When I first wrote the song “Hairietta the Goldfish” and finished it with the line “And, thus begins the tale of Hairietta and me,” I had no clue as to whether I would ever actually continue the story.

Well, in the midst of finishing the Animals activity coloring book, I started fiddling around with my guitar yesterday and found an intriguing chord structure and picking pattern. It was very reminiscent of “Hairietta”. So, I naturally began writing some lyrics about some adventures that Hairietta and I could have.

I don’t want to give too much away, but the theme of the next album is going to be Space. I’m pretty excited about starting up a new set of songs, though I have no idea as to how long it will take me to complete it. It’ll probably be a good bit quicker than Animals, which was written sporadically over the course of about 5 years, I think.

At any rate, I’m going to try my hardest to have the lesson plans for the activity book finished in about 2 weeks. I’ll probably fiddle around with other tunes throughout that time, laying down some ideas for the new album when I need a break from the book.

Hooray for creativity!

creepicrawlies:

A Baby Sloth

Guys, this blog is super cool. If you dig animals, you’ll dig this blog.

The interior art for the activity book is finally finished!

Now, all that’s left to do is make the answer key, cover, and lesson plans.

I’m getting more and more excited for you guys to be able to play all of the games and color all of the pages!

If you’re an elementary school teacher or you know any, please ask them to send a blank email to teachers@mrjotz.com. They will receive a special packet of info about the book.

I only have 4 more activity pages to draw! Then, I’ll do the answer key and the cover, and the book will, basically, be finished!

Whew!

Time to take a break, do some improv, and watch some stand-up comedy.

I know I keep pushing things back, but I’m focused now and will try to finish off the drawing part of the book by the end of this weekend.

Then, I have to make some lesson plans and get a few teacher friends to look things over to see if there’s anything I’m sorely lacking.

Thanks for your patience, all!

I’m back to work on the activity book. I’m hoping to finish all of the drawing by the end of next week. Then, I have to get to work on lesson plan stuff to go along with it.

I’ll be happy when you guys finally get to give it some color and do all of the activities I’ve cooked up!

but rest assured, I’m hard at work will be getting it to you as soon as possible!

I’m currently drawing the life cycle of the toad for pages 6 & 7!

mrjotz:

Hopefully this all works. If it doesn’t, I’ll let you all know by 3pm, EST.

Currently, the present audience is going to be a little light, but maybe the online audience will make up for that!

We did sound check, and everything works! Be here at 4pm EST!

It was 1 year ago today that I released Animals into the world! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to entertain you this year, and I hope the next will be even more fun!

-Mr. Jotz