Lately I’ve been on a kind of meme creation craze. Basically, I started making these images with quotes a couple weeks ago and haven’t stopped.
I wasn’t sure what it was about putting text on images, whether to promote my books, my websites, or, quite honestly, simply for the sake of creating them. It’s addicting. And it’s kind of weird. But, I finally figured out the real reason…
Every great novel starts with a basic idea.
You could phrase an idea by starting with “What if . . . ?” What if a comet was about to crash into Earth and scientists had to find a way to destroy it? What if a man on death row was innocent and only one person believed him? What if a woman fell in love with a man and it turned out he was her brother?
Since we’ve already discussed Surviving Criticism without Losing Confidence in Your Writing, I thought it would be fun and helpful to also talk about the best way to give others feedback on their writing.
I recently realized what it really means to love the work you do. I’ve been dragged out of my comfort zone for the first time in a while and forced to run my writing business on the bare minimum — which, beautifully, means everything falls by the wayside while the actual writing comes starkly back into focus.
Today I am happy to announce the winner of the “Happy Every Day” Caption on an Image Contest, Jessica Peterson.
Jessica is an exciting young artist who aspires to make a living creating art. In the interview below Jessica shares with us her success using crowd funding via Kickstarter, how she’s overcoming her doubts and her plans for the future, plus much more.
I hope you enjoy the interview, and join me in congratulating Jessica! And thank you to all who entered the contest, you can view the entries on Pinterest.
If you have a commute longer than 15 minutes, you’ve probably dreamed about living within walking distance.
Maybe you’ve added up the hours you’d save in a week if you didn’t have to drive or take the subway. Maybe you’ve resented your job for demanding even more of your time that could otherwise be spent pursuing other interests. Maybe you’d prefer to be exercising, grocery shopping, or spending time with your children instead of commuting. We’ve all been there.
But did you know that there’s a silver lining to commuting?
Photo Credit: CC By Slightly Everything
There’s a common belief that we need the Midas touch to become a bestselling author like Stephen King, a famous TV host like Oprah, or even a successful producer like David Geffen.
But do we, really?
Today I’m going to shatter myths about the Midas touch and share with you what we all do have within us that is much, much better.
The Midas Touch
“A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.”
Thomas Jefferson
I thought I knew who I was creatively before visiting Paris, but when I arrived there the first time, a little over ten years ago, I soon realized I didn’t have a clue.
The City of Light “La Ville-Lumière” is unparalleled for the creatively inclined, and once you’ve visited, you will leave forever changed. It refined my sense of purpose, ignited my true passion for creating, and changed how I interpret art.
Artist – Seine river, Paris. Photo by Bryan Hutchinson
My children are inquisitive. When I am driving they ask at least one question per minute. Sometimes, their questions come so quickly and loudly I cannot hear my own thoughts.
I feel like my brain is being hijacked.
Often, when I sit down to write, I feel the same way. I try to engage my mind with the world of words but my mind is under new management. I am no longer in control.
Photo Cred: Dreamstime
Don’t you hate wasting time? You need to get to it and do the work.
But what if forcing yourself to do the work isn’t always the best answer? What if doing so will result in long lasting creative blocks?
On the other hand, procrastination could hold unlimited potential for your sanity, overall well being, and productivity.
