NEWS ARCHIVE - (Back to Current News)
August 3, 2008
This Friday Aug. 8th, I'll be appearing at the Thomas Memorial Library, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, talking about my books, films, and interactive design. For more information, visit their website.
And if you haven't been reading the Sticky Burr web comic, be sure to check out the latest episode!
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June 8, 2008
What's new? I'm working on two new book projects, to be announced later. I've been planting seeds and pulling weeds. And I saw a toad in the woods the other day. He was very well camouflaged!
I have also just written a new essay about one of my favorite illustrators, N.C. Wyeth. You can read it here.
And don't forget to read the latest Sticky Burr online comic. It's a continuing adventure, so if you haven't seen it yet, it helps to start from the beginning.
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May 7, 2008
 Have you ever noticed that no two trees are alike? This isn't always apparent in the summer, when leafy trees blend together into a giant mass of green, but it is very noticeable in the winter, and also in the spring.
Springtime is that happy midway point when the new buds are just sprouting into leaf, and you can see both the twisting branches and the clumps of color that decorate them. Different trees sprout their leaves at different times, in different ways, and there are even flowering trees. The changes in the spring happen so fast, you can practically watch them unfold before your eyes. And coming on the heels of a long barren winter, it's even more wondrous to see them spring to life.
So the next time you walk down the street, stop to notice the nearest tree – any tree really, for each has its own unique qualities. You may be surprised at what you see.
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March 29, 2008
What's new? Well, the Sticky Burr paperback is coming out April 8th – all the fun and adventure of the hardcover book, but with a much softer cover. Ask for it at your local bookstore!
I'm currently working on two new book projects, and an interactive film project. Also if you haven't seen the Sticky Burr web comic lately, be sure to check it out. The adventure continues each week (usually, unless I am too busy to draw a new page!)
I am also involved in the next Day of Puppetry celebration, put on by the Boston Area Guild of Puppetry and the Puppet Showplace Theatre, April 28th. It should be a fun creative event for all ages.
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Feb 1, 2008
 I've been too busy to update this website recently, but here are a few bits of news. I am showing some of my puppets in an exhibit this month, at the Lexington Arts & Crafts Society, in Lexington, MA. It is part of an exhibit by the Boston Area Guild of Puppetry, to which I belong. The exhibit runs through Feb. 17th, and the gallery is open Tues-Fri & Sun 12-4 PM, and Sat. 10-4. For more information and directions, visit the LACS website.
In other news, I've been adding more pages to the Sticky Burr comic strip, so if you haven't seen it lately, check it out!
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Dec 15, 2007
The end of the year is almost here, and it has been a busy one. I'm currently working on several new projects, and I've also added some new fun stuff to the Sticky Burr website.
Winter has unofficially arrived with the recent snow storms, and if you feel like some snowy fun without getting wet, check out the Snowy Day interactive game I created a few years ago. (It uses an older version of Shockwave, so if you can't play it, let me know and I'll work on getting it updated.)
As the year comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who has given me support during this busy and challenging year. I'm looking forward to a healthy and productive 2008, and will continue my never-ending quest to become a better writer and artist. Emily Dickinson once wrote, "We turn not older with years, but newer every day." And so shall I, with any luck.
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Nov. 4, 2007
Happy NaNoWriMo! Also known as National Novel Writing Month. There are some things about this annual event that seem a little weird to me, like the constricting rules – and why November, one of the busiest months of the year? What's wrong with January? But taken in the carefree spirit of its mission, it's a fun way to jumpstart your writing and maybe even create something worthwhile. There are definite advantages to writing quickly and spontaneously, to get past your inner editor – but everyone writes differently, and forcing your way through 50,000 words on an arbitrary deadline can also lead to frustration.
Personally, I am already in the middle of a novel, and so cannot participate in NaNoWriMo unless I start a new one from scratch. Which I'm not going to. But I will continue working on my novel, at my own pace, and take this month as an inspiration to set my own goals for writing. In the end, it's the story that matters, not the day of the month or the number of words. Happy writing!
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Oct. 8, 2007
Fall is the perfect time to see burrs growing in the wild, and I've added some prickly photos to the news section of the Sticky Burr website.
In between my other projects, I have also written an essay about Tintin, one of my early influences. This comic series has been much in the news lately, with the anniversary of creator Hergé, and the forthcoming film. But I've seen very little literary discussion of the works themselves, and was inspired to put down my own thoughts. Even the PBS documentary seemed to skirt around the actual works, focusing rather on the author's life.
And as for the latest controversy, I personally think it is fine not to republish one of the earliest, most controversial Tintin books – no artist wants to have his early, flawed work paraded out with his later masterworks. Just because they feature Tintin, doesn't make them worthy to share the stage with the other books.
Anyway, you can read my essay on the better qualities of Tintin here.
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August 20, 2007
I've just added some new things to my website. You can now read excerpts from the many great reviews that Sticky Burr has been receiving. And I also made a small photo gallery with pictures from my book signing events this summer.
And I'm still adding to the Sticky Burr comic strip each week -- check out the latest episode!
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July 25, 2007
The official reviews for Sticky Burr have been coming in, and they have been great. The book was also featured in the Kirkus Graphic Spotlight last month, one of their special editions, which profiles dozens of new comics and graphic novels for all ages. There have also been good reviews from Booklist, SLJ and Publisher's Weekly. But the best reviews of all have been from young readers, who have been very enthusiastic about the book, and asking for more.
This summer I have been continuing work on the Sticky Burr Comic Strip, with a new panel every week. Check it out, and find out what happens next!
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June 17, 2007
 Over the years I have done much thinking about visual storytelling and children's books, and how different media intersect. Recently I've put all of those thoughts into an essay about comics, graphic novels, and picture books, which have much in common besides the obvious visual similarities. And although I'm sure only three people are interested in my thoughts on the matter, I've put my essay online here to read. Enjoy!
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May 22, 2007
Thanks to everyone who came out for the Sticky Burr book release party at the Blue Bunny bookstore. It was a great success, with music, art, and fun, and it was heartwarming to see so many people. Here is a photo of me, my brother Tony, and my sister Amy performing together (a rare occasion!)
 And thanks for all the good wishes and support so far. After putting so many years of work into a book, it is always a little nerve-wracking when you finally send it out into the world, because you want it to do well. I hope this book will find an audience, and inspire young readers of all ages.
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May 10, 2007
I am pleased to announce the return of the Sticky Burr web comic! I started the Sticky Burr comic many years ago, as a  continuing adventure story that I updated each month. I stopped working on the comic when I ran out of time, but now it's back, in a simpler form (just one page per month), and I hope that longtime fans of Sticky Burr will enjoy it.
The comic will be hosted by FableVision, and you can find many other stories and games there. To read the new comic strip, click here.
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March 24, 2007
 The date has been set for the Sticky Burr Book Bash! Join us Saturday May 12th, 2-4 PM at the Blue Bunny bookstore in Dedham, MA, to celebrate the release of my new book Sticky Burr, Adventures in Burrwood Forest. Entertainment will be provided by my sister Amy Conley, local children's singer and music teacher (concert at 3 PM). Also my brother Steve Lechner will be providing magical entertainment and puppetry all afternoon. My brother Tony (composer of the Sticky Burr Theme Song) will make an appearance too, plus refreshments and art activities for the kids. I will also have my ukulele on hand. More details soon. Hope to see you there!
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January 14, 2007
There isn't much news to report this month – it's that nerve-wracking time between finishing a book and when it finally comes out. This is why I don't write a blog, because I'm not good at daily chatter. I can, however, give you a sneak peek at one of the illustrations:
This is a scene early in the book, where Sticky Burr is painting a picture, and gets accosted by the other burrs. In the final book, there are word balloons over their heads, to show what they are saying. (I'll give you a hint – the one in the middle is not happy!)
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December 22, 2006
 I'm pleased to announce my brand new Sticky Burr website! Even though the book is just coming out this spring, Sticky Burr has been around for a long time, starting with a web comic strip that followed his adventures each month. Over the years I have added a game, a journal, an animated film, and other fun stuff to the website. Now in honor of his first book, I've redesigned the website with a whole new look. Check it out, and let me know what you think!
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November 25, 2006
I've been too busy to post any news lately, as you may have noticed. I'm hard at work on the Sticky Burr website (to be unveiled soon!). Also, the company I work for, FableVision, has just moved to brand new offices in downtown Boston. You can read all about it at our website.
And if you missed my art exhibit at Framingham State College, here are a few photos, showing early sketches from both my books (and me too!)
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October 18, 2006
If you live in the Massachusetts area, my artwork will be on display at the Mazmanian Gallery, on the campus of Framingham State Colllege for one week in November. I will be exhibiting with fellow author/illustrator Gordon Morrison, to coincide with a workshop we are giving at the college on Nov. 2nd. (See more information about the workshop and exhibit on the right).
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October 9, 2006
Welcome to my all new website! I've moved a few things around in preparation for my new picture book coming out in the Spring, called Sticky Burr, Adventures in Burrwood Forest. It's a story I've been developing for many years, first as an online comic strip that ran on the FableVision website. I'll be sharing more about the history and origins of Sticky Burr in the coming months.
By the way, this news page may look bloggish, but it's not really a blog. It's just an occasional update on my work and my upcoming projects. I may sprinkle in a few unrelated thoughts now and then, but that's it. Really!
If you have any ideas or suggestions about my website, feel free to send me an email.
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Recent Events
Friday Oct. 5th, 2007
Book Signing 2 PM at the Townsend Public Library, Townsend, MA. John will draw pictures, read from his books, and talk about writing.
Saturday June 23th,
Book Signing 11 AM at the Toadstool bookstore in Milford, NH. Featuring music by my sister, local children's performer and educator Amy Conley. Hope to see you there!
Saturday May 12th,
Sticky Burr book release party! 2-4 PM at the Blue Bunny bookstore in Dedham, MA. Featuring magician Steve Lechner and a concert at 3 PM by Amy Conley. Plus art activities, refreshments, and a raffle prize.
May 8, 2007
My new picture book will be released, entitled Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest. Watch for it in bookstores near you!
November 2, 2006
Children's Literature Workshop at Framingham State College.
2:30pm to 7:00 p.m., College Center Forum.
Children’s Literature event for students, alumni and area teachers will explore how literature for children relates to several academic disciplines. Authors and illustrators Gordon Morrison and John Lechner, paired with FSC faculty members Margaret Carroll, Biology Department, and Barbara Milot, Art Department, will give concurrent workshops. A panel discussion will follow. The events will conclude with a reception and book signing. Both artists will also have their work on display in the Mazmanian Gallery (see below). For more information, call (508) 626-4651. For more information, follow this link.
November 1-10, 2006
Gallery Exhibit
John Lechner will have an exhibit of his work in the Mazmanian Gallery, on the campus of Framingham State College, along with fellow author/illustrator Gordon Morrison. The exhibit coincides with a Children's Literature Workshop (see above.)
John will be showing illustrations from his first book A Froggy Fable, as well as a sneak peek at artwork from his forthcoming book Sticky Burr.
Exhibit runs from Nov. 1 - 10, with an opening reception Thursday, Nov. 2nd, 5:45 - 7 PM. The gallery is located in the McCarthy College Center, Room 315 (See map and directions.)
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Older Events:
For a look at some events from my first book, click here. |
