I should start reading those...

Ryjia on Nov. 8, 2010

There's a story behind this.

I got invited to draw protraits at the library in a town nearby the 16th of October, because of an event we call Kinderboekenweek (litteral translation: children's book week).
So the day started off slow with very few children and I chatted with my neighbouring workshopholder (an illustrator). I went for an early lunch and sat down at a table with that illustrator and two men I didn't know.
When they started talking I understood that the men are writers. One mentioned he had published over 30 books at request of a certain publisher, although I didn't quite catch his name or information about the books. The other writer was talking about an ongoing series he writes that is quite popular apparantly (I had never heard of it before though, but I am not really the age to read children's books).
I was feeling really tiny at that table, sure some of my work got “published”, but compared to this that was close to being insignificant (it's a start though, which is good). After a while I started some small talk with some art students who were present too, that made me feel less awkward.
Luckily children started coming in more after lunch and I could actually keep myself quite occupied. I love drawing, so I was glad that I could actually draw.
Another neighbouring workshopholder showed up later. I didn't immediately recognise him, but it turns out he is the original artist of a very well known comic (one that I actually used to read). I looked at him drawing, but I didn't get the chance to ask request anything as I myself was quite busy.
By the end of the day I was feeling quite accomplished. I managed to get the card of a music publisher and I met some cool people. The people of the library appeared to be quite happy and they will keep me in mind for upcoming events.
This week I was watching the news and the writer of the next kinderboekenweekgeschenk (children's book week gift) was announced. It was one of the writers I had met at that event and I was like: “Hey, it's the dude I had lunch with.”
I didn't place any specific names here, but if you want to know you can ask.