Recently I was contacted by a firm in the UK that specializes in wall murals and prints. 

Here is a link to the images that I have contributed to the site.

Azutura.... displays

 Once in a while I have time for creating a book of my own. I approach this very carefully because I always want it to be something both children and adults will enjoy.

The story of Bjorn and Refur is retold from an old Norse legend. Today bears have short tails. They are rather stumpy and insignificant. But of course that is not the whole story.  Once, long ago, they had great, bushy, luxurious tails.  Bjorn, the bear, and Refur the sly fox have an encounter that leads to consequences for the bear.  

I am not saying Bjorn was stupid, or anything like that. He was simply so trusting and hungry that he was easily fooled by the lie that the fox told.

The book, Bjorn and Refur, should delight young and old.  It should be out by Spring of 2021.

Lenoxx ~ Creating the Book ~ Printing and Publishing

Creating a book from start to the finished stages and having it in your hand is a very rewarding experience. But it is work!

The ideas I had were formed into text and word after word had to be examined. Do I need it? Can I do without it? I needed to remind myself that the best picture books can tell a story with the fewest or no words at all.

When I began the Lenoxx book it was in rhyme, not very good rhyme, and far too long for a picture book. Over several years, I wrote and rewrote and sketched and discarded many pages. When I thought I was ready I used a layout program to piece it all together.  In Design allowed me to view the pace of the text, change it where it needed to be changed, and/or cut out portions.

Once I was truly satisfied with the text, I began the long process of creating the images that had
been dancing in my mind for years.  Of course, some images needed to be revised to match the newer text, and vice versa. Sometimes the images dictated newer text changes. That is the beauty of using a layout program, at least for me, so that I can see the progress in real time.

Having finally finished all the illustrations and reading through the entire layout program, I realized that the reader might find a gap within some of the pages and the story telling. New illustrations and a bit of text needed to be inserted to solve that issue.

Once ready, the layout was converted to a PDF ready for printing. I submitted that to a printer, and once the files were uploaded and approved I had a chance to review all of the work before allowing it to be printed and distributed.

The book is done and out there now and time will tell if it is enjoyed as it is meant to be.
I still have the original pencil sketches from years ago and did use them as reference for the new full color illustrations.

Working as an author/illustrator has many challenges.

Working on a new book... this is the longest I have ever spent trying to finish my own work. Each time I get started, a new assignment comes along.
I am always happy for new work, but in between those great opportunities, I really want to move along with this story.

Update to Website

Some things are working and some are not. But as I try to figure out the problems I will keep at it.

http://www.gingernielson.com

I really want to add the STORE page, but right now the server is not cooperating.  Of course that could mean I need to approach the learning curve differently.

NEW BOOK ~ FLY BUTTERFLY by Brian Halla

Fly Butterfly by Brian Halla is the true story of the newest adventure of the twins, Gabe and Abby.
Their story involves the friendship with a caterpillar and the days that follow.  As they search for their friend, "Buster" they witness the changes that take place in the life cycle of a Black Swallowtail.
A dangerous situation for the newly emerged butterfly involves a timely rescue and successful release.

The book will be released through Amazon.com and other outlets as well as in your independent bookstore. The ISBN  978-0-692-78023-7 or the title will be enough for your bookseller to find the book.

Help us "END 68 HOURS of HUNGER" for children

A word or two about the Coloring Book for All Ages:

Our church is producing a coloring book for families to enjoy together.

The purpose of the book is to raise funds for END 68 HOURS of HUNGER. That is the 68 hours from the time a child receives a free lunch on Friday until the time that child gets a free breakfast on Monday morning during the school year. Unfortunately too many children in America are in this category. Our book is designed with families in mind, and is not necessarily a religious book, but more of some of the life sharing events we experience.

Think about yard sales,toys and games, Sunday School lessons, a visit to the Heifer International Farm, lemonade on the lawn, and flowers on the front porch.

The cost to feed one child over that 68 hours is approximately $10.00 and our book will be priced at $10.00 so that each book will fund one child for the 68 hour period. The money ALL goes to the children. The entire project in any state, county or city is completely volunteer and no one is making any money from the donations. I mention all this because we want to make sure people know that by purchasing a book they are also feeding a hungry child. The food provided is nourishing and important. If you need to know more about the project nationwide, the website is: end68hoursofhunger.org

This fall we will begin selling our books at our church and online. Any book purchased directly from us will generate $10.00 to the program. Any book purchased online will generate royalties that will also go to the program. If anyone wants a book, once they are printed I will be happy to mail one to you and make sure the money goes directly to the program.

The line drawings range from easy to more complicated and all are family friendly. They are not the typical flowery, design oriented, mass produced images. They are images from our daily life, and from church life in general. There are pages that feature nature, children, adults, events and gatherings that families enjoy. There is a small section of very easy to color pages for young children based upon the Bible story of the 7 days of creation.

Our cover is an original watercolor painting by our resident-Artist, Pastor Bob Maronne. For that cover alone I would buy a book. In fact I plan to buy a number of these to send to friends and family.

Knowing that each book represents meals for a child who needs that nourishment makes it a very worthwhile purchase.

The books will arrive at our church in September. They will be sold with crayons and colored pencils included for the first 100 books sold.

If you want one of these first addition copies, email me and I will make sure you get your book and the children will benefit from your donation. My Contact:

The sales will begin in our church and the mailed out books are on a first come first served basis.