + chapter books!!! -- I love all of your picture books and now I need to get Two Dogs in a Trench Coat from the library ASAP. You definitely inspire me through your newsletter and your work.
I think you'll like the Two Dogs books! They were a total blast to write. And it is five novels. I remembered the one I forgot.
This was so inspiring. Thanks, Julie!
I've never heard of Ylla either! That book looks adorable. I'm tempted to look up more of her photographs and books right now, but instead I'm taking your message to heart and am going to work on my novel instead. And then maybe Google her later. :)
I did buy two more of her books after I recorded this video -- Animals in Africa, and Dogs. They are ridiculously cheap. It's weird. These things are incredible. She had such an eye for photographing animals!