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.

The graphic says it all

New Years "Intentions" for 2011 (I prefer intention to resolution.)

1. Embrace the quirkiness.

2. Feed the creativity.

3. Fill up on positivity.

4. Enjoy the ride!

Here's hoping  for pleasant surprises, loads of love and a few valuable life lessons for us all in the coming year. 

Thanks for being there!

Merry Christmas to all!

The result of the gingerbread house workshop I lead at work last week.
Can't wait to eat it!

Just a few minutes away from holiday hubbub to wish everyone an enjoyable Christmas wherever you are and whatever you do. Looking forward to the promise of 2011!

Update with Pics

It has taken me far too long to get back here, and for that I apologize. This NaNoWriMo thing coupled with the eight hours I spend on the computer at work have not inspired me to make time for a new post. Speaking of NaNo, I am well past the halfway point with my word count. Today's goal is 36,674 if I want to be finished by the 30th. I wanted to work ahead this weekend to give me some cushion, but I was not as motivated as I thought I would be. There is still time. Not sure whether I am coming up with anything that can really become anything with edits, but it feels like I might be surprised. Once it is finished, I will let it sit a while before I return for another look. I have a book that I introduced to my writer's group that I will probably do edits and rewrites on first.

As for my artwork, the Gift Bazaar at the beginning of the month went well. The response at seeing what I do with old softballs and bowling balls was very positive. People seemed interested in my inspiration and my process. I ended up selling half the items I brought with me. I am currently working on orders that I took that day and one since then along with a few Christmas and Winter themed pieces. I have included some pictures for you below of my art and my display the day of the bazaar. Sorry for the quality. I guess I need to work at my technique so that I am getting better shots.

We are just a few days away from "The Big Eat." Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope that you all have much to be thankful for this year. I know I do.

Happy Halloween!

Couldn't let the day go by without acknowledging my favorite holiday. The traditional "boo-chos" (nachos) on the menu for supper, then a spooky movie (The Eclipse), and taking turns answering the door. Will be taking the night off from time in the studio. Back at it tomorrow after work. Probably some late nights while I wrap up. In addition, it is the first day of NaNoWriMo on Monday, so I will try to get in my 1,667 words before everyone gets up for school and work. Gonna be a challenge to stay on track for the first week with still so much to do for Saturday's Gift Bazaar. I expect there may be some catch-up up to do starting next Sunday. Hope to have pics of my finished softballs in the next day or so, and more pics from Saturday's event next week.

Have an enjoyable Halloween. Back again around Wednesday.

Making progress!

Very productive couple of days in the studio. Finished all my sculpting in a couple of hours last night. I have to say I REALLY like working with paper clay. So easy to manipulate, dries hard and quickly, and seems very well suited for what I am doing. I was also able to get the remainder of my foam sheet pieces cut out and ready for painting. As I work, I sense a change in the way I approach the balls now. I am less concerned with maintaining the appearance of the balls (ironic that I ever did given my lack of interest in sports) to seeing them primarily for their shape. Now I am using them solely as an armature for each piece. Be interesting to see where this all goes. Hope to have some pics of completed pieces up this weekend. I should have about a half dozen ready for their close-up by then.

Still here and covered in paint

Been a few weeks, so I feel I should make a brief appearance. With the fast (too fast) approaching Gift Gallery coming up, I am now in the thick of getting some things finished up while starting as many more as I have room for in my work space. Weather was nice when I got home from work, so I was able to get most of my sawing and drilling done in the driveway. Very wet and dreary here today, so much of it will be spent in the studio. Got up at the crack of stupid (for a weekend) and had a productive couple of hours already. It feels good!

Had the second of the three introductory writer's group meetings last Wednesday. Made myself step up and have the group critique my first page of "The Gingerbread Lady" novel. Was happily surprised at the comments, and the groups interest in reading more. When you write only for yourself, it is difficult to let others see your stuff. I worried, naturally I think, that I was deluding myself, that I had the chops to be a writer. Feeling a little more encouraged now. Once the bazaar is behind me, I will take a month off from the heavy duty painting and sculpting to focus on writing. Got an idea brewing for November's NaNoWriMo, and one writing buddy (Kathy Steffan, author and my writer's group facilitator). Even keeping an eye on the area writing get together's coming up for the Madison area NaNoers. With the MacBook, I can now writer places other than home, so it might be fun to check out at least one "write-in".

Well, that's where I'm at at present. I will post photos of my finished softballs, as well as my table at November 6's bazaar as soon as I am able.

Till then, enjoy the dwindling days of fall. Let's hope the snow here will hold off until after Thanksgiving at the earliest.