Sunday Creative = Extent

"extent"

noun
1. The range or space over which something extends
2. The point or degree to which something extends

The gulls cover the extent of the pilings.

Sunday Creative

Perseverance

It seems to me that life as a writer or artist is much like chasing the spot of light from a laser pen. I'm learning quickly about such things.

Last night, I introduced the laser light to my two new kitties. They loved it. They growled at it, chased it, they pounced on it, they stalked it, they thought they caught it; but despite lifting that paw to find nothing there, they never walked away from it.

Aren't we the same with our writing and our art?

Sunday Creative - Solace

"solace" = comfort

The prompt for the Sunday Creative this week is Solace. I find nothing more comforting than The Boys... and they are comforting to each other as well.

Sunday Creative

The Best Seller List and Snooki...?

What is this world coming to...? I just read on Mama Holly's blog that Snooki's book hit the New York Times Best Seller list. I'm with you Mama Holly, I can't fathom it either.

Now, I might have taken it in stride a couple weeks ago when I didn't know who Snooki was, but now that I heard her speak on a talk show or two in the last week, I'm shocked that she wrote a book.

I'm not being mean here. It's just that with her Reality career, it's seems implausible that she would have time to write a book of the quality that would make it onto the New York Times list. It's a joke, right... or did I have some misconceptions about the New York Times list as well?

This whole issue makes me think that we need a better measure for judging books. I'm all for qualitative measures in the future rather than quantitative. Just because a book sells a lot of copies doesn't mean it has the staying power to be a classic.

So, I'll continue to write my books, happily knowing that it's okay if they don't make it onto the New York Times list after all.

And to be fair, I want to assure Snooki that I'm not going to become a Reality Star. So Snooki, no need to worry. I won't be setting out to infringe on your career, so feel free to reciprocate. Thanks.

Enjoy the unexpected

The farmer's market is the place for great produce to eat and to photograph. This photo has nothing to do with the topic of this post. I just happen to like the picture.

I've been thinking a lot about this blog lately and the direction it has taken in the last six months. I've decided it's time for an adjustment. I'm telling you this, so you can protest if you love the same ol' format so much that you think you'll fall down in agony if I change the tone. (That being the case... if that is the case... I'll consider putting in a day of the quotes to inspire... no problem).

But, my guess is that you'll be just as glad to be rid of those quotes for a while... So, join me if you like while I just wander around in topic-ville.

You see, it's an organizational thing. I seem to add things to my life that are counter to the concept of organization. So, I've decided to give up the pretense and eschew organization.

The Boys (Bugsy and Knuckles... my new kitties) are guaranteeing that things do not operate as usual around here. For example, Bugsy likes to monitor my work and when he thinks I've worked too long, he takes a flying leap from behind onto my back. Now that will shake up your morning. So, I've decided to take a page out of their playbook and let the words fly as they may...

Have a great day of the unexpected... See you here tomorrow or the next day for more of ... who knows what.

This picture has nothing to do with the quote or post.
Just wanted to show you my two new guys...
In the cat carrier on their way home from the SPCA...
meet... Bugsy (bottom) and Knuckles (top).

It is better to fail in originality, than to succeed in imitation. ~ Herman Melville

I am a firm believer that reading the classics -- or should I say reading anything you can get your hands on -- is important for any writer. Don't imitate them, just read them.

Readers can see through imitation. Read a variety of writers on a variety of topics, then write with your own voice and the originality will shine through.

Are you gearing up for ebooks? What do you think about what's happening to the book industry?

I love the feel of a book in my hands. I love turning pages. I love the paper and I even like reading certain books better because the paper feels a certain way and the size of the book is just right. I am truly a fan of books.

So, here's an article about Borders... Barnes and Noble received similar press a while back. The signs are all there telling us that ebooks are the future... Have you looked into it for your publishing? What do you think about this transition...?

I'm going to leave the era of books kicking and screaming... That's for sure.

Hug a book today!

So, how are you doing with those resolutions?

Did you make any writing resolutions this year? If so, how are you doing? Isn't this about the time we stray from them?

I think my only resolution was to write. I can always attain that. When I look at my writing, I like to remember that there is no success or failure in writing. Writing is merely a progression of refinements. When I think in terms of progressions, I find there's no need to judge my writing harshly. Rather, I just work through it and hope to show improvement with each draft.

Fuel Your Lamp

To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it. ~Mother Teresa

My blog posts have gotten off to a slow start this year. I think that's always the way with me during the first week of January. I'm always just lost in the shuffle from holidays back to regular life. But, I'm in gear now and I thought this quote is a good one for writers and artists.

As a writer, I find several ways to interpret it. First, I think it's so important as writers that we read the works of others... all the best writers as well as the not-so-great writers. I read them all and try to keep a book or two with me all the time.

I learn much from the great writers. The beauty of their writings always make me strive for that in my writing. The not-so-great writers offer even more at times. Through analyzing why their writing falls short, gives me insight into my own.

Another way to fuel your lamp is by writing on other pieces in addition to the your novel. Give yourself assignments. Practice your writing as diligently as a concert pianist practices the piano. Tthat will stoke the fires of your writing.

Keep fueling your lamp. Have a great day.

Creating...

The role of the writer is not to
say what we can all say but what
we are unable to say ~~Anais Nin

As writers and artists, it's important everyday to allow ourselves the room to say what others are unable to say, to create what others are unable to create. What prevents you from creating that new, fresh piece? Make a list of constraints and develop ways to free yourself from them one by one.

New beginnings...

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
It's about learning how to dance in the rain. ~~Vivian Greene

I'm not going to talk about new beginnings and my project all year. But, today is only January 2nd, and I think this quote is a great one to start the year.

The new year usually sneaks up on me. Too often, it's February before I convert to writing the year correctly on my checks let alone start working on anything important.

Now, I could let things slide until February without "...learning to dance in the rain." But, why wait? In February, I might come up with some other excuse. Today, I am starting...

What are you going to do with your opportunity to learn "... how to dance in the rain."

Happy New Year... My 2011 Project...

A Bright and Shiny New Year

One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible to speak a few reasonable words. ~~ Goethe

My project for 2011 is to pause to collect thoughts from writers and artists that will inspire and energize my work. I'm going to organize and savor them... And, I'll pass the best along to you.

What's your project and what do you hop it will do for you?