5 Questions, Brené Brown, NYT, and a little acorn

Jul 12, 2024

I’m going to get right to it.

There have been a lot of exciting things happening lately. Here’s a few:

Brené Brown featured an interview with me.
You can read it here.
It was a joy chatting with Karen Walrond. Her recent book, Radiant Rebellion, is a vibrant and vital look at what it means to get better with age. (She also has a Substack) We had a great discussion about pep talks, picture books, and Fail-A-Bration.
We did work for the New York Times.
The gap between the artist I want to be and the art that I create is often a chasm. I have obsessively tried to narrow that gap between the art I see in my head and the things I make. Some days it’s felt like I’m making progress. Most days I’m having a breakdown trying to draw hands. So, it was a massive boost to be invited to work on this. You can see it online here.
I wrote four different pieces for them. The one they chose was very picture book-esque. Kristi masterfully elevated the sketches with color. It’s been so fun to see our illustrative collaborations grow. We push each other and surprise each other. I love it.
Characters I drew are now alive!
ZIP AND THE TINY SPROUTS!
About a year ago, I was approached by some kind, creative people who were creating meaningful things for kids and families. I designed these little characters, dreamed up a world for them, outlined some stories, and now... they are real!
Some of the team working on it also worked on BLUEY. If you’re a Bluey fan (WHO ISN’T?!?), you’ll likely recognize some of the voices. So proud to have been part of this. Here’s one of my first sketches of the characters:
The team around this entire thing is just a whole lot of great people who care about kids and want to create cool stuff for them. The hope with the show is to spark wonder. The stories all involve the natural world and the fun that can be found in experiencing awe and discovery there. They also each feature a specific character lesson to help viewers recognize the many ways we can grow and help each other grow every day.
It just hit more than 1 million views on this first batch of episodes! See and share them on YouTube or here.
FAIL-A-BRATION FEVER IS CATCHING.
Kristi and I will be hitting 7 cities this September to celebrate (ahem.. excuse me.. failabrate) the release of the new book, FAIL-A-BRATION. Hopefully, we’ll see you! More details on dates and locations soon. SO EXCITED TO GO ON TOUR!
The tour isn’t even the most exciting news. Check this out:
More than 150 people have already signed up to host Fail-A-Bration parties during the week of release.

I got emotional going through the list yesterday. It’s a wildly diverse bunch of people. Kids. Adults. Classrooms. Companies. Fail-A-Brations for pre-schoolers. Even a Fail-A-Bration for prisoners. Seriously.

If you haven’t yet signed up to host a party, do so here. You’ll be getting fun info and details about how to do it soon.

Lastly, I don’t want any of you to miss out on the pre-order pin. Order the book from your favorite bookseller (find it here). Then upload your receipt here. You’ll receive a limited edition pin and help this little book succeed!

It means so much to me that I can share these things with you. This is an exciting but very busy season.

p.s. David Hieatt once said, "Passion is a flame that can illuminate or consume. Let's fuel it wisely, channeling our energy into pursuits that inspire us deeply and sustain our creative journey." I’m grateful for this community and the ways you have helped me find balance, focus, and purpose. You’ve been a huge part of illuminating my journey. Truly. Thank you.

Wishing all of you inspiration and fulfillment in your creative endeavors today.