Elijah David's Blog, page 8
November 16, 2017
ThrowBook Thursday: The Inkheart Trilogy
When I was planning out the topics for this month's blog posts, I had hoped I'd be finished with To Green Angel Tower before this post so I could wrap up my Osten Ard reread series.
Alas, it was not to be.
Instead, today's post is brought to you by recent conversations that have inspired me to reread yet another series (though the actual rereading is probably not happening just yet).
I've talked about my love of Inkheart and its sequels in the past but I want to talk about it just a little bit more today. Specifically, the five things about this series that have stuck with me and make it a series I will still fan out over today.
DustfingerFirst things first, there's this little gem of a character. At times a hardcore wise man and a ruddy coward, Dustfinger is one of the series' most complex and sympathetic characters. He is also the center of one of my favorite character arcs in fiction (it's up there with Zuko's redemption in Avatar: The Last Airbender). Also, he's one of those characters who was perfectly cast in the film adaptation, even if the movie itself wasn't quite as good as I'd hoped.
The MagicFrom the name (Silvertongue, like Loki) to the effects (bringing people and things from books to life), this is just such a beautiful magic system and I love it. And the best part is that the magic doesn't get stale from book to book. Funke adds something new to the story each time and keeps you guessing.
Brendan Fraser's Audio Narration of InkspellWhy they didn't get him to read all three books, I'll never know. He's Funke's choice for Mo, and he captures the character so well in this narration (better even than in the film, I think). The library copy that I listened to was super scratched in places, so I wasn't able to listen to it all the way through, but it's still ingrained in my memories of reading this series for the first time. If you can listen to Inkspell, DO.
The World Grows with Each BookThis is the ideal situation for any series, but the Ink trilogy is a prime example. The abilities of the Silvertongues are given depth and breadth in each installment. The villains get stronger and darker, and the heroes are pushed to grow in new ways. (Dustfinger may be my favorite character in the series, but he's by no means the only character to change and grow as it proceeds.)
ElinorBook-obsessed, no-nonsense Elinor is the queen of the adult characters in this series. She is rarely shaken (and when she is, she's perfectly believable and still quite capable when the shock is over). My least favorite thing about Inkspell was how little she factored into the story, but Funke made up for that by bringing Elinor along in a big way for Inkdeath. Helen Mirren did a fine job in the role for the film, but the way she's described in the book I always pictured Imelda Staunton, which is nice since I always like her when she's not playing Dolores Umbridge and I'd love to see her take a stab at playing Elinor.
Have you read the Ink books? What are your favorite parts? Tell me in the comments! And if you haven't taken the survey to influence future content on Inexhaustible Inspiration and enter to win some Albion-inspired art, go here to do so.
Alas, it was not to be.
Instead, today's post is brought to you by recent conversations that have inspired me to reread yet another series (though the actual rereading is probably not happening just yet).
I've talked about my love of Inkheart and its sequels in the past but I want to talk about it just a little bit more today. Specifically, the five things about this series that have stuck with me and make it a series I will still fan out over today.
DustfingerFirst things first, there's this little gem of a character. At times a hardcore wise man and a ruddy coward, Dustfinger is one of the series' most complex and sympathetic characters. He is also the center of one of my favorite character arcs in fiction (it's up there with Zuko's redemption in Avatar: The Last Airbender). Also, he's one of those characters who was perfectly cast in the film adaptation, even if the movie itself wasn't quite as good as I'd hoped.
The MagicFrom the name (Silvertongue, like Loki) to the effects (bringing people and things from books to life), this is just such a beautiful magic system and I love it. And the best part is that the magic doesn't get stale from book to book. Funke adds something new to the story each time and keeps you guessing.
Brendan Fraser's Audio Narration of InkspellWhy they didn't get him to read all three books, I'll never know. He's Funke's choice for Mo, and he captures the character so well in this narration (better even than in the film, I think). The library copy that I listened to was super scratched in places, so I wasn't able to listen to it all the way through, but it's still ingrained in my memories of reading this series for the first time. If you can listen to Inkspell, DO.
The World Grows with Each BookThis is the ideal situation for any series, but the Ink trilogy is a prime example. The abilities of the Silvertongues are given depth and breadth in each installment. The villains get stronger and darker, and the heroes are pushed to grow in new ways. (Dustfinger may be my favorite character in the series, but he's by no means the only character to change and grow as it proceeds.)
ElinorBook-obsessed, no-nonsense Elinor is the queen of the adult characters in this series. She is rarely shaken (and when she is, she's perfectly believable and still quite capable when the shock is over). My least favorite thing about Inkspell was how little she factored into the story, but Funke made up for that by bringing Elinor along in a big way for Inkdeath. Helen Mirren did a fine job in the role for the film, but the way she's described in the book I always pictured Imelda Staunton, which is nice since I always like her when she's not playing Dolores Umbridge and I'd love to see her take a stab at playing Elinor.
Have you read the Ink books? What are your favorite parts? Tell me in the comments! And if you haven't taken the survey to influence future content on Inexhaustible Inspiration and enter to win some Albion-inspired art, go here to do so.
November 13, 2017
Monday Musings: My Literary Twin(s)
I recently knitted a pair of arm warmers designed to look like Gandalf's in the Middle-earth movies. In the conversations that followed my sharing about this on Facebook, Mirriam mentioned that Gandalf was her literary twin. Several other friends joined the conversation, offering up their own literary twins -- the characters with whom they most identified. I was surprised so many people had given this matter some thought, and confessed that I did not know who my literary twin would be (I do however have a birthday twin who is a wonderful human being).
So I thought about it. And thought about it. And thought about it some more.
And here we are, with me still not having a single fictional character who is my "twin."
I have many.
Hear me out, though. I have dozens, if not hundreds, of favorite characters -- characters I enjoy watching or reading, characters I would want as friends, characters I identify with in small and large ways. But very few of those come close enough to me (or how I see myself, which may or may not be the same thing) to be called my twin. Other people have suggested (at various points) that I am like Samwise Gamgee, Frodo Baggins, Bilbo Baggins, Reepicheep, Alphonse Elric, and Alyosha Karamazov (I still need to read that book). But these characters aren't always how I see myself (though I do identify with a couple of them, as you'll see).
Shasta (The Horse and His Boy)
One of the reasons The Horse and His Boy is my favorite Narnia book is that Shasta is the Narnian character with whom I identify the most. His encounter with Aslan and the revelation that his life has been guided from beginning to end (even when he had no idea who Aslan was) is the most comforting scene in Narnia for me. Shasta has a strong moral center, and when he's put to the test he drops all self-concern in order to bring the news of Rabadash's attack to Archenland and Narnia.
Steve Rogers/Captain America (Marvel comics and films)
According to the Myers-Briggs personality types, Steve Rogers is an ESFJ (like me) and he's pretty much the pinnacle of what I aspire to be: someone who stands by his morals no matter what. He protects those around him and stands up for those who are weaker. He doesn't give up on his friends no matter what.
Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
When a college friend of mine first told me that I reminded him of Alphonse, I hadn't seen a single episode of the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. Years later, I've seen both anime adaptations and read the manga, and I feel honored by the comparison. Al is a caring brother who does what's right even when it holds him back from what he wants most. He doesn't give up easily and he
Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings)
This one shouldn't be any surprise, either, as Sam is tied with Gandalf for my favorite character in The Lord of the Rings. He's stouthearted, loyal, and (along with Bilbo) another ESFJ character. He's not afraid of adventure if his road takes him there, but his heart belongs in the Shire. Don't come between him and the places and people he loves, and don't underestimate him because he seems small and simple.
Merlin Pendragon (Albion Academy)Of all my invented characters, Merlin is the one who carries the most of me in him -- at least outwardly. He has the curly hair I wore long in college, wears flannel shirts even in the South, and generally wants to help and protect people, even if he isn't a physically imposing person. He's grown into his own self over the years, but he'll always be one of those characters I identify strongly with because he carried so much of me in him at the start.
What about you? Are there any characters you identify with in fiction? Do you have one literary twin or lots of them? Let me know in the comments!
By the way, if you haven't already, go here to fill out a quick survey about what kinds of content you'd like to see on Inexhaustible Inspiration in the coming year AND be entered to win some original Albion Academy-inspired artwork.
So I thought about it. And thought about it. And thought about it some more.
And here we are, with me still not having a single fictional character who is my "twin."
I have many.
Hear me out, though. I have dozens, if not hundreds, of favorite characters -- characters I enjoy watching or reading, characters I would want as friends, characters I identify with in small and large ways. But very few of those come close enough to me (or how I see myself, which may or may not be the same thing) to be called my twin. Other people have suggested (at various points) that I am like Samwise Gamgee, Frodo Baggins, Bilbo Baggins, Reepicheep, Alphonse Elric, and Alyosha Karamazov (I still need to read that book). But these characters aren't always how I see myself (though I do identify with a couple of them, as you'll see).
Shasta (The Horse and His Boy)
One of the reasons The Horse and His Boy is my favorite Narnia book is that Shasta is the Narnian character with whom I identify the most. His encounter with Aslan and the revelation that his life has been guided from beginning to end (even when he had no idea who Aslan was) is the most comforting scene in Narnia for me. Shasta has a strong moral center, and when he's put to the test he drops all self-concern in order to bring the news of Rabadash's attack to Archenland and Narnia.
Steve Rogers/Captain America (Marvel comics and films)
According to the Myers-Briggs personality types, Steve Rogers is an ESFJ (like me) and he's pretty much the pinnacle of what I aspire to be: someone who stands by his morals no matter what. He protects those around him and stands up for those who are weaker. He doesn't give up on his friends no matter what.
Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
When a college friend of mine first told me that I reminded him of Alphonse, I hadn't seen a single episode of the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. Years later, I've seen both anime adaptations and read the manga, and I feel honored by the comparison. Al is a caring brother who does what's right even when it holds him back from what he wants most. He doesn't give up easily and he
Samwise Gamgee (The Lord of the Rings)
This one shouldn't be any surprise, either, as Sam is tied with Gandalf for my favorite character in The Lord of the Rings. He's stouthearted, loyal, and (along with Bilbo) another ESFJ character. He's not afraid of adventure if his road takes him there, but his heart belongs in the Shire. Don't come between him and the places and people he loves, and don't underestimate him because he seems small and simple.
Merlin Pendragon (Albion Academy)Of all my invented characters, Merlin is the one who carries the most of me in him -- at least outwardly. He has the curly hair I wore long in college, wears flannel shirts even in the South, and generally wants to help and protect people, even if he isn't a physically imposing person. He's grown into his own self over the years, but he'll always be one of those characters I identify strongly with because he carried so much of me in him at the start.
What about you? Are there any characters you identify with in fiction? Do you have one literary twin or lots of them? Let me know in the comments!
By the way, if you haven't already, go here to fill out a quick survey about what kinds of content you'd like to see on Inexhaustible Inspiration in the coming year AND be entered to win some original Albion Academy-inspired artwork.
November 10, 2017
Inexhaustible Inspiration Year-End Survey and Art Giveaway
November is almost halfway over and I'm taking a look at how the blog has done this year. If you've enjoyed any of the posts I've put up this year, I hope you'll consider taking this quick survey to help me know what types of posts you enjoy most (so I can make more of them in the future). If you take the survey, you'll also be entered into a drawing for some Albion Academy-inspired artwork created by yours truly. Thank you for your feedback and your continued presence here at Inexhaustible Inspiration.
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November 7, 2017
Top 10 Tuesday: Things I'm Thankful for This Year
It's November, which means everything Christmas Thanksgiving is upon us. In that spirit, this month's Top 10 is all about thankfulness. Let's get rolling!
Albion Academy is published. There's nothing like knowing you've created something that's out in the world for people to enjoy.NarniaWeb continues to bless me with friendships, memories, and news about the Narnia films. (Yes, children, The Silver Chair is happening.)I've been able to work on my art this year -- written and visual. It's been a blessing to express myself in these ways and to learn more about the forms. It's also been nice to just be somewhat consistent with creating.Samwise and Jeana (and our cat Pumpkin) continue to light up my life every day. I'm immensely thankful God has allowed me to have these people in my life.My immediate and extended family have been around a lot this year (I'm sure Samwise has nothing to do with this) and I've been able to see my brother and his bride move forward in their season of life in many ways this year.My Internet friends (not just those I know through NarniaWeb) have shared their own artistic and faith journeys this year, and it's been great getting to know them all better.While technically being a memory/blessing from last summer, the NarniaWeb Canada Moot is something that's really been a boon this year as I'm able to look back on memories of that week and remember the joy of having everyone together again.We've been able to get to know some of our church family better over the last year and strengthen some relationships that were already in place. I'm grateful for such loving and supportive Christians in our lives.Stephen and the others who brainstormed the idea for Lorehaven brought me on as an editor, and this digital magazine is going to be amazing, guys and gals. It's been a fun journey seeing the book reviews and other pieces filing in, and I can't wait for you all to see the finished inaugural issue early next year!I've kept up with my blog writing in the midst of all the rest, and while that may seem like a small thing, it really is something I'm glad of. I wasn't entirely certain I'd be up to it, but 10.5 months later, I'm still here every week.
What are some of the things you're thankful for this year?
Albion Academy is published. There's nothing like knowing you've created something that's out in the world for people to enjoy.NarniaWeb continues to bless me with friendships, memories, and news about the Narnia films. (Yes, children, The Silver Chair is happening.)I've been able to work on my art this year -- written and visual. It's been a blessing to express myself in these ways and to learn more about the forms. It's also been nice to just be somewhat consistent with creating.Samwise and Jeana (and our cat Pumpkin) continue to light up my life every day. I'm immensely thankful God has allowed me to have these people in my life.My immediate and extended family have been around a lot this year (I'm sure Samwise has nothing to do with this) and I've been able to see my brother and his bride move forward in their season of life in many ways this year.My Internet friends (not just those I know through NarniaWeb) have shared their own artistic and faith journeys this year, and it's been great getting to know them all better.While technically being a memory/blessing from last summer, the NarniaWeb Canada Moot is something that's really been a boon this year as I'm able to look back on memories of that week and remember the joy of having everyone together again.We've been able to get to know some of our church family better over the last year and strengthen some relationships that were already in place. I'm grateful for such loving and supportive Christians in our lives.Stephen and the others who brainstormed the idea for Lorehaven brought me on as an editor, and this digital magazine is going to be amazing, guys and gals. It's been a fun journey seeing the book reviews and other pieces filing in, and I can't wait for you all to see the finished inaugural issue early next year!I've kept up with my blog writing in the midst of all the rest, and while that may seem like a small thing, it really is something I'm glad of. I wasn't entirely certain I'd be up to it, but 10.5 months later, I'm still here every week.
What are some of the things you're thankful for this year?
November 6, 2017
Monday Musings: Why Disney's Sleeping Beauty is NOT Aurora's Story
Sleeping Beauty is one of those Disney films I love to come back to again and again. It has beautiful animation, humor, and some interesting magical characters. But over the years, I've come to think of it less as Aurora's story and more as the story of fairy politics. This belief was only reinforced by our weekend attempt to introduce Samwise to the movie (he was about as interested as he is in anything not Moana, which is to say very interested for about 5 minutes and then sporadically interested when he wasn't playing with toys).
Exhibit A: Her (In)Active Role
This is something a lot of people criticize about Sleeping Beauty: its protagonist . . . doesn't do much in the film. She sings, she wanders the woods while the "dears" prepare a birthday surprise, she meets a man, she submits to having her life turned upside down, and then she falls under the spell of the villain. She also has the fewest lines of dialogue of any Disney princess ever. She simply doesn't have a large role in what is ostensibly her story.
(I would argue that part of this problem is caused by the film's deviance from the main plot to indulge in some unnecessary--though still enjoyable--humorous sequences such as the fairies' birthday preparations and the argument between Kings Stefan and Hubert over how soon Aurora and Philip should get married. What Aurora's unnamed mother thinks we're never told.)
Exhibit B: The Fairies Do Everything
From Maleficent's arrival at the christening to the good fairies' aid in Philip's climactic battle, there's no doubt that it is the magical beings who make the world move in this story. The good fairies (specifically called "the 3 good fairies" as if there are only 3 good fairies to be found) are given exalted places at the royal gathering. Maleficent is well-known enough that the monarchs could have invited her, but chose not to (a serious breach of etiquette in those days if they didn't want to court open war)*. The fairies are given enough weight in the royal circles that without hesitation (though not without sadness), Stefan and his queen send their infant daughter to live with the fairies for 16 years. Every major plot development in this movie happens because of fairy magic (Maleficent's curse, Philip's freedom, the sleeping castlefolk, Maleficent's defeat, and yes, even Philip and Aurora meeting--he only stops because of her beautiful singing, which if you recall was Fauna's gift at Aurora's christening).
* In fact, you could argue that this was an ulterior motive. Remember in the christening scene when Maleficent arrives? She is cool and collected and willing to overlook the fact that she wasn't invited until Merryweather adds insult to insult and says, "You weren't wanted." Merryweather knows this isn't the best thing to say, but can't (or doesn't) resist the urge to let Maleficent know what she thinks of her. It's entirely possible that the good fairies (their influence being so mighty in these parts) convinced the king and queen not to invite Maleficent so they could have some excuse to bring a stop to her at last. They claim Maleficent's powers are far beyond their own, but somehow they still are the key powers in her defeat. They adjust Maleficent's curse from death to sleep and then give Philip everything he needs to defeat Maleficent--including the sword that kills her and the spell that sends it flying to her heart. So how exactly is Maleficent beyond them? It must be that they require a human champion to fight for them, and what better motivation for that champion than true love?
A further bit of evidence for (at least one of) the fairies being a bit more powerful and insightful than they let on, even to each other, is the fact that they leave her alone before sunset. Fauna asks later why they left her alone, but Flora (always the idea-generator and sort of self-appointed leader) says they'll give Aurora some time alone because she's so grieved by losing her unnamed suitor and her life in the woods. They know Maleficent is looking for Aurora (though perhaps not that their magic duel earlier led Maleficent to their newly abandoned cottage), and yet they leave Aurora unattended with minutes to spare before the curse is completely avoided. Why do this if not to push Philip into battle with Maleficent?
All that being said, I think a quick note about Philip and Aurora's love story needs to be added. This romance seems typical of the classic Disney trope both Enchanted and Frozen poked fun at.
However, it deserves mentioning that Philip is the one who is set on marriage. It isn't Aurora who is completely swept away by her suitor but Philip who is swept away by her. Aurora only wants to see him again, to introduce him to the dears, to see what might come of this chance meeting (which seems to take only moments, but which the timing of the sun tells us lasts for a few hours if not most of the day). Philip charges to the castle to tell his father he's going to marry this wood sprite or peasant girl or whatever she may be. (Though if Aurora had thought to ask his name before he asked hers, we might have been saved some nonsense.) It's possible that Philip's determination is part of the magic of Aurora's enchanted voice (which would explain why the fairies were so determined to keep her from meeting people, if Maleficent's search and Aurora's being betrothed to Philip weren't enough). Philip even gets in a little jab at tradition while he's at it.
Sleeping Beauty is still a Disney film I enjoy, and I will definitely come back to watch it again (hopeful that next time Samwise will be more interested), but as I grow older I'm beginning to see the flaws in the story (I can't really find any with the animation).
What do you think of Sleeping Beauty? Is Aurora a weak character or is the story just not written around her like we've always thought? Let me know in the comments!
Exhibit A: Her (In)Active Role
This is something a lot of people criticize about Sleeping Beauty: its protagonist . . . doesn't do much in the film. She sings, she wanders the woods while the "dears" prepare a birthday surprise, she meets a man, she submits to having her life turned upside down, and then she falls under the spell of the villain. She also has the fewest lines of dialogue of any Disney princess ever. She simply doesn't have a large role in what is ostensibly her story.
(I would argue that part of this problem is caused by the film's deviance from the main plot to indulge in some unnecessary--though still enjoyable--humorous sequences such as the fairies' birthday preparations and the argument between Kings Stefan and Hubert over how soon Aurora and Philip should get married. What Aurora's unnamed mother thinks we're never told.)
Exhibit B: The Fairies Do Everything
From Maleficent's arrival at the christening to the good fairies' aid in Philip's climactic battle, there's no doubt that it is the magical beings who make the world move in this story. The good fairies (specifically called "the 3 good fairies" as if there are only 3 good fairies to be found) are given exalted places at the royal gathering. Maleficent is well-known enough that the monarchs could have invited her, but chose not to (a serious breach of etiquette in those days if they didn't want to court open war)*. The fairies are given enough weight in the royal circles that without hesitation (though not without sadness), Stefan and his queen send their infant daughter to live with the fairies for 16 years. Every major plot development in this movie happens because of fairy magic (Maleficent's curse, Philip's freedom, the sleeping castlefolk, Maleficent's defeat, and yes, even Philip and Aurora meeting--he only stops because of her beautiful singing, which if you recall was Fauna's gift at Aurora's christening).
* In fact, you could argue that this was an ulterior motive. Remember in the christening scene when Maleficent arrives? She is cool and collected and willing to overlook the fact that she wasn't invited until Merryweather adds insult to insult and says, "You weren't wanted." Merryweather knows this isn't the best thing to say, but can't (or doesn't) resist the urge to let Maleficent know what she thinks of her. It's entirely possible that the good fairies (their influence being so mighty in these parts) convinced the king and queen not to invite Maleficent so they could have some excuse to bring a stop to her at last. They claim Maleficent's powers are far beyond their own, but somehow they still are the key powers in her defeat. They adjust Maleficent's curse from death to sleep and then give Philip everything he needs to defeat Maleficent--including the sword that kills her and the spell that sends it flying to her heart. So how exactly is Maleficent beyond them? It must be that they require a human champion to fight for them, and what better motivation for that champion than true love?
A further bit of evidence for (at least one of) the fairies being a bit more powerful and insightful than they let on, even to each other, is the fact that they leave her alone before sunset. Fauna asks later why they left her alone, but Flora (always the idea-generator and sort of self-appointed leader) says they'll give Aurora some time alone because she's so grieved by losing her unnamed suitor and her life in the woods. They know Maleficent is looking for Aurora (though perhaps not that their magic duel earlier led Maleficent to their newly abandoned cottage), and yet they leave Aurora unattended with minutes to spare before the curse is completely avoided. Why do this if not to push Philip into battle with Maleficent?
All that being said, I think a quick note about Philip and Aurora's love story needs to be added. This romance seems typical of the classic Disney trope both Enchanted and Frozen poked fun at.
However, it deserves mentioning that Philip is the one who is set on marriage. It isn't Aurora who is completely swept away by her suitor but Philip who is swept away by her. Aurora only wants to see him again, to introduce him to the dears, to see what might come of this chance meeting (which seems to take only moments, but which the timing of the sun tells us lasts for a few hours if not most of the day). Philip charges to the castle to tell his father he's going to marry this wood sprite or peasant girl or whatever she may be. (Though if Aurora had thought to ask his name before he asked hers, we might have been saved some nonsense.) It's possible that Philip's determination is part of the magic of Aurora's enchanted voice (which would explain why the fairies were so determined to keep her from meeting people, if Maleficent's search and Aurora's being betrothed to Philip weren't enough). Philip even gets in a little jab at tradition while he's at it.
Sleeping Beauty is still a Disney film I enjoy, and I will definitely come back to watch it again (hopeful that next time Samwise will be more interested), but as I grow older I'm beginning to see the flaws in the story (I can't really find any with the animation).
What do you think of Sleeping Beauty? Is Aurora a weak character or is the story just not written around her like we've always thought? Let me know in the comments!
November 1, 2017
Watercolor Wednesday: Halloween and the End of Inktober
October is over, and so is Inktober. Here are the last 9 of my Inktober drawings, along with a watercolor sign I painted as part of my Halloween costume (also pictured). I'm moving Watercolor Wednesday up a week this month because the months when first Tuesday and second Wednesday fall in the same week are always harder to keep up with blog-wise and because I don't anticipate a lot of painting getting done this month apart from Christmas gifts that I can't share until after they've been received.
Day 23: The Kitsune Girl (Urban)
I really had a hard time with this one, but I'm pleased with the fox tail.
Day 24: The Anti-Vampire (Urban)
Another character sketch from Ashes and Dust, this was one of the prompts I stretched the most, as the character I drew is actually a vampire. But given his role in the plot, I figured it was close enough.
Day 25: The Cursed Knight (Forest)
One of the quicker drawings I did for Inktober, this one turned out well enough. I like the feeling of a quick sketch that it has.
Day 26: The Sorcerer (Fairy-tale)
This character should ostensibly be from the Albion Quartet, but I haven't figured out who he'd be yet. I based him off Frollo from Disney's Hunchback, but wound up with someone closer to the Joker.
Day 27: The Beast (Forest)
Another chance for more not-yet-written characters. This is the beast from Swanlight. (Also, I just realized I misnumbered this drawing and the next in my sketchbook. Oh well.)
Day 28: The School Bully (Urban)
By this point, if you couldn't tell, I was really losing steam. I got my flu shot last Thursday and between the blah feeling of the day after and the general worn-out feeling that comes late in any month-long challenge (be it NaNoWriMo, Inktober, or what have you), I just had to push through and do something. I didn't feel like doing a person so I drew a snake-person.
Day 29: The Grim Reaper (Fairy-tale)
I had grand ideas to try a new take on this prompt, and in the end I fell back on Death as he appears in Terry Pratchett's Hogfather.
Day 30: The Huntswoman (Fairy-tale)
Another simple drawing. I wish I'd had more energy to put into this one but I was just glad to have drawn. I couldn't bear the thought of getting this close to the end and not completing the challenge.
Day 31: The Unicorn (Urban)
I went a little simpler with this one but the main idea for it (a unicorn as a jazz musician) has been brewing most of the month. It was probably partly inspired by my reading Peter S. Beagle's The Unicorn Sonata earlier this year.
My first painting in a few weeks was a sign for my Halloween costume. I didn't get too elaborate, but I did play around with mixing my oranges, greens, and browns/blacks. The pumpkins on the far left were done using orange paint straight from the tube, and the rest were mixed with various reds and yellows, some mixed on the palette and some on the page. All the browns and greens for the stems and leaves were mixed up, and I'm most pleased with the far left's stem because the color was just what I wanted.
Here's the costume in full. (For those who don't get the reference, I'm Linus from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.)
Thanks for stopping by!
Day 23: The Kitsune Girl (Urban)
I really had a hard time with this one, but I'm pleased with the fox tail.
Day 24: The Anti-Vampire (Urban)
Another character sketch from Ashes and Dust, this was one of the prompts I stretched the most, as the character I drew is actually a vampire. But given his role in the plot, I figured it was close enough.
Day 25: The Cursed Knight (Forest)
One of the quicker drawings I did for Inktober, this one turned out well enough. I like the feeling of a quick sketch that it has.
Day 26: The Sorcerer (Fairy-tale)
This character should ostensibly be from the Albion Quartet, but I haven't figured out who he'd be yet. I based him off Frollo from Disney's Hunchback, but wound up with someone closer to the Joker.
Day 27: The Beast (Forest)
Another chance for more not-yet-written characters. This is the beast from Swanlight. (Also, I just realized I misnumbered this drawing and the next in my sketchbook. Oh well.)
Day 28: The School Bully (Urban)
By this point, if you couldn't tell, I was really losing steam. I got my flu shot last Thursday and between the blah feeling of the day after and the general worn-out feeling that comes late in any month-long challenge (be it NaNoWriMo, Inktober, or what have you), I just had to push through and do something. I didn't feel like doing a person so I drew a snake-person.
Day 29: The Grim Reaper (Fairy-tale)
I had grand ideas to try a new take on this prompt, and in the end I fell back on Death as he appears in Terry Pratchett's Hogfather.
Day 30: The Huntswoman (Fairy-tale)
Another simple drawing. I wish I'd had more energy to put into this one but I was just glad to have drawn. I couldn't bear the thought of getting this close to the end and not completing the challenge.
Day 31: The Unicorn (Urban)
I went a little simpler with this one but the main idea for it (a unicorn as a jazz musician) has been brewing most of the month. It was probably partly inspired by my reading Peter S. Beagle's The Unicorn Sonata earlier this year.
My first painting in a few weeks was a sign for my Halloween costume. I didn't get too elaborate, but I did play around with mixing my oranges, greens, and browns/blacks. The pumpkins on the far left were done using orange paint straight from the tube, and the rest were mixed with various reds and yellows, some mixed on the palette and some on the page. All the browns and greens for the stems and leaves were mixed up, and I'm most pleased with the far left's stem because the color was just what I wanted.
Here's the costume in full. (For those who don't get the reference, I'm Linus from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.)
Thanks for stopping by!
October 28, 2017
Saturday Snippets: Oz and Fairy Tales
October is almost over, so it's time for more snippets. These come from There's No Place Like Home? (my NaNo novel from 2015, newly finished) and from "Paper and (T)horns" (my modern Beauty and the Beast retelling).
From There's No Place Like Home?
The kalidahs who had been sent to the front gate had expected an angry mob. Not quite torches and pitchforks angry. More like billy clubs and Molotov cocktails. At the very least, they had been anticipating an unruly assortment of people led by a towering, charismatic man, perhaps wearing a mask, who would shout meaningless mantras over a megaphone.
Instead, the leader appeared to be a small girl with a fire in her eyes most of the kalidahs had long since forgotten.
Hope. Righteous anger. Determination.
Love.
While the crowd behind her—and the kalidahs in front of her—grew ever more restless as they waited for something to happen, the girl simply stared into the heart of the Westford mansion with that fiery-eyed gaze of hers.
“Remember your training,” said the head kalidah, trying to inspire the others to fortitude. He knew that their hearts were starting to bend beneath that fiery stare, even as his own did.
“Sir, we were just handed sticks and told to mind the gates.”
“And we will do it splendidly,” said the head kalidah, though he knew deep down that already they had been too long waiting. It would not take much to let the crowd in. Whatever signal the girl waited for, he hoped it came soon.
He was tired of standing still.
***
And you’re sure this is going to work? Teddy thought, his lungs still working too hard to try talking and running at the same time.
There’s a 75.823 percent chance of failure, replied Crow, but with the number of variables in play, that number could easily slide up or down by as much as 38 percent.
***
Isamu and Tik-Tok circled each other, their eyes locked. Isamu’s face, taut with concentration, revealed more than he wanted it to; Tik-Tok’s revealed nothing. Even his glances seemed devoid of emotion, neither hopeful nor anxious. They simply were.
At last, Tik-Tok dove at Isamu’s right, a blade extended in his hand like a deadly finger. Isamu twisted away from the knife, his left hand coming up to catch Tik-Tok’s other arm, which Tik-Tok had swung in after the feint, intending to slide its knife between Isamu’s ribs. Isamu broke Tik-Tok’s grip on the second blade, plucking it from the air and bringing it up to parry the first. Tik-Tok caught Isamu’s knife hand, and Isamu caught Tik-Tok’s. The Empty and the Kalidah faced each other, knife points inches away from death.
“It seems the question of who walks away has come down to whose will breaks first,” said Tik-Tok, plying a little more pressure on his knife hand without relenting in his grip on Isamu’s.
“And how can you have a will when you care about nothing?” Isamu asked, breathing the words out with as little effort as possible.
From "Paper and (T)horns"
“The how of a trick’s just the shop talk,” said the boy. “It’s as boring as having your dad explain how a math problem works or your sister go on and on about what her newest poem means.” He said this last word with a melodramatic flair of his arms. “But that’s not what makes it interesting. That’s not what makes it good.”
The student on stage nodded their approval of the table’s normalcy and descended the steps to the audience, their classmates and teachers applauding louder than necessary.
“What makes it good, then?” I asked, grateful the roar of applause died a little before it could reach my box.“The why,” the boy said in a tone that marked me as the slowest adult he’d ever explained anything to in his life. “If a poem’s good, it’s because the poet wrote for a reason. If a math problem is interesting, it’s because it has a function. If a magic trick is good, it’s because the magician has a thundering why running through his chest when he performs it—something bigger than him or the trick or the stage. Something to give the trick the power to astound his audience.”
***
“Why are you really coming to all my father’s performances?”
I took a minute to consider. I had to be honest with myself as well as Molly. Had my reasons for coming changed in the last week? I couldn’t deny I had more than one reason now. “If you’d asked me last time we talked, I’d have said the trick.”
“And now?” Though her tone was arch, her expression was remarkably sincere, her eyes hopeful, her mouth sweet.
“The trick,” I answered. “And you.”
The sincerity of a moment before vanished behind a mask of scoffing. “Is that supposed to be flattery?”
“It’s supposed to be honesty.”
Thanks for reading! Next month I will probably be deep in edits for Albion Apparent, but if I can get some more work done on "Paper and (T)horns" I will bring you some snippets!
From There's No Place Like Home?
The kalidahs who had been sent to the front gate had expected an angry mob. Not quite torches and pitchforks angry. More like billy clubs and Molotov cocktails. At the very least, they had been anticipating an unruly assortment of people led by a towering, charismatic man, perhaps wearing a mask, who would shout meaningless mantras over a megaphone.
Instead, the leader appeared to be a small girl with a fire in her eyes most of the kalidahs had long since forgotten.
Hope. Righteous anger. Determination.
Love.
While the crowd behind her—and the kalidahs in front of her—grew ever more restless as they waited for something to happen, the girl simply stared into the heart of the Westford mansion with that fiery-eyed gaze of hers.
“Remember your training,” said the head kalidah, trying to inspire the others to fortitude. He knew that their hearts were starting to bend beneath that fiery stare, even as his own did.
“Sir, we were just handed sticks and told to mind the gates.”
“And we will do it splendidly,” said the head kalidah, though he knew deep down that already they had been too long waiting. It would not take much to let the crowd in. Whatever signal the girl waited for, he hoped it came soon.
He was tired of standing still.
***
And you’re sure this is going to work? Teddy thought, his lungs still working too hard to try talking and running at the same time.
There’s a 75.823 percent chance of failure, replied Crow, but with the number of variables in play, that number could easily slide up or down by as much as 38 percent.
***
Isamu and Tik-Tok circled each other, their eyes locked. Isamu’s face, taut with concentration, revealed more than he wanted it to; Tik-Tok’s revealed nothing. Even his glances seemed devoid of emotion, neither hopeful nor anxious. They simply were.
At last, Tik-Tok dove at Isamu’s right, a blade extended in his hand like a deadly finger. Isamu twisted away from the knife, his left hand coming up to catch Tik-Tok’s other arm, which Tik-Tok had swung in after the feint, intending to slide its knife between Isamu’s ribs. Isamu broke Tik-Tok’s grip on the second blade, plucking it from the air and bringing it up to parry the first. Tik-Tok caught Isamu’s knife hand, and Isamu caught Tik-Tok’s. The Empty and the Kalidah faced each other, knife points inches away from death.
“It seems the question of who walks away has come down to whose will breaks first,” said Tik-Tok, plying a little more pressure on his knife hand without relenting in his grip on Isamu’s.
“And how can you have a will when you care about nothing?” Isamu asked, breathing the words out with as little effort as possible.
From "Paper and (T)horns"
“The how of a trick’s just the shop talk,” said the boy. “It’s as boring as having your dad explain how a math problem works or your sister go on and on about what her newest poem means.” He said this last word with a melodramatic flair of his arms. “But that’s not what makes it interesting. That’s not what makes it good.”
The student on stage nodded their approval of the table’s normalcy and descended the steps to the audience, their classmates and teachers applauding louder than necessary.
“What makes it good, then?” I asked, grateful the roar of applause died a little before it could reach my box.“The why,” the boy said in a tone that marked me as the slowest adult he’d ever explained anything to in his life. “If a poem’s good, it’s because the poet wrote for a reason. If a math problem is interesting, it’s because it has a function. If a magic trick is good, it’s because the magician has a thundering why running through his chest when he performs it—something bigger than him or the trick or the stage. Something to give the trick the power to astound his audience.”
***
“Why are you really coming to all my father’s performances?”
I took a minute to consider. I had to be honest with myself as well as Molly. Had my reasons for coming changed in the last week? I couldn’t deny I had more than one reason now. “If you’d asked me last time we talked, I’d have said the trick.”
“And now?” Though her tone was arch, her expression was remarkably sincere, her eyes hopeful, her mouth sweet.
“The trick,” I answered. “And you.”
The sincerity of a moment before vanished behind a mask of scoffing. “Is that supposed to be flattery?”
“It’s supposed to be honesty.”
Thanks for reading! Next month I will probably be deep in edits for Albion Apparent, but if I can get some more work done on "Paper and (T)horns" I will bring you some snippets!
October 23, 2017
Monday Musings: Inktober Drawings 9-22
Inktober is almost over! The month has flown by, and I've only shared the first 8 drawings on here, so this post is remedying that lack of art. The words in parentheses (Fairy-tale, Urban, or Forest) indicate which of the original prompts lists I pulled that prompt from.
Day 9: The Genie (Fairy-tale)
This is a (bad) drawing of two of the Djinn from the Albion Quartet. They look smoochier than I originally intended (I was aiming for a hug) but it works. No, you should not consider this a spoiler of things to come in the series. But neither should you consider it not a spoiler.
Day 10: The Goblin Lord (Urban)
I wanted to draw something Labyrinth-related but not necessarily David Bowie. So I found a picture of Toby Froud (the actor who played Toby in the film and also the son of Brian Froud, who worked on the character designs for the film) and drew from there.
Day 11: The Wolf Boy (Forest)
Have I mentioned that I cannot draw people? Or animals?
Day 12: The Mad Hatter (Fairy-tale)
My original intention for this drawing was to do the Hatter in a non-traditional hat. A fedora. A beanie. Something off-the-wall. And then I realized this was the perfect opportunity to vent that urge to draw Bill Cipher that I've had ever since I finished watching Gravity Falls.
Day 13: The Slayer (Urban)
Wanting to do something other than people for this day, I went with a modern slayer's tool kit.
Day 14: The Grandmother (Forest)
I knew as soon as I saw this prompt I wanted to draw Spider Grandmother as she appears in Albion Apparent. I tried to represent the double-vision of her that Merlin Sees in the Second Sight, in which she is both spider and woman, though I think it's a little hard to tell because of the angle I drew her at.
Day 15: The Sandman (Fairy-tale)
I drew a fan-art rendition of Dream from Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. Original? No. But I've been reading the series lately and I couldn't get him out of my head when doing this prompt.
Day 16: The Shadow (Forest)
Not the most shadowy drawing I could have done, but the story-description adds some creepiness to it.
Day 17: The School Teacher (Urban)
How about 4 school teachers? These are basically thumbnails of some of the Albion teachers. I'm not convinced the bottom drawing is Vivienne, but I wasn't sure who else it could be. I'm most pleased with Excelsior and Akachi's sketches.
Day 18: The Phoenix (Fairy-tale)
Even though this was a fairy-tale prompt, I used a character from one of my urban fantasy stories. A friend of mine graciously allowed me to use her as a reference for this one. For those of you who are wondering, Ashes and Dust is my to-be-written vampire and phoenix story.
Day 19: The White Snake (Fairy-tale)
All I will say about this one is that the character exists in the Albion Quartet and you will know who it is by the end of Albion Apparent.
Day 20: The Lost Explorer (Forest)
The broken compass was an image I'd had in mind since first seeing this prompt. I wish I'd thought to add some color to this one because I'm finding my ballpoint pens very limiting when it comes to adding definition.
Day 21: The Bogeyman (Urban)
I originally wanted to give the viewer a more Oogie Boogie-like impression of my bogeyman. I think I ended up somewhere more in the vein of Candlejack. Either way, I'm a bit creeped out by my own drawing.
Day 22: The Jabberwock (Fairy-tale)
My design for the Jabberwock isn't terribly original. I definitely leaned on the original illustration for Through the Looking-Glass. I did, however take the "snicker-snack" sound of the vorpal blade and extrapolate that to a pair of scissors (which now I think on it might have been suggested in one of my conversations about the poem with friends over the years).
That's all for today. I'll put the last 9 drawings up next Tuesday sometime after I've finished the last one. Thanks for reading!
Day 9: The Genie (Fairy-tale)
This is a (bad) drawing of two of the Djinn from the Albion Quartet. They look smoochier than I originally intended (I was aiming for a hug) but it works. No, you should not consider this a spoiler of things to come in the series. But neither should you consider it not a spoiler.
Day 10: The Goblin Lord (Urban)
I wanted to draw something Labyrinth-related but not necessarily David Bowie. So I found a picture of Toby Froud (the actor who played Toby in the film and also the son of Brian Froud, who worked on the character designs for the film) and drew from there.
Day 11: The Wolf Boy (Forest)
Have I mentioned that I cannot draw people? Or animals?
Day 12: The Mad Hatter (Fairy-tale)
My original intention for this drawing was to do the Hatter in a non-traditional hat. A fedora. A beanie. Something off-the-wall. And then I realized this was the perfect opportunity to vent that urge to draw Bill Cipher that I've had ever since I finished watching Gravity Falls.
Day 13: The Slayer (Urban)
Wanting to do something other than people for this day, I went with a modern slayer's tool kit.
Day 14: The Grandmother (Forest)
I knew as soon as I saw this prompt I wanted to draw Spider Grandmother as she appears in Albion Apparent. I tried to represent the double-vision of her that Merlin Sees in the Second Sight, in which she is both spider and woman, though I think it's a little hard to tell because of the angle I drew her at.
Day 15: The Sandman (Fairy-tale)
I drew a fan-art rendition of Dream from Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. Original? No. But I've been reading the series lately and I couldn't get him out of my head when doing this prompt.
Day 16: The Shadow (Forest)
Not the most shadowy drawing I could have done, but the story-description adds some creepiness to it.
Day 17: The School Teacher (Urban)
How about 4 school teachers? These are basically thumbnails of some of the Albion teachers. I'm not convinced the bottom drawing is Vivienne, but I wasn't sure who else it could be. I'm most pleased with Excelsior and Akachi's sketches.
Day 18: The Phoenix (Fairy-tale)
Even though this was a fairy-tale prompt, I used a character from one of my urban fantasy stories. A friend of mine graciously allowed me to use her as a reference for this one. For those of you who are wondering, Ashes and Dust is my to-be-written vampire and phoenix story.
Day 19: The White Snake (Fairy-tale)
All I will say about this one is that the character exists in the Albion Quartet and you will know who it is by the end of Albion Apparent.
Day 20: The Lost Explorer (Forest)
The broken compass was an image I'd had in mind since first seeing this prompt. I wish I'd thought to add some color to this one because I'm finding my ballpoint pens very limiting when it comes to adding definition.
Day 21: The Bogeyman (Urban)
I originally wanted to give the viewer a more Oogie Boogie-like impression of my bogeyman. I think I ended up somewhere more in the vein of Candlejack. Either way, I'm a bit creeped out by my own drawing.
Day 22: The Jabberwock (Fairy-tale)
My design for the Jabberwock isn't terribly original. I definitely leaned on the original illustration for Through the Looking-Glass. I did, however take the "snicker-snack" sound of the vorpal blade and extrapolate that to a pair of scissors (which now I think on it might have been suggested in one of my conversations about the poem with friends over the years).
That's all for today. I'll put the last 9 drawings up next Tuesday sometime after I've finished the last one. Thanks for reading!
October 19, 2017
ThrowBook Thursday: Narnia Audio Part 2 (Full Audio Rankings)
This is a conclusion to a two-part series begun in last month's ThrowBook Thursday. Check out the brief reviews of the first four Narnia books (that I listened to for this re-read) there.
I am including last month's rankings, adjusted to include the last three books. I'll only add notes for the books not covered last month, namely The Magician's Nephew; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; and The Last Battle. (Has anyone ever noticed that Prince Caspian is the only Narnia title to not begin with "the"?)
7. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe read by Michael York
How?! How did we pair Michael York with Narnia and get this? I expected to adore Michael York's reading because I typically enjoy him on-screen. Instead, I found his urbane style making large portions of Lewis' prose come across very condescending rather than the knowing winks that Lewis gives his readers (where he reveals that he understands life as they do). His Aslan is pitiful and his voices for Lucy and Susan are not that great. He does offer some fine voices for Tumnus and the Beavers, but I've listened to this one twice now and . . . I don't want to listen again. That's a sad state of affairs considering how iconic this book is and how dear it is to me.
6. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader read by Derek Jacobi
5. Prince Caspian read by Lynn Redgrave
4. The Magician's Nephew read by Kenneth Branagh (whose name is pronounced very differently than I thought)
I thought this one was going to rank higher before I listened to it again. It's the first Narnia I listened to on audio, and one of the first audio books I listened to ever. Branagh is the perfect Uncle Andrew. Hands down. If they don't hire him for the film, I don't know what I'll do. His reading of the book pulls you into the story and the time period perfectly. He has the perfect balance of fairy tale and adventure in the tone he uses. His Aslan is not as powerful as the readers who are ranked above him (Northam, Stewart, and Jennings), but he still understands the emotions of Aslan's character in this book. His rendering of Aslan's words to Digory is spot-on. (Why didn't we get Branagh for LWW?)
1. (tie) The Silver Chair read by Jeremy Northam
1. (tie) The Last Battle read by Patrick Stewart
Stewart is my favorite Aslan in these audio books. I worried that might have changed since I last listened to these books, but it hasn't. Stewart is also one of the most skillful readers in this series. With the exception of the mice (who are too squeaky for me), he presents every voice with perfect skill. His reading of the narration speeds up when things are tense and slows down when things are peaceful. He makes you feel every fear and joy the characters experience. I want Stewart to replace Liam Neeson as Aslan in The Silver Chair.
1. (tie) The Horse and His Boy read by Alex Jennings
Okay, I realize that I have (kind of) cheated by having a 3-way tie for best Narnia audio, especially when two of them were not tied last month. However, when it came down to definitively ranking the series, I could not choose among these three. All three readers are fine Aslans and none of them makes me dislike the book (the way Jakobi and York almost did). These three I would pick up to listen to again in a heartbeat. (I would also listen to MN again without much convincing, and Prince Caspian wouldn't take much convincing.) I did order them in roughly ascending order of preference, with HHB winning out because I will never not read this book, LB coming next for Stewart's skillful narration and perfect Aslan, and SC coming third because Northam just can't compete, as wonderful as he is.
If you have listened to any of the Narnia audio books or FotF radio adaptations, what did you think? Do your rankings match mine? Tell me all about it below!
October 16, 2017
Monday Musings: Keeping in Sync with Your Creative Drive
I have two more tips for keeping your creative bucket full that I did not cover last week.
Keeping in Sync with Your Creative DriveMany of us have patterns and rhythms to our creative drive. I've mentioned before that autumn tends to spur me on to be more creative. It's not that I don't feel creative during other times of the year. It's more that when the first crisp days of autumn hit, I have to make something. I haven't always been aware of this trend, but ever since I first noticed it, it's something that I've come to expect, take advantage of, and even rely on (see last year's difficulties when I didn't experience this creative surge).
When I mentioned this in writing group two weeks ago, one of my friends said that she has a way of telling when she's ready to work on a new project. Much like pregnant women tend to nest and get their houses ready for a new child, she starts cleaning and organizing her writing space. It's not a conscious act, but by becoming aware of her tendency to do this, she is now equipped. She knows when the organization comes, she's ready for the new project.
What I take away from this is that we all have cycles of creativity and inspiration in our lives. If you're having trouble keeping yourself in your art or your writing, take a step back and try to spot the trends in what happens when you're at your most creative (or your least creative) and begin to figure out what your cycle is. You may not figure it out right away, but the effort will equip you to figure out how to move forward. Sometimes your creative cycle won't be normal (see me last fall); that's okay. It doesn't mean you're broken or will Never Art Again! It just means you're having an off day/month/season and you need to find something that sparks your art or even take a purposeful hiatus. Sabbaticals aren't just for pastors and CEOs. Don't be afraid to take a break from your art to work out what's holding you back or deal with other priorities in life. Just be sure you jump back in afterwards.
And while you're taking a break, or figuring out your creative cycle, why not . . .
Learn Something NewSpecifically, learn something new about your art form. Pick up a book on sketches or anatomy. Find a writing craft or exercise book that focuses on elements you have difficulty with. This kind of repeats my tip from last week about trying new things, but I'm more interested in the idea of consuming new ideas rather than producing them.
I recently picked up Steven James' first book on writing, Story Trumps Structure. I've enjoyed James' Patrick Bowers thrillers, and the fact that his writing process is organic rather than outlined intrigued me. How did he write mysteries without plotting? So far it's been possibly the most helpful book on writing that I've read. It focuses on tension and character and asking the questions that will drive your story forward in the most consistent and gripping ways. If you are a writer of any persuasion, I recommend reading this book. I feel much better equipped to tackle the edits on Albion Apparent and to write my other stories now than I did before I started reading it.
Do you have any other tips that help you keep your creative bucket full? Share them in the comments!
Keeping in Sync with Your Creative DriveMany of us have patterns and rhythms to our creative drive. I've mentioned before that autumn tends to spur me on to be more creative. It's not that I don't feel creative during other times of the year. It's more that when the first crisp days of autumn hit, I have to make something. I haven't always been aware of this trend, but ever since I first noticed it, it's something that I've come to expect, take advantage of, and even rely on (see last year's difficulties when I didn't experience this creative surge).
When I mentioned this in writing group two weeks ago, one of my friends said that she has a way of telling when she's ready to work on a new project. Much like pregnant women tend to nest and get their houses ready for a new child, she starts cleaning and organizing her writing space. It's not a conscious act, but by becoming aware of her tendency to do this, she is now equipped. She knows when the organization comes, she's ready for the new project.
What I take away from this is that we all have cycles of creativity and inspiration in our lives. If you're having trouble keeping yourself in your art or your writing, take a step back and try to spot the trends in what happens when you're at your most creative (or your least creative) and begin to figure out what your cycle is. You may not figure it out right away, but the effort will equip you to figure out how to move forward. Sometimes your creative cycle won't be normal (see me last fall); that's okay. It doesn't mean you're broken or will Never Art Again! It just means you're having an off day/month/season and you need to find something that sparks your art or even take a purposeful hiatus. Sabbaticals aren't just for pastors and CEOs. Don't be afraid to take a break from your art to work out what's holding you back or deal with other priorities in life. Just be sure you jump back in afterwards.
And while you're taking a break, or figuring out your creative cycle, why not . . .
Learn Something NewSpecifically, learn something new about your art form. Pick up a book on sketches or anatomy. Find a writing craft or exercise book that focuses on elements you have difficulty with. This kind of repeats my tip from last week about trying new things, but I'm more interested in the idea of consuming new ideas rather than producing them.
I recently picked up Steven James' first book on writing, Story Trumps Structure. I've enjoyed James' Patrick Bowers thrillers, and the fact that his writing process is organic rather than outlined intrigued me. How did he write mysteries without plotting? So far it's been possibly the most helpful book on writing that I've read. It focuses on tension and character and asking the questions that will drive your story forward in the most consistent and gripping ways. If you are a writer of any persuasion, I recommend reading this book. I feel much better equipped to tackle the edits on Albion Apparent and to write my other stories now than I did before I started reading it.
Do you have any other tips that help you keep your creative bucket full? Share them in the comments!
