The days move so quickly—whether or not one is having fun!  At the start of the year I was determined to write a novel in the month of January.  Now that January is past, and February almost as well I am kicking myself not so gently.  It has been tough these past few days to be active and positive with writing.  I fall into these lethargies from time to time.  Perhaps with the thought of warmer days I will be able to invigorate myself.  Or perhaps I should just think about the fact these novels/stories/poems do not write themselves so…  The real trouble lies in the starting of a new project.  I have about twenty pages of what I hope will be a southern tale of passion and violence, but because I am only at the beginning, I have yet to really figure out what it is I want to do.  This is what is tripping me up.  Once I have a better idea of the story itself, I will hopefully fall into the world or where a novel ‘writes itself.’  I LOVE that place!  On another note of encouragement for other writers (I want to think of a cute name for us—why not!!)  I am reading the new issue of Poets and Writers.  It is a great magazine; also check out Writer’s Digest.  Read little kitties.  Read!

It certainly is challenging keeping up with a blog.  Recently I have been working on illustrations for a long poem that I hope to release as a book.  It is the retelling of the original Little Mermaid tale.  I am ecstatic to say that the images are done!  In the New Year I will tackle publication.   

Last Saturday was the wonderful raffle and poetry reading at Out of the Blue gallery.  Chad, Tom and Lynn worked very hard to make it the success it was.  If you haven’t stop by the gallery, do so now!  It is a wonderful resource!!  I read at 1PM. The set went very well and my good friend Paul accompanied me on the Middle Eastern drum (see picture on Performance page).  Unfortunately, the crowd was small; none of the people I invited attended.  But when that happens, you must treat the small audience with love and courtesy and give the best show you are capable of! It was a kind and attentive audience!

I look forward to the start of the New Year, and my break from the day job.  The first item on my to do list to write a new novel.  I am a little nervous, as it has been a while since I started a long writing project, but in the middle of the butterflies is the delicious sensation of excitement.  Happy Holidays and success in the New Year!

Well, I have moved on from my children’s illustrations to illustrations for my chapbook.  What’s this? You say.  My next, hopefully brief, project is to make a chapbook out of my long poem This Human Heart.  The poem is the retelling of the fable The Little Mermaid (the original version not Disney, honey!).  My version is equally dark; however it is far more erotic.  I am only doing seven pictures, but each image takes me about eight hours, so I have much more to do.  Hopefully it will be printed in January 09’.  I must admit I have given a little thought to submitting it to a contest, however I have not heard of a chapbook publisher which prints images…  Have you?  If so, write me!! Please!!  

 Hey! Enjoy your holidays!!

For the past four months (possibly more!) I have been working on illustrations for my Children’s Novel, Peter Peeks at Planets.  I am happy to say I am nearing the end!!  Two months ago I thought I was done, however realized the pictures needed a lot more work.  In my never ending quest for perfection, I discovered a different type of color pencil—one which doubles as a water color, which gives a beautiful, smooth, vivid look.  Although not my ‘comfort zone,’ I have discovered a love and knack for drawing.  I have an idea for a new children’s book, however before I write that one, I have another which needs illustrations.  Oh my, so much to do, so little time!  Next week I plan on submitting Peter Peeks.  Wish me luck.  I will keep you posted of the undoubtedly long and painful process!!  Ha!  Ha!  My novel Beautiful Bastard (AKA B.B.) is still seeking an agent.  I have several queries out, no hits as of yet. The waiting is the worst part.  Perhaps I should be happy I so much work, which keeps my mind off of the publishing process! J

An unexpected surprise!  My poem Dreams and Death was published in Poesy magazine.  I received a copy of the journal over the weekend.  It is a lovely glossy book.  I feel honored.  For me, the process of submittals is very challenging.  So much time and effort is involved.  Receiving a copy of the journal in which one’s work is published, and knowing that your piece(s) can now reach a wider audience, makes it worth it.  Ultimately, the knowledge that your work is possibly touching someone else is one of the biggest driving forces to seeking publication.

Well, I feel I am off to a wonderful start with the website.  I still have several additions to make and updates, but as I said to one of my friends, this means the site is a work in progress.  I am hopeful the site will somehow serve as a communication to and for other writers, as well as a way for me to showcase my work.  This weekend I plan to look for more images for the site.  Next on my list will be adding links to U-Tube poetry performance.  It is all very exciting!!