If I can't be a dragon-whisperer, can I at least befriend a talking dog?
Money makes the world go 'round. But if we focus only on money, we miss out. My creative activities currently provide me with no monetary profit. Instead, they give the gifts of challenge, discovery, connection, satisfaction, and joy. Last time I looked, none of these things could be bought at the store. One man's waste... Continue Reading →
During my six-week Sketchbook Skool (SBS) drawing class, I kept recognizing that things I know about writing also apply to drawing. Are they universal creative process rules? Maybe. That these two activities I love have so much in common surprises me. Here's what I've learned about writing and drawing: 1) Lock the Inner Critic in... Continue Reading →
As I consider my goals for the coming year, I find myself wondering if it makes sense to put deadlines on creative projects. I've been thinking a lot lately about the importance of slowing down when I create, whether I am trying to draw my dog, develop a pattern for a soft sculpture giraffe, or... Continue Reading →
As an eight-time NaNoWriMo veteran, you'd think I would have all the answers when it comes to writing a 50,000 word novel in thirty days. Certainly, I know a lot about it and have strategies for dealing with many of the challenges involved. But here I am in the middle of my ninth year and... Continue Reading →
It's Day 3 of NaNoWriMo (the challenge: write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days), and I am having the usual early day struggles. Because I don't plan ahead, I have to do a lot of brainstorming and heavy thinking between writing sessions. In the past, I've had my story idea arrive as late as November 1st,... Continue Reading →
