An online portfolio of work
About
Self-Portrait

Michelle Regello

Despite clear artistic ability throughout childhood, Michelle Regello too often heard the refrain “people can’t make a living with art,” so she focused on writing. Excelling at the written word from an early age, she attended the California Journalism Finals and received a full score of 5 on the English AP exam.

Her ability to clearly communicate complex computer jargon enabled Michelle’s start in technical writing with software manuals.

Michelle re-discovered her artistic self through the Interactive / Digital Media Certificate program offered by the San Diego College of Continuing Education, and has come full circle to fulfill her long-dormant plan as an author-illustrator of children’s books. (She’s also fond of hyphens and paretheses.)

Interests & Inspirations

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SCBWI

SCBWI 2023 logo

Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

The international professional organization for authors and illustrators for children and young adults. I’ve been an active member of SCBWI and the San Diego chapter since 2018.

 

SCBWI San Diego

Adjusted SCBWI San Diego logo

My Guys

Ben, James & Richard

My Three Young Men 
with Ben’s First “Big Boy” Purchase, an oil painting by Tim Cantor

I’m proud of Ben, James and Richard – for who they are and the difference they make helping the world become a better place.

They also call me “Mother of three, Parent to the World” (most of the time, I’ll make suggestions if you’ll let me), so I’ve also “adopted” several other children among my boys’ friends. Being from California, I often refer to everyone as “guy(s),” so My Guys include Nicole, Adrienne, Noelle, Quinn, Ethan, and David.

And here’s My #1 Guy:  Tim

Tim Regello

My husband of 30+ years; having fun for his birthday

Marguerite Henry

Title page: King of the Wind

A “scene” from my childhood

Every Saturday, my brother Mark and I rode our bikes to the local library. Looking back, I’m pretty sure that almost every week one of Marguerite Henry’s books would be in my “take” for the week.

Her text paired with Wesley Dennis’ gorgeous illustrations remain one of my strongest motivations to become an author / illustrator — their combined efforts hugely impacted my life. 

Wesley Dennis

Book Cover: The Red Pony, John Steinbeck

I’m sure the illustrations were the only reason I finished this book …

Boy Celebrates Birth of Colt

Such joy!

I think that I’ve read every book for which Wesley Dennis provided the illustrations, including his own Flip series. One of the benefits of the old card catalog system: it was easy to discover all the books by a particular illustrator.

It’s so hard to select only one of his images!

 

Saint Pope John Paul II

Drawn image of Statue

Image drawn of Pope John Paul II/Our Lady of Guadalupe statue in Mexico City

An amazing Pope, and the inspiration for my alma mater (2020):

JPCatholic logo

Love, love, loved being able to attend JPCatholic – a wonderful place to work on “Impacting Culture for Christ,” making the world a better place for everyone!

California Poppies

California poppies

My favorite flower: California Poppies     
(Eschscholzia californica)

These bright yellow-orange cups of silky petals and fern-like foilage need no tending. Requiring little water, poppies prefer full sun (6+ hours of sunlight), and sandy, well-drained, poor (rocky and/or sandy) soil.

Poppies don’t like to have their roots disturbed and prefer self-seeding: the long seed pods “pop” open as they dry, scattering seeds for the next season. Flowering usually occurs April through May. Cut flowers wilt.

AFS Exchange Student

AFS Intercultural Programs Logo
Summer Exchange Student; Host Family; School Co-ordinator:  My only regret is not realizing I could have gone for a full year, after graduation.

Lego

Sand Castle made of Lego bricks

 Lego Sandcastle

Legoland Ambassador:  

I received one of the “lifetime” memberships to Legoland California in 2000 as a special gift from my husband. Along with park access, Ambassadors {were to} receive free upgraded parking, complimentary tickets, and an annual Masterclass session with the Lego Builders. My favorite project to build has been the Lego Sandcastle designed by Master Builder Gary McIntyre.

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NaNoWriMo

Pronounced /nah-no-wry-moh/ this international group encourages writers to focus on writing.

Originally discovering the “Script Frenzy” challenge of writing a screenplay in a month, I’ve been involved with this organization since 2007. I currently volunteer as one of two Municipal Liaisons in the North San Diego County region.

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Coming Soon ...

Gonna have to take a break, but more I&Is coming: 

  • Trina Shart Hyman
  • Bill Peet
  • Patricia Wrede
  • Ayn Rand
  • The Great Adventure Bible Timeline
  • Kipling
  • who knows?