Hilda and Richie Official Trailer!

This is it!  The official trailer for Hilda & Richie!  Watch for us on Jan. 6, 2021 on Kickstarter!!

https://youtu.be/QhNsP8HYNw8

Why am I creating a children's book?

 So I'll bet a lot of you out there are wondering why am I doing this.  Why in the world would I create, draw and write a picture book for children?

First, I have two qualities from the cartoons I draw (my comics) that make me PERFECT for doing a children's book - I communicate an idea instantly and I draw funny.  Children's literature have always required that drawings be "read" and understood quickly plus they need to hold the children's interest.  I know I can do this; my simple line art lends itself well to children's books and I feel it can work.

Second, this is a personal mission - I have something I want to share with the world plus it is important for children to learn how to read.  In fact, tomorrow, I want to talk more about the importance of children learning how to read.

Most importantly...this could be my big break.  While I am making some money from my comics, producing a children's book could be the stepping stone I need to a full-time paying livelihood.

Before anyone starts accusing me of delusions of grandeur, I will make something clear - I am being realistic.  Short of a miracle, I will NOT become rich off one picture book, let alone make a living wage.

My point is that I'm not betting the farm on just one book.  More books with Hilda & Richie are planned!  At the time of this writing, story treatments exist for two more books with these two foxes.  Notes have been written for at least four more books.  Plus if all goes well, there's also foreign markets, licensing (toys, bedsheets, clothes, etc) and even an adaptation to another medium such as animation!

This very well could be the big one for me.  And I aim to make this happen.

Don't forget that Hilda & Richie launches on Kickstarter on January 6, 2021!

If you like my work, buy me a Ko-Fi!

Second Draft Page 21

 

This was what we were building up to - sooner or later, Richie learns the hard way that bubble gum bubbles burst!

Don't forget that Hilda & Richie launches on Kickstarter on January 6, 2021!

If you like my work, buy me a Ko-Fi!

About myself and my creation

 Today, I thought I'd talk about myself some more.

As you know, I draw under the professional name of Max West.  My focus has been on comics.  My creations include Sunnyville Stories; its spin-off Dominic & Claire; the webcomic Tiffany & Corey; and more recently, the webcomic Poison Ivy Gulch.

I was born and raised in New York City but now live in North Dakota.

Besides having a lot of drawing experience under my belt (as I've been drawing comics for a long time), I've had many successes on Kickstarter before.  I've raised over US$2,000 on past Kickstarters, counting my two recent ones - Dominic & Claire Fun Size and Dominic & Claire Circus.

This upcoming Kickstarter I'm organizing is going to have a larger goal than those.  The projected goal is US$3,000.  While that is three times the amount from last time, I am confident I can do this.

Maybe you are wondering why I am doing this - why am I creating a children's book?  That answer will have to wait until next time.

Don't forget that Hilda & Richie launches on Kickstarter on January 6, 2021!

If you like my work, buy me a Ko-Fi!

Second Draft Page 20

 

Hilda and Richie's bubble gum blowing contest is getting intense.  

Richie caught on quickly and has become good at bubble gum blowing.  Maybe too good...

Remember that the Hilda & Richie Kickstarter launches on JANUARY 6, 2021!

If you like my work, buy me a Ko-Fi!

December: Countdown to January!

 It is December!  It is not only the end of the year but the FINAL MONTH BEFORE THE LAUNCH OF THE HILDA & RICHIE KICKSTARTER!!!!

As a reminder, the Hilda & Richie picture book Kickstarter officially launches in the early morning hours of Wednesday January 6, 2021.  This month, my mailing list will get regular weekly updates on Friday mornings about the Kickstarter and its progress.  (Sign up please for my mailing list if you didn't already.)

Besides the last pages of the second draft, I will share a handful of art from the third draft as well as my plans for the Kickstarter such as my strategy, promotion tactics and outreach to help get it noticed.

I have a tool kit ready to get this Kickstarter promoted and to ultimately get it funded.  But I can't do that alone - I will need your help.  Mark your calendars for the planned launch date of January 6, 2021 and make sure you tell many people out there.  Hilda and Richie is a very cute, entertaining children's book and I aim to share it with the world.

If you like my work, buy me a Ko-Fi!

Second Draft Page 19

 

Hilda keeps blowing and blowing...

She's blowing a very big bubble.  I wonder what will happen if she keeps on blowing.

If you like my work, buy me a Ko-Fi!