Gname that Gnome #13 The FINAL Gnome

The FINAL Gnome is very mysterious. So mysterious, in fact, that the name must be chosen FIRST!

That's right, Gnome #13 must be conjured by your suggestions. He/she/it will only appear when the perfect name and description are placed in the comment section.

Have at it! Gname that mysterious Gnome! You have all weekend.

You also have all weekend to Gname the Gnomaid.

The whole game ends Monday! Gname on!

Gname that Gnome #12

Gnome #12 is an aquatic Gnomaid.

Gname that Gnome!

Gnome #10 was named "Joe the Nin-jome" by Rose and Fiona Swenson. And Jodi explained that he is "As stealthy as a butterfly and lover of all things red."

Yesterday's gnome, #11, was named "Rune" by Helene, and "Keeper of all things dark and powerful" by Chiquita.

One gnome left and our game will be over! There are only so many gnomes--and so many gnames!

Gname that Gnome #11

Gnome #11 is, well, gnome #11.

Gname that Gnome!

We're adding an extra day for the Gnome-ja name. Have fun!

Gname that Gnome #10

Gnome #10 is a gnome-ja.

Gname that Gnome!

Gnome #8, the seafaring gnome, was named, "Mizzenblack" by Allegra, and John Waverly described him as, "The blood-thirstiest pirate cap'n t'ever sail the seven ponds."

Gnome #9, our armored lady-gnome was named, "Heimtraud" by Jessica Day George and Opaleyz gave the great detail, "Defender of small animals everywhere."

Phew--these were tough. There were SO many fantastic names and details. The judges and I had to hold a very long conference to choose the final winners.

Only three more gnomes remain, the last will be posted Friday. Tighten your Gnaming caps!

Gname That Gnome #9

Gnome #9 is a fearsome, armored, lady-gnome.

Gname that Gnome!

Yesterday's Gnome is as-yet unnamed (I was not able to consult the judges before their bed-time.) So if you have a name for the sea-faring gnome, post it! We'll wait another day to pick the winner.

Gname That Gnome #8

Gnome #8 be a seafaring gnome!

Gname that Gnome!

Yesterday's winning name was the first one posted, "Willikers," by Q. And Helene says, "He is afraid of being in low places."

Have a good weekend!

Gname That Gnome #7

Gname that Gnome!

Yesterday's neolithic gnome was named "Ptorna" by reader Chris, and Lizardbreath McGee informed us that, "she hunts tiny, tiny mastadons." Very well played, guys.

Gname That Gnome #6

This is a Stone Age lady gnome.

Gname that Gnome!

Yesterday's gnome was named "Gnightshade, the Prince of Shadows" by Megwrites and Katherine Elisabeth. There were some great posts yesterday, everyone is really running with the gnome gnames.

Gname That Gnome #5

This is a nocturnal gnome.

Yesterday's Gnome was named "Bernard," by Abigail. And the detail, "he thought he caught a big fish." is from Bridget. Nice work guys.

Gname that Gnome!

Gno Gnomes is Good Gnomes

Hi guys, no gnome today. I just pulled an all-nighter to get my graphic novel finished. Today was the deadline (the extended deadline, anyway...) The files (all 120 pages) are now posted snugly in a folder on the publisher's ftp site. That book is FINISHED!

So take some extra time to contemplate this fishing gnome. I'm going to go peel the contact lenses out of my eyes and do some daytime sleeping!

Gnome on tomorrow!

Gname That Gnome #4

This gnome has caught a fish.

Gname that Gnome!

Yesterday's winning name continues the g-name streak, with "Gnorma" by commenter "Unknown." And the detail "Her nose is really cold" by Anika S.

Great work everyone. These stories you are posting are hysterical. The gnomes seem to be more fun to write about than the dragons were.

You have the weekend for this guy--take your time!

Gname That Gnome #3

This lady gnome has terrible eyesight.

Gname that Gnome!

Yesterday's sleepy gnome was named, "Gottfried," by Anonymous (possibly Katharine.) Detail (this is a fun new addition) goes to Jack for "Drank too much Fanta."

Gname That Gnome #2

Today's gnome (guh-no-may) is a lazy gnome with a luxuriant beard.

Gname That Gnome!

Yesterday's winner was Alysa, with "Gary." My kids, 10 and 6 are once again acting as judges. The name Gary is now out of play (otherwise ALL of these gnomes would be Garys.) Great work everybody! Honorable Mention for detail goes to Chris for "Favorite food is chives."

I mentioned last week that I was under a heavy deadline. That is still the case. I had to send out the email of shame. That's the one where I have to ask the publisher for an extra week. This is a stunt I've ONLY ever pulled with graphic novels (because there is NEVER enough time on a graphic novel--I'm ashamed to say I haven't gotten one in on time yet. Next one, for sure!) Anyway, I'm scrambling to get this one wrapped up by the end of this week (then I go straight into the next one, due in September!) Publishers, if you happen to be reading this, the gnomes aren't digging into any graphic novel time--they make a nice, twenty minute break from the unending grind of panels.

Gname That Gnome #1

Here is Gnome #1. He's old and he has a small hat.

Gname That Gnome!

A New Name Game Appears!

It's a new naming game! Last time we played "Name That Dragon." Now we are going to name gnomes--excuse me, Gname gnomes.

I was listening to an audiobook a few years ago and the reader pronounced the word "Gnome" as "Guh-no-may." It was an Ernest Hemingway novel--I wanna say Islands in the Stream. Anyway, a character in a bar was describing a short guy he considered to be a "guh-no-may." Does anyone know why someone would pronounce it that way? Is it the spanish pronunciation or something? Was he discussing a gnome or am I horribly confused? Anyway, I've always liked pronouncing it that way--try it, it's fun.

Gnome #1 appears tomorrow.

A Deadline Weekend

Hey everyone, I hope you liked the calendar pics. I realized as I posted them that I do really miss doing the calendars. I may have to bring that tradition back in some format.

So, one of the books I'm working on--"Graphic Novel B"--is due this coming Tuesday, the final artwork. The last few weeks have been wall-to-wall page grinding to get it done. The calendar scans have given me a nice break from creating new blog posts, but now I'm all out. I don't want to burn through another calendar already.

I do have an idea for a new game. It's another name game (a la Name That Dragon.) We'll start on Monday. Have a great weekend! I will be burning the midnight oil and the candle at both ends to get this book wrapped in time. Crunch, crunch, crunch.

Old Calendar '01: December

Old Calendar '01: November

Old Calendar '01: October

I've always liked this drawing, it's definitely one of my favorites from this calendar.

Old Calendar '01: September

Happy 4th of July!

Old Calendar '01: August

These were all done with Rapidograph pens on vellum-surface bristol paper. I did the Rapunzel/Calamity Jack drawings with the same stuff. I haven't used the dots much since this calendar--I like the dots. I'll have to try them on a new project someday.

Have a great weekend.