Okay. I'm done yelling. I had a bit of a cranky day yesterday. I think one of the problems is that people see the word 'grants' and they don't look any farther than that. Then they write to ask me for money. But I think another problem (and this one is forgivable) is that, for some of my readers, English is a second, if not third, language. And they don't really understand what I do. So if I shouted too fiercely at those of you who have a hard time reading in English, my apologies. (But for those of you who are just lazy and want me to give you money, I'm not sorry at all!).
On another note, several people have asked about my health insurance situation (and some of you have kindly made donations---thank you!). Here's the update: Right now, I have coverage most months, except when I get a payment from the publishing company that is printing my book. Then I completely lose insurance for about four to six weeks and have to get reinstated. It is so friggin' weird! It is Massachusetts and how they deal with not only someone on disability but also someone who is a freelance artist/writer. They just don't know what to do with me yet. So while I'm not uninsured at the moment, I have these months scattered about six to eight months apart when I lose my coverage. So hopefully I will get this worked out with them OR I just better not get sick during those times. Anyway, it's not the best situation but it's much better than other people have (i.e. those still suffering in Haiti—please see my donate button above). Anyway, thanks for asking, those of you who asked. It's probably too much info for you other folks so forget I said anything about it and let's move on!
Right now I'm in the middle of finishing some art for the advanced review copies of my book and I have an intense amount to do before April 10th. After that point, I'll have deadlines but not like I have had over the past few months. Therefore, there will be more time for you, devoted readers. And while we are on the subject of writing and illustrating books, are there any readers out there who are emerging writers who would be interested in me going over this crazy process I went through in the last couple years? (Finding an agent, preparing the book to send out to editors, going through the bidding process, then the editing process, and now the pre-production process). What a roller-coaster ride! If my talking about it would help any emerging writers out there, drop me an email or just leave a comment below.
Okay---off to the studio. I'll have more things to tell you about, regarding grants, etc., after I get through this deadline. But I'm sure you'll hear from me before then anyway.
Your Faithful and Curmudgeonly Servant,
Mirabee