Wednesday, August 14, 2013

WRITERLY WISDOM: Russ Cox






It's time once again for WRITERLY WISDOM where every Wednesday we will sneak a peek into the world of writing and publication.  Illustrator extraordinaire Russ Cox has some tips on how to remain child-like in our thinking and in our writing.  Take it away Russ...

Generating ideas: Thinking like a child
By Russ Cox

“If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I’ll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up! Not me!” J.M. Barrie

When Donna contacted me about writing an article on thinking like a child, I was excited to tackle this subject matter. Having reached the mid-century mark, it has been a long time since I was an actual kid in the physical sense. But if you ask my wife she will tell you I never grew up. She reminds me of this almost every day.

So what is it to be an adult and still think like a child? I believe to work in the children's market, especially books, not only do you have to think like a child, but in many ways you need to act like one. No, not in the "I did not get my way so I would throw a tantrum or hold my breath until I pass out" way, although I have tried that with my wife and she will just step over me. To be child-like, one must still enjoy doing kid things.

Here are some things that I try to do to keep that inner kid active:

Don't be perfect or afraid to fail - A child does not worry about being perfect. Not every circle or square is exactly right. To exaggerate things is to see them in a new perspective. A different viewpoint can lead you down an undiscovered road, full of new ideas. Try to see things that are not there or do not make sense in the adult world. Look at drawings done by children.  They show an eclectic mix of characters and scenarios that would make even Freud scratch his head, in a good way. Where would Picasso be if he created his paintings in a more traditional style?

Pretend – The only time adults really let loose and pretend seems to be on Halloween or at a costume party. Why not dig out a mask or tennis racket and pretend you are a monster playing the guitar in a rock band. I would make a banjo reference but not many of us would imagine playing the banjo with a mask on. Reenact the “worm” scene from Animal House. The alcohol is optional.

Be silly, let loose - Okay with this one, it is confession time. I have different voices for our four cats. Yes, I have become that crazy cat person. My wife is as well by proxy. Doing silly voices for the cats has lead to story and illustration ideas. Just stepping outside of adulthood for a brief moment and letting loose, feels good and gives you a good belly laugh. My daughter and I came up with this silly dance that we do whenever we are in bad moods. You cannot help but laugh at us. It is pure silliness. I can show you sometime if we ever run into each other.

Try something new - I think as adults we get so stuck in our ways and routines it is hard to break out of that rut. Kids are always up to doing something they haven't done before. It is the freshness of a new discovery that keeps them exploring new adventures. So do something different. Go into a music store, pick up an instrument that you have no idea how to play, and attempt to play it. Strum, blow, bang, crash, etc.! Yes, you could clear the store and create a ruckus but you could be an undiscovered Mozart or Jimi Hendrix.

Play - As adults, especially creative ones, we must keep the want to "play" alive and healthy. We need to loose the self-control restraint that ones with age. I still enjoy going to toy stores and playing with the toys, watching cartoons, running amok at amusement parks and playgrounds, flying kites, and chasing my wife around with a water pistol. And yes, I do squirt her!

Practice – Practice? How does one practice being a kid? If you apply or try a few the ideas above, your inner kid will come flooding back. Maybe to the chagrin of your partner or family but the payoff in the end will be worth it.


As we become adults, we tend to loose that creative free spirit. With jobs, families, and various responsibilities, a seriousness enters our lives, pushing out the inner child. Keeping that child alive is the key to not only success, but to lots of laughs and a happy, creative life.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso







Russ Cox was raised by a pack of crazed hillbillies in the back woods of Tennessee. Without much in the way of modern conveniences, like a television set or running water, he spent his time drawing and whittling away the hours. After dismantling his grandfather's lawn mower engine, and without a clue on how to get it back together, he soon realized that he did not have an automotive bone in his body so he kept drawing. After graduating from art school, with a portfolio in his hand, he ventured into the world of design and illustration. He opened his own studio, Smiling Otis Studio, where he presently specializes in illustration for children. When not drawing, running amok in the snow, or training their four cats to sing Bohemian Rhapsody, Russ enjoys some quiet time, working on his picture book stories. He also enjoys playing the banjo but his wife would prefer him to play the triangle or build a sound proof room.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@smilingotis

14 comments:

  1. Thanks for doing this interview, Donna! Thanks for sharing, Russ! The bad mood silly dance is a genius idea. You rock!

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    1. Hi Jennifer and welcome to my blog! I am so incredibly proud of all my guest authors, agents, and illustrators who have chosen to participate in this series. I don't know of a better way to gather incredible information about the writing and publishing industry!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  2. These are very childish ideas.... You know - in a good way. A VERY good way. I liked this post a lot, especially the bio! OMG. Hilarious!

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    1. Hi Genevieve! I'm glad you enjoyed it and hopefully got some nice ideas you can use in the future...;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  3. I still jump in puddles, with both feet. Just hanging with my grandsons leads me to talk in silly voices, exaggerate my physical actions, and make silly faces. I refuse to grow up - and I'll be 56 this month. The grands also help keep me young at heart. Awesome post!

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    1. Hi Karen! My boss, who is 22 years younger than I am, is forever telling me that I don't act my age...that I am young spirited...and I'm old enough to be his mother...lol...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  4. I'm likin' this guy! ;) I actually act above my age. I'm 11 (and 1/2!) and I've been told I act like I'm 30. :)
    Erik

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    1. Hi Erik! You are just an old soul in a young body. I'm the exact opposite...a young soul in an older body...lol...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  5. These are great ideas! On a slight tangent I have just started doing this singing/rap version of whatever I want to get across to the kids when they are arguing, it's working a treat :0)

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    1. Hi Catherine! I'd love to be a fly on the wall when you start rapping..,;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  6. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read my article and the very kind comments. It is very important to reconnect with our inner child. It allows us to ... hold on for a minute. Will you stop touching me!?! Who me? Yes you! Now STOP IT!!! I didn't touch you! Yes, you did! No, I did not! Yes, you DID! You mean like this? My finger is only near your face but it isn't touching you. MOM!!!!!!!!

    Where was I? Oh well, I must have forgotten what I was going to say. Thanks.

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    1. Lol, Russ...how many of us have heard THAT before?! Thank you so much for sharing your WRITERLY WISDOM with us...:~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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  7. Great article. Thinking and behaving like a kid has been dormant for me after college. This article was fabulous. It makes you think about how much fun it was to hang loose and live life without the protocols. Thanks Russ Cox.

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  8. Hi Sandie! I'm glad you liked this post and hopefully you have learned from some of the others as well...;~)

    Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

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