Nancy Claus' Blog

Fall is in the air!

 
                                          Fall is in the air!

You should see my lists of things to accomplish soon. I know I’m not the only one that lives by a list. I get such satisfaction when I cross something off. As fall gets closer the lists are getting longer. There are book signings and of course making sure books are shipped. I’m trying to get a coloring book done and ready for the season. It sounded like something very easy to do. I already had a lot of the coloring pages done. I think it really will be cute. My problem is printing. I still have a hard time figuring out costs here in the U.S. How can the printing be triple here? Almost every book that has any color in it is printed in China and shipped back here for 1/3 off the cost. I guess there are a lot of things I’ll never understand.

 

 

Nancy, “oh Hi Mrs. Claus” Did you say something about this coming fall? Yes, I did , can’t you just feel the chill in the air?” Nancy, do I need to remind you we live at the North Pole?”” Oh that’s right, how could I forget? Have you been working on learning about twittering and being on facebook? “Yes, and it’s been fun, I’ve been writing down what happens every day up here. We have so much fun. I hope everyone will enjoy my stories.” I know they will Mrs. Claus, they will fall in love with you. Did you know you can only write 140 characters on twitter?”” “ How, can I tell my stories with only so many words?” You’ll do just fine Mrs. Claus, millions of people have learned how.” “Ok I better go  I have a whole lot of work to do before I try twitter” Bye, talk to you soon

Book Signings

Sorry I haven't been keeping up with my blogging. I've been doing a lot of book-signings. If any of you get a chance to come to Northern CA and you have extra time to shop, I 'm going to tell you about some wonderful Stores. I started out last Friday at Ladera Gardens and Gifts in Portola Valley. The area is absolutely beautiful, There are a lot of small ranches with Horses. Ladera Gardens has been a nursery for many years, as I was walking though it I was amazed how incredibly healthy all the plants look. A few years ago they added on a gift shop. When I was signing my books I was struck by how well liked the owners are. All their customers seemed very happyto be there.

The next day I was at William Glen in Sacramento. This store started out as a candle shop many years ago. They grew and grew, now they have China, Housewares, gifts, linens, candles, etc etc The visual in this store is breathtaking. It amazes me when you go though all their different rooms, how everything is put together. When I was signing my books it was fun to listen to customers oh- ah over all the beautiful merchandise.

Sunday I was in Los Gatos at Cotton Works. If you haven't been in Los Gatos for awhile, it's so much fun to see all the small stores. California is losing their look to large box stores. When you get a chance to walk though small stores you really find some wonderful items. Cotton Works is a very sophisticated gift store. You almost feel like your buying one of a kind. They do a beautiful job of display.

I love all the different people I meet. Lots of different walks of life.   I'm am leaving for  my 5th signing this weekend, I'll tell you about the different stores I went to in my next post.

The Illustrator

Several  people told me how important is was to find an illustrator that I felt comfortable working with. It was great advice. Publishing houses feel that they know best about this process. I'm sure they do in some cases. I had talked to several authors that were very unhappy how the illustrations were being done for their books. Writing is such a personal endeavor. As I'm writing I'm picturing how I want the illustration to look. I send all these thoughts off to Steve and he works his magic. When writing Children's books you have to choose your words carefully, especially if your writing for the 2-6yr. crowd. They are page turners.  It's important to use as few words as possible and yet have a complete thought.  I try not to depend on Steve to complete my thought, but sometimes I have to. It took me 21/2 years to find Steve. Web sites weren't as prevalent as they are now. Whenever I asked an illustrator if they could draw Santa and Mrs. Claus. They all said yes! So many were good,but not what I had in mind. Then someone suggested Steve, when I opened his web site it was such a nice surprise. He loves drawing gnomes. I knew he could draw elves and I was sure Santa and Mrs. Claus would be just as I had in mind. I have never been disappointed. When we started I wanted to give Mrs. Claus an update, such as a new hair style or maybe new glasses. For some reason she didn't look right. We decided to draw the Mrs Claus we all know and love. As the books go on,maybe we can make some changes.

  Mrs. Claus    

 

I'm ready to try a new hair style. Does anyone have any ideas? I'm always asking Santa, should I cut my hair maybe just a little shorter?. Santa is such a good guy, he likes anything I do.   Almost everyday he tells me he especially  likes my eyes. You probably thought Santa was the only one to have a twinkle. I know Nancy was just talking about Steve. We love Steve and guess what we found out? Steve's and my birthday are the same day. No wonder we get along so well.