Had a long chat with my editor the other day, and we agreed to do something a little different.<\/p>\n
My editor is never at a loss for an idea, and since they are generally good ones, I\u2019ve learned to play along (and then claim the credit afterwards.) So far, we\u2019ve done three books together, and each one has been a pleasure to do, besides affording me the possibility to ramble on at length about subjects that are dear to me.<\/p>\n
So, when she suggested I do some more rambling, but live, I pondered the idea for a few seconds and agreed to give it a try.
\nHere\u2019s how our conversation went:
\n\u201cI have an idea,\u201d she said.
\nFantastic!\u201d I replied
\n\u201cA great idea,\u201d she added.
\n\u201cFantastic-er,\u201d I concurred.
\n\u201cWebinars.\u201d
\n\u201c?\u201d
\n\u201cWeb-in-ars,\u201d she repeated, with that voice reserved for the slightly challenged or for non-English speakers, in the hopes that speaking slowly and clearly will somehow help them comprehend.
\n\u201c??\u201d I said.
\nBut, I did get a thorough explanation. The barbarous neologism \u201cwebinar\u201d means, of course, \u201cweb seminar\u201d, and as outlined, does sound like very good fun; all the advantages of a real seminar, without having to look for a parking spot.<\/p>\n
So, to this end, and to figure out if it\u2019s worthwhile for all, my publishers have asked me to post these questions. Please do take the time to read and carefully consider replying, and whatever we do eventually do will reflect those thoughts.<\/p>\n
1) Would you be interested in participating in a real-time online workshop
\nwith John Howe that would give you direct live access to him via your
\ncomputer?
\n2) If so, what would be your main reason\/s for participating?
\n3) Which subjects would you like to see him cover in the workshop? Please
\nchoose from the following:
\n* How to find inspiration for your fantasy art
\n* The importance of drawing to great fantasy art
\n* How to develop, draw and paint fantasy characters
\n* Starting out and working in the fantasy art industry
\n4) Please give your:
\n* Location (state\/county, country)
\n* Age
\n* Gender
\n5) Would you be interested in sending in your own artwork for John to
\ncritique?<\/p>\n
If you follow this link<\/a>, you will find the questions on the SurveyMonkey site. Simply fill in all the blanks and you\u2019ll have done your bit to perfection.<\/p>\n So, in case you\u2019re wondering why I would contemplate getting involved under the banner of such a barbaric neologism, here\u2019s why. I enjoy giving talks, and do give quite a few, depending on where I am and what I\u2019m up to. But right now, being both rather busy and living in what is best termed as off the beaten track, conferences and talks are not really a possibility.<\/p>\n So, this will be a unique opportunity to try something new – interactive and online, with somebody else looking after the complicated technical bits. I promise to speak exhaustively on topics that interest not only me, but hopefully you; all this backed up by loads of visual materials. I will also break one of my own rules and give critiques of work people wish to submit and generally chat about illustration, pencil sharpening, the judicious use of sketchbooks and the like. It should be fun.<\/p>\n It will be fun.<\/p>\n My editor said so (and I do trust her judgement in these things). Next month will see two new books of mine published (two books at the same time simultaneously together (how does he do it you ask; by not having a life outside illustration is the answer). More on LOST WORLDS<\/a> in the next newsletter, and a bit of a preview of FANTASY DRAWING WORKSHOP<\/a> in the one after. (I haven\u2019t actually seen either book; I mean, not finished, of course I\u2019ve \u201cseen\u201d them since I did do them, but you know what I mean.)
\nOTHERWISE\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nMERVYN PEAKE<\/strong><\/p>\n