Sarah Painter's Blog, page 16

Amazing book sculptures

Isn’t this amazing? Su Blackwell is a UK artist working mainly with paper. She’s created a series of book-cut sculptures inspired by fairy tales and storytelling and this one is called The Raven. To find out more and to view all of the sculptures, visit her website here.

[Via Terri Windling's journal Myth & Moor]

Internet-free Tuesdays; the 2013 edition

So, who remembers when I said I was going to start taking one day a week ‘off’ from the internet?

Well, that was almost a year ago (ah-hem) and I can’t honestly say I’ve developed the habit.

In fairness, I’ve been more mindful of my internet usage and the time spend in an internet-daze, clicking and skimming and not really taking anything in, but I still spend a lot of time online. I still can (and do) fritter away precious hours of my writing time on Twitter and Google (not to mention Pinterest).

Also tricky is the fact that the internet is essential for some of my work (freelance, blogging, book promotion), and extremely useful for the rest (research for novel-writing).  The line between ‘wasting time’ and ‘work’ is not always clear.

However, as Holly Lisle says, writers need to find the ‘silence within themselves’ in order to get their best work done. I know when I’m in the ‘writing zone’, when my internal chatter quiets and I find my focus and it’s brilliant. Loud music helps me find it. Working in my writing shed helps me find it. Turning off the internet *definitely* helps me find it.

So. I’m going to try again. If you see me on Twitter tomorrow, tell me off!

[Image credit: Hyperbole and a Half]

Friday Five: The ‘I can’t believe it’s April’ edition

Apparently, the last Friday Five was in November. Whoops…

1. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know it’s been a bad news week. Like many people, I’ve taken some comfort from the words of Mr Rogers (see above). Also, this excellent post about Boston on Bea; Running Into The Smoke.

2. This post by Matt Haig on writer’s neuroses is very good (and, sadly, very true).

3. Author and artist Terri Windling has written a series of thoughtful posts this week about fear and creativity. It’s something I battle with regularly and I particularly liked this post on courage. It includes a very apt quote from e.e. cummings:

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

4. I know this isn’t exactly new news, but it makes me so happy… Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane is out 18th June. Huzzah!

5. Since it’s Friday… Books and alcohol. No, I’m not describing my house*; Flavorwire lists 15 amazing book-filled bars.  [Via CatherineCaffeinated]

[Image Credit: The Huffington Post]

* Not entirely.

Quick update (warning, contains meeping)

Meep! My publisher (I’ll never get tired of saying that) has announced me on their website. There’s an article about ‘my journey to publication‘, too. (I left out most of the meeping… Trying to sound professional, yo). 

If you want more of my blether, I’m also on Novelicious talking about using collage to help you write your novel.

Re. The April Challenge: Um… Yeah. I’m getting back to it today. That’s all I’m saying. This GIF (from Title2Come) will give you an idea of my progress over the last few days.

Nothing to see here

Well, I’m continuing the April challenge despite the kids being on Easter hols (didn’t think of that) and some more revisions on book one, but it isn’t leaving me much time for anything else.

In lieu of a proper blog post, take a look at this picture of my mum’s adorable Jackadoodle in the snow.

There. Don’t you feel better?

April Challenge

I’ve been working on the new book for a couple of months but still feel like I’m in the planning stages. I’ve been doing lots of thinking and have started a book collage, but I haven’t written as many words as I’d like.

In fairness, I’ve had quite a lot of freelance work on (and I took a two-week break to do revisions on the ‘old’ book), but I feel like it’s time to get serious on this draft.

So, I’m taking my own advice and setting myself a ‘don’t break the chain’ challenge for April. I’ve printed out a free calendar page from here and I’m going to give myself a lovely blue cross on every day that I write 1000 words. Would anyone care to join me?

Book News: Mine!

I’ve been sitting on this news for a while (and it’s been killing me to keep quiet!), but I’ve been given the go ahead to tell you guys…

Thanks to Agent Fabulous, I’ve accepted a two book deal with a major publisher.

*pause for happy dance*

It’s a ‘digital first’ deal with MIRA’s new imprint which means that the book will be released as an e-book in the first instance (with the possibility of a print version later) and I’m so excited.*

I’m delighted that my book has found such a wonderful home and that I’m working with fantastic professionals who love it as much as I do. Honestly, I can’t stop smiling.

I’ll keep you updated with all the details over the next few months. Meep!

*So much understatement in this post. Please just picture me hyperventilating with happiness.

Film News: Much Ado About Nothing

I *heart* Joss Whedon (and that Shakespeare dude ain’t half bad, either) so was interested when I first heard about Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing, but now I’ve seen the trailer (Nathan Fillion! Amy Acker! Wesley!) I’m properly excited. Meep!

How about you? Do you fancy it? Or do you think the Branagh version (with the fabulous Emma Thompson) is the definitive adaptation?