Nan Parson Rossiter |
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Nan Parson Rossiter was born in Mount Vernon, New York, on March 31, 1964. At a very young age she loved to draw and dreamed of becoming an artist. After graduating from Northwestern Regional 7 High School in Connecticut, Nan attended the Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in illustration. At RISD, Nan’s portfolio of work was greatly influenced by then-teacher Chris Van Allsburg. Graduating in 1986, Nan set out to become a freelance illustrator.
After working in the freelance field for several years, Nan Rossiter became interested in writing a story for children. In 1991 she began working on a picture book called Rugby & Rosie, inspired by an acquaintance who was raising a puppy for Guiding Eyes for the Blind.
Nan Rossiter is the author-illustrator of Rugby & Rosie, an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists and winner of the 1999 Golden Sower Award, and The Way Home, one of Smithsonian magazine’s Notable Books for Children, 1999. She has also just completed her third picture book, Sugar on Snow, which will be published in fall 2002.
Nan lives in rural Connecticut with her husband, two sons, and a very special black Lab named Chloe. Chloe is an official breeding dog for Guiding Eyes for the Blind. The Rossiters are Chloe’s foster family, and they hope that she will be the mother of many wonderful guide dogs.
When she’s not working, Nan loves spending time with her family. She enjoys hiking and nature and watching her very busy birdfeeder, where the chickadees will eat right from her hand!
Interview With Nan Rossiter
By: Coni Nadeau, Executive Editor of The Toy Box EMagazine, author, and freelance writer, resides in Connecticut.
Nan Parson Rossiter is an award winning children's book author and illustrator. Her first book, Rugby and Rosie, was an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists and winner of the 1999 Golden Sower Award. The Way Home, her second children's book, was chosen as one of Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children. The heartwarming messages Rossiter's books convey will enter your heart and your child's. Her vivid and rich illustrations will make Rugby and Rosie, and The Way Home, books your family will want to treasure.
CN: Nan, thank you for taking the time for this interview. I know our viewers will enjoy it! Since you write and illustrate, which was your first interest? Do you prefer one to the other?
NR: Illustration has always been my first love, although I do enjoy writing.
CN: Where did you study illustration? Has there been anyone who influenced or encouraged your art or writing in the past?
NR: I studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Through the years, I have always received a tremendous amount of encouragement from my parents and teachers. In college, I took several classes taught by children's book author, Chris Van Allsburg. Although I was fortunate to have had many wonderful teachers at RISD, I think those classes had the most influence on my portfolio.
CN: How did you break into the publishing business?
NR: After graduating from college in 1986, I worked as a freelance illustrator for 8 years. To make ends meet I also worked part-time for FedEx. In 1991, I wrote Rugby & Rosie. I didn't find a publisher until 1994! I had received many rejection letters when I happened to be working on a book jacket for Viking. I asked the art director if he would give Rugby & Rosie to someone...anyone! He did and it wasn't long before Dutton Children's Books called and said they wanted to publish it.
CN: Are you interested in other genres?
NR: Maybe a novel some day...although the idea of organizing all of those words seems a little daunting!
CN: Rugby and Rosie was your first book. What inspired the idea for the book?
NR: I mentioned that I worked for FedEx because it plays a part in the inspiration aspect of writing Rugby & Rosie. It was while delivering packages in Ridgefield, CT that I first became aware of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. A gentleman on my route would bring a golden retriever to work with him every day. When I inquired about the dog's presence he told me that they were raising him to be a guide dog. To this day, this gentleman is unaware of the seed he planted. It was some time later, and after I had left FedEx to become a mom, that I wrote Rugby & Rosie.
CN: Your illustrations have been called, "glowing", "warm and rich". How do you work? Do you have a special place that inspires you?
NR: I have a drawing table in a room off of our kitchen where I write and draw. It is the same drawing table that I have had since I was a freshman in high school. The illustrations for my books are painted in oils. I love to do pencil drawings, too.
CN: What is the message you are giving children in The Way Home?
NR: The message in The Way Home is much the same as in Rugby & Rosie. Both books touch on the theme of loving and letting go. I hope children will find out that it can be rewarding to help, love and let go...even if it is something that means a lot to them. Letting go does not mean that it is the end.
CN: What age ranges do you feel your books will appeal to?
NR: My books are meant for elementary school age children, although I think readers of all ages will enjoy them.
CN: Do you have any advice for novice writers or illustrators?
NR: I have two clippings that sit centered on my drawing table. They are yellow with age but I always make sure I can see them. The first is from Philippians 4:6; "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." The second is written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; "Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake somebody." I strongly believe that prayer and perseverance are the most important tools for success.
CN: You have a wonderful family! Are there any activities you enjoy doing with them that give you ideas for your books?
NR: I love to spend time with my family! I can draw inspiration from just about any activity that we do together. My new book, due to come out this fall, is called Sugar on Snow. The idea for this book came to me after a weekend in Vermont with my family during sugaring season.
CN: What comes to your mind first, illustrations or story idea?
NR: The story comes first. After it is written, I begin to focus on the illustrations.
CN: Have you achieved your goal? Do you have other interests you would like to pursue?
NR: Being a children's book author and illustrator is a dream come true. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love, and I hope that I am given the opportunity to create many more books.
Interview With Nan Rossiter
By: Coni Nadeau, Executive Editor of The Toy Box EMagazine, author, and freelance writer, resides in Connecticut.
Nan Parson Rossiter is an award winning children's book author and illustrator. Her first book, Rugby and Rosie, was an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists and winner of the 1999 Golden Sower Award. The Way Home, her second children's book, was chosen as one of Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children. The heartwarming messages Rossiter's books convey will enter your heart and your child's. Her vivid and rich illustrations will make Rugby and Rosie, and The Way Home, books your family will want to treasure.
CN: Nan, thank you for taking the time for this interview. I know our viewers will enjoy it! Since you write and illustrate, which was your first interest? Do you prefer one to the other?
NR: Illustration has always been my first love, although I do enjoy writing.
CN: Where did you study illustration? Has there been anyone who influenced or encouraged your art or writing in the past?
NR: I studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Through the years, I have always received a tremendous amount of encouragement from my parents and teachers. In college, I took several classes taught by children's book author, Chris Van Allsburg. Although I was fortunate to have had many wonderful teachers at RISD, I think those classes had the most influence on my portfolio.
CN: How did you break into the publishing business?
NR: After graduating from college in 1986, I worked as a freelance illustrator for 8 years. To make ends meet I also worked part-time for FedEx. In 1991, I wrote Rugby & Rosie. I didn't find a publisher until 1994! I had received many rejection letters when I happened to be working on a book jacket for Viking. I asked the art director if he would give Rugby & Rosie to someone...anyone! He did and it wasn't long before Dutton Children's Books called and said they wanted to publish it.
CN: Are you interested in other genres?
NR: Maybe a novel some day...although the idea of organizing all of those words seems a little daunting!
CN: Rugby and Rosie was your first book. What inspired the idea for the book?
NR: I mentioned that I worked for FedEx because it plays a part in the inspiration aspect of writing Rugby & Rosie. It was while delivering packages in Ridgefield, CT that I first became aware of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. A gentleman on my route would bring a golden retriever to work with him every day. When I inquired about the dog's presence he told me that they were raising him to be a guide dog. To this day, this gentleman is unaware of the seed he planted. It was some time later, and after I had left FedEx to become a mom, that I wrote Rugby & Rosie.
CN: Your illustrations have been called, "glowing", "warm and rich". How do you work? Do you have a special place that inspires you?
NR: I have a drawing table in a room off of our kitchen where I write and draw. It is the same drawing table that I have had since I was a freshman in high school. The illustrations for my books are painted in oils. I love to do pencil drawings, too.
CN: What is the message you are giving children in The Way Home?
NR: The message in The Way Home is much the same as in Rugby & Rosie. Both books touch on the theme of loving and letting go. I hope children will find out that it can be rewarding to help, love and let go...even if it is something that means a lot to them. Letting go does not mean that it is the end.
CN: What age ranges do you feel your books will appeal to?
NR: My books are meant for elementary school age children, although I think readers of all ages will enjoy them.
CN: Do you have any advice for novice writers or illustrators?
NR: I have two clippings that sit centered on my drawing table. They are yellow with age but I always make sure I can see them. The first is from Philippians 4:6; "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." The second is written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; "Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake somebody." I strongly believe that prayer and perseverance are the most important tools for success.
CN: You have a wonderful family! Are there any activities you enjoy doing with them that give you ideas for your books?
NR: I love to spend time with my family! I can draw inspiration from just about any activity that we do together. My new book, due to come out this fall, is called Sugar on Snow. The idea for this book came to me after a weekend in Vermont with my family during sugaring season.
CN: What comes to your mind first, illustrations or story idea?
NR: The story comes first. After it is written, I begin to focus on the illustrations.
CN: Have you achieved your goal? Do you have other interests you would like to pursue?
NR: Being a children's book author and illustrator is a dream come true. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love, and I hope that I am given the opportunity to create many more books.
Interview With Nan Rossiter
By: Coni Nadeau, Executive Editor of The Toy Box EMagazine, author, and freelance writer, resides in Connecticut.
Nan Parson Rossiter is an award winning children's book author and illustrator. Her first book, Rugby and Rosie, was an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists and winner of the 1999 Golden Sower Award. The Way Home, her second children's book, was chosen as one of Smithsonian Magazine's Notable Books for Children. The heartwarming messages Rossiter's books convey will enter your heart and your child's. Her vivid and rich illustrations will make Rugby and Rosie, and The Way Home, books your family will want to treasure.
CN: Nan, thank you for taking the time for this interview. I know our viewers will enjoy it! Since you write and illustrate, which was your first interest? Do you prefer one to the other?
NR: Illustration has always been my first love, although I do enjoy writing.
CN: Where did you study illustration? Has there been anyone who influenced or encouraged your art or writing in the past?
NR: I studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Through the years, I have always received a tremendous amount of encouragement from my parents and teachers. In college, I took several classes taught by children's book author, Chris Van Allsburg. Although I was fortunate to have had many wonderful teachers at RISD, I think those classes had the most influence on my portfolio.
CN: How did you break into the publishing business?
NR: After graduating from college in 1986, I worked as a freelance illustrator for 8 years. To make ends meet I also worked part-time for FedEx. In 1991, I wrote Rugby & Rosie. I didn't find a publisher until 1994! I had received many rejection letters when I happened to be working on a book jacket for Viking. I asked the art director if he would give Rugby & Rosie to someone...anyone! He did and it wasn't long before Dutton Children's Books called and said they wanted to publish it.
CN: Are you interested in other genres?
NR: Maybe a novel some day...although the idea of organizing all of those words seems a little daunting!
CN: Rugby and Rosie was your first book. What inspired the idea for the book?
NR: I mentioned that I worked for FedEx because it plays a part in the inspiration aspect of writing Rugby & Rosie. It was while delivering packages in Ridgefield, CT that I first became aware of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. A gentleman on my route would bring a golden retriever to work with him every day. When I inquired about the dog's presence he told me that they were raising him to be a guide dog. To this day, this gentleman is unaware of the seed he planted. It was some time later, and after I had left FedEx to become a mom, that I wrote Rugby & Rosie.
CN: Your illustrations have been called, "glowing", "warm and rich". How do you work? Do you have a special place that inspires you?
NR: I have a drawing table in a room off of our kitchen where I write and draw. It is the same drawing table that I have had since I was a freshman in high school. The illustrations for my books are painted in oils. I love to do pencil drawings, too.
CN: What is the message you are giving children in The Way Home?
NR: The message in The Way Home is much the same as in Rugby & Rosie. Both books touch on the theme of loving and letting go. I hope children will find out that it can be rewarding to help, love and let go...even if it is something that means a lot to them. Letting go does not mean that it is the end.
CN: What age ranges do you feel your books will appeal to?
NR: My books are meant for elementary school age children, although I think readers of all ages will enjoy them.
CN: Do you have any advice for novice writers or illustrators?
NR: I have two clippings that sit centered on my drawing table. They are yellow with age but I always make sure I can see them. The first is from Philippians 4:6; "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." The second is written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; "Perseverance is a great element of success. If you knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake somebody." I strongly believe that prayer and perseverance are the most important tools for success.
CN: You have a wonderful family! Are there any activities you enjoy doing with them that give you ideas for your books?
NR: I love to spend time with my family! I can draw inspiration from just about any activity that we do together. My new book, due to come out this fall, is called Sugar on Snow. The idea for this book came to me after a weekend in Vermont with my family during sugaring season.
CN: What comes to your mind first, illustrations or story idea?
NR: The story comes first. After it is written, I begin to focus on the illustrations.
CN: Have you achieved your goal? Do you have other interests you would like to pursue?
NR: Being a children's book author and illustrator is a dream come true. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love, and I hope that I am given the opportunity to create many more books.
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