Denise Jaden has an idea for you. At least, she has an idea for your ideas, if you are writing a novel. Jaden has just released her book, Story Sparks: Finding Your Best Story Ideas and Turning them into Compelling Fiction. It's a slim volume, heavy with good suggestions. Not so much advice, more suggestions. Jaden's book is filled with exercises, visualizations, time management tips, and sparks to light up your novel into a well-written … [Read more...]
Creative Strength Training: Book Review and Giveaway
There are a lot of books on creativity that combine art-making exercises with encouragement. (OK, so I wrote one of them.) All the more reason to love a new book that is wonderful, tempting, helpful and encouraging. When it turns out to do what it promises--help you become creatively stronger, more sure or your creativity, and more curious about the world around you--it's a keeper. One you will want to read quickly, just to enjoy, then read more … [Read more...]
The Full-Time Artist (and a Giveaway)
"Are you a full-time artist?" is the challenge of the year. It's not enough to wring out your imagination on your desk regularly, or to create something original. No, no, you have to do your art only. And you have to make enough money on it to support yourself, your aging parent, your college-age child, and buy groceries. Because otherwise, you are not a "real" artist. How shallow. When I quit selling my art and turned to working on my art … [Read more...]
The Perfect Year
On a hot, sticky day last summer, I stood, sweating, in the middle of my studio, wondering how to pack and move all the supplies filling the drawers, shelves, and desktop. Papers and paints, glitter and tape runners and a pile of props--gadgets to help me make art faster and better. The new place is smaller. My office/studio is bigger, but it has no closets and would also be the guest room. Shedding supplies was mandatory. And a relief. I'd … [Read more...]
More on Your Word for 2016
The word you choose for 2016 says a lot about you. It's another form of you identity. Who you want to be. How you want to be seen. What you want to grow into. Don't choose a word that is too tight and restricting. Those words cramp your brain and your soul. Choose a word that is light and flight-ready, if you are that kind of person that likes to take flights of fancy. Or even flights of serious. Choose a word that is weighty and … [Read more...]
Book Review (and Giveaway)
Writing the Wave, by Elizabeth Ayers, is one of the best how-to-write books I've read in a long time. The exercises are inventive and interesting, even fun to complete. Thanks to poet Carolyn, who introduced me to it. Ayers style is light and engaging, and her exercises come from experience that she had met, struggled with and overcome. Whether you are blocked, filled with ideas, or just don't know where to start, this book will help … [Read more...]