Young Artists Program

It has long been my great pleasure to work with aspiring young writers, and it seems the opportunities for them have increased greatly over the years. Now I'd like to turn my attention to a different category of talented young people -- very young people. Specifically, those who can draw.

While most of my fiction is aimed at an adult audience, I've enjoyed writing for younger readers, too. My short story, "Teacher's Pets," is a prime example. Originally published as "Behavior Modifications" in my collection of holiday-related tales -- Christmas Beyond the Box (available for free at Smashwords.com) --  "Teacher's Pets" has caught fire with many youngsters.

Largely due to the efforts of my great-nephew, Alexander, I've decided to make this story available for collaborative efforts. I'm looking for young artists, generally speaking, in the 8 to 12-year-old range, who would like to illustrate this story. (This age requirement is meant merely as a guideline, not a strictly enforced issue. I would be delighted to work with older artists, especially if they are physically or otherwise impaired.)

I will use their artwork -- at least 10 to 12 renderings per book -- to create an illustrated version of the story in paperback. Cover credit for both artist and writer will be shared equally. Any and all proceeds from the sale of the work will be sent directly to the young illustrator of each such collaboration. Specifics of the payment schedule, artistic media, and all required contracts will be discussed only with the complete involvement and approval of the artist's parents or legal guardian.

The resulting books will be available as print-on-demand works, and I will assume all responsibility for formatting and editing each collaboration. The actual artwork, however, will be left entirely to the artist. I will be happy to provide a list of suggested illustrations, but it will by no means be mandatory. My interest is in seeing what such young talent can do when given a virtually open-ended opportunity to explore their imagination and artistic skills.

Anyone interested in participating in this project is urged to get in touch through the Contact Me link above. Please include all relevant names and call back information. If you'd simply like a free copy of "Teacher's Pets," use the Contact Me link above and provide an e-mail address to which I can send it.