Artists / writers / bloggers I admire.
Hugh McLeod has a wonderful website. He does these minimalist cartoon illustrations he calls "cube bombs" - dry humor. Ya gotta see them. They are so simply drawn, but have so much mass-market appeal. His writing is quirky and unexpected. He posted the first part of his book online "Ignore Everybody - and 39 Other Keys to Creativity."
http://gapingvoid.com/
His online gallery: http://gapingvoidgallery.com/
I adore Vanessa Valencia's site. It's in the form of a blog, has photos, illustrations, loosely-woven-together stories. I emailed her & told her she should do children's books. This gal does it all - a real jack of all trades creative. When I grow up I want to BE her! No, seriously. Her blog:
http://afancifultwist.typepad.com/
Her art is whimsical, full of joy. I especially love the pieces that are textural, use bunches of newspaper to fan out and form a ballerina's dress. Her art site:
http://www.vanessavalencia.com/
These two people are on my People I Want to Invite to Dinner List.
Let me know if they make your list.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
My Publishing Odyssey
I call my spotty writing career "My Personal Publishing Odyssey." You may remember from college English courses that Homer wrote this epic poem more than a few centuries ago. Some days I feel lost and wandering like Odysseus on his long 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. No war in my life, thankfully, but I have been struggling with writing and publishing for more than 20 years. My first forrays were generic, as vague and self-important as writing from a 20-year old's perspective can get. It got better. Starting with an idea and QuarkXpress, I designed a deck of spiritual encouragement cards and an accompanying book. I was the writer, designer, printer, and salsperson. I sold them at local shops, and I considered each sale a personal victory. Having little idea of the publishing world, I sent the collection to publishers. One positive response, but no deal. I self-published many more booklets. My laminated quick reference sheets were one of my better ideas. I compressed several books' worth info onto one page, with themes like Feng Shui and Native American spirituality. I had not learned that New Age topics do not have mass market appeal and that it is a niche market.
Through the years, as an artist, craftsperson, and jack-of-all artistic trades I experimented with jewelry design, T-shirt art, gift baskets, making purses, basic clothing design, home made perfume, even compiling music for a CD. When I look back at all my dabblings, the only consistent theme was writing, with craft projects on the side. Crafting is a tough, tough business. Publishing is an even harder business. Both are a joy, but I have yet to see any financial returns. Perhaps I am persisting with a stereotype, but artists are poor marketers of their own work.
Since the birth of my daughter I have begun writing children's books. I started out with simple picture books. The writing progressed and evolved as she grew. Now I am writing longer books, verging on Middle Grade novels. Pulishing is a tricky and elusive business. J.K. Rowling, author of the blockbuster Harry Potter series, sent out tons of query letters before her first manuscript was accepted. I made the decision to self-publish, this time from a different angle. I still design and self-publish books, but do it online as e-books. My evil plan is to circumvent those persnickety publishers! My website is http://www.kidzbookz.vpweb.com/ It offers several downloadable children's e-books and goodies for adults. For now, the books are free. Soon, the more meatier books will be Pay Pal worthy.
Technology has grown to the advantage of aspiring authors. The Web, U-Tube, Facebook, etc., have catapulted aspiring authors to new heights. Publish-on-Demand (POD) printers let authors print as many books as they want. Self publishing is growing at an astronomical rate. E-books and downloadable Kindle books (among other services) are starting to take off. Barnes and Noble is wisely getting into the mix. Services like CreateSpace allow authors to become their own publishers and marketers. I say, "Hooray for that!" But, I digress. Tangents are the siren's song of bloggers.
There is a lot of controversy about self-publishing. At first, vanity presses were considered just that - egotistical and self-serving. Now self-publishing has become a respectable, valid and substantive industry. I believe that it unties the apron strings and allows talented writers to do it "my way." It is exhilarating for an artist to "get it out there." Creating their art and sharing their creations - the "raison d'etre" for artists.
My own take on self-publishing e-books is that it is quick, easy, and it is ecologically friendly. It is satisfying because, like the 5-year olds I write for, I want immediate gratification! It can take up to 2 years to be traditionally published. While I am still pursuing publishing houses, I have found a way to express myself in the here and now. Very exciting. I have posted 4 children's picture books on my site and "Christmas Carols for Cats," Christmas songs from felines' perspective. I have more than 40 other books in the works, all in various stages of completion. Some are nearly ready for conversion to e-books for the website, and some are just a title.
Writing is my passion. Art is who I am. Creativity is what I live for. I've found and embrace the genre of e-books; they are the perfect way for me to express my overflowing creativity and life's passion.
Please support me on my publishing odyssey and travel with me to http://www.kidzbookz.vpweb.com/
Through the years, as an artist, craftsperson, and jack-of-all artistic trades I experimented with jewelry design, T-shirt art, gift baskets, making purses, basic clothing design, home made perfume, even compiling music for a CD. When I look back at all my dabblings, the only consistent theme was writing, with craft projects on the side. Crafting is a tough, tough business. Publishing is an even harder business. Both are a joy, but I have yet to see any financial returns. Perhaps I am persisting with a stereotype, but artists are poor marketers of their own work.
Since the birth of my daughter I have begun writing children's books. I started out with simple picture books. The writing progressed and evolved as she grew. Now I am writing longer books, verging on Middle Grade novels. Pulishing is a tricky and elusive business. J.K. Rowling, author of the blockbuster Harry Potter series, sent out tons of query letters before her first manuscript was accepted. I made the decision to self-publish, this time from a different angle. I still design and self-publish books, but do it online as e-books. My evil plan is to circumvent those persnickety publishers! My website is http://www.kidzbookz.vpweb.com/ It offers several downloadable children's e-books and goodies for adults. For now, the books are free. Soon, the more meatier books will be Pay Pal worthy.
Technology has grown to the advantage of aspiring authors. The Web, U-Tube, Facebook, etc., have catapulted aspiring authors to new heights. Publish-on-Demand (POD) printers let authors print as many books as they want. Self publishing is growing at an astronomical rate. E-books and downloadable Kindle books (among other services) are starting to take off. Barnes and Noble is wisely getting into the mix. Services like CreateSpace allow authors to become their own publishers and marketers. I say, "Hooray for that!" But, I digress. Tangents are the siren's song of bloggers.
There is a lot of controversy about self-publishing. At first, vanity presses were considered just that - egotistical and self-serving. Now self-publishing has become a respectable, valid and substantive industry. I believe that it unties the apron strings and allows talented writers to do it "my way." It is exhilarating for an artist to "get it out there." Creating their art and sharing their creations - the "raison d'etre" for artists.
My own take on self-publishing e-books is that it is quick, easy, and it is ecologically friendly. It is satisfying because, like the 5-year olds I write for, I want immediate gratification! It can take up to 2 years to be traditionally published. While I am still pursuing publishing houses, I have found a way to express myself in the here and now. Very exciting. I have posted 4 children's picture books on my site and "Christmas Carols for Cats," Christmas songs from felines' perspective. I have more than 40 other books in the works, all in various stages of completion. Some are nearly ready for conversion to e-books for the website, and some are just a title.
Writing is my passion. Art is who I am. Creativity is what I live for. I've found and embrace the genre of e-books; they are the perfect way for me to express my overflowing creativity and life's passion.
Please support me on my publishing odyssey and travel with me to http://www.kidzbookz.vpweb.com/
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Networking & Facebooking
Networking. What exactly does that mean? Shaking hands? Collecting business cards? Going to social events? Why is it important? My personal life coach suggested that I start networking to help get my writing business off the ground. What??? How could that possibly help? Well, what he heck. I tried it. I went to a ladies networking luncheon and met a wonderful group of professional women, had a good time, and got to meet a few potential contacts. True, I now have a giant box 'o' business cards. But, 4 of the 40 were actually useful. I got hooked to write a spec story for a local women's magazine. I also found a new hairdresser. Interestingly, when I told others about my interests, they were able to refer me to a wider network of their contacts. Aha! Some leads to local authors, editors, and a writing coach! So, the luncheon was a worthwhile and productive event.
The other face of networking, besides meeting real live people locally, is online networking. What's exciting is that I've met people from around the world who have similar interests. I've become a Facebook junkie. It's truly as addictive as videogames. Through Facebook I have discovered several local "meetups," folks who start a local get-together to socialize and . . . network. I am helping to organize a local aspiring authors' group. We set up the time, the place, and the theme. 18 people are signed into the meetup, and hopefully, 6 or 8 will show up! I also discovered a regional chapter of a national writers' organization who meets locally. So, I'm hooked. Networking. Facebook. All because I ventured outside of my comfort zone, fired up by my personal life coach. It took a push and a leap of faith. Net-work it!
The other face of networking, besides meeting real live people locally, is online networking. What's exciting is that I've met people from around the world who have similar interests. I've become a Facebook junkie. It's truly as addictive as videogames. Through Facebook I have discovered several local "meetups," folks who start a local get-together to socialize and . . . network. I am helping to organize a local aspiring authors' group. We set up the time, the place, and the theme. 18 people are signed into the meetup, and hopefully, 6 or 8 will show up! I also discovered a regional chapter of a national writers' organization who meets locally. So, I'm hooked. Networking. Facebook. All because I ventured outside of my comfort zone, fired up by my personal life coach. It took a push and a leap of faith. Net-work it!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Gift for YOU. Free e-book "Christmas Carols for Cats"
Gift for YOU. Free e-book "Christmas Carols for Cats"
A holiday gift for you! A free copy of my latest e-book “Christmas Carols for Cats - Howlingly Good-Sing-a-longs for Cats and Their Owners.” Go to http://www.kidzbookz.vpweb.com/ to download your copy! Feel free to print it, email it to others, distribute, and take it Christmas carolling with you. Like Santa and his sleigh, help “Christmas Carols for Cats” TRAVEL AROUND THE GLOBE BY CHRISTMAS DAY!
Your favorite Christmas carols have been hijacked and rewritten by cats! From “Deck the Halls with Boughs of Catnip,” to “We Wish You a Furry Christmas,” these carols are alternately funny, outrageous, and heartwarming. E-mail it to everyone on your Christmas list, whether they have been naughty or nice! Where will this book travel? The author wants to know! E-mail me at kidzbookzonline@gmail.com And have yourself a furry Christmas and a purry New Year!
Thanks to the photograpers from all over the world and for contributing to my e-book.
My children's book website, KIDZ BOOKZ ONLINE http://www.kidzbookz.vpweb.com/ offers fun and semi-educational tales, sweet and snuggleable stories, and silly, outrageously fun reads for kidz and their families. At Kidz Bookz Online, you and your child (or grandchild) can download e-books right to your computer to read onscreen or print them out to read together at bedtime. Free e-zine and other goodies for adults! Dowloadable full-color pdf format.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Moving to Asheville NC
We have escaped from the looney bin...
We gone and done it! Our family decided to take the big leap. We’d had enough! We packed up our entire house, stuffed it all into an overflowing moving truck and headed South. Aaaah! That’s better! Goodbye, Washington DC. Adios traffic. Au revoir stress! Just me, my husband, my daughter who watched her “Scooby Doo Meets Batman and Robin” DVD 20 times on the way. Yes, we do have it memorized. And our two cats, who had been medicated for the journey. Sorry, cat lovers, it had to be done for their own good.
As we rounded a curve near the Tennessee / North Carolina border, we spied the mountains in the distance - indigo and blue. The very essence of peace. I could suddenly breathe more deeply. We pulled the truck into Asheville NC. We were home!
We gone and done it! Our family decided to take the big leap. We’d had enough! We packed up our entire house, stuffed it all into an overflowing moving truck and headed South. Aaaah! That’s better! Goodbye, Washington DC. Adios traffic. Au revoir stress! Just me, my husband, my daughter who watched her “Scooby Doo Meets Batman and Robin” DVD 20 times on the way. Yes, we do have it memorized. And our two cats, who had been medicated for the journey. Sorry, cat lovers, it had to be done for their own good.
As we rounded a curve near the Tennessee / North Carolina border, we spied the mountains in the distance - indigo and blue. The very essence of peace. I could suddenly breathe more deeply. We pulled the truck into Asheville NC. We were home!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
How to write a novel
I always have to remember that “butt in seat time” is the most valuable tool I have as a writer.
“The jouney of ten thousand miles begins with a single step.” from Tao te Ching.
To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.
There are many different kinds of writers. Those who plan, lay the foundation and build up from the ground. Me? I start in the sky and work my way down. I get an idea in my head and take off with it, having absolutely NO idea where it will lead me. Often my writing is a journey that takes me to strange and amazing places, like walking through a dreamscape. My unconsicous mind somehow finds the key to the story's ending that I never would have imagined. The story comes full circle, but reaches a new level.
Other times my writing does not reach a moment of clarity or resolution. It's just a mess.
It always amazes me — the leaps my mind takes. Finding the perfect resolution is like a little miracle: the stream of the unconscious mind winding its way to the sea.
WHat kind of writer are you?
“The jouney of ten thousand miles begins with a single step.” from Tao te Ching.
To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.
There are many different kinds of writers. Those who plan, lay the foundation and build up from the ground. Me? I start in the sky and work my way down. I get an idea in my head and take off with it, having absolutely NO idea where it will lead me. Often my writing is a journey that takes me to strange and amazing places, like walking through a dreamscape. My unconsicous mind somehow finds the key to the story's ending that I never would have imagined. The story comes full circle, but reaches a new level.
Other times my writing does not reach a moment of clarity or resolution. It's just a mess.
It always amazes me — the leaps my mind takes. Finding the perfect resolution is like a little miracle: the stream of the unconscious mind winding its way to the sea.
WHat kind of writer are you?
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Too much inspiration?
Is there such a thing as too much inspiration? Can you have too much creativity? Too big of an adrenaline rush? For artists, adventurers, and other creative souls, the answer is a resounding NO! For me, a writer and artist, the answer is "sometimes." I often get swept into a tide of overflowing creativity, go manic with hundreds of ideas for new books and projects. My intense passion for art can keep me up half the night. For the sake of my husband and daughter, I have learned to rein it in somewhat. Some days the "creativity hangover" (the payback for staying up all night to write a good article) is worth it. Other times, no. Over strong coffee and a gruesome migraine, I ask myself, "Why, oh, why did I trade 8 hours of delicious sleep for one measly paragraph that, in morning's clear light, completely sucks?" No one makes the best decisions at 3 am.
"As with all things in life, seek balance." The Zen wisdom of a fortune cookie. Balance has evaded me for 45 years. With a half-smile, I admit to being quite "unbalanced." I've told others that my right brain is so overly developed that my head constantly tilts to the right. Why? It weight more. It is difficult for me to perform left-brained activities like math, taxes, remembering to change the oil in the car. I've been known to forget to eat breakfast, lose my keys multiple times in one day. And I have problems understanding the concept of time, much to the annoyance of dinner partners.
Fortunately, I married a wonderful, left-brained man. He remembers everything and is a good model for me to get my act together in the left-brained world. He is a good sounding board, the voice of the people, for my outrageous ideas. Opposites compliment each other. We have taught each other to appreciate life from a different perspective, from the "great divide" of the brain's hemispheres. My husbands's office is pristine, a study in order and simplicity. Mine is crammed to the ceiling with books, art supplies, half-finished craft projects, photos thumb tacked to the wall, post-its with scribbled ideas for a next book. In short, a messy whirlwind of creative energy run amok. In this maelstrom-of-my-own making, I lose things, (like myself) and cannot seem to finish any of my hundreds of projects. Why?
Recently someone breezed through my life at an important moment to help me with my left-right dilemma. There are a few golden moments where a stranger makes a simple statement and it hits you like a brick from the sky. This particular stranger said "If you run your life from sheer emotion, nothing will ever get done." I translated this to, "If you run your life from creativity and inspiration alone, nothing will ever be accomplished." My art may not make it to the gallery. My novel stays half written. The abandoned craft project scattered beads and fabric scraps all over the floor... I get inspired, excited, and jump into a new project. In the midst of that, I get an idea for a book, so I wander off. The next moment, I get distracted by a snippet of song that inspires me to write a poem. I am having a blast, I’m in the zone. I have the attention span of a 5-year old. No wonder I can’t get anything done. I’m having too much fun playing and don’t want to stop to come in for dinner. My inspirations, whims, and flights of fancy lead me dancing and flittering from one thing to another, never stopping long enough to get anything accomplished, let alone finished.
"If you run your life from creativity and inspiration alone, nothing will ever be accomplished." That statement explains a lot about me. I am so in love with my right side that I’m blinded to the left. What, I have another half of a brain? Who knew? I am finally realizing that I need the left side’s help to be whole and complete. I need the practical, the business mind, the realist, as well as the artist, the dreamer, the muse. Hmmmmm. Will the two sides ever meet? Can I even FIND my left brain without getting lost?
Can you have too much of a good thing? Too much creativity and inspiration? Only if you allow it to take over your life.
"As with all things in life, seek balance." The Zen wisdom of a fortune cookie. Balance has evaded me for 45 years. With a half-smile, I admit to being quite "unbalanced." I've told others that my right brain is so overly developed that my head constantly tilts to the right. Why? It weight more. It is difficult for me to perform left-brained activities like math, taxes, remembering to change the oil in the car. I've been known to forget to eat breakfast, lose my keys multiple times in one day. And I have problems understanding the concept of time, much to the annoyance of dinner partners.
Fortunately, I married a wonderful, left-brained man. He remembers everything and is a good model for me to get my act together in the left-brained world. He is a good sounding board, the voice of the people, for my outrageous ideas. Opposites compliment each other. We have taught each other to appreciate life from a different perspective, from the "great divide" of the brain's hemispheres. My husbands's office is pristine, a study in order and simplicity. Mine is crammed to the ceiling with books, art supplies, half-finished craft projects, photos thumb tacked to the wall, post-its with scribbled ideas for a next book. In short, a messy whirlwind of creative energy run amok. In this maelstrom-of-my-own making, I lose things, (like myself) and cannot seem to finish any of my hundreds of projects. Why?
Recently someone breezed through my life at an important moment to help me with my left-right dilemma. There are a few golden moments where a stranger makes a simple statement and it hits you like a brick from the sky. This particular stranger said "If you run your life from sheer emotion, nothing will ever get done." I translated this to, "If you run your life from creativity and inspiration alone, nothing will ever be accomplished." My art may not make it to the gallery. My novel stays half written. The abandoned craft project scattered beads and fabric scraps all over the floor... I get inspired, excited, and jump into a new project. In the midst of that, I get an idea for a book, so I wander off. The next moment, I get distracted by a snippet of song that inspires me to write a poem. I am having a blast, I’m in the zone. I have the attention span of a 5-year old. No wonder I can’t get anything done. I’m having too much fun playing and don’t want to stop to come in for dinner. My inspirations, whims, and flights of fancy lead me dancing and flittering from one thing to another, never stopping long enough to get anything accomplished, let alone finished.
"If you run your life from creativity and inspiration alone, nothing will ever be accomplished." That statement explains a lot about me. I am so in love with my right side that I’m blinded to the left. What, I have another half of a brain? Who knew? I am finally realizing that I need the left side’s help to be whole and complete. I need the practical, the business mind, the realist, as well as the artist, the dreamer, the muse. Hmmmmm. Will the two sides ever meet? Can I even FIND my left brain without getting lost?
Can you have too much of a good thing? Too much creativity and inspiration? Only if you allow it to take over your life.
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