I lovegiving away bookmarks at signings, school visits, and events. I insist on
illustrated bookmarks, because beautiful illustrations are one of the chief
delights of children’s books. There’s no other artist I’d rather collaborate
with for something so personal than my sister, Sally Gardner.
Sally and I worked together on the Splurch Academy for Disruptive Boys series of elementary-age books. We have a long history of being partners in crime. People often ask us what it’s like to collaborate as sisters. Do we fight? Does one of us try to be in charge?
We thought we’d answer that question by giving you a little peek into our process, vis a vis bookmarks.
Meet Priscilla the Gargoyle, who
sneaks a book by moonlight on a castle tower. This bookwormy gargoyle came
about in 2009 after Sally and I put on our branding & marketing hats and
brainstormed. This bookmark had to give an idea of who author Julie Berry was,
and hint at the flavor of her books. I wanted to convey the magic of books for
young people, wrapped up in a lightly historical setting with a touch of whimsy.
In particular, I wanted a character in the illustration with whom readers could
connect. Gargoyles lurk around castles, and castles evoke fairy tales, long ago
adventures, and classic stories. Sally saw that (obviously!) Priscilla needed
to read a book. Priscilla has been a perfect mascot and pal over the last four
years.
marks the release of my new YA title All the Truth That’s in Me. It’s geared towards teens, and will likely find an
adult readership. Priscilla, for all her lovable bookishness, is a little young
for this audience. She’s not going away – I’ll still use her with younger
readers – but I needed a new bookmark, and a new character, to accompany the
release of All the Truth.
through for Priscilla. I called Sally to brainstorm. Our conversation went
something like this:
new image that won’t be a complete departure from the Priscilla bookmark, but
will work with All the Truth and any
other YA titles I plan to write. We need a new character. I want it to be
illustrated, not like the photo that’s on the cover of All the Truth.
were a brand, what words would describe your personality?
teen, romantic, poetic, mystery, intrigue, danger, anticipation, possibilities,
optimism, beauty, movement, graceful, dynamic, transitional, sober, soulful,
dreams, possible tragedy, love of the past, rootedness. Trees, I love the idea
of trees. Forests. They’re archetypal. Ya know?
How about this:
tree! But the figure seems too young. That’s an eleven-year-old girl’s ankle;
she’s playing hide-and-go-seek. I want bigger
feelings, more danger. Also, the lettering is too old-timey.
How about this:
getting closer! I like the typeface and the forest. It’s mysterious and bold. I
also like having her on a journey into the woods – but can we show a greater
sense of urgency? Also, I’m not sure if the girl is a zombie. Is that a cloak, or flesh rotting off her face? Her ankles and
feet look weird, like she has cloven hooves. Please don’t take that the wrong
way.
Showing urgency in a cloaked figure with her back to us seems hard. I don’t
have a lot to work with. Um.
with a cloak, using a fan to create wind. Turns out it wasn’t helpful, but it
is funny. Take a look:
this:
bookmark and new character. This adventure-bound girl isn’t from All the Truth or any other novel – like
Priscilla, she’s not book-specific. She is a manifestation of all the danger,
mystery, and romance that I want my brand to represent. This final bookmark
will be available whenever I go to an author event. It’s been a little too much fun to develop it, and I hope you enjoy it as much as Sally and I do! As always, if you’d like a bookmark, mail me a S.A.S.E. (self-addressed stamped envelope) and I’ll send you one. Address is PO Box 23, Stow, MA, 01775.