Every now and then, I receive questions from my lovely readers and students about Marshmallow and Jordan or publishing in general. So, I'm creating this post for you guys! Thank you so much for supporting my books, it means the world to me. If you enjoy reading this type of Q&A post, please leave your questions in the comments below. I can't wait to hear from you! I'll definitely be posting more stuff like this in the future. Thanks once again for being amazing readers and fans!
Will there be a sequel or prequel to Marshmallow and Jordan?
I wrote Marshmallow and Jordan as a standalone book. While writing it, I had hoped that if I ever felt inspired to write a special story about Marshmallow, I would create a book for him. Perhaps a story about his life in the sky before meeting Jordan, but only if the story was as good or even better than Marshmallow and Jordan. After thinking about it, I realized that revealing too much about Marshmallow might take away from the fun of allowing readers room for imagination. Marshmallow and Jordan is just one book, but I may change my mind someday.
I post the Marshmallow and Jordan webcomic online. Although I didn't make as much as I would have liked, I have a few funny ideas. I hope to find time to make them one day.
What type of watercolor and paper did you use to illustrate Marshmallow and Jordan?
I used Winsor Newton Professional Watercolor and an Arches Cold Press Watercolor block for my book illustrations. I prefer using cold-press watercolor paper because it has enough texture to give the paint a classic watercolor look but is not so textured that it becomes a distraction after scanning and converting it into digital format.
What software do you use to compile the book? What file format do you use to output the final art?
I use Adobe Photoshop for sketching, painting, touch-ups, and compositing, and I use Adobe Bridge to keep track of all the pages. When creating a book, each file comprises two pages, commonly called a spread. I save each file as a CMYK .psd file for printing purposes.
Are you currently working on another graphic novel? What is it about?
Yep, I'm working on a new graphic novel right now. It's a fantasy with tons of awesome action, but I can't spill the beans on any details or the plot just yet. I'll slowly start sharing more sneak peeks and backstories about my new book later this year, so keep an eye on my posts! You can read all about it here, too. Subscribe so you won’t miss any updates.
I love to write and have many story ideas for comics or picture books, but I don't know how to make them cause I don’t draw. Can I make my book without having to draw them?
If you love writing but are not interested in drawing, don't worry. You can still create books. Many popular comics or picture books have a team consisting of an author who writes the words and an illustrator who draws the pictures. Making a book is a collaborative effort!
Young creators
Storybird is a fantastic platform for kids and young creators who love creating books! It provides a safe space where young creatives can connect with others who share their passion. They collaborate with educators and professional authors who offer programs and lessons that inspire kids to develop their creative talents.
Adult creators
Adults interested in making children's books should check out SCBWI. It's a great community for creatives to connect with the publishing industry. They offer mentorships, lessons, programs, and many chances to network with other professionals. By joining SCBWI, you can work on your craft, improve your skills, and attend all sorts of cool events.
In my future posts, I will create more content related to career tips and advice in the publishing industry. If you're interested in learning more about children's book publishing, feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments section. I'll cover the topics that you want to know about.
Do you make Marshmallow & Jordan merchandise?
I have Marshmallow and Jordan art prints, T-shirts, and pins at various online stores. Below are the links:
T-shirts - https://www.teepublic.com/user/alinachau
Art prints - https://shop.alinachau.com
Pin - https://www.gallerynucleus.com/artists/alina_chau
And here is a cool Marshmallow & Jordan sticker sheet that is free to download. It's ready to print on any letter-size paper or sticker paper! You can make your Marshmallow Diary with it!
Do you go to schools, libraries, or museums for educational stuff? If so, what kind of program do you offer?
Yes, I offer educational programs for various grade levels. Visit my website to learn more about the Author Visit program at my website.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you'd like me to write about in my future posts. Please feel free to drop your suggestions in the comments section below. I look forward to creating more fun and interesting content you'll enjoy reading!
This is the last post for the March Marshmallow & Jordan Special Edition. Don't worry if you missed the earlier posts, you can always catch up by checking out our homepage. Happy reading!