Computer animation is kids play for Loomis picture book author

Linda Marchus uses her computer to entertain children and in doing so has created a successful new career for herself. The Loomis author recently published a second children's picture book, completely computer generated, titled "The Gorilla Who Wanted To Dance." Marchas has also been honored by the Sacramento Publisher's & Author's Association for her first book about a young owl with an irresistible urge to hoot at the wrong time called "Hoot 'n Annie." The book brought Marchus acclaim and three awards at the annual book awards celebration in April, 2003. "Since 1994, Sacramento Publishers & Authors has rewarded excellence in Northern California small presses and independent publishers," said Andrea W. Patterson, a spokesperson for Sacramento Publishers & Authors. Marchus, who was born in the Bay area, spent 15 years in Grass Valley as a graphic designer. She recently moved from Loomis to Roseville where she is working on a complete series of children's picture books. They are being published under her own company Wee Read Publishing. The colorful books that she completes on her computer in vivid colors and textures are printed in Hong Kong. Creating books with her computer is a craft Marchus says she 'stumbled' upon. She found the method while taking a computer illustration theory class at the University of California, Davis. "I was somewhat bored with the class, so I started fumbling around with it and discovered techniques that I then applied to illustrations that were more fine art," she said. After learning the technique of how to create artwork on a computer, she took her new work to area art shows and fairs. She then realized that she had found her true calling. "One of the children wanted one of my illustrations and when the Mom said no because they were somewhat pricey, the kid pitched a real fit, screaming and yelling,"said Marchus with a smile. "I had known that my art work had a lot of whimsy about it but after seeing that reaction I told my husband, Val, that I was obviously designing for the wrong age group."That realization led her to children's picture books. "I thought it would be easy to write a picture book," she said. "I learned real quickly how wrong I was."In an effort to hone her writing ability, Marchus teamed up with Sue Ann Kiser from San Francisco a teacher of children book writing. She learned how to write from a children's point of view. The artwork came naturally."I start with a framework that is very similar to a child's coloring book outline. Then I basically fill in with color and detail on the computer. It sound easy but each area can take hours and hours, and I often redo a section after I have completed a neighboring area. Everything is done on the computer from the first line down to the last shadow. I don't scan or sketch," said Marchus. "The mouse is my paintbrush."It has taken years to develop her style. "I have a 1950's attitude in a 2003 technical world," admits Marchus of her story lines. Along with charming characters who have a problem they must solve, the books all have a moral that is good for children to learn. In "Hoot 'n Annie," the little owl must learn there are times to hoot and times to be quiet, but it takes a near disaster to give her the opportunity to hoot at the right time. "The Gorilla Who Wanted To Dance" is a rhyming story about Louise, a young gorilla with a passion for dancing. Unfortunately, the king has strictly forbidden gorillas to dance saying it wasn't dignified. Louise doesn't agree and sets out to prove that gorilla's can dance and remain dignified. She meets three dancing friends and together they put on a show for all of the jungle animals.The author is taking her show on the road for area children now. Marchus has spent hundreds of hours in 2002 and 2003 visiting area schools reading her books to children and teaching students how she creates her books. She has visited schools in Rocklin, Loomis, Roseville, Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, Folsom, and Grass Valley. Five more books are slated for publication in 2004 and 2005. Bumper Hippos, Celie's Rock, Shy Sherman, The Gift and Spooky Birthday are all storylines Marchus has already written and is now designing the graphics. The books are all hardbound 8¼ by 11 ¼ full color pages suitable for children ages 3 to 8. "We are having a real fun time and I love what I'm doing. I feel like I am teaching without a classroom and I like it," said Marchus. "And I feel like I am making a difference in the children's lives that read my books. These two parts have been an unexpected surprise. I look forward to connecting with the children and opening their eyes to new possibilities. Digital art is here to stay."Marchus' books can be ordered from her website at www.weereadpublishing.comand she will be making a personal appearance signing her books at the Country Crafts Connection Boutique Faire to be held Oct. 9 through 12 at the Rocklin Sunset Center