I’ve been writing books for a lot of years. It’ll be 31 years in March since I wrote the first line of what would become my first book. Because of becoming involved in a number of writers organizations, it’s been my privilege to meet hundreds of novelists over those three decades, many whom I count as good friends.
One thing I’ve learned from knowing so many writers is that their creativity usually spills over into their lives in other ways. Some paint with oils or acrylics. Some bake fancy desserts. Some sing with the voices of angels. Some are musicians. Some take fabulous photographs. Some knit or crochet or tat. If something is creative, I’m betting there is a writer somewhere who practices it in her “spare” time.
I have a lot of art supplies in my hall closet. The last time they were spread out on my dining room table for several weeks was around the time I broke my ankle. They got put away after the accident. By the time I brought them out again, I had a cat, and I quickly discovered I couldn’t leave them out unless I was using them. Which means it isn’t very convenient. Which means I don’t do it often.
I used to paint a lot. As a kid, I painted with oils, but then I realized my impatient personality made me happier working with acrylics which dry fast so I can paint over something I want to change. As a young adult, I took a class on painting with acrylics in a watercolor style and using India Ink. I loved the paintings I did in and after that class. My favorite creation is either in a box in storage or got lost in my last move. I miss that painting and hope I’ll find it one day.
I’ve been thinking a lot recently of trying my hand at making a collage for one of my books. I’ve seen the photographs of collages done by other authors (some are master pieces of art), and they really make my hands itch to give it a try. If I ever get around to it—and if I can keep Pinky from wrecking havoc upon the endeavor—I’ll be sure to share with you. [Full disclosure: I did not paint either of these lovely artworks. Bummer.]
Jerry and I had a great time on our little getaway to the mountains. Sadly, warm weather was not kind to the snow sculptures. They were losing their definitions by the time we got there. We even saw a big chunk of one sculpture drop off as we drove by. So I don’t have many great photos to share. But here are a couple of sculptures and one of Jerry and I when we arrived at the inn (they were beginning to take down all of their Christmas decorations, which they keep up through January, on the day we arrived so we had to hurry and get the photo right away).
And finally, please join me on Thursday, February 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time) for an online party to celebrate the release of Heart of Gold, a Women of Faith™ novel!
We will be gathering on my Facebook page under the Notes section to get to know each other better (look for the Notes link in the left sidebar of my wall, click it, then click the link to the party which will be the top Note listed). I will be sharing behind the scenes stories and a favorite recipe and answering reader questions. If you have a recipe to share, please have it ready! (For a better understanding of how the party works, please read the information on the Event page.)
During the party, I’ll be hosting drawings for autographed copies of the book and other prizes with ties to Idaho and the story. We’ll have a party game with a grand prize of a Kindle Touch loaded with my two Women of Faith™ novels, The Perfect Life and Heart of Gold! I’ll also be announcing an exciting new contest during the evening.
Please share this information with your friends. The more who come to the party the merrier!
I’m looking forward to mingling online with all of you! Please be sure to calculate the correct time zone for you. If you need help, use: www.timezoneconverter.com.
~robin
