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Behind the Scenes

Here is a look at the making of Elsie and the Magic Pen.
I wrote and illustrated it over the course of several years, and I learned a lot in the process.

Elsie takes a chance.
01:35
Elsie and the Magic Pen by Courtney Katos - chapter one read aloud with watercolor timelapse
12:48
Redoing my #novel #illustration to be more dynamic in this #timelapse
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Elsie tries to find answers. #KidLit #KidLitArt #WaterColor #Procreate #MiddleGradeBooks
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Ever since I was young, I wanted to be like my favorite author/illustrators and create stories for young people. I was a quiet kid, and I felt like paper was the best place for me to express myself, whether through writing or drawing. I did a lot of both through the years, taking as many art classes as I could in high school and serving as editor on our school's literary magazine. Through a fine art degree and a career in art education, I fell in love with the world of children's art all over again. When I had my own child, I knew it was finally time to write my book. Elsie has been waiting many years to get to know the world. I hope my readers and future writers or artists know that their stories are important and possible, too. No matter how long it takes!

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