​                                             Welcome
                                  Author and Illustrator
                                         Deborah Weed
 
When I saw Deborah’s illustrations, I had to know more. She is also the author telling their tales. Although humorous to see, she is very serious about her message.

1. What is it you’re trying to depict in your art work?

I am working on capturing the animated movie/musical that is playing in my head. For more than 20 years, I created and produced musicals, productions and capitalized on my marketing and entertainment background. So, here’s the funny part ... although I am an award winning artist, I’m brand new to illustrating. It’s easy to see every nuance of the character’s/world in my minds-eye. Yet, to translate that onto the page is a daunting opportunity.
Luckily for me, Callie Metler-Smith, Publisher of Clear Fork Publishing was able to see my potential. I liken her to a coach who brings out the best in me.
Ultimately, what I’d like to depict is the emotion that the story tells. It is my wish that the characters leap off  the page and capture the hearts of the readers, both young and young at heart. Although I would like to create the entire fashion world, in my instance, the small details are important. So, too much background could take away from the overall vibe.

1. I love the Paisley character. Tell us about her :>)

Paisley is my heart! She is a little porcupine who gets caught up in the backbiting animal fashion world. Her dream is to become a famous designer. Yet, in the Fashion Forest, porcupines must use their quills to pin up other designers’ creations. They are essentially walking, talking pin cushions.
Paisley is a perpetual optimist. When the models that she’s working on need adjustments, she happily makes them. Yet, to her dismay, instead of being rewarded for going above and beyond, Paisley gets reprimanded by Zavannah, a snarly fashion Diva!
As Paisley gives up her precious, protective quills, she loses a part of herself. Until, she only has one quill left! It is what she does with the one quill that gives the story legs.
As the Founder of the Self-worth Initiative, I have created/produced a lot of productions that have inspired the audience to claim their worth. Paisley is one of my all-time favorites. Why? Because she represents my own journey ... and so many other people ... who didn’t know what was within them until they were challenged!

1. What books do you have on the market? And where will you be signing in the near future?

I have two books. One is called The Luckiest Penny. It was created, along with a musical that is/was performed in South Florida, SUNY University OT’s, NY, and now the Zylofone Org., NY, is taking it on to bring self-worth to their patrons. Ernest Socolov is the amazing illustrator.
The other one is Center of the Universe. It was created to give people hope when going through trying times.
As far as book signings, etc., I have put everything on hold while I create the illustrations for Paisley. Although I am a multi-tasker at heart, I want to enjoy the journey!

​Thank you so much for sharing with us. I for one can’t wait for my copy of Paisley.
Want to know more? You can find Deborah at:
http://www.selfworthinitiative.net
http://www.deborahweed.com
https://www.facebook.com/deborah.weed.1
 
Paisley
http://ow.ly/V6AP30foWPR

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