Julie Olson Books - Author/Illustrator

Big Trip Planned (because I'm getting old)

A few months ago I realized that this year would be my 20th High School Reunion and all of a sudden I began to feel my age. I developed arthritis in a few knuckles, I tore a tendon in my right elbow, and my left knee developed tendonitis. In all honesty those things didn't all happen after my realization but they have all happened in the last year or so. Hence, in reflection, I began to feel quite old in my little 5'1" body. However, let me tell you, in my not so little mind, I AM NOT OLD!

Do you hear that? I AM NOT OLD!!!! (ok, that one should've been loud enough...it had 4 exclamation points).

So I've decided that as I head back to my hometown this week for my 20th high school reunion, I am NOT going to feel old. As I visit and give 3 school presentations at my former elementary school, I am NOT going to feel old. And as I meet the children of my childhood best friend as I crash on her couch, I am NOT going to feel old.

My friend and I are going to stay up late (like til 10pm...if we can make it that longl) talking girl talk, eating popcorn and braiding each other's hair. Because I am NOT old.

I'm going to stand next to the tallest 5th grader at my elementary school and relish the fact that he/she is taller than I am so therefore...I am NOT old.

And finally, I'm going to dance like I'm 16 again at the reunion, telling my aching knees, hands, feet and elbows to stuff it, because...I am NOT old.

Oh and by the way, I here's where I will be doing school presentations and book signings while I'm in the Midwest. If any of you are anywhere in the vicinity, stop by the signing on Friday, which is my birthday by the way, and be sure to tell me I DON'T look old. ;-)

Friday, September 26th:

Highland Elementary School, Evansville, Indiana

grades 4-5 / 8:25 to 9:05 am

grades 2-3 / 9:30 to 10:15 am

grades K-1 / 10:15 to 10:45 am

Westside Catholic School, Evansville, Indiana

all school assembly 12:45pm

Book Signing at Barnes & Noble, 624 S Green River Rd, Evansville IN

6:30 pm

Monday, September 29th:

Stonegate Elementary School, Zionsville, IN

9:30 - 10:00 - K & 1st

10:10 - 10:40 - 3rd & 4th

10:50 - 11:20 - 2nd

Signed with a Literary Agent!!!!

That's right. I just signed with Literary Agent John Cusick with Greenhouse Literary Agency. I've been repped by an art rep for the last 7 or so years and it's been just fine. They brought me jobs illustrating everything from books to asthma medication. However, I reached a point in my life and my career where I felt I needed to evolve, to change things up. I felt I needed and wanted to focus on only books and work on writing and illustrating the whole project myself.

After a long talk with my art rep, we came to the understanding that since I wanted to focus more on writing (which they couldn't help much with), I needed to choose the path which suited my goals best. So, I nervously parted ways with them and signed on with John.

John and I met back in 2012 at a WIFYR conference and had kept in touch. It was a natural progression to sign on with him and jump more fully into the writing AND illustrating of picture books. Read John's wonderfully written account of it all HERE along with my answers to some introduction interview questions.

Signing at Swiss Days

Hello Friends! Just thought I'd let you know that I'll be signing my Discover America book at the Midway, Utah Swiss Days this Friday, August 29 from 2pm-5pm in booth #46, facing Main Street in Midway. It's THE BOOK SHOPPE's booth. Come by and say hello, get some coloring pages for the kiddos and their hand stamped. And you can even get a book if you feel so inclined. And then have a blast browsing the rest of the fair.

Here's a general map of the booths at the fair and the one in Red is the booth I'll be signing at.

Hey everyone! This is a GREAT, AWESOME, FANTASTIC, FUN, EXCITING idea my friend Jake Parker had. And he's a GREAT, AWESOME, FANTASTIC, FUN, EXCITING artist so you should definitely check it out! #artdropday

COPIED/SHARED FROM JAKE PARKER'S BLOG

An open call to action to ALL artists everywhere!

Announcing

All artists, (that means students and professionals, painters and cartoonists, sculptors and illustrators, animators and fine artists, EVERYONE who creates) this September 2nd is World Art Drop Day. Wherever you find yourself that day, drop a piece of your art and tell someone where to find it. The world needs this right now. We need to feel a little more connection to each other and there's nothing like the bond two random strangers can make through the act of creating and giving.

I recently just finished a cross-country art drop this summer and it was exhilarating. The emails and responses I received from the finders ran the gamut of funny to touching. I want that for everyone!

Here's how it works:

Draw a picture and hide it somewhere.
Take a photo of either the art or the hiding spot or a combination of both.
Post the image, the city you dropped it in, and a hint on any social media of your choice. Be sure to included the hashtag: #artdropday
Then move on, hoping someone finds it. OR hang around and meet your new friend.

That's it!

I need your help spreading the word on this. Reblog it, retweet it, facebook it, or even tell someone in person!

September 2nd, lets connect the whole planet with art!

Writing Retreat for Picture Book Authors

Literary Agent, Jodell Sadler will be doing picture book critiques Aug 30, 2014 at Sundance Lodge Writing Retreats, up in the mountains of Utah at Sundance Lodge. In addition, 4 professional authors/illustrators will be presenting tips and advice on writing picture books.

The cost for the whole day (including 3 gourmet meals) is only $150. If you need lodging for Friday and Saturday night, cost is another $100. Contact Mette Ivie Harrison (mette@argonautfilms.com) to get signed up and get more information. Other guests include Julie Olson (Discovering America), Kristyn Crow (Zombelina), Sharlee Glenn, and Shawna Tenney.

Great views, great company, the best food, a chance to meet casually with other writers, new and more experienced, along with the chance to talk one-on-one with an agent--it's a chance that's hard to beat. In addition to the critique, you'll have a chance to talk casually with all of the presenters and with Jodell, and to ask all the questions your inquiring heart desires.

See pictures of the retreat lodge here...www.sunshinewritingretreats.com Check it out for pictures of the retreat location as well as of the yummy food.

Don't miss out!

Summer Storytime

This week I will be doing the evening story time at the Orem City Library (located in Orem, UT). So if you would love a free night out with the family, come on by. It is Tuesday, July 22nd at 7pm in the storytelling wing of the children's section.

Come find out which page of the book this little boy appears on...