44 Comments
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Fiona Woodcock's avatar

I love that all the characters were all in your sketchbooks just waiting for a story! So flippin proud of you Mrs! Enjoy every minute of this launch week! x

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Claire Powell's avatar

Thanks Hun!!! Can’t wait to see you on Thursday. Xxx

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Ahalya Wise's avatar

Love this story! What beautiful illustrations. I need me some Marty Moose.

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Carole Hassebroek's avatar

Hello Claire, here the Netherlands speaking so maybe my English is very bad but I hope your dutch is worse 😅 I read your progress of Marty Moose and I’m soooooooo impressed. What a wonderful funny characters. Just using black grey and red wow that works! I’m just a beginner following a online course so that’s why I have a question. Is it all handwork or are you using anywhere a digital tool?

Greetings Carole

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Shaina's avatar

Absolutely beautiful and inspiring!! What a journey it must have been, getting to read your two year recap is eye opening, thank you! I adore your art and seeing the ins and outs here and the thoughtfulness is so pleasant. I will most definitely be picking up Marty Moose! Also your cardigan comments made me laugh, rip to the dear caridgan! 🩷💐

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Eva Lydon 🌺's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing all this Claire, it was so great to read all about your journey with Marty Moose 🐭🥰 I’m so sorry to hear about the shrinkage of your beloved cardigan 😉 Deepest sympathies 😆

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Judith Kirsch's avatar

You are awesome. I’ve been so upset with the state of our world and then I started reading this description of the making of Marty. My husband came into the room I think because he thought I’d finally gone over the edge. From tears to laughter in moments. I can’t wait to meet Marty in person. Love from New York

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Claire Powell's avatar

I am so happy to hear it brought you laughter, Judith. This comment was so touching. Marty will be coming to NYC (and the rest of the USA) in Spring 2026! I have heard that Blackwells will deliver to you though, if you can’t wait that long! 🐭

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Sarah Allen's avatar

I love this!! Holy cow all the things you went through to get this book out! But I can't wait. And those pics of you doing the audio are so adorable! That's a definite author dream.

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Patti Waterfield Art's avatar

I know it was a bit rough, but a success story! it is all brilliant!

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Sarah Lovell's avatar

What a brilliant story, and the book looks amazing !

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James Burks's avatar

Congratulations. I can’t wait for Marty to arrive in the USA.

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for ARTISTS's avatar

Congratulations Claire! :) I always enjoy reading your newsletter and I've just pre-ordered the book. Can't wait! *.*

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Claire Powell's avatar

Yay!!!! Thanks for supporting Marty. I hope you enjoy it when it arrives. X

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Ella Beech's avatar

This is such a great description of the madness that goes into making a book!! The beauty of it though, Claire!! I was on the edge of my seat… Will she finally sell the flat? Thank goodness you did! And sorry about your cardigan!! Next time: we need to know all about the new house! I’m sure you have already told us, actually. Maybe I should look back! I am hoping to come to the book launch on Thursday, but it all depends on how well my own mad book deadline goes this week!! Xxx

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Claire Powell's avatar

Ooooh fingers crossed you can make it. I think Claire Goble is going to try too!! Xxx

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Alex Hallatt's avatar

Excellent, excellent writing. I am sure your book will be a smash hit.

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Claire Powell's avatar

That’s kind. Thank you!!! 🙏🏻

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Baylee Reed Smith's avatar

Reading this just brought me to tears—as an aspiring children’s lit. illustrator seeing your success and your process makes me so so happy for you, and gives me so much hope & excitement for my future ♥ Excited to pick up a copy!

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Claire Powell's avatar

That’s so kind, thank you. I’m glad it made you excited for your own future. You got this!

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Amy Makechnie's avatar

I love the play by play (my cardigan shrunk, haha) and WOW! So many steps, so much work, so sorry about the flat. I need to read the whole series...well done!

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Simon Philip's avatar

Love this, Claire! Amazing that you got to narrate your own audio book - and that spread you finished at 4am is SUBLIME 😍 can’t wait to read Marty!

p.s. now I have even more sympathy for you re your flat - mine’s SO too. Nightmare to sell.

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Claire Powell's avatar

Maybe 4am is my best creative time but I don’t know it because I’m always asleep 😂

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Simon Philip's avatar

😂

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