Author Sketches

 

 

It's typical for me to do sketches while writing, a sort of mental doodling as I work out events and character arcs. These sketches are not intended to be the final word on what the characters look like! I just find I work better when I'm thinking with a pencil as well as a keyboard. I've selected a few of the sketches from when I did the initial drafts of Shell, and hope you enjoy the peek into the artist brain.

 

1. The Jokka: A look at the three sexes and their general builds, for those who like to have firm mental images. These are "kudelith" Jokka (they stayed the same sex throughout their lives) so they display the strongest sexual characteristics.

2. Dlane: A recent sketch of Dlane done on toned paper, with gold ink. This one makes her look her youth.

3. Dlane Clothed: Done around the time I was working on the novel; pretty much the clothing I was imagining in the first scenes where the two were running away from home.

4. Dlane Nouveau: A reader requested Dlane in the style of Alphonse Mucha; while the clothing isn't very Jokku, this is still one of the most iconic images of Dlane for me, in my own head.

5. Thenet Portrait 1: A recent image of Thenet done on toned paper, that I think captures 'Thenet the competent and not very pretty' well.

6. Thenet Portrait 2: But this older one is the iconic sketch to me of 'Thenet the open-hearted.'

7. In the Temple: A ink piece from the time of the original draft, of Thenet in the temple with the incense egg and the hanging decorations.

8. Against All Opposing Odds: And a full body sketch of Thenet with staff.

9. In the Tree: It is rare for me to sketch actual scenes from anything I'm working on, since what concerns me more when I draw is carving personality out of portraits. But I liked this very quick sketch of Dlane and Thenet watching the search parties in the woods of Neked Pamari.

10. Ilushet: One of the only sketches of the caravan master.