Post date: Mar 3, 2016 2:09:00 PM
Robert Casilla interview with David Alan Binder
Note: Robert is an Illustrator / Artist this is definitely a different perspective and gives us, Dear Writers and Dear Readers, some more depth into another aspect of the process.
http://www.robertcasilla.com to see his fine art
https://www.facebook.com/robert.casilla1
http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Casilla/e/B00DQCMPLQ/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1456853214&sr=8-2-ent
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1455661.Robert_Casilla
1. How do you pronounce your name (only answer if appropriate)?
The double L in my name is pronounced as Y,
Ca-si-ya
2. Where are you currently living?
I live in New Fairfield, Connecticut.
3. Where would you like to live?
Somewhere where it never gets too cold.
4. Why did you start illustrating / writing?
I love to use my ability to draw and paint as a way to add to a story or to tell my own story.
5. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing/illustrating experience, so far?
I’ve learned that it’s important to give 100% to my art in every book.
6. What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
My studio has to be clean, organized and cleared of anything having to do with the previous illustration or book assignment.
7. Tell us your insights on self-publish or use a publisher?
a. Who is the name of your publisher and in what city are they?
I worked with many different publishers throughout the US.
8. Any insights eBooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?
I don’t really have any insights on this other than although I prefer a good old fashion book…anything that makes it convenient to read is a good thing.
9. Do you have any secret tips for writers on getting a book published?
I’m not published as an author yet, but from what I’ve heard persistence is the word, which is also a good word in getting published as an illustrator.
10. How did you acquire an agent? Any tips for new writers on getting one?
As a children’s book illustrator it’s best to do research and look at the artist that the agent represents. If you feel that you can be a good addition to the agent’s artist, then try to get in touch with him/he so that you can show your work.
11. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
As an illustrator my ideas come from a combination of the images that I visualize from reading the manuscript and how they relate to my life experiences growing up.
12. Do you have any suggestions or helps for new writers?
Be your best at your craft as possible, whether it is as a writer or as an illustrator.
13. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I’ve learned that creating books for me ends up becoming a labor of love.
14. How many books have you written?
At present I have 30 something books. I keep losing count.
15. Do you have any tricks or tips to help others become a better writer?
Be generous in time, effort and give of yourself on every book that you create.
16. We’ve heard that it is good to provide twists in a good story. How do you do this?
As the illustrator, I try to add to the text with the art while staying loyal to the author’s story.
17. What makes your book stand out from the crowd?
I’m too modest to answer that.
18. What are some ways in which you promote your work?
I do book signings at book events, bookstores, as well as social media, and I do school and library visits when invited.
19. What is the one thing you would do differently now (concerning writing) and why?
I don’t know maybe work much faster while maintaining quality.
20. What would you like carved onto your tombstone? Or what saying or mantra do you live by?
Work hard and show pride in what you do.
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