I'm an illustrator of children's books living in the Seattle area. A book I illustrated, "Frankie Stein" by Lola Schaefer, just won the Children's Choice Book of the Year for K-2 from the Children's Book Council. I have another picture book I illustrated coming out in August (Tickle Monster by Josie Bissett) and a middle grade novel I illustrated (Froonga Planet by Bryan W. Fields) coming out in September. I want to illustrate my own stories someday. That means, of course, writing something worthy. alas, there is always a kink in the plan .