Gee's Storees - April Edition 🌸✨

2024 Newsletter

Hi there!

A bustling afternoon outside. In my room it’s peaceful, I’m sitting with my laptop writing and erasing most things I write. In my mind - it’s as bustling as it is outside, dreaming of slower Summer days. Anyone who knows me is well aware I am a winter person 🎶 the cold never bothered me anywaaaay 🎶 but right now, all I crave, is soaking up that Spring-sun, sitting peacefully on the grass, with a clear mind.

So far, my plans for the year haven’t gone completely to plan, and that’s ok. Being sick for almost 3 weeks, and last-minute work-related commitments have somewhat derailed the 2024 blueprint BUT it’s also served as a little personal test to not be angry or mean to myself and just carry on with whatever’s been presented. No fuss, no stress, no panic. It’s still April. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working on some really exciting projects and cannot wait to share these with you! May seems like it’s going to be an exciting month and June feels like it would serve as a second ‘new year’ for me - a time to get back into focus and the steady flow of things with work and portfolio-building.

The Penguin Cover Design Award

I have, however, managed to get some work done for a couple of competitions and calls. There are a few that I am not able to share for the time being but I’d love to share this book cover I worked on for the 2024 Penguin Cover Design Award. This year’s was focused on redesigning Nazneen Ahmed Pathak’s A City of Stolen Magic book cover.

I was so glad of how the final cover design turned out - the aim was to continue working on some book cover designs for some of my favourite stories, but all in due time. This was also such a captivating story - really recommend the read!

Taking a break

I have, despite all this, managed to make some time for recreational activities, in an effort to re-discover what my hobbies are. It’s a real problem when your hobby has become your full-time job but I’m trying to get back to basics. I’ve been enjoying some light reading, and making myself (I say making because I sometimes need the extra push) to go out for walks. It has been easier lately, with the lovely bursts of sunshine we’ve been having and I’ve loved just sitting on a bench, with a book, watching life go by for a few minutes a day. I’ve also just finished reading ‘Go the Distance’, the Hercules Twisted Tale and I’ve absolutely loved it! It is definitely one of my favourites from the series.

See proof below that I have indeed been enjoying life outside my studio and home.

The Spring light here in Edinburgh has been delicious. I genuinely cannot think of another word to describe it. And all I literally want to do is roll down the green hills. Also - that crow was the cutest, he looked at the camera too! 🐦‍⬛

What’s next?

May is paaaacked, but hey it’s birthday month so I guess I’m allowed some crazy! In the meantime, I’m working on illustrating a brand spanking new Young fiction book with Merlin Publishers and also planning some picture book shtuffs. ✨ I’ll also dedicate time to stocking up the online shop during summer. I’ll be sending updates as I go, so if any of this tickles your interest, subscribe to the email list (if you’re not already of course).

I think that’s it from me for now - thanks for sticking around and hope you have a lovely Spring 🌺 I’m currently on the hunt for the Petunia Startunias again this year, cannot wait to get my new baby!

Hiya! I'm Fran, I'm an illustrator and picture book maker living in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Gee's Storees originally started as a quarterly newsletter and has slowly evolved into this Substack publication. Here, I share news and updates on my work, behind-the-scenes content as well as insight into my journey in the magical world of children’s publishing and illustration ✨ Hope you'll join our lovely community, I am looking forward to getting to know you!