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.

Slow start to 2010

I am not sure I much care for the month of January. I always have such high hopes and even bigger plans for the beginning of a new year. If only real life played out like I have it mapped out in my head. I was alright with taking time away from my creative pursuits during the holidays, but had planned to hit it hard and heavy once January 1st arrived. Here we are on the 11th day of the month, and all I have done is read about other people's processes and progress. (I'm filling my data bank?) This is why I struggle to call myself an artist at times.

I know that I just need to be kinder to myself and remember that when I am inspired, I will move out of this period of "unproductivity." (Is that even a word?)

I know that part of my hesitation in getting to work on some of the things that I either have started or am working out in my head is that I haven't really claimed a workspace for myself here at home. Though the workbench in the garage was great during the summer and autumn months, it is far too chilly (and often too wet with melting snow and ice from the car) to spend more than a few minutes out there. Maybe setting up a permanent indoor studio space should be my focus for now. Once that has been accomplished, it is hard to believe that the inspiration and motivation won't follow.

In addition to artwork, I had planned to begin rewriting one of my NaNoWriMo novels this year. Since the virus took out our PC in December though, I can't spend more than a few minutes on the computer. It's working again, but I don't trust it any longer. I hate to let something as stupid as a virus stress me out, but I keep waiting for it to get infected again. I no longer care to even turn it on anymore. Having it functioning for Mary to work from home seems more important right now anyway.

When I think about it, I really just need to bite the bullet and shell out the $1,000 or so for a Macbook and then I won't have computer issues as an excuse any longer. In addition to writing I can spend some time getting this blog that way I want it as well. I would like to post more pictures of my work to date as well as images of current works in progress.

Then again, maybe I should just crawl into bed and not wake again until April or May.