Tuesday, January 4, 2011

My new year in writing



In the new year, I am increasing my focus on writing, but first I have had to embrace and accept the fact that I write within the horror genre. Reading the book On Writing Horror has helped quite a bit in that respect. Though I am not even half way through, I have encountered numerous entries from respected authors who also struggled with the stigma of writing something other than mainstream literary fiction. Apparently I am not alone! Now I vow to spend my time learning to be a writer and honing my craft. In addition to reading about not just writing horror, but also about writing in general, I will be continuing with my monthly writing group, and have made the decision to attend my first writer's conference this spring. I will include the details on this in a future post. Currently I have the novel I started for NaNo this past November (Plain Folk) that still needs my attention. I met the 50,000 word challenge, but did not reach a conclusion with my story, so I want to get back to it while the idea is still somewhat fresh. In addition to finishing the thought there, I have a short story (Bitter Pill) started and rewrites on my very first NaNo novel (The Gingerbread Lady) that I will be working on in the coming months. I have a good feeling about this and look forward to my journey into this relatively new endeavor.

I promise to not let my attention to my art lag while I spend more time writing however. In many ways I think that the art and the writing will prove to be good companions. I took some of the money I made this fall selling my painted softballs and bought a work light for my studio. (The overhead fixture just wasn't cutting it.) Though I have only been putzing down there, it has proven to be a good investment. Now that I am pretty well outfitted, I will continue with what I was working on prior to the holidays as well as beginning some new things that have been floating around in my head lately. I will be venturing into making pieces that combine my interests in sculpting and painting by fashioning dimensional wall hangings. I also would like to try out some hand painted banners this year. I am excited about all of the possibilities.

6 comments:

  1. I am happy to read that you are continuing to hone your writing skills. The writers conference sounds like a good learning experience. I am also pleased you will continue your repurposed art work. (I am in need of a softball ladybug for the library display the end of March) You are an inspiration.

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  2. Hi, Chris!
    So cool that you're going to write more. I just know that whatever you write will rock!
    I know what you mean about the stigma of being a horror writer. I had the same issue with being a romance writer. I was kinda embarrassed for a while. But not anymore. All I had to do was meet other romance writers and see how very cool and generous and fun they are, and the embarrassment went away. Now it doesn't matter to me a bit what other people think, cuz I love writing what I write -- and, hell, it's a lot more FUN than depressing old literary fiction anyway. :)
    Keep on writing!!!
    Joyce

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  3. I can start work on a ladybug for you this weekend. I need to do a flying pig for Kendall as well.

    I am excited (and nervous) about the conference, but I know that it will be a good experience. It is at UW the end of April (22-24). I have already marked the seminars I want to attend. Lots of good stuff! Should be able to register at the end of January.

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  4. I am beginning to discover the same thing about genre writing Joyce. At least we know that it gets read. The literary stuff gets bought, but most probably gathers dust.

    I look forward to meeting other horror authors. I could use the camaraderie.

    You are my inspiration Joyce. I really admire your passion for writing and your dedication to making it an integral part of your life.

    Thanks for the encouragement and the faith that I am meant to do this! You can't know how much that means to someone just starting out!!!

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  5. Hi, Chris!
    Kinda late getting back to this conversation. Crazy week!
    That's so cool that I'm inspiring. :) And it's easy to have faith in you as a writer cuz I know YOU. Plus, the hardest part is getting past the first few thousand words of a story, and you've done that more than once.
    Wouldn't it be awesome if we could have a joint book-signing some day!??! I'm putting it on my calendar. :)
    Love ya!
    Joyce

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  6. A joint signing would be cool! I have seen a number of things online this week about interaction between horror and romance writers (conferences, appearances and plugs). Will keep plugging away, so that we can make it happen.

    Love ya back!
    C

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