Modified from the article at Kids Book Review with Kate DiCamilo. 1. Tell us something hardly anyone knows about you. I have the hardest time answering questions and making decisions. But most people can figure that out pretty quickly. 2. What is your nickname? Gura. Because my full name in Japanese in a nightmare to pronounce. It sounds like a Russian bear with a cough. 3. What is your greatest fear? My children would be kidnapped, or a live radio interview, or doing taxes. 4. Describe your illustration style in 5 words. Whimsical. Lavish. Overworked. Delightful. Emersive. 5. Tell us five positive words that describe you as an artist. That's the most difficult question I've ever been asked.
Who knew the simplest task, like printing out a document, finding an envelope, signing your name, could provide such obstacles. Review, edit. Review, edit. Repeat. Out of ink. The wrong paper. The right pen. A sloppy signature. Process repeat. International shipping, charges, regulations, Japanese language barriers. Nevertheless, I have overcome. I have pushed through. And I have only just started the process of submitting my series to publishers for consideration. Breath in. Breath out. But that is what the journey is about. Turn those obstacles from fire breathing dragons into a check mark of accomplishment upon my armour. The adventure is just beginning, once again.
