by Mark Seline
December issue 2007
I would like to take a moment to say Thank You to Stories for Children Magazine and VS Grenier for giving me a chance when others didn't.
Back in 2007 I submitted samples of my artwork to VS Grenier the response was (not a direct quote) "Do you draw anything else besides dragons? Most of the stories we publish are about children." I sent what I had with kids not many maybe three and one of them I did back in the 80's.
I figured like other responses to my submission that was it, I will not hear from them again. But I was dead wrong I spent a year creating illustration after illustration for them (not one dragon) I became more confident in my self; The work I did for Stories for Children lead me to illustrating picture books for 4RV Publishing (still no dragons). Also one of the stories I illustrated for them "A Grand Dilemma" Won! the 2008 Best Artwork by Preditor & Editors Readers Poll.
It came to me as quite a shock when I received an email just before my holidays stated letting me know that "Right Know, the magazine division is closed to submissions and will only publishing issues out to March 2010." I was ensured that the magazine is only on HOLD for now and will return. Also that Stories for Children Publishing, LLC is still operating and will continue to do so.
So Thank You again Stories for Children for believing in me and allowing me to be part of a great family of Writers, Illustrators, Editors, and Art Directors. I look forward when you reopen your doors to new submissions.
Stephen
