June: Hello, Weston. It's nice to meet you. Tell us a little about yourself.
 
Weston: Hi. Well, I'm eleven-years-old and I live with my family on our property in Tyler Stop, California. I'm a sixth grader this year. My little sister, Wendy, is nine-years old; she's a fourth grader. What else do you want to know?
 
June: Tell us about your hobbies. Do you belong to any clubs or groups?
 
Weston: I'm the president of our RES-Q Tyler Stop animal rescue group. Wendy is the vice-president. I'm a Boy Scout, so I like to hike, camp, fish, go on adventures, and learn new stuff. I love animals, so we have a lot of pets at home. Wendy and I take care of them together. Here are some pictures of our dog, cat, turtle, and rabbit. 

Spoiler alert: Withstand the temptation to scroll down. ;-}
It was thrilling to reveal the cover of The Heart Changer back in April. I remember it fondly! So, I’d love to share it with you. I think the process involved in creating an image to suit a story will fascinate you. So, stick with me and be patient, okay?
I was asked what I envisioned for my cover in Ambassador International's marketing questionnaire. I like that about my publisher. They want you to have as much input as possible to feel a part of the process. Since I have a Pinterest account, I gave them a link to a secret board with ideas pulled from other middle grade novels. Trouble is, I chose fantasy covers as well as historical fiction, because I loved the swirly themes -- almost Medieval-like. Looking back, they didn't fit The Heart Changer. 
 
So, when Hannah Nichols, the creative director at Ambassador (who read my book before beginning her design), sent this first image around Thanksgiving, I had a strange reaction. Actually, almost no reaction, and I don't know why. It was a feeling of peace and contentment.
 
But, as I studied the cover which, to this day, I love, I quickly surmised, although the woman on the cover was beautiful, it sadly was not my main character. Also, my first name was misspelled, and was not my nom de plume. I had chosen Jarm Del Boccio, for many reasons. And another thing, the story is set in the middle eastern country of Syria, which is largely desert. The best part of the first image was the title. I was mesmerized with the font and the gold to burgundy progression.

I had asked Hannah to try a sunset instead of blue sky. When I saw it, I didn't care for it at all. I had also asked her to place a flowery image of a heart in the title. I didn't like that either! And I missed the gorgeous title.

By Sarah Glenn Fortson

​This is probably not your first introduction to illustrator and author, Russ Cox. His client list is long and stellar. If you haven’t met him in person, chances are you’ve met his art. I’m not sure how I got so lucky. Partnering with him in the creation of ​​THIS COWGIRL AIN’T KIDDIN’ ABOUT THE POTTY, (Peter Pauper Press, October 2019) has been an honor and a privilege. 
 
Thank you, Russ, for agreeing to answer a few questions. 
 
​I was struck by how you, not only absolutely “got” Cowgirl A.K.’s personality, but you made her come alive in ways I had never anticipated. How do you “go so deep” when creating characters?

Howdy partner! Thanks for the interview but more importantly, THANK YOU for such a wonderfully fun story. It makes my part easy when the story is well thought out and executed. I tip my ten gallon hat to you.

I usually read the story once and put it away for a few days so it can incubate in my noggin’. The character, or characters, just start to appear in my head and spill out onto the paper. I will then go back to the story and reread it several times to find the little traits that begin to become obvious from the words. From there, I just sketch and sketch until several versions of the character appear. Many times, they are loosely based on people I know. Each time I sketch the character, they begin to tell me more about them and I start to understand them. That is how I find the depth in the characters and the story.

I try to come up with 3-5 variations that I like and think will work.

The front cover is striking and the back cover, wonderfully bold. Was this a conscious choice based on the personality you were creating?

Yes! A.K. is a bit sassy and very proud of who she is so it was obvious they are the poses she would strike. She is very excited to be on the cover. She told me so and not to mess it up. Has she seen it? Gulp! ​

In the text there is no mention of a pet cat, yet you added one and I love that you did! Could you talk about that decision?

I like for characters to have sidekicks who help tell the story or move it forward from a different point of few. Animals are perfect since they do not talk like humans but say a ton with their facial expressions and body. I see A.K. having a cat that she takes everywhere, except school, and enjoys it’s company because the cat understands her.

​You have a naturally terrific sense of humor. Did you ever consider doing “stand-up”?

Thank you, you are too kind. No, I have never thought about doing standup but I love comedians and what they do. They have the hardest job in entertainment. My kids are super funny and they could do standup or write for tv shows. Their wit is so sharp and quick.
 
Do you still play the banjo? Maybe, use that in your stand-up routine?

I do still play but not as much any more. I am chatting with some folks about putting together a surf instrumental band in which I would play bass. It has been ages since I picked up the bass. Hopefully I still remember how to play the thing. The strings face front, right?
 
Could you tell us a little about your school-visit presentations?

Sure. My visits consist of a brief history about me, some samples of my work, The books I worked on, the process, and then some interactive drawing/writing exercises with the kids. For me, it is important to have the kids involved.
 
What is your favorite thing to doodle?

Robots and monsters and now, cowgirls.
 
What would you like to tell us that I neglected to ask?

I am 6’5”. 
 
Thank you, Russ! This was so much fun for me. And only a few more weeks until book birthday!   …Sarah Glenn Fortson 

​​oomer is a lovable, friendly, and courageous service dog in-training, looking for his very own family to serve. 

​n the contrary...he is also a clumsy, easily-distracted, and misunderstood pup who can’t seem to get anything right. 

​ver the moon when he meets Kitty and Cecilia, Boomer finally finds a loving family who adopts him and helps him find his true purpose in life.
 

oms and teachers will love a book with the lesson that everyone deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are.

​ducating kids about all the ways service and therapy dogs make a difference in children’s lives—from those with autism to diabetes to the mobility-impaired and more! 

​epresenting children with special needs, this book provides a voice for underrepresented children in picture books.

​​And there’s MORE! You can pre-order BOOMER AT YOUR SERVICE now. In honor of National Service Dog Month this September, I will be donating all of my pre-order book sales to the very special non-profit organization, Merlin’s KIDS — A non-profit organization dedicated to providing individually trained service dogs to those in need. They rescue dogs from shelters, train them, and give them a very meaningful purpose. These special dogs help transform children’s lives by being lifelong friends, committed to making their companion’s lives easier.

Don't miss out on this awesome opportunity to win a collection of AUTOGRAPHED children's books from our members. From picture books to middle grade, you will be sure to please if you win this special prize. Enter ​​here today and you could be our lucky winner! Increase your chances of winning by entering each day, and by following On the Scene in '19 on Twitter & Instagram. Just ​​click on the link and follow the directions and you'll be on your way! GOOD LUCK FROM ALL OF US.