Halloween in Miniature: Wicked Witches

Nothing says Halloween better than a boiling cauldron, a secret spellbook and a few witchy women who aren't afraid to cast a spell or two.

The classic Halloween witch with warts, long grey hair, a pointy black hat and her black cat at her side is probably one of the more favorite characters to create in miniature. Witches, though, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. (Note: dollhouse dolls featured here are in the traditional 1" or 1/12th scale where 1" equals 1 foot. Most female dolls average 5.5 inches tall.)


Halloween Fashionista

Take the work of Montana doll artist Gina Gagnon. She brings more than just exquisite design and dressmaking skills to her dolls, as seen in her latest creation, a witch she calls Gladys.

This witch, who is a fashionista of sorts, isn't willing to be seen outside in just anything, of course. Instead, she's wearing a Gagnon original including a suede cloth cloak, a raw silk undress, and don't forget the stylish midnight blue pointy shoes.

Gladys whom Gina hopes someone will buy "and give her the witch house of her dreams," is memorable for more than her wardrobe, though. Gina invariably adds a touch of humor to her dolls to make them memorable.

Consider this view of Gladys, waving goodbye to her friend Myrtle, who's riding off on her broom in the unseen distance. But Gladys isn't just waving goodbye, her creator insists: "She's trying to tell Myrtle that she's forgotten to wear her underwear!"

The Many Faces of Nancy

In the hands of miniature doll artisan Nancy Cronin, the wicked witch has a charm all her own.

Her witches – all hand-sculpted from polymer clay, some are cast in resin as well - are characters that Disney wishes his artists had dreamed up. Her witches are ghostly white, dressed in traditional black and looking a bit matronly, and shades in-between. Look and you'd swear you can almost hear them cackle.



Pretty, they're not. In fact, most of her dolls don't have a pinch of Hollywood beauty about them, which is just the way Nancy (and everyone else) likes them. "I do a lot of people watching," Nancy says. "Most people aren't pretty."


Pretty in Black

The word "witch" usually has one meaning to most people. But Dutch doll maker and collector Christa Chayata had a different view when she made her miniature witch.



The doll, which Crista made using the "Gertie" mold by Cynthia Howe, was inspired by a witch hat from Margriet van der Zee that she won in a contest on the MiniDollList.

The hat was so pretty, that well… "What is such a beautiful hat without a witch?" Christa says. "I mostly don't like ugly witches, so I tried to make one that looks a bit nice."

And she does, doesn't she? In fact, in this case, they all look nice (but don't tell them. Witches must keep their reputations after all.)

** Don't forget to visit A Fanciful Twist today for more Halloween fun!

** Add your comments today and in the following days for the chance to win a copy of my spooky ebook, The Witch Tree.

Boo! Come to a Halloween Party Tomorrow!

The blog, A Fanciful Twist, is hosting a Halloween party! Be sure to visit her blog and all the participating sites, including mine tomorrow (Sat, 10/18)!

I'm in a Halloween mood, so come back to my blog tomorrow. I'll have the first of many special features for Halloween as a prelude to my Spooky Online Book Tour featuring my Miniature Art Mystery, Searching For A Starry Night & my spooky ebook, The Witch Tree.

One person commenting here tomorrow through Nov. 4, and at sites participating in my spooky book tour (site list to come), will win a free copy of my ebook, The Witch Tree.

Hope to see you! Boo!

Art in Miniature: Interpreting Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'

Sometimes what you don't see is as important of what you do see.

In a previous post, I highlighted an amazing project by miniature doll artisan Lucie Winsky, who is recreating several famous artists and their masterpieces in 1/12th dollhouse scale. You can see the figures she has completed so far here.

Lucie's latest commission, interpreting the work of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, has proven to be even more challenging.

To make his now famous masterpiece, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (Het Meisje met de Parel), come to life, Lucie found herself with a dilemma. Interestingly, it is one of those things that most of us probably overlook. Can you guess what it is?

"I have seen other miniature doll artists' representations of the 'Girl with the Pearl Earring' in the past and she was standing, which is why I had the idea in my head until I saw the movie," says Lucie.


Hollywood Meets Vermeer

Ah, Hollywood strikes again. But it does present an interesting question - is the "Girl with the Pearl Earring" seated or standing?

Some people make the argument that many of Vermeer's portraits do feature women who are seated, although he seemed to have painted an equal amount of women standing as judged by the works featured in this gallery.

Does it matter? Not really, except that for a doll artist, the doll's position does have an impact on the body proportions, especially in miniature scale. (Miniature dollhouse sized dolls are 1 inch scale or 1 inch = 1 foot).

Lucie's final decision?

She decided to make only half-legs for the doll and have her stand -but the doll can be seated if the new owner chooses. "A sitting doll is a bit different as you have to make the legs a bit longer when you assemble her so her feet will touch the floor," she says.

I will post a photo when the doll is completed.

The painting, completed by Vermeer in the mid-1600s and now housed in The Hague, The Netherlands, was virtually unknown until its sale in the late 1880s. Read more about "The Girl with a Pearl Earring" here.

** Your Turn: What's your opinion? Do you think "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" is seated or standing? Feel free to share your reason why.

Old Dogs are Best Dogs

The Washington Post tends to have some interesting dog and animal photo galleries, with today's maybe more thought provoking than usual, at least to me.

Titled, "Old Dogs are Best Dogs," the gallery features a poignant collection of photos of faithful friends who have long passed puppyhood.

Some are blind, some have eyes that look a bit hazy, but all are faithful, loving companions who've been by their master's/mistresses' sides for 10, 12, even 16 years. Who can beat a friendship like that?

In this odd economy, dogs are often the silent, overlooked victims. A recent article I read stated that here in my area of Wisconsin, at least 10 dogs had been turned into the local humane shelter in one week. Sadly, some people are feeling the pinch, many are hurting. But the newspaper also revealed our society's growing selfishness - saying that many families had to make the choice to fill the car or feed the dog.

Yes, gas has taken a big chunk out of people's wallets; yes, getting to work is a necessity. Many people are now regretting those huge, gas-guzzling SUV's and trucks. But... I can't help but wonder, what have they cut out of their lives? Have they stopped eating out? Have they cut back and begun cooking simple, penny stretching meals at home if need be? (Remember those filling meals like Chili Mac?) Quit smoking - drinking alcohol or that Starbucks? How about cable TV, satellite, what else?

I've had dogs all my life. Only once did I give up a dog that we couldn't control. Fortunately, the Shepherd mix ended up being trained as a therapy dog for a wheelchair-bound woman. Otherwise, I've always viewed a dog as a life-long choice. They grow attached; they love and await you. They depend on you and they grieve.

I don't want to over-simplify, but there is so much waste, foolish spending, selfishness, and over-eating in our society. There has to be something, somewhere, that a person can give up before they make such a terrible, unbelievable choice.

The dog or the car? Which one would you choose?

** Your Turn: if things got that bad, what would you do about the family pet? Could you give them up or how would you adjust?

Random Thoughts on Writing: Newspapers

Having a journalism degree and dozens of years under my belt writing for newspapers, I admit a special affinity for news on the printed page. Yes, I read stuff online, but I still like to sit down with a newspaper open at lunch or dinner.

Of course, most people's reading habits have spelled a death knell for the printed page. Call it naive, but I remember the shock I felt when someone I'd sent a box to had no newspaper around to use as wrapping and padding- not one page. She confessed to reading only online. The printed page is still the first choice I think for most people over 50 as lifelong habits are hard to break, but for many younger readers, unless their parents were regular newspaper readers, the daily paper just isn't that important.

I would hope, though, that those looking for news are at least perusing papers online and not depending on TV network news only. With sound bites and bias, there's a lot overlooked and a lot left unsaid.

Newspapers have been trying to change their style - trying to get hipper, shorter, a la USA Today, in hopes of gaining new readers, keeping what they have - and cutting costs. Shorter stories, less newsprint. But the latest economy crunch, combined with the escalating costs in newsprint, has publishers hanging on by their fingernails.

Papers are bleeding readers and the changes they often make to try to hang on aren't always for the better. Some go the diet route, making the paper trimmer in pages and leaner in content. The result? A paper that has much less to read, and fewer pages. I know they're trying to stay in business, but the end result can make that 75 cents even harder to spend if you think you're getting even less for your money.

** Your Turn: Do you read the newspaper in print or online? Do/did you read in print? What made you change (or not change your reading habits?)

Tag, I'm It - 6 Book Things Meme

Helen over at Straight from Hel saved me from having to quickly dream up a blog post while I try to get back on track here.

Today's Meme: Name 6 Book Things about Yourself

Okay here goes:

1. In case you didn't know, my book, Searching For A Starry Night is partly inspired by my own interest in collecting and creating dollhouse miniatures. I love working on projects when I'm not writing. I even have the actual miniature replica of "Starry Night" done by talented miniaturist and artist Lucie Winsky. You can read more about her and see the miniature painting here.

2. I like to collect vintage books from the early 1900s. I only have a few but try to find them cheap at flea markets, etc. mostly for the cover decorations and inside art. I also want to try preserving some of that art in miniature by framing the smaller images.

3. I get a kick out of miniature books. I thought of making a mystery bookstore in miniature but the idea of creating all those books is still daunting. Many are only covers with blank pages but I admire anyone who has the courage (and patience!) to do it.
Check out this French chateau library; or for something slightly different, how about tiny rooms based on storybooks.

4. I like to re-read certain books. A few favorites include Dracula by Bram Stoker, Gone with the Wind, The Agony and the Ecstasy, Salem's Lot...

5. I'm still trying to finish my adult mystery set in a diner. I read someone else's book or another story and then fear I'm on the wrong track. :?)

6. I used to read one book at a time. If I'm hooked, I'll speed through it non-stop. Others I enjoy but read here and there. I have four books I'm reading right now.

** Your Turn: Share some book-related things about you. Be sure to comment here so we know to go visit your blog and see what you wrote.

** I TAG:
* Katie - Katie's Clay Corner
* Morgan Mandel
* Emma Larkins
* Mary Cunningham

Eye Candy: Katie's Clay & Miniature Creations

Photo: Katie's clay Frankenstein cane

The fun thing about being online is finding new friends who share your interests and whom you can learn from. It's been fun "meeting" Katie of Katie's Clay Corner as I've found another miniatures lover - and someone who also enjoys Halloween!

Katie and I have talked about various things. She's a talented artist (check her past blog posts for links to her art), which results in her trying things that I wouldn't attempt, such as her latest Frankenstein cane. (See photo above.) It began with her making some bowls from leftover colored clay, and being the instigator that I am, :>) I suggested why not make some Halloween dishes? The results were an incredible haunted house cane that she made into miniature Halloween dinnerware. That was followed up by the even more amazing Frankenstein cane, which she made into cute bowls. Cool huh?

Katie and I have had fun trading, with her making a cute Halloween roombox she calls "Frankie's Place."


She just revamped it and added some more cool handmade clay items like the cauldron and pumpkins. We are doing another swap so it'll be fun to see what she adds next. I warned her that an extension might be in order. ha!

Be sure to come back for a look at more Halloween miniatures this month!

** Your Turn: Got any favorite Halloween sites you like or projects you've made? Feel free to share them!

Meet the Author: Short Story Writer John M. Floyd

Mississippi author John M. Floyd could be called the king of shorts - short stories, that is.

All told, this prolific author has written - and published - more than 600 short stories and fillers in top publications including, "The Strand Magazine," "Grit," "Woman's World" and "Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine." Not bad for someone who's been writing for 25 years, but only began getting his stories published in 1993.

A former Air Force captain and now retired after 30 years with IBM, Floyd calls himself "happily worthless." An understatement, considering he still enjoys writing whenever he can.

His new book, MIDNIGHT (Dogwood Press, 2008) features a collection of 30 stories of various genres, from mystery to humor, romance, science fiction, and more. Of note are eight more stories featuring bossy schoolteacher Angela Potts and her long-suffering former student Sheriff Chunky Jones (who, by the way, have appeared in several of Floyd's Mini Mysteries published in "Woman's World" magazine, found at the grocery and WalMart checkouts.)

Writing on the Side

Floyd actually began writing stories as a lark and found he enjoyed it: "I started writing short stories just as a way to pass the time, when I was traveling the globe with IBM and spending a lot of hours alone in airplanes and airports and hotels, etc.--and soon found that I loved dreaming up tales and putting them on paper."

He's since found publishing success, with his fiction being nominated three times for the Pushcart Prize. He also was the winner of the 2007 Derringer Award for short mystery fiction presented by the Short Mystery Fiction Society.

Besides fiction, he has delved into nonfiction and wrote some articles, poems and essays, "but I don't think they're as much fun to write as fiction," he says. "Most of my nonfiction is on the subject of writing, which makes it less of a chore. I also write a weekly column at Criminal Brief with six other mystery writers/readers, and have really enjoyed that."

His Favorite New Story

Asked if he has a favorite story and quote from his newest collection, Floyd picks one of his teacher-sheriff mysteries. In "Dry Spell," bossy retired schoolteacher Angela Potts has just helped the sheriff of her small town solve a case and he asks her how she found out who the robber was. "Snooping," she tells him, "is a full-time job."

With his fiction, Floyd says his goal is simply to be entertaining: "If something in them is educational or enlightening at times, that's so much the better, but my purpose is to write entertaining stories that I hope might bring enjoyment to the reader. If that happens, I'm happy."

And as long as he continues, so are readers.

* Learn more about Floyd's stories and book at Dogwood Press

Story Weds: Read something spooky-I dare you! & BBAW Interviews

At this time of year, my thoughts, at least, turn to things that go bump in the night, and I don't mean the dog bumping into something.

I love a good mystery and a good spooky story. Combine the two and it's a double whammy!

Here are some stories I found that you might enjoy reading. Be sure the lights are on!

* Author Gail Farrelly writes about a mafia princess who gets a new face... and a lot of trouble

* How about a spooky kid's story? The MysteryNet Chillers are still online.

* The Criminal Brief website has several spooky and other short mysteries by a variety of authors.

* Check out some free horror stories by these authors.

* This one sounds good, even if it's not online. R.T. Lawton's latest in his Holiday Burglars series of short stories, "Grave Trouble," features two bumbling burglars who intend to dig their way from a storm water drain system into the basement of a jewelry store, but end up in a casket room instead. Sorry, you'll have to wait to read this one in the Dec. issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine.

*Your Turn: Share some of your favorite Halloween mysteries or other short stories.



** BBAW: For more chills, you can read two new interviews with me at PopSyndicate and at Linus's Blanket. Don't say I didn't warn you. ha!

BBAW: Talking Books at Linus's Blanket

While she does go off on a different path once in a while, most roads on New Yorker Nicole B's blog,
Linus's Blanket, lead to books, books and more books.

For Nicole, blogging came along as a sideline, initially as a way to keep in touch with friends, but now, she's found a niche writing about books and her love of reading.

Her blog is full of books, interviews, and more; not bad for someone who's only been at it since this summer.

"I'm pretty new to blogging," she says. "I was going to be traveling a lot over the summer and mainly, I wanted a place that I could put up some pictures and share stories with my friends, but then somehow I got sucked into the world of book blogging. I was reading a lot while on vacation and started posting my thoughts and then started reading what other people were talking about on their blogs. I just got addicted and haven't really been posting about anything else, although I reserve the right to start posting other things." :-)

Nicole admits that the blog has come to feel comfortable, almost like being at home. She likes being able to discuss her likes, maybe her dislikes, and get the feelings of others. The bonus, she says, is that blogging has brought a whole new dimension to her reading, and her writing.

"I love having a place that I can go back and look at how I have felt about a certain book," she says. "Sometimes my thoughts change and now I can have a reference point and a record. Also, through blogging I am getting a ton of other recommendation from some great blogs. I'm reading some really great writing from other bloggers, which in turn helps me improve the content and quality of my own writing."

Reading, blogging and a few other things


Photo: What is this man doing? (Submitted photo)

The blog has become a kind of online home for Nicole, a place where she can sometimes wander into other "rooms" (or subjects), or go back and reflect on her previous interests.

"Mostly so far I am writing about the books I am reading although I do plan to branch out to traveling and eating, which are my other two loves," she says. "I love having a place that I can go back and look at how I have felt about a certain book. Sometimes my thoughts change and now I can have a reference point and a record. Also, through blogging, I am getting a ton of other recommendations from some great blogs and reading some really great writing from other bloggers, which in turn helps me improve the content and quality of my own writing."

While Nicole feels she's still too new at blogging to offer advice, she says it shouldn't be rushed. The main thing is to enjoy it.

"I think it just takes some trial and error and being patient with the process," she says. "I spend a lot of time trying to get the right feel for how I would like to talk about the books I have read and developing a format for me to present my ideas.

"I love to read a lot of blogs, but I have been trying to cut down on the number of blogs I read (just for a little while!) so that I can concentrate on getting to know some people.) I love to follow my comments. I appreciate folks stopping by and I have found some really great blogs so far. The book blogging community is lovely and I am enjoying becoming a part of it very much."

Nicole is a big reader, but she does take time for other activities, like bocce. Did you guess what the photo was about?

"When I'm not reading or more recently on the computer reading book blogs, I love to cook and to socialize," she says. "I am in a couple of book clubs and a friend hosts a game night in my neighborhood which I attend once a month. I throw dinner parties and I am also on a bocce league that plays on Sunday afternoons. I also like to go with my friends to sports games. I never watch them on TV, but I love to watch them live."

** Check out Nicole's 11 book bests lists.

** Your Turn: Be sure to stop by Linus's Blanket and comment. Share your favorite book.

** BBAW Contest: Post a comment about your favorite book here and at Nicole's blog to get your name entered to win a copy of my spooky ebook, "The Witch Tree." Be sure to leave a blog or website to contact you. Contest ends 9/30.

* Read other blogs and news for Book Blogger Appreciation Week at My Friend Amy's Blog

* Find new blogs and read other BBAW interviews here.

Eye Candy: A Dream House in Shabby Chic Style

If you didn't guess it already, yesterday's photo of that charming bedroom was not from a real house. It's actually from The Brocante Dollhouse decorated by my Dutch friend, Kitty Balke.



What struck me about this house was how comfortable it felt, like a house you'd want to visit and stay awhile at. Using pretty pinks, cream and white, Kitty concentrated on making the house a perfect image of the popular "shabby chic" style. Even more fun is that if you didn't know, you'd swear the photos are of "real" (life-sized) rooms.




The house, amusingly enough, was a throw-away. A neighbor tossed it out and was surprised to find that she'd taken it in and given it new life.

I really love what she's done in this house and want to do something similar with a Colonial half-inch scale house I have. I'd like to make it "shabby chic" with a primitive country feel similar to the unique work being done by Fiona Bradwood of Petite-Properties, also author of the "Bringing 1/24th to Life" books.

You can see more of Kitty's Brocante house and other work at her blog. It's in Dutch, but I think the photos speak for themselves.

Please leave a comment at both our blogs so we know you visited! Tell us about your dream home!

Finding Inspiration - Home Sweet Home

Inspiration sometimes comes from the least expected of places.

Sometimes you just need a quiet place to go and relax, put your feet up, and settle down with a good book.

It's a pretty, quiet and comforting place where you can rest and let the creative juices recharge. This looks like one of those kinds of places, doesn't it?

I'll tell you more about my new favorite inspirational spot tomorrow!

New Blog Posting Schedule!

I had a big scare as Blogger's bots decided to label Candid Canine as sp-m and blocked me out! Luckily (and surprisingly) it only lasted a day.

Well, it gave me time to think. ha! I admit I enjoyed the daily blogging in August. It did get to be a grind thinking up new ideas, but now that I took some time away, I think I've come up with a do-able blog schedule. Contributors are welcome too!

New Blog Schedule
I'm developing a new posting plan. We'll see how it goes. Want to keep it simple so it doesn't get overwhelming. It's not set in stone, but I'll try my best to add variety and interesting topics.

Monday: Eye Candy
Unusual minis and fun stuff I've spotted.

Tuesday: Random Thoughts on Writing

Weds: Meet the Author.
Any authors who want to answer a few simple questions and be featured, please email me so I can compile a list. No erotica, nudes...romance, only pg rated books please. Mystery, sci-fi, horror, inspirational are ok. * Esp. want ya and kids.


Thurs: Always a Mystery
Themes - what looks good to read, books and short stories. Flash mystery fiction welcome. Feel free to email me a short story. Will link to your site.

Fri: Dog Day Afternoon.
Who can resist cute dogs? Email me your favorite dog pic and a few lines about your pet or a funny pic you saw.

Saturday : Open. Meme day.
These are fun so I'll try one a week.

Sunday: Round up of week.

* I'll still do a miniature of the month also.

I welcome your contributions, so please email me! You can reach me at my website also, click contact me.

So, let's have fun!
Chris V.

When Books (and Food) Turn Spooky

(Photo: http://FreeDigitalImages.net)

It's hard not to think of Halloween with the stores already filled with pumpkins, skeletons and eyeball-decorated goodies.

There's something fun about dreaming up new foods that are on the gory side. But although I got a big laugh out of the bag of Body Parts Gummies I spotted in the grocery store, I usually leave my horrible recipes to my miniature projects.

But if you prefer your real-life food on the weird side, how about some Kitty Litter Cake? Funny! (I have a miniature one, albeit non-edible)!)

Given a choice, I think I'd rather have a slice of this tamer Goofy Spooks Cake with its ghosts, crawlies and what-not. Don't forget to wash it down with one of the many creepy cocktails listed here. (Wormy ice cube anyone?)

Besides eating holiday related foods (don't forget the candy corn and candy pumpkins at Halloween, gingerbread cookies and fruit cake at Christmas), I usually try to find a holiday mystery or two to read.

Even though I get a kick out of Halloween, I never really read any Halloween stories beyond the classics like Edgar Allen Poe, Dracula (cool - read it online!), or something from Stephen King.

This year, I plan to change that by specifically looking for some Halloween mysteries. So grab an eyeball cupcake, turn the lights low and join me with a few of these suggestions:

* A Catered Halloween, Isis Crawford (Kensington Sept. 2008) - who can resist a book with a severed head rolling down the stairs?

I wanted to try one of the books in the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries featuring a ghostly 1940s detective. * The Ghost and the Femme Fatale(Berkley May 2008). Who can resist a noirish ghost?

I admit to being hooked on Nancy Drew (and the Hardy Boys) as a kid. (I loved the recent Nancy Drew movie!) Well, some readers claim Judy Bolton was better. I don't remember reading her books, but they're reissuing the series. * The Haunted Attic (Applewood Books, Aug. 2008) looks like a good place to start with Judy moving into a haunted house and trying to solve the mystery of the ghost in the attic.

You can't go wrong with spooky hotels, dark waterways, moving corpses, ghosts and Venice in Wilkie Collins' * The Haunted Hotel and Other Stories (Wordsworth, June 2006)

** Your Turn: Have any favorite Halloween mysteries or spooky stories you recommend? What are your favorites?

Daily Blog 31: Art Come to Life in Miniature

(Photo: 1640 nobleman, Illustrated Encyclopedia of Costume and Fashion, page 47)

Miniature of the Month:

The realism, beauty and mastery of the work of such masters as Michelangelo, Vermeer and Rembrandt van Rijn, is not only unequaled, but continues to inspire artists working in a range of media today.

Most unique, may be a project recently undertaken by Massachusetts artisan and doll maker Lucie Winsky. Winsky, an artisan with the International Guild of Miniature Artisans (IGMA) was commissioned to recreate several notable figures and scenes from famous paintings as 1-inch-scale porcelain figures. (NOTE: 1-inch or 1/12th scale is 1 inch=1 foot, with men measuring 6" tall and women about 5"-51/4" tall.).

The figures Lucie has recreated so far include a generic nobleman, circa 1640, several figures depicted in famous paintings, and the artists themselves.

The famous figures and paintings include:
* The captain and lieutenant from "The Night Watch," Rembrandt van Rijn


* "Self-Portrait with Two Circles" by Rembrandt


* A child in Jan Steen's "The Feast of St. Nicholas"


* The man in "The Merry Drinker" by Frans Hals


* The milkmaid in Johannes Vermeer's "The Milkmaid"


* The model (and artist) from Johannes Vermeer's "The Art of Painting"


* She is now working on the legendary "Girl with the Pearl Earring" by Vermeer


* And the "Portrait of a Jester with Lute," Frans Hals.


The Creation

Like many artisans, Lucie gets nervous starting a project - "I always worry about commissions because the customer never knows what they will get," she jokes, but she surely didn't have to worry. The resulting figures (see below) look like they just stepped from out of the picture frames, don't they?

A stickler for detail, Lucie studies photos of the original painting and costume sources to determine how best to replicate the figures and their clothing. She uses commercial doll molds, but manipulates the porcelain in the firing stage to get the pose or features she needs as with Vermeer's 'Milkmaid.'

"I had a lot of fun doing this one," she says. "She started out as a Janna Joseph mold, but then she was cut up and reassembled and her face was altered to look like the painting. She took three months to make. I enjoyed sculpting those eyes!"

The dolls are then painted, dressed and wigged. She next must decide on the best fabrics to replicate the clothing, often going so far as to paint and print her own fabrics if needed, as she'll need to do with the Jester. Other times, it takes a little more research and imagination to achieve the desired results.

"Rembrandt's paintings are always on the dark side so I had to lighten them up in Adobe to see his clothes better," she says. "I had to guess at the lower half of his costume and referred to what was worn at the time of the painting. I am always haunting my local library. I found out that Rembrandt did more self-portraits than any other artist which is great for us who want to make a doll in his image."

For other figures like Vermeer's, Lucie had to rely on her imagination. "I can't find a painting of Vermeer's face," she says. "I guess he didn't do self-portraits. Mine is going to look like Colin Firth who played him in the movie 'Girl with a Pearl Earring.'"

Lucie's first finished figure was a nobleman circa 1640, the striking costume was based on an image from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Costume and Fashion (Page 47)

The last figure? Judging from the results, who would wish for such a project to end? But Lucie admits that she, too, is just as eager to see the final project: "I am curious to see them all together." (So are we!)


Paintings Come to Life

The Night Watch (De Nachtwacht) - Rembrandt van Rijn, 1642, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

The painting, also known as "The Company of Frans Banning Cocq and Willem van Ruytenburch," features Capt. Cocq (in black with red sash), his lieutenant, and members of the militia moving out. One of Rembrandt's largest works at 11' 10" x 14' 4", it is also noted for its suggestion of motion.



Self-Portrait with Two Circles, Rembrandt, 1665-1669, Kenwood House, London

Rembrandt painted more than 90 self- portraits from the 1620s to 1669.


The Feast of St. Nicholas, (Het Sint Nicolaasfeest), Jan Steen, c. 1665-1668, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

The charming scene features a family celebrating the feast day at home on December 6. Several stories are revealed as you look closer at the oil on canvas, 33.5" x 27".



The Merry Drinker, Frans Hals, 1628-1630, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam


The Milkmaid, Johannes Vermeer, 1658-1661, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam


The Art of Painting, Johannes Vermeer, 1662-1668, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna,


Girl with a Pearl Earring, Johannes Vermeer, 1665, The Mauritshuis, Hague, The Netherlands


Portrait of a Jester with a Lute, Frans Hals, 1620-1625, Musee du Louvre, Paris
(c) 2008 C. Verstraete http://candidcanine.blogspot.com

Daily Blog 30: Favorite Writing Moment & Quote

One of my favorite sections I like to use in interviews is to include the author's favorite quote from their latest book and ask them to share one their favorite (or least favorite) writing moments.

I've already shared my favorite quote about Petey the Dachshund from my book, Searching For A Starry Night in a my Daily Blog 25, but one of my other favorites has to do with Sam and her friend Lita's scary movie-like moment waiting for Sam's mom to come back to the shed they've been working in:

...Petey flew forward in a spasm of barks. His legs left the ground with each violent growl. Sam wasted no time and jumped off the chair almost into her friend's arms. The two hugged each other and watched, wide-eyed, as the doorknob slowly started to turn. The panic threatened to choke Sam.

"Lita," she whispered, "please tell me I locked the door..."

My Favorite Writing Moment:

I've worked in newspapers a long time and as a reporter, you get to meet a lot of interesting people. Picking just one favorite story is hard. I think one of my favorite stories was writing about the local legendary shoeshine man in my Chicago neighborhood and getting it published in GRIT when it was still a newspaper. What made it special was being able to get an interesting person recognized and letting him have his well-deserved place in the spotlight.

** Your Turn: Share your favorite quote from your latest book or short story. Include your title and web link. Don't forget to share your own favorite writing moment or special memory.

Daily Blog 29: Do Gimmicks Work?

(Note: Still revamping the site with the new design so there may be a few glitches yet. :>) )

Becoming a published author means you not only have a book, but you suddenly have to get all this author "stuff" - bookmarks, pens, biz cards, etc. Some is necessary - like the biz cards. Some isn't.

Some authors take this promotional stuff a step further, dressing in costume, or sending out prizes or pens and other things. Do they work?

Well, maybe. Sometimes. It depends.

The big no-no, of course, save the gimmicky stuff for your appearance table. Do not send it to newspapers, where reporters joke about this kind of stuff. The Chicago Tribune's Q section occasionally has a giveaway where people write in for assorted weird "junk" the paper's staff collected over time. Most often, though, this kind of stuff gets thrown out or passed around. Save your money.

The best tools are free: a good press release and author information; a press kit with some fun q & a's about you to fill in interview gaps or for fun background; a sell sheet on the book; book blurb and biz cards.

Bookmarks are great promo tools also (for extra savings: design two bookmarks on an oversized postcard and have them cut in half. Don't forget to flip the design on the other side so it lines up right.) Your book cover makes a nice front on a business card with your information on the back. Sign up for the Vista Print newsletter for various freebie deals for the cost of shipping.)

Above all, make connections. I've found that talking to people, even connecting again with old contacts I've interviewed before for my own newspaper writing can have advantages. You never know how someone can help or what kind of advice they can offer.

And the costumes? For some it can work. That's a personal decision. But I'd forget the whoopie cushion with your name and book cover on it.

** Your Turn: What kinds of promotional book items do you like to use as an author? What kinds of things do you like as a reader? What's the worst items you've seen? Funniest?

Daily Blog 28: Making Reading a Habit

Following up on my recent posts on reading and not reading, I decided to explore the topic of building readers. Some kids grow up as reading adults, many don't. Why, you wonder?

Reading, like anything else, can become a habit - a good one. It can be taught by example - adults who read usually have kids who read. But then the opposite happens - nonreading adults have reading kids, shooting that theory in the foot.

Is it genetics? Maybe more creative-oriented people enjoy reading. Those who think in pictures and can "see" the story unfold in their head enjoy reading.

The barriers to reading enjoyment can vary, ranging from lack of skills, and bad school experiences, to simple disinterest. As one previous commenter said, people will pay anything for a movie and balk at the price of a book.

But how do you price literacy?

Movies are fun, but they require nothing more than to sit and enjoy. Reading engages the mind in analyzing the words, making you think on what you are reading. Is that it - people simply don't like to think?

Maybe it's Bill Gates' fault. In a recent newspaper column I read, the columnist mentioned that computer use made people's attention spans shorter. He even noticed it with himself. Funny, though, that most of us can spend hours, all day and night practically, at the computer, but everything is in small bites. Small bites over time - compare that to a book with its many pages.

So read a book in small spurts right? The answer isn't in dumbing down books so they reach the level of most TV shows or vapid movies that pass for entertainment. It's not in relying on Google and the Internet.

It's cheering to see kids reading. Maybe it's Harry Potter, and now it's the vampires in Twilight, but kids are reading. Maybe a few will latch on to Searching For A Starry Night and find a funny Dachshund "helping" a couple kids solve a mystery. Or maybe they'll find someone else's book. That's the key - find a book and read.

Six Tips to Building Readers:

1. Expose kids to reading.
Share stories with them when they're growing up. Read stories they'll look forward to.

2. Use the library.
The Internet has made researching easier, but the library still has a place. Get your child their own library card. Make it a special event, a parent-child trip to pick out new books.

3. Make reading special.
Whether it's at bedtime or an afternoon read, have that special ritual with your child. They'll know after brushing their teeth and saying their prayers that it's a special time, a few moments to unwind with mom or dad and listen to a good story.

4. Make reading familiar.
Don't make books unfamiliar objects. Even if parents (gasp!) aren't readers, they should at least make the effort to show their children that it's a worthwhile activity. Maybe you don't like to read novels, so pick up a book of essays or a nonfiction book about gardening or a favorite hobby. On shopping trips, be sure to stop at a bookstore or the book section. Encourage the child to pick out a new book instead of a new toy. Alternate if needed.

5. Have books in your life.
Make books a part of your life. Even those who don't read fiction can pick up a nonfiction book occasionally. Have a home bookshelf with your favorites. Build a small bookshelf in your child's room to hold their favorites.

6. Share your favorite books.
Even if you didn't grow up to be a big reader, most of us can remember those books we loved as kids. I loved horses and read every book there was, like Misty of Chincoteague, Black Beauty and others.

Share your favorites with your child. They may like them, too. Or encourage them to share their favorites with you. It's a good way to learn more about your child and enjoy hearing more about what interests them.

(c) 2008 C. Verstraete

** Your Turn: What do you do to encourage your kids to read? What are your favorite childhood books? Please share!

Daily Blog 27: Reading is better than TV

To contrast with my previous blog 26 on why people say they don't like to read, I thought I'd be fair and talk about those who do. Me, for starters. I was the kind of kid that was told "a fire could start and I'd have my nose in a book." True.

I still love to read, but have developed a bad habit of having several books going at once. But if it's a book I really get hooked on, then I will read it straight through as I'm unable to put it down. Others I enjoy but save for bedtime or carry around in my bag for those moments when I'm waiting and have nothing to do.

Do I believe reading is better than TV? You bet. (Most people might say that). There are several TV shows I do love to watch (Dancing with the Stars, Smallville, Supernatural), but usually finding something to read is easier than finding a favorite TV show (and you can finish it before they take it away like they discontinued that new vampire show Moonlight!)

Books can also be reread, and unlike reruns, they are just as good the second, third, or more times around!

I have several favorite books I do go back and reread now and then. To name a few, they include: Gone with the Wind, Dracula (cool read it online), Salem's Lot, The Stand, The Agony and the Ecstasy (about Michelangelo), Emmeline (an amazing novel with a shocking end)....

** Your Turn: What are your favorite books? Share the books you like to reread more than once.

Daily Blog 26: Top 10 Reasons People Don't Like to Read

At a recent event where Echelon author Margot Justes and I tried to sell our books for the first time, we were surprised to find that the majority of people didn't have much of an interest in reading. We took an informal survey and began asking passersby one question – do you like to read? For kicks, I thought I'd share some of their outrageous answers. (And most of these answers did come one right after the other.)


10 Question: Hi, do you like to read?
Answer: The woman laughs and points to her toddler. "I'm not much of a reader." (Blame the kid. Not a good start.)

9 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "Not right now, but thank you."

8 Q: Do you like to read?
A: One woman said she liked sci-fi and she doesn't like a book "if (something) doesn't blow up or someone doesn't die." (Margot mentioned that her book has a dead body in chapter one. I had mystery and horror books; she had romance and suspense. Darn, how did we miss sci-fi?)

7 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "Not really." (Score one point for truthfulness.)

6 Q: Do you like to read?
A: The woman asks, "You wrote this? Is it free?" (No comment.)

5 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "I don't have time to read." (Hmm.)

4 Q: Do you like to read?
A: The woman walks up to the table. "What's going on here today?" (Authors turned concierge - we let her see the brochure and told her what she'd just missed. Oops, forgot the tip jar.)

3-2 Q: Do you like to read?
A: Two for one - Two women, one shakes her head, the other answers, "No, we don't read." (Birds of a feather…)

And the #1 most incredible answer of the day:

1 Q: Do you like to read?
A: "I like to read religious books. I read books by Rev. So and So. (I didn't get the name. Then I asked:)

Q: Do you read fiction?
A: "No, I wouldn't waste my time."


© 2008 C. Verstraete

Daily Blog 25: Making Your Stories Live on (Beyond You)

The highest praise someone can give a writer, I think, is to make their work live on and become "quotable" beyond the page. Think Rhett Butler's famous, "Frankly, I don't give a damn," from Gone with the Wind. Or "To be or not to be..." from Shakespeare's Henry VI.

While you don't often write with such lasting legacies in mind, sometimes a phrase pops to mind that you latch onto. While the first graph is often the one in your story or book that should produce the best zing, you also hopefully have a few nuggets scattered throughout the story.

While others may have their own choices, one of my favorite sections from Searching For a Starry Night, is Sam's description of Petey the Dachshund:

Sam sprawled on her cot with a pencil, opened the book, and started a puzzle. Lita fell onto her cot and scribbled in her notebook. Next to them, lying on his blankets on the floor, Petey snored and turned over on his back, sticking his legs up in the air. Sam tried not to giggle as he rolled over to his side, reminding her of a Vienna hot dog without a bun. All he needed was relish, she thought.

The idea of making a story live on is to give readers something to latch onto, be it a mental image, a memorable quote, a funny remark, etc. - just give them something that will stick in their minds. Then the book itself becomes not only quotable, but memorable.

And if all else fails.... well, how about changing history?

Wonder what Juliet or Snow White would say if they had been called by your name instead? Have fun making your own quotes! This generator lets you put your name into classic stories. (And beware of the famous first lines quiz and other time wasters, um, sources.)


** Your Turn: What are some of the memorable parts in your own book or your favorite quotes? Please share them!

Daily Blog 24: Promoting, promoting and...

Winding down. To those of you who may be tired of reading about writing, I will be getting back to miniatures soon. I have a great miniatures story coming up that I will run as the Miniature of the Month and for my last daily blog. But I will continue to write about writing as well at least a few times a week.

Today's discussion: promotion. BSP (Blatant self promotion) and other forms is part of becoming a published author. You tweet, share, brag, on and on. Some people hate it. Some like hearing about other writer's successes and news. I know I like to hear about new books. I read excerpts and often find some that I put on my to-be-read list.

But other than authors selling to other authors as goes on a lot, as a newbie myself, I'm wondering what works and what doesn't. So authors, share what you've done for promotion; what materials you've purchased; what results you've had.

** Your Turn: What have you done to promote your book? What's worked best? What hasn't? What materials do you use? What advice do you have to promote a book? Share your experiences!

Daily Blog 23: Weekend Writing?

Most of us slave over a hot computer all week. The computer has helped blur the work week so the standard 40-hour week really no longer applies. We write, blog, email, surf, etc. all hours of the day and night.

Is there time off for good behaviour? Well, there should be, but writing is an occupation that can't be necessarily pigeonholed into specific hours. You write when you can, when you want (or don't want), when you need to. (Or if you can - for fun, I found this page with links to computer-generated writing. I didn't read any. Afraid? ha! Not that I think a computer or the "trained monkeys" can outwrite a writer.)

Weekends, you hopefully try to take some time off - at least a few hours to catch up on other stuff like housecleaning, shopping, and just plain relaxing. But even then, it's hard to stay away from the computer completely, isn't it? Or do you? Me? Well, I need to continue working on the book, but I also need to do some serious weeding in my office. Stuff piled everywhere and no room, so some stuff has to go - somewhere.

** Your Turn: For fun, I thought I'd ask today how much you use the computer and/or write on weekends. Are you able to stay away - completely? How do you not write and do computer stuff after the so-called "work week" ends?

Daily Blog 22: Titles - What's in a name?

Names are more than just letters strung together. They have power and meaning. In some cultures, a name is carefully considered before being chosen since it's supposed to have great impact on the person's whole life. In other cultures, certain names are to be feared as in this newspaper story on British fishermen and superstitions about the name Graham.

Most authors use the same care when choosing a name for a book or story. The name, hopefully, will signify something in the story, like a play on words, or come from part of the story as in Margaret Mitchell's famous book, its name taken from the description of the South being a way of life Gone With The Wind. Or a title should invoke curiosity. Some names, of course, are more obscure and the meaning can't be determined at first glance.

I think my favorite names are plays on words and puns. Mysteries use this style a lot: For Better or Hearse; Holmes on the Range; Evan Blessed; see this Amazon.com Listmania for others.

Funny, and not so funny, at least to the author, is coming up with what sounds like an original title, or their publisher picks a title for which they have no say - and it turns out there are several other books that have the same title.

But choosing a title isn't always an easy process.

Initially, I hated the first title I'd thought of for Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery, but I couldn't think of anything else. I can't remember the exact name, but I know it changed a couple times. I think at first it was the Missing Miniature Art Mystery or something similar - too many mmmm's. Then there was something like Sam's Search for the Missing Art. ZZZ. Blah.

The resulting Searching For A Starry Night is a little cryptic, but makes perfect sense. The photo image of the empty painting gives a clue and reading the blurb reveals that the mystery involves the search for an actual miniature replica of Van Gogh's famous painting, Starry Night. The blue stars on the cover background reflect the painting name, too, so it all ties together.

The sad part is when a title is chosen that doesn't really have any meaning or link to the book. Maybe the choice is made via a quick read of the book blurb, or some other reason. Then the author is stuck explaining it, which can be good, and bad, in and of itself.

** Your Turn: Got a favorite book title or know of one that you think makes no sense at all? Or hate your own book title? Please Share!

Daily Blog 21: 10 Favorite Research Sites

Time-wasters.

We all do it. Go look up one thing and get lost surfing. But don't despair, you're not wasting time, you're doing research.

In that vein, I decided to list some of the more interesting and fun places to do research (in no specific order). (Warning: don't look unless you have a couple hours of free time.)

1. Oracle of Bacon
Remember that 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon game? Well researchers at the University of Virginia actually did research on it. (Hey they get paid for that?)

2. Project Gutenberg
Free copies of the classics and other books that you never got around to reading in e-version.

3. Best actors and actresses
All kinds of awards, even Russian movies.

4. Silent Film Stars
I love this site! Who's who in pre-talkie films

5. Vintage Clothing History
Dress those characters right! All kinds of cool vintage clothing
links

6. How People Lived
Click the illustrations at Kraft Australia to see how people lived, ate and cooked in different
generations.

7. Hit Music
Hit songs from the forties to the present and get the Top 10 hits from now to the 1800s. Guess which song was a hit in 1893?

8. History of Toys
The favorite toys we played with and an interesting video. Find your favorite old toy at the National Toy Hall of Fame.

9. Unusual Feats
Maybe your character can eat the Most Ferrero Rocher chocolates in a minute? (Yes it's a category, if not the greatest feat.) Or give them some other odd pastime from the Guinness Book of World Records.

10. More weirdness
Or make your characters truly strange. A favorite for oddities always was Ripley's Believe it or Not.

** Your Turn: Share Your Favorite Time-Wasters, er, Research Sites!

Daily Blog 20: Top 10 Reasons Why I Write

Today's post is going to be short, philosophical and focus on one question - why do you write?

Isn't there a joke? Paraphrased it goes: Why do you write? I write because I can't sing or dance. ha!

1. Well, I also write because it's a habit; a habit honed from years of writing nonfiction and then adding fiction.

2. I write because I enjoy it. (Sometimes). At least when I like the story and when it's working.

3. I write because I can't "Not" write. I have to do it. Only other writers can understand that.

4. I write when I'm not playing. I find it hard sometimes to split my creative energies. I have to write or create in miniature. But I can work on small miniature projects if I'm doing a big writing project. It's good to do something that lets you be creative and lets your mind wander at the same time.

5. I write because it's more fun than cleaning house. ha!

6. I write because it's the best way I know how to make money.

7. I write because it's better than doing nothing.

8. I write because the words have to go somewhere.

9. I write because there are still things I want to accomplish and they won't get done unless I pursue them.

10. I write because I can't think of anything else that I enjoy doing more.

** Your Turn: Why do you write? Share your top 5 or 10 reasons.

Daily Blog 19: Going for the Gold

Watching all the athletes at the 2008 Olympics doing their best to win gold, you can't help but think how going for the gold can apply to almost every area of your life, including writing.

Unless you write purely for your own enjoyment, the goal of writing is publication and payment. It may be fun to write some things free for promotion or exposure, but writing also is a commodity that should increase in value with practice, effort and over time.

To become a gold medal writer means putting in the work - writing, learning, polishing, rewriting. It means taking the time and putting in the extra effort required.

A few thoughts on becoming a Writing Olympian:

1. Train

Some writers say they can't write daily. But write as often as possible. The best athletes put in hours of training to reach possible gold. Don't shirk your preparation.

2. Be challenged

Any athlete or writer can get stagnant by not challenging themselves. Don't be content, thinking that with this book or this story, you've "made" it. I read somewhere that you "never arrive." Even Stephen King continues to try new things and push the envelope.


3. Be Positive, but Don't Put on Blinders

Be positive, but also be realistic. If something isn't working, don't be afraid to try something different. A certain approach may not work in your area or might not work for you. Everyone is different, so don't get discouraged and find what marketing, writing, promotion, etc. tips work for you.

4. Find a Good Coach

Even the best writers sometimes can't see the forest for the trees. Ask another writer to give your material a pre-read to catch those things you often overlook.

5. Be Proud of Your Efforts

Athletes do get disappointed when an error or something causes the gold medal to slip from their hands. Sportsmanship means congratulating the person who did win gold and being proud to have won the silver or bronze medal for your team and country.

No matter which level your writing is at, be proud of your accomplishments and continue to work, train, and strive to reach gold. Reaching the next level will not only help you improve your skills, but reach the real gold - a whole new audience of readers.

Daily Blog 18: Just the (Character) Facts

For fun, today I decided to play off a past post on 50 Memes that Dani wrote about at BlogBookTours .

To make a character real, you need to know their likes/dislikes, habits, quirks, tastes, favorite music, and more of the facts besides just their eye and hair color.

It's those kinds of details that make the character appear real to you as a writer and more importantly, make them real to the reader.

So for today, I've adapted one of those memes that can be used to better know your characters.

A short eight to 10 question list can help you round out your characters before you write. To keep track of the facts and descriptions for later use, you can use a character worksheet (download in PDF format) or do a detailed character profile log as described by author Marvin D. Wilson.

Examples in this exercise are based on my characters, Sam and Lita, from Searching For A Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery.

Feel free to use your own characters and share some of their quirks and personalities.

Eight Character Facts

1. Your Character's Favorite Word:
Sam likes to say 'holy cow' a lot.

2. Your Character's Favorite Pastime:
Lita likes to read. Sam is a dabbler and hops from one project to another.

3. Your Character's Oddest Thought:
Sam tries to picture she, her mom and her pal Lita in a pillow fight.

4. Your Character's Favorite Food or Snack:
Sam likes chocolate and Starbursts candy. Lita likes Banana Laffy Taffy candy.

5. Your Character's Worst Memory:
Sam hated when she and Lita were mad at each other in grade school.

6. Your Character's Likes or Dislikes:
Sam hates spiders. Lita doesn't like ghosts or spooky stories.

7. Your Character's Favorite Dessert:
Both girls like ice cream.

8. Your Character's Worst Moment:
Sam doesn't want her mom to know they got scared of some noises outside.

** Your Turn: Copy and tell us about your character. Other categories that can be added include: favorite sport, clothing, hairstyle, music, etc.

Daily Blog 17: Gambling and Writing

This post is super late today. Decided to take off.

This was a first-time visit to the casino in Milwaukee, Wisc. Interesting, though the noise and smoke got to me.

Funny as I'm competitive; I love a challenge and love the chance to "win." But poking a button on a slot machine wasn't much fun to me. It became more interesting once the game became more interactive, requiring me to pick something on the screen, but that didn't happen often enough. Overall, it didn't hook me.

Here's the writing analogy: stories obviously have to hook the reader. You have to have a good "prize" - a good story, a chance to see who the villain is, etc. - to have the reader continue.

Writers are gamblers in a way, aren't they? They write a story or book, send it out, taking a gamble - hoping that someone will like it and purchase it. You keep sending it out - putting more change in the slot (money for postage) on the hopes that it will eventually pay off.

We played the 2 cent slots mostly. Big gambler I'm not. I can't see throwing money away. In writing, it's different. You can put in a few pennies worth of effort, but why waste your (and everyone else's time?) You learn, you improve, and then you raise the stakes.

Put in the big stakes worth of effort and expect to get back what you put in. Play to win - (write to get published).

Daily Blog 16: Words

At the halfway mark of this blog challenge, I find myself at a loss for words. Funny thing for a writer to say.

Maybe the loss is that I've also spent time this week working on my other book and making good progress. I mentioned in a previous post about not talking a book out so you don't feel like writing it; maybe putting all your energies in one thing also depletes your energy for another.

Well, not really. I'm a multi-task writer, used to changing formats, - nonfiction to fiction - so that's not really the problem. I'm used to working on different things.

But it's Saturday. I need to finish a couple other stories and I'm going to the fair later. It's a good day to play.

I think sometimes the best thing a writer can do is, unless they have a deadline, or even then, take a break. Step away. Rejuvenate. Relax. The words will flow much better next time.

** Your Turn: I seem to be on a theme here - rejuvenating, taking a break. How do you recharge your batteries to get back to writing?

Daily Blog 15: Writing Inspiration

Today I decided to do something different.

Inspiration comes from different places, your Muse, a song, something we hear or read, from others and from our hobbies.

Sometimes, it's a good idea to take a break from writing and let your brain work on a different form of creativity. For me, that means working in miniature.

I get inspired coming up with new ideas, challenging myself to tackle a building or other project. Working on something like painting or planning a miniature room lets my mind roam. I'm not writing, but subconsciously I'm still mulling over the book or story I've been working on.

I also get inspired by the work of others. I'm presenting some photos of the miniature gourmet shop made by a fellow miniaturist in Holland. Kitty Balke, and I often share ideas and projects. Talking over the Internet or via Skype, we enjoy sharing photos or our latest work and often inspire each other.





I think what keeps me interested in the hobby is the detail and realism you can achieve. To me, it's the same as writing, except it's creating with objects and images instead of words.




The best thing? Making this kind of food is calorie free! (The food is made of polymer clay.)

** Do you have a hobby or other pastime that you enjoy to take your mind off of writing for a while?

Daily Blog 14: Writing & Finishing that Book

As of this writing last night, I dreaded doing this post. Could be because I'm tired and was going out again to gather story ideas at the county fair.

The month is about half over. Yay! I've never been one to have problems coming up with ideas; it's the doing them that gets me. And blogging daily is a challenge. But it's one I'm glad I took. Will I continue it later? I'll likely do more than I did before, but maybe not daily. We'll see.

Just random thoughts on writing today:

I've been stuck on my adult mystery I've been writing. Procrastinating, maybe, Feeling like it's not worth continuing, sometimes. I'm an outliner so have it all pretty much figured out. Things do change as I write and as I see things to fix, but that's okay. I at least have a starting point.

That's been the problem - starting. I'd do a little, then nonfiction stuff would interrupt me. It'd take weeks, months, to get back to it. Problem is I'd get stuck rereading where I was to get back into it.

I usually know when I am close to writing - I get crabby. I think about the book - a lot.

With Searching For A Starry Night, I had to finish; I had a deadline and a publisher interested. I like goals. Working on your own with no deadline is much harder. But what really got me writing this week was being off the Internet.

Having to store-sit a business, I'm somewhere for five hours daily, four days this week without the Internet. No endless email checking. No checking the blog or website repeatedly. Just set up the laptop and write.

Sure, I'd stop a bit, walk around, read the paper a few minutes, but I WANTED to write. I had to make the time productive. I made myself sit and type. 1,100 something words Weds. Hopefully I'll do the same or near that today and Friday.

My goal was to have this book finished this month. I'm only a quarter way through. But maybe, just maybe, I can get far enough and have enough done that I like to accomplish my next two goals soon: get a critique and look for an agent.

And that's all I'll say about it. Like I said in a previous post, I don't want to talk about the story too much for fear I get tired of it. So far, I haven't.

** Your Turn: Have trouble getting back into a book you're writing? What do you do?

Daily Blog 13: Fading History

Admittedly, I think my growing up was somewhat different, and I'm glad of it. My parents were a little older, mom achieving motherhood for the first time in her late thirties.

There were disadvantages to having slightly older parents, but one thing I always enjoyed was the family stories. Growing up in the Great Depression, mom and dad had experiences that even then seemed quaint and old-fashioned - reading by kerosene lamp, oilcloth-covered tables, putting a penny in the electric meter to "cheat" the meter. Photos revealed other links, a grandmother wearing high button shoes, mom as a teen in the 1930s looking cute and as fashionable today in jeans and a peasant top.

I seemed to soak up those old stories and developed a big interest in earlier decades. Forties music was a favorite. I still love Glenn Miller. I was fascinated by 78 records. I wondered what it was like growing up in the Roaring Twenties.

Not surprisingly, that love of past history makes it into my writing. For instance, Lita, Sam's best pal in Searching For A Starry Night, comments about her mother's favorite 70's song by Tony Orlando and Dawn, "Knock Three Times."

The group and title drew a big blank when I talked to a group of kids at a recent event. I'm sure some parents are getting asked who that is when their kids read the book.

When a group of middle grade girls recently asked what other books I was working on, I mentioned my adult mystery, which is set in an old vaudeville theater. That also drew blank stares, as did the name of comedian George Burns.

Ancient history? Maybe. But it's sad that with passing time, cultural history is fading away. Maybe I knew more than most, given I had an interest. I enjoyed different music and films from different eras. I knew tidbits of history. I knew and could enjoy watching Charlie Chaplin or silent film star Clara Bow.

It made me sad reading that the last US survivor of the Titanic had died. The last World War I veteran died at age 108. World War II soldiers are dying every day.

History passes, but as these generations die off, so goes that living link to the past, to what we were. That part of history becomes relegated to dusty old history books and unrecognizable faces in old cabinet photos left to the second hand or antique store.

Those people of past generations, their actions and their part in our ancestry, made us, and our country, what it is.

Sad to think that they are being forgotten; that present generations aren't learning more of their cultural history beyond what Miley is doing or which Jonas Brothers is cuter.

Sad that maybe the government's insistence on testing and pushing teachers to teach to the test is making cultural history nothing more than a footnote.

Or maybe in the rush of 21st century life - with demanding jobs, family activities, sports, etc. - there isn't time any more to talk, to remember grandma's favorite sayings and stories, to pull out the family photo album and talk about the "good old days". Don't families take time anymore to acquaint kids with the games mom and dad grew up with, or share those funny family stories about times before TV and modern conveniences?

Maybe there's not enough time, but there should be.

Why not take one night a month and reminisce, dust off the photos, write down those old stories? Maybe work on a family history project. It'll give the kids a solid foundation, a cementing of who they are and help them realize that the past really isn't so boring. And it'll make those rapidly fading parts of history less likely to vanish forever.