Category: Random

I’m learning not to fight the muse…though I seem to be having many arguments with inanimate objects recently. Typing this stings a bit, as my right ring finger got stuck in a grocery cart 2 days ago, right before the guy loading it yanked it forward. OUCH! It’s black and blue.

Months ago during a cleaning frenzy–an attempt to keep my mind occupied after submitting my third book to editors–the window blinds in my living room attempted to eat me. (Yes, you read that correctly. And while it may be difficult to picture, I assure you those things looked like they had mini jaws attacking me.)

These things make me wonder if I’m losing more battles than I’m winning. But one thing is clear…you have to roll with the punches when it comes to creativity. You can’t force it, you can’t ignore it. You’re either excited about what you’re creating/doing, or you’re not. That’s not to say that you should stop putting the time/effort into it, or that you should start a new book idea every time your current manuscript starts to taste a bit dull.

BUT…if your current work in progress is not going anywhere, and all various attempts to rekindle it are not working (write a new, upbeat scene with tension; jump into some dialogue to freshen things up, kill a character, etc.) then it’s not that bad of an idea to take a break. Listen to some music. Read a great book. Explore all different ways of storytelling, even ones you wouldn’t normally use yourself.

Anyone a film buff out there? I’d suggest you go see “Slumdog Millionaire” when you get a chance. It’s disturbing in some ways, but I will say this: It’s an incredibly unique way to *tell* the story; that’s what impressed me the most.

I began a 4th manuscript last August, then put it down and started another one in October. Now I’ve put that one down and am returning to the original one, but changing several things. It’s not that I’m ADD…it’s more of going where I feel pulled to go. There was no excitement left in what I was working on, and I’m changing gears, still moving forward, and will eventually return to it and try to rekindle something. But that excitement has to be there. It’s what gets us through the lonely long days.

And yes, sometimes my muse still shows up wearing that silly purple hat.

I’ve been particularly impressed by a few recent conversations/things I’ve caught on TV/life. All of them have come down to this one point: Take joy in what you do. If it can’t be your means of income, then make time to pursue those things which bring joy into your life.

I talked to the owner of a framing store today, as I was in there getting a wonderful gift custom-framed. I definitely see the immortality and creativity in taking photographs, filming something, drawing something. But somehow I never associated that a framemaker could see his job as an artist as well. He spoke about how people come in, wanting custom made retirement print frames which he designs, and those pieces of gold are in people’s homes, living on with a soulful flicker.

I was definitely impressed. Take time to find the joy and artistic beauty in what you do, and do it as often as you can :)

More later!

Hello all,

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to blog more, especially after receiving some emails from people claiming that yes, y’all really DO read and recommend my blog! Puts the pressure on, but that’s good. The brain needs to think.

And that’s a key note for any creative endeavor: you have to refill the well. Some days I get so antsy with hitting a certain word count or spending so much time writing that the result isn’t necessarily bad–it’s just not as good as it could be.

Take time to breathe. Go walk around a town square or city avenue. Stroll under the glimmering high rises of the city or bask under a willowy tree in the country. Listen to music. Find new music, stuff you normally wouldn’t even listen to. You might surprise yourself. Watch new films, devour looking at paintings, photographs, read books of all kinds–all of these things can speak to our souls, helping us refill the well.

And don’t forget to never, ever quit!

Happy 2009, everyone! Sorry for the belated wishes; life has been immensely hectic the last 3-4 weeks. BUT one thing that recent events have taught me is this: Life is short. Follow your dreams now. Don’t waste any time, especially being afraid. Take a baby step forward and keep moving.

New Year’s 2009 was unusual. Normally, I like to sit back, make a list of resolutions, think about accomplishments, and write down goals. In December 2008, my Dad went into the hospital for a mini stroke, pneumonia, respiratory and heart issues all at once. Suffice it to say, New Year’s Eve for me was spent watching doctors and nurses wear celebratory hats as they waltzed in and out of my Dad’s hospital room. Then later, drinking some wine w/my mom, us toasting in the New Year before collapsing to sleep.

While I wish this hadn’t happened, I have to take a long look at what I can learn from it. Yes, my mind is swirling with all those life questions: What does it all mean? What are we doing here? Where am I headed? And one answer which keeps resonating with me is that we only have a bit limited time on this Earth – why waste any of it not pursuing what you want to do? I’m not saying quit your day job; I’m saying make the time for those pursuits you’re passionate about.

It only makes sense. I look at other artists and wonder: what would life be like if they’d chosen different paths? What if Aaron Neville had become a store manager instead of a musician? Whether you’re a person of faith or not, his version of “Amazing Grace” is absolutely beautiful. Think of your favorite authors, filmmakers, painters – – what if they’d been too scared to pursue their passion? Life would be different, and isn’t the entire point of life to enjoy its richness while we can?

So, it’s mid-January and I’m just now getting to that 2009 goals list. Continuing to write, telling stories which offer a glimpse into understanding humanity–that’s my top goal. Rejection letters, while sometimes depressing and painful, can only stop me if I let them.

One of my favorite episodes of “Inside the Actor’s Studio” hosts Dustin Hoffman. He talks about Picasso, who was asked once, “What would you do if you didn’t have any paintbrushes to paint with?” Picasso’s answer was, “I’d use pens and pencils, crayons, whatever I had to.”
On being asked, “If someone stripped you naked, put you in prison and gave you nothing to paint with, what would you do?”
Picasso’s answer? “I would spit on my finger and continue to draw images on the walls. I would never let anything stop me.”

THAT is passion, folks. So get out there and begin to follow yours!

There’s something delicious that swells in my soul when I encounter creative art in progress. Writing books is a muse-thrill all its own, but I also take great joy in learning, seeing, and watching others create something.

A great one-liner from the film “Art School Confidential” illustrates my point: Artists live for that narcotic moment of creative bliss.

Watching and knowing the behind-the-scenes details of something which the public finally sees is, I dunno, amazingly wonderful to me. It’s like those times in junior high school, when my good friend’s uncle was a radio DJ; he got us into sneak preview movie premieres all the time. We saw those great films before anyone else! *Thrills and Giggles*

So often in life, I feel like I’m the last to know something. So when creations enter the world which I’ve seen or heard about evolving, it’s a rewarding feeling–even if I’m not the artist behind it.

I wrote the Indie 13 blog post, announcing the eventual release of When You’re Strange. Tom DiCillo has kept a blog since he began this Doors project, and it’s been interesting to read how it progressed. I can’t wait to see it in theatres.

Today (12/12), “Delgo” starts in theatres. This is the creation of Fathom Studios (Marc Adler and Jason Maurer) located in Atlanta. They’re also an animation/film arm of the well-known and respected company Macquarium. I had the great pleasure of working a 6-week contract job there, about 1 ½ years ago. It’s one of the most exciting, innovative and creative places I’ve ever worked. During that time, all the employees were invited to see “Delgo” during work hours. Today, it’s released in theatres. It’s exciting, knowing this day would eventually arrive.

And it was cool to even know the behind-the-scenes information on pets. Disney made a movie called “Murder She Purred” many years ago. A friend of mine owned one of the German Shepherds in the movie, and she kept an ongoing blog of the many ups and downs of training/working with animals on set, and how it was challenging with some actors. (Incidentally, my favorite part of her blog was that the actor, Ed Begley Jr., loved German Shepherds, and was often scolded by the wardrobe lady because he continued to roll around on the grass playing with them between takes. As a shepherd lover myself, this tidbit instantly raised Ed Begley Jr.’s stock in my book.)

So, I am happy for these friends and past co-workers who are ushering their precious pieces of art into the world. One day, with whichever book may work, I hope to do the same. Meanwhile, I’m settling in to cornflower blue Atlanta skies, chilly weather, and warm raspberry tea to court the muse. We’ll see how often she shows up!