Developing an iPad App: Step Four

The storyboard is now well defined, coming alive with sketches and interactive features. In Step Two I laid out each scene and identified interaction, animation and sound. As we got more into the process, seeing scene sketches from Kate, we added new interactions to many scenes.

Step Four: Merge Sketches with Storyboard

There are two types of animation that may occur in a scene:

• One time animation that coincides with the narration
• Interactive animation that happens when the reader interacts by touching or moving the iPad.

In the example scene (Scene 4) shown above, our main character, Aiden, developed during Step Three, feels hopeless finding himself in a prison cell. He just met the ugly prison guard who informed him he would face the King of Carrot Castle before the sun goes down.

(Narrator) “What am I going to do? I have to get out of here!” he whispered, burying his head in his hands.
A shuffling sound startled him. (1) He looked up to see a mouse scurry into a small hole in the carrot cell wall. “Hmmmm.” Aiden studied the hole in the wall. “The mouse eats carrots, but I don’t like carrots,” he said, wrinkling his face.

(Art Notes) Aiden sitting in the middle of the prison cell with his head buried in his hands, his dinner fork in his pocket. (spot illus.) Aiden's head up to see mouse. (spot illus.) Mouse running (two views--legs stretched out, legs in).

(One time animation) (1) Aiden looks up, mouse runs into hole

(Continuous animation) sparkling dust flying around in light from window. Shake iPad to make it move.

(Interactive animation) Touch hole to see mouse pop out.

(Sound notes) shuffling sound, mouse squeaks

At narration point (1), Aiden changes pose to see the mouse scurry across the floor and disappear in a hole. Those are the one-time animations for Scene 4. Interactive animations include a continuous animation that the reader can interact with—you see dust floating in the beam of light cast by the cell window that scatters when you shake the iPad. Also, touching the mouse hole makes the mouse appear with a squeak.

Kate came up with several fun games for the reader to do that helps move the story along. In addition, an entertaining sidebar enlists the reader to dress a knight in his armor, making him ready for the big castle search when Aiden escapes.

Our next actions include:

1. Nur animating Scene 4 and 5 using rough sketches and spot poses.
2. Kate working on color studies of Aiden and some scenes.
3. I am putting together a payment agreement for the three of us with an attorney.

Stay tuned for the next step when I am sure to have color for you to marvel over.

The Dog Next Door Gets Closer

A door bell ring and Brandy barking announced the arrival of marketing materials for The Dog Next Door left on my door mat by FedEx. Time is getting near to the June 1st release of this delightful collection of true stories that celebrate dogs in our lives. The heartwarming tales about the beautiful relationships between people and their dogs will touch your heart and renew your spirit.

I'm excited about this book because it includes a story I wrote titled A Saving Transformation (although the title could be different). My story chronicles the events of a tragic accident that happened to our beloved dog Chessie and the transforming changes that occurred for me as a result of saving her.

Read the book to learn what happens. You'll come away agreeing that dogs are truly one of God's finest creatures, a marvelous gift for us humans. You can order your book from Amazon now.

Developing an iPad App: Step Three

Meet Aiden—exuberant and full of imagination

We are one month into our project to make The Prisoner of Carrot Castle into an iPad app. If you're just joining us, you'll want to catch up by reading Step One: Assemble the Team and Step Two: Complete Storyboard.

Step Three: Meet the Characters
While I worked on the storyboard, Kate Jeong, armed with a copy of the manuscript, roughed out the characters so she could begin the scene sketches once the storyboard was complete. You might say this is actually Step Two B.

Our lively and exuberant protagonist, Aiden, appears alone at the dinner table. With disheveled hair and disinterest in finishing his veggies, his imagination launches him to a far away place. To his amazement, he finds himself alone in a prison cell. Aiden's exciting adventure begins!

Kate worked on several versions of the King of Carrot Castle to arrive at this larger-than-life, arrogant King... and his aloof Queen.

The ugly guard who frightens Aiden when he suddenly appears through the cell door hatch would scare anyone confronted with such an oaf.

Numerous guards and people of the court will be seen in various scenes as Aiden attempts to escape from Carrot Castle. Kate developed several versions of Castle people, who might be spotted in the throne room or passing through the courtyard as they search for the escaped prisoner. These are just two people that might be seen in the app.

Join us for the next step in our project.

What do you think of Aiden and his castle adversaries?

The Perfect Valentine's Gift

This Valentine's Day give something unique—a romantic story: Continents Apart by Dana Sudboro. I met Dana two years ago when I began my writing journey. He is not only a gifted romance writer, but a guy too! Oh and he's a professor at Epic Bible College in Sacramento.

Odette Peterson has a clear understanding of where the Lord wants her, and that's in the African mission field. When she meets veteran missionary, Xavier Sand, she embraces their budding relationship. He's everything she's wanted in a man: Christian, kind, and a man who's dedicated his life to ministry. But when he insists she put aside her call to minister to Muslim women in Africa and join him in Japan, she finds she must let Xavier go.


Across three continets, and with others vying for their hearts, Odette and Xavier must learn to trust that God knows what's best for their futures...even if that means they will never be together.

Have a romantic Valentine's Day and eat some chocolate for me (it's not on my approved list of food) : (