A Rapunzel of a year...

I can't complain, the last year and a half have been very quiet on the illustration/publishing front. Then, in true fashion, it doesn't rain but it pours. In record time, I have completed the illustrations for two new books before the end of May, both are due out in October.

I disappeared from sight, completely Rapunzelised (my new word for the day) in my tower with my head bowed over sheets of paper, pencils and colourful paints. Slowly and steadily out of the building mire of paper and roughs, possums and devils and whales emerged. Occasionally the cry of 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your paper was heard from my poor and suffering family who, along with friends, were totally neglected and many I'm sure believe to this day I have become a fictional character in their lives and am imprisoned in a tall door-less tower.

I am content. All illustrations are complete and the babies have now left home, as our offspring must eventually do, to become real books. I can't wait until they wing their way home to me across the water and I hold them, fresh, crisp and smelling of new ink in my hands. It is then that I can share them with you all.


So, what next. Other than uncovering the house from ironing, dust and general neglect I have a small break to tidy the studio, a routine I enjoy between books and to see as many of those neglected people in my life as I can before I re-immerse myself into a new book with illustrations due in September. Just one this time. I have also started to consider the new stories that have grown in my head as I illustrated madly and I have started to put pen to paper. 


So, look out for Rapunzel and her books in the near future, and don't forget to read, read, read and, if you are like me, draw, draw, draw.


Now, where did I put that prince? He's under here somewhere....)


All the best,
Christina (Rapunzel) Booth

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Rough for the cover of Welcome Home