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Celtic Radio Community > Short Stories > Fear Of The Blank Page - Writer's Block, Etc.


Posted by: Elspeth 22-Nov-2003, 06:13 AM
I was reading of Celeste's writer's block and I wondered if perhaps it might be nice to share some of those annoying things writers and artists go through in the process of creation.

For, example, I've never really hit the wall yet in writer's block, but I have experienced this bizarre reluctance - almost fear - to begin a new story. I can't quite put my finger on exactly what's going on with it other than to say it is a stepping into the unfamiliar. Writing my last novel required a great deal of research and is 600 pages long. The process was very time consuming - over a year of my time. In that year, I got to know those characters intimately and love them like real people.

To start a new book is like leaving home, going where you know no one and starting all over trying to make friends. I may, in time, learn to love these characters as well, but right now they are only shadow people. And so, I find myself procrastinating.

Others have stories to share?

Posted by: Raven_Whitefang 22-Nov-2003, 03:48 PM
The dreaded Block. Cant say much for writing, but drawing is a pain when you have the idea sitting in your head, yet when you look at the blank page, you want to fill it with your creation, but something blocks the mind from giving the hand instructions. I tend to doodle and mimic pictures until the block gets out of my system. Finally when my own work comes out its not like a cold shower.

vampire.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 22-Nov-2003, 05:23 PM
I suffer from the old dreaded "artists block" myself. I am like Raven Whitefang in that I may have an image in my head, but to get started on the actual creation part of it on a blank canvas is not only frightening to me, but something I really dread. I loathe beginning a new piece of artwork. Once I get into it and it is working out in flow I am fine. But always in the back of my mind is that fear of failure that keeps me from picking up the paint brush at first.

One thing that I have found to help me is to have more than one piece of artwork going at the same time. It seems to keep the creative juices flowing for me for some reason.

Thanks Elsbeth for bringing up this topic.

Posted by: single speed 22-Nov-2003, 10:30 PM


My "fear of the blank page" comes from two places.

The first is that I have'nt written for almost three years. After journaling the events of my life during a year spent with a faith-based volunteer organization, I edited them into a publishable form. I never looked into having it published, but the effort sated my need to write for a while.

The other fear stems from a final research proposal due on Wednesday. I love writing, dislike research, and loathe critical discourse on said reaearch. Unfortunately, this project requires a full measure of all three. My mantra for Grad school is: "Hold on, only two more semesters!"

Because of all of the writing I have been doing for school, I am exploring short stories and essays, just to keep my sanity. I'll post the next one in Celtic Hearts.

Poetry has always been the easiest form of literature for me. I write a most of it when I am in love. Consequently, I write poetry about every 4 years, whether I need it or not. For some reason, I don't keep much of it.

T.

PS Look Elspeth, 5 paragraphs! beer_mug.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 23-Nov-2003, 05:56 AM
single speed, WooHoo verbose answers, just like I like them. laugh.gif
I look forward to seeing your stories (or poems) posted. Fall in love with a sunset and write a poem about that! biggrin.gif I don't write poetry because of the forced brevity. Why say something in one word when I can use five? Nope, I know my niche and it's the novel. Nice long novels. laugh.gif

And desertrose, you are more than welcome for starting this thread. As someone new to writing, I never before had an artists group to share ideas, frustrations, questions and encouragement with. Massively cool.

Posted by: Aaediwen 23-Nov-2003, 05:31 PM
I've often felt writer's block. I'll sit there wanting to write something, word processor open or pen in hand and I just don't hear or see anything. Generally, I sit there milling about it fora while, and if nothing comes then I try again later. Or, if there is a perticular imatge or line that I'm wanting to do somethingwith then I'll run the line through my head over and over or try to elaborate on it.

Right now, I'm having some difficulty with my short story that I'm working on. My main character just found out who she really is, and knows that she's the rightful ruler of her people, but now I need to figure out how to work up the change of power, and a reason for people to back her. Also, I need to figure out how people react to her attempts to restore power to where it needs to be.

Perhaps if she started descretely distributing materials that enlighten people to things that have been hidden for the last 1500 years. Anyone done more research into government changes and situations like this than myself, who might have ideas? Or ideas of where something similar has happened in history that I can look at?

Posted by: CelticRose 23-Nov-2003, 05:46 PM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Nov 23 2003, 06:56 AM)
And desertrose, you are more than welcome for starting this thread. As someone new to writing, I never before had an artists group to share ideas, frustrations, questions and encouragement with. Massively cool.

I have always found it very important to have other artists to share my feelings with. We are the only ones who understand each other, eh?

I am trying to work on a painting right now. boy! I am just not in the mood, but it is a commission piece. Any of you find it difficult to produce your creativity when you are not in the mood, but feel forced to? I know you just can't force creativity, but sometimes I have to and invaribly my final products never come out good when I do. But it is hard to tell a customer that.

Posted by: Raven_Whitefang 23-Nov-2003, 11:39 PM
I can sympathyze with the commission or deadline artwork pieces. Ive had to do a few, for Angel and am still working on more for her thankfully I have time to get into the zone. It is really hard to do something creatively in a time limit. It feels like the flow of creativity is turned off like a faucet. I tend to throw on some good trance type of music as a sort of drain de-clogger. It puts me into a zone where I get it done comfortably and in my time, even though it is a deadline.

vampire.gif

Posted by: oldraven 24-Nov-2003, 09:53 AM
Well, I'm currently going through, oh, about four years of writers block. And I really don't know what to do about it. I tried dabbling in editorial stuff, but now I'm slacking in that too.

Posted by: CelticRose 24-Nov-2003, 01:08 PM
I can identify with that, Raven Whitefang. If I just go into my studio and put on some good music, that really helps inspire me a lot and gets me in the groove. I have really had a hard time painting for over a year now. I have promised a friend a painting for that amount of time or more. She is an artist too and we were to trade and she did her part and gave me one of her originals that she had done just for me. Now it is my turn and I just can't seem to get in there and work on hers. I feel like a real heel for this, but the desire just isn't there to paint right now.

I think a lot of my problem is that I was doing shows, a lot of them and when our economy got so bad and the sales stopped, I got really discouraged and quit painting altogether. I know that this is not for a good reason. I should be painting for the shear enjoyment of it and the thankfulness to God for giving me a gift I can share with others. Guess I don't really have my priorities straight. sad.gif

It is nice to have this forum to vent and share and read others' struggles with their creativity too. Thanks!

Posted by: Elspeth 24-Nov-2003, 02:58 PM
I can SO relate to this desertrose. I too have let discouragement keep me from creativity. For two solid years I was writing most every day. But when I finished my last book, the reception by some was not what I had envisioned. It turned out to be a catalyst for discovering some familial flaws and friend's envy. That on top of being unable to find anyone interested in publishing my first book made me question for months 'why bother'. Why spend a year of my life creating something that only a few will ever read and some of those closest to me will never appreciate? So, I haven't written much at all. I have difficulty justifying spending time on something that will never yield a financial reward. For the reality is we need the money and I had hoped by now to add to the family finances.

But let me say to you desertrose, you do know your work is saleable. Don?t let a momentary economic downturn discourage you. I looked through the art thread for the first time this morning and all I can say is when your first portrait of that Native American child came up, I was blown away. All of your work is very good, but you really shine in you NA portraits. They are amazing on a computer screen. I can only imagine how much better they are in real life. smile.gif

Get painting girl! Break time is over. laugh.gif
I want to see more on that thread from you. wink.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 24-Nov-2003, 04:19 PM
Elsbelth! thank you so much for your kindness. You are very sweet. Thanks for taking the time to look at my artwork too.

I can relate to you totally too. While doing all the art shows, I became so disillusioned and discouraged that I felt why bother! I am like you in that I wanted to make money in doing what I love doing most. Isn't that everybody's dream? But towards the end all I ever heard was "oh, I love your artwork but I have no room on my walls" or "give me your business card and I'll get back to you." On and on excuses. I too have the problem justifying why should I spend all this time on a project that will not reap in a financial reward.

Now, when I face the blank canvas, I feel the pressure that this painting has to be the best work or I may not sell. So with all that pressure and discouragement, the blank canvas becomes all these fearful emotions instead of a welcoming challenge and a place of pleasure!

Posted by: Elspeth 24-Nov-2003, 04:27 PM
And I would expect the more sucessful you are, the more pressure there is. sad.gif

Yuck, yuck, yuck!!!!!!

Waving my magic wand and taking the pressure off of all of us. smile.gif

POOF!

It is now FUN again. And we'll worry about the business side AFTER it's done. biggrin.gif

How's that sound?

I do find I write best when I need to vent or have some other strong emotion that needs to spill out somewhere. Does that work for you?

Posted by: Aaediwen 24-Nov-2003, 06:43 PM
Who gives a **** about making money? create it, let it collect, then if you decide to publish later on, do so. If you enjoy it, then it's worth it. You can tell it's worth creating by the reaction you get from those who do see it. I like hearing people say nice things about my writing, even if I don't always feel that I can trust it to be sencere.

*disclaimer: what comes next is not ment to turn anyone off*

I must say that I'm beginning to think you folks are getting to know me too well. I'm starting to fear that you'll start saying you like something I post here just to make me feel good, even if the piece sucks. That is part of the reason that I have nto posted anymore recently, and part of why I was so quick ti post when I signed up. When I signed up, I thought to myself, "hey, these people don't know me, they won't feel any obligation to pay me any heed because of an existing friendship. I'll post a piece and see what it gets." Then it got ignored for a month. That, I feel I can trust more than a bunch of good comments now. It's not just here where I feel this way. I've been this way for a long time. I don't mind hearing "I like it.", but I know I personally would trust the feedback more if I heard what people like/dislike, or see/hear/feel because of it. You will notice I don't often post in reply to someone else's postings here, because I often haven't thought of the right set of adjectives for it =) Diesn't mean I don't like it, or didn't pay attention (although sometimes I should pay more attention) I just couldn't find a good couple of words to stick with it. Example, OR's latest pic on the Art thread (which he said went white on him) I thought was neat, the way I the leaves looking like a red spade in the air. Wasn't sure just how to reply though at the time I saw it. so I didn't. Even this description I don't feel would fit in the context of that thread.

Posted by: CelticRose 24-Nov-2003, 07:50 PM
QUOTE (Aaediwen @ Nov 24 2003, 07:43 PM)
Who gives a **** about making money? create it, let it collect, then if you decide to publish later on, do so. If you enjoy it, then it's worth it. You can tell it's worth creating by the reaction you get from those who do see it. I like hearing people say nice things about my writing, even if I don't always feel that I can trust it to be sencere.

Aaediwen, that's what my husband keeps telling me, but I have been too hardheaded to listen!

Elspeth! Yeah, let's take all the pressure off ourselves and do what we were made to do -- create! I want to hear about what you are working on now. And tomorrow? In the studio for me!

Posted by: Shadows 24-Nov-2003, 08:38 PM
I had been composing lyric and music from the time I was 12 years old, I had played and written for many bands, It was in the late `70s and my brother and myself had gotten together for the first time and it just HUMMED!!!

We were ready to record for a semi-national label and go on tour; his wife had other ideas... it seemed she had a groupie fear ( all the time as she was screwing her neighbor )...

It never happened! He was the good husband and gave into her fears ( they are no longer together ). I have not picked up my instruments nor written a lick of verse since... it just zapped all the creativity right out of me!!! sad.gif sad.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 25-Nov-2003, 12:53 AM
QUOTE (CelticRose @ Nov 24 2003, 08:50 PM)
QUOTE (Aaediwen @ Nov 24 2003, 07:43 PM)
Who gives a **** about making money? create it, let it collect, then if you decide to publish later on, do so.  If you enjoy it, then it's worth it.  You can tell it's worth creating by the reaction you get from those who do see it.  I like hearing people say nice things about my writing, even if I don't always feel that I can trust it to be sencere.

Aaediwen, that's what my husband keeps telling me, but I have been too hardheaded to listen!

Elspeth! Yeah, let's take all the pressure off ourselves and do what we were made to do -- create! I want to hear about what you are working on now. And tomorrow? In the studio for me!

desertrose,
I wish my husband was telling me that. Instead I feel this push to contribute to the family income. I've been home for the last 13 years and my youngest started 1st grade this year. So, I'm in the quagmire of guilt and obligation while still trying to hold onto a belief in my ability. For the reality is we definately need the money.

And where I am is sitting on a huge project. One that will take a year, at least, to write and I've alread invested many, many months researching and still will have to spend more. It can be all quite exciting, if I felt justified doing it.

I got re-energized writing, then got stuck on exactly who a character was at a certian point in his life. (btw - if you ever read DG's Outlandish Companion she has a good section there on character development, how some just walk in and introduce themselves and others are tough nuts to crack) Anyway, I digress, I requested a phone interview of a friend who had seen similar circumstances. After waiting over a week, finally it should come to pass tomorrow.

I have been wondering if perhaps I should back off on the novel and try and write something shorter that can get published. I know a publishing history would be immensely helpful to my query letters. Or enter contests. I don't know. That part of the business drains the creativity right out of me. And the reality is with four kids, there is only so much time. And I do spend too much of it here. rolleyes.gif

It's late and I ramble.

Shadows, do you miss the writing and playing? If so, I hope it comes back to you some day.

desertrose, get in that studio! Crank up your tunes and create for the fun of it. biggrin.gif

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 25-Nov-2003, 09:27 AM
Hello everyone, Siusaidh here...

I'm a newbie, invited in by Celtic Rose. We are artists, and she told me about the dicussion on writer's/creative block you have going on. Oh, that's a familiar topic to me!! For several years now, I find myself doing other things that take up my time so that I don't go into the studio... one load of laundry turns into three plus drying and folding, one errand turns into an afternoon full of them...
these things need tending to, but what lets me know something is wrong is the sense of relief I feel when I realize its almost time to pick my daughter up at school and I don't have any studio time left. I am not very disciplined about spending some time every day in the studio! Its the fear of starting a new project sometimes, or its suspecting that I don't know what to do yet to finish that drawing still on the table.

Sometimes too my problem is not what to draw, its which image to draw... I sometimes have several floating around in my mind and all of them are enticing, but I don't know which to begin first!

Posted by: Raven 25-Nov-2003, 10:21 AM
QUOTE (Shadows @ Nov 24 2003, 09:38 PM)


It never happened! He was the good husband and gave into her fears ( they are no longer together ). I have not picked up my instruments nor written a lick of verse since... it just zapped all the creativity right out of me!!! sad.gif sad.gif

I'm so sorry to hear that this has happened to you Shadows.

I started writing music about 9 years ago and have had a lot of negative happen during that time (nothing quite as devastating as loosing my writing partner) But I have always channeled the negative into the music, somtimes even creating a song that I really liked out of the situation (turning the negative to positive)

But on topic, I try to write on a regular basis (I am also writing a novel) but I do songwriting as much as I can. The hard thing for me right now is lyrics, trying to say something new or from a different perspective. I will listen to what others write and try to get into their heads and see things from their point of veiw often I will try to facilitate this by seeing tools that my favorite authors use.

I many times am not happy with what I write as consistent writing does not wait for the inspiration but what I have found to happen is that the inspiration will often hit during my regular writing period. Also if the inspiration hits at a time that is inconvenient I need to be able to stop what I am doing long enough to grab and retain the idea (ususally on my laptop now but previously on a sony pressman)

I then will spend 3-5 hours refining and crafting that idea to have 3-4 minutes of completed material.

But that is how I work through the block. For a long time I had a fear that each song could be my last and that the Muse would depart never to return tongue.gif I have since gotten over such foolish notions.

I also Empathize with Aaediwin. As we go out and play our music our friends (sometimes friends we met at our shows) tell us how wonderful our music is and I have a hard time acceptin what they say as they are our friends now. I always tell them that I can't trust them any more because I fear that they have lost their objectivity because they now like us personally. biggrin.gif

We have won a few awards, charted on commercial radio (before the hostile Clear Channel take over sad.gif ) and resently were offered record deals from a couple of mid-sized independant labels so I am beginning to trust that what we do is good. I like it anyway.

Keep on writing and drawing everyone and your muse will not disappoint.

Peace

Mikel

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 25-Nov-2003, 01:52 PM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Nov 25 2003, 01:53 AM)
...instead I feel this push to contribute to the family income. I've been home for the last 13 years and my youngest started 1st grade this year. So, I'm in the quagmire of guilt and obligation while still trying to hold onto a belief in my ability. For the reality is we definately need the money.

I feel that same pressure, to contribute financially to my family's income. Sometimes I do have sales, since two galleries carry my work right now, and its cool to open the mail box and find a check there... but that doesn't happen on a regular basis. I do wish sales were bigger & more frequent. We could certainly use the money too... I feel guilty that I don't contribute more often, but my husband says he doesn't mind and thinks that sales come when we seem to need the money. He's right, it does happen either before a good travel opportunity arises... or a major appliance breaks! laugh.gif

Just recently I had two solo exhibitions, but no originals sold from either one; just a few reproductions. I was sooo disappointed - now I have to find storage space for about 60 originals at my home! Imagine how roomy the studio & basement were without them in there!! Sigh.... rolleyes.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 25-Nov-2003, 02:26 PM
Elspeth! I hear what you are saying about having to contribute to the family. I was in those shoes once myself. It was very difficult having to work a job and produce artwork and do shows too to at least buy my art supplies! It creates a lof pressure and thus stifleing the creativity. I was bad today and didn't get into the studio. I had house chores to do. I tend to do like Siusaidh and put off going into the studio to do house chores and get on here instead! But the day isn't over yet!

Shadows, I feel a lot of sadness for what happened to you. A similar thing happened to my dad. He was a professional drummer and could have gone further into his music if it had not been for my mother. Because of her fears too, she squelched his music career and was a very unhappy man for the rest of his life because of it.

And we painters hear the same things by our friends and family, how good we are and yet we question the sincerity.

I think the field that we are all in is a very difficult one to make a living in and can be very frustrating if you produce. It would be nice to at least sell so you can afford to buy more creativity supplies.

These stories have all warmed my heart and I appreciate everybody being so honest and forthcoming about their experiences.

Posted by: Aaediwen 25-Nov-2003, 04:33 PM
Glad to know that I'm not the only one who feels the way I do smile.gif It's quite a relief. I must say that the butterflies in my stomach were flapping a bit as I typed that. But it's the truth. I notice some replies to some stuff here that I haven't read yet. I'm a little nervous as yet that I have not yet discovered all of the reprocussions that post may have had. unsure.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 25-Nov-2003, 04:50 PM
QUOTE (Aaediwen @ Nov 25 2003, 05:33 PM)
Glad to know that I'm not the only one who feels the way I do smile.gif It's quite a relief. I must say that the butterflies in my stomach were flapping a bit as I typed that. But it's the truth. I notice some replies to some stuff here that I haven't read yet. I'm a little nervous as yet that I have not yet discovered all of the reprocussions that post may have had. unsure.gif

Hey! Aaediwen! You were being honest which is what this thread is all about. I appreciate honesty not fluff. You gave us your honest feelings and I would rather hear that from someone but a bunch of bull..... smile.gif

Posted by: Aaediwen 25-Nov-2003, 05:57 PM
I try to be as honest as possible to myself and those around me. I figure that if I do that then the rule of 3 will facilitate everything else tending to itself. Besides, since when did the alternative ever accomplish anything without destroying more first?

Posted by: Shadows 25-Nov-2003, 08:34 PM
QUOTE (CelticRose @ Nov 25 2003, 03:26 PM)

Shadows, I feel a lot of sadness for what happened to you. A similar thing happened to my dad. He was a professional drummer and could have gone further into his music if it had not been for my mother. Because of her fears too, she squelched his music career and was a very unhappy man for the rest of his life because of it.


I will not say I am an unhappy person; I have found other avenues of expression to help calm the creative beast in me; yet I do miss the music! I thank you for your feelings of sadness it shows you understand and are a true friend.

Posted by: CelticRose 25-Nov-2003, 09:06 PM
Shadows! I am glad to hear that you have found other creative venues for expressing yourself. It comforting to know us creative people will always find a way to let those juices flow, eh? wink.gif smile.gif

Posted by: Annabelle 25-Nov-2003, 10:20 PM
When I start painting or drawing a picture my first mark is an emotional one..
must come from the creative side?
Annabelle sad.gif

Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 26-Nov-2003, 12:38 AM
I guess for me my Poetry is the hardest for me to write. There are times when I want to deny what I am feeling, so that makes it hard, besides the fact posting things in Celtic hearts scares me when it is one of my own works. You all have been sosupportive but I still get that little voice in my head that says" They will hate it and laugh you out, why don't you just skip posting. Your a failure." But I post anyway knowing that I have issues that I must still deal with. Rejection being one of them.

angel.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 26-Nov-2003, 11:46 AM

Ah, Angel, rejection. One of my FAVORITE concepts.

Rejection is one of my bugaboos as well. It was a great measure of how much I wanted to be published that I ever sent query letter one. Now I have a file full of them. I get some sort of perverse satisfaction in them ? proof that I put myself out there that many times biggrin.gif We artists are a queer lot. But part of what kept me going was that I thought it to be a good example for my children. They saw me try, saw me fail, saw me cry, saw me dry my eyes and try again. They saw me know when to quit and try again with the new book. If nothing else ever comes of my endeavors, at least I accomplished that.

Now, a peeve. I hate it that agents make it clear they do not like to be one of multiple queries, but then they take six weeks or more to respond. It makes the process drag out forever. I tell myself that the longer it takes, the more likely I am being seriously considered. But these holding patterns are either maddening or a good excuse to slack off and play online too much. laugh.gif

Discipline! That's what I need. I need to set aside at least an hour everyday and write. No excuses. Anyone with me? Anyone want to make an early New Year's resolution with me?

Posted by: CelticRose 26-Nov-2003, 01:25 PM
Yes! Elspeth! I want to make a commitment to paint at least an hour every day! I need someone to be accountable to. I think I would be a much happier person if I was painting. This constant craving need inside me is there, but I succumbed to feelings of failure and allowed it to take the enjoyment of painting away from me because I got so side-tracked into thinking I had to sell or else! Like Aaediwen said, the heck with selling! I need to create because I was born to. I get neurotic anyway if I don't. laugh.gif So having said all that, I am happy to say that I painted in the studio this moring for two hours. In that two hours I got a lot accomplished too! It felt so good.

Elspeth, maybe you have answered this before. Have you ever had anything published? My sister-in-law is a published "inspirational romance" writer. Is doing very well for herself now, but it has been a lot of hard work for her to get where she is now. She has been published in Christian magazines and has deadlines all the time now. I will see her in a few weeks and I will try to ask some questions for you, should you have any.

I have a lot of admiration for your writers. You have to spend a lot of time alone to do your work. At least while I am painting and drawing, I can have conversation and talk on the phone if I need to. It takes a great deal more discipline to do what you all do than me, I think.


Posted by: CelticRose 26-Nov-2003, 01:34 PM
QUOTE (Annabelle @ Nov 25 2003, 11:20 PM)
When I start painting or drawing a picture my first mark is an emotional one..
must come from the creative side?
Annabelle sad.gif

Yes Annabelle, I would say so. And yet we all paint, write, play music for different reasons and whatever evokes that emotion into inspiration. I sound like a know-it-all here, but this whole subject is so dear to my heart and am so excited to be able to share all this with others.

And rejection is a big thing for me. The reason why I haven't painted for so long. Lack of sales led to feeling of rejection. sad.gif

Sheesh! Maybe I should become a writer. I think I have written a whole novel in this thread! unsure.gif

Posted by: Aaediwen 26-Nov-2003, 01:39 PM
I can talk to someone when I'm revising. It's that first draft that gets touchy and can't withstand a stray thought. I could be evaluating a new CD while rewriting though, so long as it doesn't mean a few lines of brand new material for it... If it means that then it's time to shut up again, until it's on paper

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 01-Dec-2003, 10:27 AM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Nov 26 2003, 12:46 PM)
Rejection is one of my bugaboos as well. It was a great measure of how much I wanted to be published that I ever sent query letter one. Now I have a file full of them... We artists are a queer lot. But part of what kept me going was that I thought it to be a good example for my children. They saw me try, saw me fail, saw me cry, saw me dry my eyes and try again. They saw me know when to quit and try again with the new book. If nothing else ever comes of my endeavors, at least I accomplished that.

You are very sharp, to realize that how you persevere is something your children will always remember. My two have watched me create art, take it to galleries or art shows to hopefully sell, and watched me sometimes be elated because someone liked the piece enough to take it home - or watched me be discouraged for days because no one cared for what I had created. I've talked to my family openly about how hard it is to put your heart into something, only to have it rejected because its not the right size, or popular color, or current style of art. Years ago I came to the point where I realized I would have to compromise in order to sell more - and I chose NO COMPROMISE. I may not sell as much as those who paint to match sofas, but being true to my inner muse is worth it all... nothing matches that feeling of inspiration, and following it to the conclusion of a finished piece...

Posted by: CelticRose 01-Dec-2003, 01:12 PM
Awe! What a grand feeling....inspiration and the final brush stroke of a finished piece! smile.gif

Posted by: RavenWing 02-Dec-2003, 10:12 AM
I have had what I call a "creativity of any kind" block. I haven't been abvle to do anything creative for so long now. It is like I have become this unfeeling creature. It is driving me crazy.

That was the one good thing that actually came out of my bi-polar mood swings. I would get manic and I the best work I ever did came out of me. I have been stable for years now and I haven't been able to create squat. sad.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 02-Dec-2003, 10:50 AM
QUOTE (RavenWing @ Dec 2 2003, 11:12 AM)
I have had what I call a "creativity of any kind" block. I haven't been abvle to do anything creative for so long now. It is like I have become this unfeeling creature. It is driving me crazy.

That was the one good thing that actually came out of my bi-polar mood swings. I would get manic and I the best work I ever did came out of me. I have been stable for years now and I haven't been able to create squat. sad.gif

I know someone on medication for depression and it seems to have squashed them the same way.
I wonder if there is anyway past that.
It's like they went from a dark symphony to a monotone. Sometimes I wonder which is worse.

Posted by: Danann 02-Dec-2003, 03:08 PM
Wow, it seems as if I have stumbled into a place where I belong, a place of very creative and expressive people who aren't afraid of coming face to face with problems that actually occur in real life.

I hit the big writer's block several years ago, and in order to try to overcome it, I joined an online writer's guild called CTowers. Basically what we do is chain stories, one starts, then another picks up and carries it on. I've had the privilege of meeting some great writers there, but sometimes I wonder if that site keeps me from working on my personal stories. We moved from CTowers to Blightborder, which I helped create and invent, and I have been basking in the success of actually writing again... I am wondering if it is time to pick up the pen and work on my own stuff again...

Posted by: Elspeth 02-Dec-2003, 05:01 PM
You must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you

- Ray Bradbury

I have this next to my computer screen , but it has become stained, faded and curled at the edges. Time to post it again I think.

Danann, welcome! And yes, pick up your pen again! Let us know how it goes.

Posted by: Aaediwen 02-Dec-2003, 06:32 PM
Whenever you think of something, it's time to pick up a pen...

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 04-Dec-2003, 10:00 AM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Dec 2 2003, 11:50 AM)
QUOTE (RavenWing @ Dec 2 2003, 11:12 AM)
I have had what I call a "creativity of any kind" block.  I haven't been abvle to do anything creative for so long now.  It is like I have become this unfeeling creature.  It is driving me crazy.

That was the one good thing that actually came out of my bi-polar mood swings.  I would get manic and I the best work I ever did came out of me.  I have been stable for years now and I haven't been able to create squat.  sad.gif

I know someone on medication for depression and it seems to have squashed them the same way.
I wonder if there is anyway past that.
It's like they went from a dark symphony to a monotone. Sometimes I wonder which is worse.

I think you two have touched a nerve here: I know several people who have had the same experience. I do not think they found a way to be creative without having to deal with the rollercoaster ride of ups and down...

I tend towards melancholia and have had one truly serious bout with depression in the past, but found my way out through intervention from above plus being reminded that creativity is where I need to put my emotions and deal with them. Over the years since that episode, I've realized that drawing or painting releases some kind of rejuvenating energy in me that gives me strength to deal with life. Its literally my therapy, I suppose; its a source that has never failed me yet. But, sometimes the challenge is getting up the nerve to even try to create! That is one obstacle that develops slowly (self-doubt, perceived rejection, etc etc) but still gets in the way sometimes...

Posted by: RavenWing 04-Dec-2003, 11:42 AM
QUOTE (Siusaidh Blues @ Dec 4 2003, 04:00 PM)
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Dec 2 2003, 11:50 AM)
QUOTE (RavenWing @ Dec 2 2003, 11:12 AM)
I have had what I call a "creativity of any kind" block.  I haven't been abvle to do anything creative for so long now.  It is like I have become this unfeeling creature.  It is driving me crazy.

That was the one good thing that actually came out of my bi-polar mood swings.  I would get manic and I the best work I ever did came out of me.  I have been stable for years now and I haven't been able to create squat.  sad.gif

I know someone on medication for depression and it seems to have squashed them the same way.
I wonder if there is anyway past that.
It's like they went from a dark symphony to a monotone. Sometimes I wonder which is worse.

I think you two have touched a nerve here: I know several people who have had the same experience. I do not think they found a way to be creative without having to deal with the rollercoaster ride of ups and down...

I tend towards melancholia and have had one truly serious bout with depression in the past, but found my way out through intervention from above plus being reminded that creativity is where I need to put my emotions and deal with them. Over the years since that episode, I've realized that drawing or painting releases some kind of rejuvenating energy in me that gives me strength to deal with life. Its literally my therapy, I suppose; its a source that has never failed me yet. But, sometimes the challenge is getting up the nerve to even try to create! That is one obstacle that develops slowly (self-doubt, perceived rejection, etc etc) but still gets in the way sometimes...

You have echoed how I feel exactly.


when I was in the group home we did a lot of art therapy. It was so fascinating to me, so much that I considered becoming an art therapist. (I still do consider it)

I just had a thought.
I think my pain helped to create these images that I would put on the canvas. When you put these images on the canvas you have to face them. Maybe it's fear, maybe it's grief, but you still have to look at it and reconcile it. Could it be that part of a creativity block could come from not wanting to face these feelings anymore? When I visualize my block I see it as a barrier somewhere in my arm in between my brain and my hand. Do you think my subconscious mind is creating that barrier as a way of saying "enough is enough!"? hmmmm....food for thought.



*brooding and thinking*

Posted by: Elspeth 05-Dec-2003, 06:38 PM
Very good food for thought Raven Wing.

I do my best writing when I write from where it hurts. (I can't remember who I'm quoting here) So far I have found it cathartic. Actually I was dealt a pretty big hurt today and the thought came to me I need to write after the kids are in bed. That I can pour it all into the story. And not only does it give me a release, it makes the writing very real, for it is, just fictionalized.

So far I have been able to face it all, for I am an onion peeler by nature. Maybe an eternal optimist, (or just plain stupid) thinking if I just peel away a bit more I will find what I am looking for. This keeps me going. That and the perverse artist temperament that finds in painful situations the 'theater' of it all. Know what I mean?

I am rambling. Occupational hazard. Weird mood I?m in.

Maybe you need to start small Raven Wing. There is a Christmas movie I love where Angela Landsbury plays the mother to Lee Remick who is contemplating her life?s decisions. Angela shares that she went through a period where she couldn?t paint, her visions of grandeur unfulfilled. She said, then one day she picked up a plate and painted on it a simple snowflake. No Sistine Chapel, but she found her calling. You?ve painted from the hurt, try painting from what brings you joy. Maybe that is the direction you need to go.

Posted by: Elspeth 05-Dec-2003, 06:40 PM
And I feel like we haven't yet really met Siusaidh Blues, so Hello!

Elspeth

Posted by: CelticRose 06-Dec-2003, 12:20 AM
Yes! hello my friend, Siusaidh! wink.gif

Siusaidh is my friend who I told about this site. She isn't on her computer that much as she is much more disciplined in her artwork than I am. rolleyes.gif

I had a setback today. I was so proud of myself that I was back painting again and I was working on this painting for someone that had requested it. Almost finished and I was really happy with it. Well that someone looked at it today and didn't like it. This isn't the first time this has happened to me and so I was so upset I destroyed it! Pretty stupid and emotional,eh? Anyway, I am just going to paint for myself from now on. No more requests or commissions! Anybody ever experience this and become distraught enough to destroy their work? Or are you guys more mature than me? sad.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 06-Dec-2003, 06:33 AM
Only on a small scale Rose, as I am not lucky enough to be commissioned yet. biggrin.gif
But just recently I wrote a few paragraphs for a form at church. But the session decided it wasn't quite right, so they changed it. Things that were 'really just grammatical'. ARRGGGHHHHH....... Every word was chosen with a distinct purpose and to create a flow. I am afraid to see what they did to it. I recently read that a writer needs to learn the rules of grammar and then not be afraid to break them. That is how you find your distinct voice. I can just see the schoolmarm types taking out their red pens and narrowly judging what really was good and forcing it to conform to the narrow box of high school grammar. If they had been changing content, I could understand, but to alter my writing! I want to snatch it all back and say write it yourself, you?re not going to bastardize my work.

So, Rose, I guess the answer is yes others do it too and I don?t think you were out of line at all. When I read what they did to my work I ranted and raved and told my husband, they wouldn?t? have done this to Steven King! I want to be published so then they?d have some respect. The sad thing is, it probably wouldn?t have mattered, would it? You are an established artist and it still happened to you.

Yep, the heck with them all! Let?s create for ourselves! cool.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 06-Dec-2003, 12:47 PM
Elspeth I am not sure which is worse, to have a painting rejected or have your writing marked up with revisions! both of our work comes from our heart and a lot of emotions and ourselves are exposed. How can someone come along and tell you it is all wrong? This painting I did was copied from a photograph out of a book, which is illegal. So I took some artistic liberties and the person was not happy. He wanted everything to be exact! And even though I took some artistic liberties, you could still tell where the painting came from and so therefore I could never sell it to anyone, you see. So between my disgust with rejection and not wanting another painting taking up room in my studio, I just destroyed it and it is now in the trash can outside! Last night I was thinking, I would never paint again! Funny thing is is that I got up early this morning to work in the studio to start something new!

anyway, I feel for you Elspeth. I can understand your feelings of how dare they. That is a very interesting concept of the writer needs to learn the rules of grammar and then not be afraid to break them? Wow! What a fine line.

Thanks for your support! smile.gif

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 06-Dec-2003, 04:55 PM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Dec 5 2003, 07:40 PM)
And I feel like we haven't yet really met Siusaidh Blues, so Hello!

Elspeth

Hello, Elspeth!
Nice to meet you. It is the coolest thing, to be able to talk about creative blocks and how we deal with them... there aren't many people I know who understand where we're coming from on this subject. I am glad you and I have met here and can share our thoughts.

I am sorry I do not post more often, like Celticrose said I am not online every day because sometimes I am in the studio or out delivering/picking up art from this exhibit or that, but honestly I get so busy sometimes just doing things around the house & running errands that before I know it the day has slipped by, hubby is home and will not let me near the computer for fear that I'll spend hours chatting and emailing when all he wants to do is play some computer game!

laugh.gif laugh.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 07-Dec-2003, 12:52 AM
It certianly is cool to be able to discuss these things! I never had anywhere to do it before. My husband always looks at me like I'm a bit nutty. Then again we artist are, aren't we? tongue.gif

I had lots of emotions churning yesterday and today, so for the first time in ages, I sat and wrote. Felt good. smile.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 07-Dec-2003, 04:36 PM
Elspeth I met with my author sister-in-law last night for dinner. She was telling me that what she has been taught by editors is that they are not so hung up on grammar as they are on you being able to develop your characters. She said the most important thing was to make your characters seem alive and believeable. well, just wanted to pass that on. We were with other family members so it was hard to talk much about her experiences as a writer. sad.gif

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 09-Dec-2003, 03:14 PM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Dec 7 2003, 01:52 AM)
It certianly is cool to be able to discuss these things! I never had anywhere to do it before. My husband always looks at me like I'm a bit nutty. Then again we artist are, aren't we? tongue.gif

I had lots of emotions churning yesterday and today, so for the first time in ages, I sat and wrote. Felt good. smile.gif

We artists are cut from a different bolt of cloth! cool.gif

Glad to hear you're writing again... hope the muse inspires you in the upcoming days and that the writing continues to flow!

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 19-Dec-2003, 09:18 AM
Hello everyone!

A pleasant Friday to you all. How is the writing/drawing/painting going for everyone during the holiday season? Its not going at all for me really, except for regular journal writings, because I'm too busy to spend much time in the studio. Has anyone else been able to be creative?

Posted by: Elspeth 19-Dec-2003, 10:04 AM
Not even remotely! I'm looking at the beginning of January for a fresh start. Isn't that what New Year's is all about?

Posted by: barddas 19-Dec-2003, 11:13 AM
Not here either... i have worked up a few Trad songs and that is it. No writing.... My plumbing problem is happening again..... So, I need to fix it first. Which means I have to tear out the upstairs Bathroom sink to get to it..... The peope that owned this house before me decided to use PLASTER instead of Water proof caulk!!!! Morons!!!! Aside from that the house is GRAND! Oh, how stupid people drive me mad!
Sorry for the rant....

Cheers








Posted by: CelticRose 19-Dec-2003, 01:45 PM
I started a drawing last weekend and that was as far as I have been able to get to it. Since Monday, between preparing for the holidays and going to see ROTK, my week has been crazy! So I guess I will do like Elspeth and give it a fresh start after the first of the year! artist.gif

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 23-Dec-2003, 12:46 PM
QUOTE (barddas @ Dec 19 2003, 12:13 PM)
My plumbing problem is happening again..... So, I need to fix it first. Which means I have to tear out the upstairs Bathroom sink to get to it.....

laugh.gif
Reminds me of a very funny plumbing encounter I had eons ago when I was a newlywed. My husband and I lived in a little duplex house, and one day when I turned on the cold water in the kitchen, the faucet suddenly fell off and water literally spewed straight up and out into the kitchen floor! I was laughing so hard I couldn't think to turn off the water under the cabinet for a few minutes...


Posted by: Aaediwen 23-Dec-2003, 06:30 PM
LOL! instant water fountain!

On the writing front, I've got a poem to finish, and a story to revise. Figure it'll be at least after the 27'th before I can get to any of it, but chance may smile on me. Just got back from watching ROTK biggrin.gif good movie smile.gif

Posted by: Richard Bercot 23-Dec-2003, 07:55 PM
I may not be a writer but some of my artistic skills comes in tying my flies which I have not done in a couple of months now.

I just have not been able to sit myself down and do it or even come up some new patterns to tie. So you could call this an artistic block.

Maybe be having the Fishing Thread in here, it will get me fired up to start again.

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 26-Dec-2003, 02:08 PM
My father-in-law was a fly fisherman, and he had a little box containing some of the most amazing flies that he'd tied himself... they really looked like little bugs, and my husband says in the water they really DID look real!

There is indeed an art to creating them, one that is not often handed down from father to son as it once was...

Posted by: Elspeth 26-Dec-2003, 06:56 PM
I think it must be an art as well, especially when you use creative materials. biggrin.gif

Get over your block already. I've been waiting since October to know how they will work!!!

Posted by: Elspeth 05-Jan-2004, 09:25 PM
OK, Christmas is over as is New Years. Who's started back to creating?

I have to confess, I have not. But I have been having some vivid dreams which is a good precurser to writing. And I am determined to attack the busniess side of it all with a vengence. I want to get something published in 2004.

Posted by: Aaediwen 05-Jan-2004, 11:28 PM
Working on my story =) revise, revise, revise

Posted by: Annabelle 05-Jan-2004, 11:34 PM
For me writer's block and starting a new piece is just like when I begin painting an art piece. That white canvas is over whelming. I have the hardest time making that first stroke. I've actually worked myself up and made myself tense before the first stroke is placed on the canvas. After I get started everything comes together and I focus on blending and shading but the first stroke is emotional. Anyone like this too? I hope I'm not the only one.

A

Posted by: Aaediwen 05-Jan-2004, 11:52 PM
a blank page is just plenty of room to write when I'm starting out =)

Posted by: CelticRose 06-Jan-2004, 12:03 AM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Jan 5 2004, 10:25 PM)
OK, Christmas is over as is New Years. Who's started back to creating?

I have to confess, I have not. But I have been having some vivid dreams which is a good precurser to writing. And I am determined to attack the busniess side of it all with a vengence. I want to get something published in 2004.

Well, I kind of been working a little portrait....not much! didn't get anything done today as I was fighting with this computer!

Elspeth, I have been in the world of marketing and if I can try to help you in anyway, I would be glad to. That to me was the toughest part of the creative journey was the marketing. But you gotta do it if you want to be published and recognized for your work! Keep us posted!

Posted by: CelticRose 06-Jan-2004, 12:06 AM
QUOTE (Annabelle @ Jan 6 2004, 12:34 AM)
For me writer's block and starting a new piece is just like when I begin painting an art piece. That white canvas is over whelming. I have the hardest time making that first stroke. I've actually worked myself up and made myself tense before the first stroke is placed on the canvas. After I get started everything comes together and I focus on blending and shading but the first stroke is emotional. Anyone like this too? I hope I'm not the only one.

A

oh Annabelle! I can relate to you totally! To me there is nothing worse than that blank canvas and the beginning of a painting with all the shading! Once I get beyond that, I am unstopable! LOL

Posted by: Elspeth 06-Jan-2004, 08:08 AM
QUOTE (CelticRose @ Jan 6 2004, 01:03 AM)

Elspeth, I have been in the world of marketing and if I can try to help you in anyway, I would be glad to. That to me was the toughest part of the creative journey was the marketing. But you gotta do it if you want to be published and recognized for your work! Keep us posted!

Thanks Rose smile.gif

I just may call upon you some day. Right now I need to focus on getting myself an agent. From all I've read, that's the way to go. And that means the dreaded query letter. Making a 600 page novel irresistable in two paragraphs. I hate query letters. sad.gif

But, it is what must be done. Hopefully by Thursay or Friday I will have my other committments tamed enough to get started.

So, who is the portrait of?

Posted by: RavenWing 06-Jan-2004, 10:38 AM
I have found a little inspiration. We just moved about a month ago, and the walls are completely bare. I am going to have to do something (as well as my hubby who is an artist as well) to fill up the blank walls. Yay!

Posted by: barddas 06-Jan-2004, 10:47 AM
I started on something last night about midnight. Right now it's just some random chord progressions, and thoughts. No words yet. But, I might be able to incorperate my Bflat whistle for the melody line.... I hope unsure.gif

I need to get my mini tape recorder some new tapes so I can record randon ideas that run through my head while I'm out and about....

Posted by: oldraven 06-Jan-2004, 10:57 AM
I wrote an article for my newsletter last night. biggrin.gif First thing I've written since I got sacked back in June. With everyone harrasing me for more articles, I guess I just needed the Detroit Auto Show to get me going again.


king.gif

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 06-Jan-2004, 01:12 PM
QUOTE (Annabelle @ Jan 6 2004, 12:34 AM)
That white canvas is over whelming. I have the hardest time making that first stroke. I've actually worked myself up and made myself tense before the first stroke is placed on the canvas.

Me too!! That's why when I started working with soft pastels, I began using tinted paper - not a bit of white to be seen, and the color of the paper seems like its almost started the drawing for me. A mid-tone gives you a jump-start, so you can have fun deciding what highs and lows you need!

Posted by: CelticRose 09-Jan-2004, 12:32 AM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Jan 6 2004, 09:08 AM)
Thanks Rose smile.gif

I just may call upon you some day. Right now I need to focus on getting myself an agent. From all I've read, that's the way to go. And that means the dreaded query letter. Making a 600 page novel irresistable in two paragraphs. I hate query letters. sad.gif

But, it is what must be done. Hopefully by Thursay or Friday I will have my other committments tamed enough to get started.

So, who is the portrait of?

Elspeth! That's what my author sister-in-law says is the first thing is to get an agent. And they care of the marketing part as well. I did everything myself and it was hard work!


Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 19-Jan-2004, 11:49 AM
For all you writers, may I ask a question?

No, wait - I am going to start a new thread about this. What I'm wondering is, if I wanted to get into publishing anything I wrote, how would you suggest that I start. I have an area on my web page that addresses the kinds of things I'm writing about...

I'll call the new topic 'Where to Start: Getting Published' and I'll look for all ya'll there!

Posted by: gettin-away 19-Jan-2004, 01:29 PM
OK where do I begin?

Hello all

I'm new to this forum, but maybe someone here could help me. I found this site while searching for an internet celtic station. Today while enjoying a day off from work, I was reading the the different threads here and.......

To begin with I am not a writer, but at the request of many people I have written about the last twenty-two years of my life. To give you an quick overview, in 1981 my daughter was born three months premature. My wife was diabetic and for the first several weeks they were both in ICU units in the hospital. My wife got stronger and came home, but it was a full three months before my daughter was able to join us. Just two and a half weeks later my wife died in her sleep. At twenty-one I became a single father of a premature child. Test were run and my daughter was diagnosed as having cerebral palsy and possible mental impairments. When she was three I was told she would never finish school. She started classes at a school for children with severe disabilities. She stayed here one year before I pulled her out and mainstreamed her in the public schools... Now fast forward to the fall of 1999. She is starting her senior year of high school and is in the top ten percent of her class academically. She is also crowned homecoming queen by her peers. The first time a girl with a disability is given this honor at her school. She is now in college and soon she will graduate as a special education teacher at the top of her college class.
I have written our story and I present it from my viewpoint as a father who is struggling himself. I have sent it of to several agents....some tell me it is an incredible story but, they don't handle this type of material, while others have told me there is great potential but it needs to be stronger. It's been suggested that I find someone who could pull it into a publishable story.

How do I find someone who can help me??? None of the agents I have talked with have been much help along these lines. I have been told to check around my area for someone nearby to help me. Where do I begin to look???? How do I begin to look?? What I have is a 63,000 word manuscript that needs to be tightened up and made a little stronger.

Does anyone have any suggestions or know of someone who could possible help me out?

Thanks
gettin-away

Posted by: Elspeth 19-Jan-2004, 01:47 PM
That is a very powerful story gettin-away. One that would make a very moving book.

I have some questions. Are you looking for a book doctor who will make it more publishable or a writer who will take your story and re-write it? Is it presented as a novel or non-fiction?

63,000 words is on the short side. Did any of the people you talked to mention making it longer?

I have written two novels. Two unpublished as of yet novels. And I have an aunt with Cerebral Palsy, however as she was born in 1938 her story is very different than your daughter's.

I would be willing to discuss this further if you wish. Just send me a PM. You can see an example of my writing style on page 3 of Celtic Hearts. The novel was my first attempt at writing. The short story - The Escape of Jane Beaty is a recent story.

If you'd like to go more locally, I suggest talking to the English Dept. at your local university. There may be someone on staff, or a student who would fit your need.

Good luck gettin-away, it is a story worth telling.

Elspeth

Posted by: gettin-away 19-Jan-2004, 02:08 PM
Elspeth

Thank you for your reply. I will be sending a PM with the answers to your questions.


gettin-away

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 21-Jan-2004, 01:13 PM
'Gettin'', that is one powerful story you have there. I believe a lot of people would benefit from reading how you and your daughter have come through such challenges in your lives. Just reading what you wrote here makes realize that how we regard our sitiations makes all the difference in the world as to how the story turns out in the end!

Thank you for sharing with us.

Posted by: gettin-away 21-Jan-2004, 06:26 PM
Siusaidh

Thank you for your support. As my daughter was growing my only thoughts were to see tomorrow and some times that seemed a long way away, as she reached high school I stepped back and saw the most incredible thing. People who came in contact with us were changed. My daughter has an almost magical way about her. In her attempts to live a "normal" life she has often achieved the impossible. Her goal now is to teach in a special education classroom. She wants to show others kids with disabilities that they can achieve their dreams.

Now to show off a little, here are a group of pictures. The first one Mandy is just days old and weighs less than two pounds. Second picture she is around 2 1/2 years old and has just started to sit up on her own. The last two are crowns she has won. The second was the 1999 Homecoming Queen and the first was for 2001 Miss Hibernia.

Sorry for bragging a little. I tend to be the proud papa whenever I can rolleyes.gif .


gettin-away

Posted by: Aaediwen 21-Jan-2004, 07:13 PM
It makes me feel good to know how others with CP have done in life, and I was fortunate enough (and still am) to have both parents. CP is something that your daughter (evidentily) and I, have learned to live with, and in doing so have overcome in our own way. I know that whenever I see someone else around who has CP as part of their life, I tend to count my blessings. Based on the pictures, and the tone in your posts, it appears that you have both overcome the hurdles brought on you in life.

I know, that for me, the cerebral palsy has become a non issue in my life now. It's still there, always will be, and it does still effect me. Ony time I even notice it anymore though is when I see video footage of myself walking (which I can now do unaided since surgery in 1988). I can now do anything I want to, and after my experience as a chile, I don't want any special treatment from anyone (and refuse to get a handicapped sticker for my car, which I probably could get). Does your daughter share the same perspective?

Posted by: gettin-away 21-Jan-2004, 08:08 PM
Aaediwen

Oh Yes, my daughter shares your perspective on life. Mandy has always tried to downplay her CP, but sometimes it hits her hard too. Living where we do in Michigan the changes in the weather will make her stiff movements more pronounced and her balance in turn gets worse. She tells me she doesn't own a pair of jeans with both knees intact. But then she says "hey, that's the style." Though she doesn't slow down around her friends I will sometimes get a late night call from her (she's at college) telling me she is so sore and stiff she can hardly move. She just needs to talk to someone she knows will understands.
I also have an older brother who is hydrocephalic and he lives with the problems of CP that is more severe than Mandy. As she has watched him grow older and become weaker she fears for her future. She knows what she has seen him going through probably won't be an issue to her, she also see's how much worse it could have been for her. This as given her an insight that keeps her focused on her future.
I laughed about your comment on the handicapped sticker for the car. Mandy refuses to even consider one. She figures she is just as capable as the next person. This has become a pet peeve of mine as I work for the Post Office and we have a customer that thinks just because he got one he can park anywhere. Even in the fire lanes in front of local stores. I tend to get a little too vocal on his parking habits.
Was there a factor that caused your CP? With Mandy she was born three months premature and her mother was diabetic. What type of surgery did you have? Mandy has had two eye surgeries and one on her left hamstring to make it stretch longer. What do you do for a living? In another year Mandy will become a teacher. That's what her mother set out to be 24 years ago.
When Mandy was young I was told she could never live on her own, seeing her do that now is both a blessing and a curse. I prepared my life to always be there to care for her and now she has gone and left me behind. Seems like yesterday I was carrying her everywhere we went and now I look around and she is gone. My life has changed direction so many times I'm not sure where I'm headed. But I do know she will be everything she wants to be.

gettin-away

Posted by: CelticRose 21-Jan-2004, 09:57 PM
gettin-away! I would strongly encourage you to write and try to publish your story. Your story could help and encourage many other parents and children with CP. And your manner in which you write is very compelling as well. You, yourself have been though a lot as well.

Thank you for bragging a bit and showing off your precious gem. She has indeed come a long ways and is a very beautiful girl and sounds like she has a beautiful spirit as well. smile.gif

Posted by: gettin-away 21-Jan-2004, 10:32 PM
CelticRose

Thank you for the kind words. The year Mandy was crowned Homecoming Queen the hospital where she was born created a large bulletin board in her honor. I have a picture of her hanging at my counter at the post office, for over two years people would see this picture and ask me if she is the girl from the hospital. I've been told that parents will stand at this bulletin board while tests or procedures are being done on their babies. My Mandy has become their source of strength.

I see so much of her mother's spirit and beauty in her that at times it's almost frightening. There has been many times when she has done or said something that I know has come straight from her mother. Recently as I was leaving her college dorm room I looked back and told her I could see her mother in her. The smile on her face couldn't have been any bigger or brighter. I know who my daughters guardian angel is.....no question about it.

She told me on her first day doing field work at a local high school she was mistaken for a new student. (At 5' 2'' and barely 90 pounds she is no bigger then the students.) After telling the class she was learning to be a teacher the kids in this class said "but....you're like us." She was able to win their admiration right from the first. She wants so much to be a good role model for these students. I'm a little biased, but I think she's doing a grand job.

Thanks again to all for the kind words.
gettin-away

Posted by: CelticRose 21-Jan-2004, 11:40 PM
Gettin-away! You know what I think would be neat? Is if you started a thread in the discussion forum about "overcoming obstacles". And you can share your story there and maybe it would help others to share their stories as well, such as Aaediwen has done already. That way we all can be encouraged by your story and others. I have noticed that people here in this community tend to be pretty honest with things about their feelings and life. Just a thought! wink.gif smile.gif

Posted by: gettin-away 22-Jan-2004, 07:36 PM
CelticRose wrote
QUOTE
Gettin-away! You know what I think would be neat? Is if you started a thread in the discussion forum about "overcoming obstacles". And you can share your story there and maybe it would help others to share their stories as well, such as Aaediwen has done already. That way we all can be encouraged by your story and others. I have noticed that people here in this community tend to be pretty honest with things about their feelings and life. Just a thought!  wink.gif  smile.gif


I think I will take you up on this idea. But, after the day I just had at work I think I will work on it tomorrow. Just want to hear some music I enjoy walkman.gif and no one arguing argue.gif. Watch for it tomorrow.


gettin-away

Posted by: Aaediwen 23-Jan-2004, 11:13 AM
/meek on
help! GAAK
/meek off

My cousin's wedding is in 6 hours, and he asked me yesterday, if Icould write something to recite. Well, I have something, now comes the part of actually reading it aloud. I thought it might make it easier if I tried to read it aloud a couple times before I left here, when there is noone in front of me. I couldn't do it in front of the mirror just a minute ago.

This will be the first time I have actually gotten up like this and read some of my work in public (not counting in front of class at school) The butterflies are already flapping.

Posted by: CelticRose 23-Jan-2004, 04:38 PM
Oh Aaedwen! I can relate to your butterflies! I am one of those people who are terrified of getting up in front of a group of people. But here is an opportunity for you to show your gift of writing and your friend must admire your work very much to have you share a part of yourself on his special day! Good job! thumbs_up.gif

Posted by: Aaediwen 23-Jan-2004, 10:21 PM
Ok, I'm home and still rather intoxicated from the receptiion, which is causing me to have to retype half of this. The poem went over exceptionally well. Several members of both families absolutely loved it (I heard from the bride's family before I heard from those I had grown up with). My aunt told me that my cousin freaked out when I read it because I hit the nail so close on the head. Bride and groom both loved it, and I still managed to maintain my stance against writing about human relationships in my poetry.

Posted by: CelticRose 23-Jan-2004, 10:34 PM
Good job, Aaediwen! I was anxious to hear how it went and I thank you for sharing! That must make you feel good to know that people not only appreciated your writing, but that you touched the hearts of those of their most important day as well! beer_mug.gif thumbs_up.gif

Posted by: Aaediwen 23-Jan-2004, 11:05 PM
I was about to reply that you have no idea how good I felt by the reaction I recieved from my first public reading, but then as Irecall, you are teh one who posted about letting family select from your paintings, so maybe you do have an idea. Good vibes were flying all over the place tonight. My cousin's marriage, a litst of about 5 firsts for me, two second time experiences, and honest, rave reviews about my work. WOW, what a fun night smile.gif Think I'll sleep now =)

Mach spass

Posted by: CelticRose 23-Jan-2004, 11:17 PM
yeah, sharing a piece of me (my artwork) was more of a blessing than I had anticipated. They have all called me to tell me they proudly have all my pieces hung up in their living rooms!

Reading your piece of work to a crowd of people............wow! What a blessing to both you and others. And then having the same response must have given you a lot of affirmation of your talent! We all need affirmation from others of our gifts whether we want to admit we care or not. I know I do. artist.gif

Posted by: Richard Bercot 24-Jan-2004, 02:46 AM
Aaediwen,

I was wondering, was those Butterflies you were feeling or B-52's. wink.gif

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 27-Jan-2004, 10:58 AM
QUOTE (Aaediwen @ Jan 24 2004, 12:05 AM)
Good vibes were flying all over the place tonight. My cousin's marriage, a litst of about 5 firsts for me, two second time experiences, and honest, rave reviews about my work. WOW, what a fun night smile.gif Think I'll sleep now =)

Its so nice to hear a success story like that - I am so happy for you!

Posted by: Haldur 29-Jan-2004, 06:55 PM
Writer's block is that dreaded yet oh-so-necessary part of writing. Usually, I find that writing on "wildly" and without stopping will fix the problem of not being able to come up with anything. However, it goes deeper than that because I'll have an idea pretty much sussed out but I am overcome with questions like "Does this even make sense?" or "Why did I write that for?". As any artist or creator can attest, that writer's block is more than a brick, it's a mountain! There's always this feeling that you're not doing your best or not making sense or not getting the point across enough. I've come to the conclusion that I write what I write and as long as that makes me happy, I can do better after its finished. The moments after the editing process is where you push the door open and let the reader in. When the door is shut, it's up to you and your muse (who or whatever you are writing for, real or imagined...I honestly find imagined characters to be good muses because they don't fit one personality, they fit them all!) to come up with something edible, save the main course's preparation for the editing process.
I'm currently working on two stories at the moment: one is a modern-day tale about a writer who finds himself the care-taker of a lighthouse for the summer (he is accompanied by some unexpected guests, however!) and the other is a tale of a Druid leader who escapes his homeland after defending every last one of his kin, sails into the West, only to find that he is an heir to a great hidden civilization far across the Atlantic. I don't know all of the full details of these stories, but they become clearer the more I write. They did not follow these same lines as I have just described in the beginning. It took actually thinking my story ideas over in a rational sense and then broadening the rational for the "this could have happened".
Stories are like fossils (as Stephen King explains in his book "On Writing") that must be dug down to and carefully uncovered.

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 30-Jan-2004, 11:09 AM
QUOTE (Haldur @ Jan 29 2004, 07:55 PM)
Stories are like fossils (as Stephen King explains in his book "On Writing") that must be dug down to and carefully uncovered.

Working on a drawing or painting can be like that too, in that you carefully uncover it... to me it often feels like that at some point the drawing begins to tell ME what to do next! What area needs this touch, what area needs to be left alone.

artist.gif

Posted by: Aaediwen 30-Jan-2004, 08:50 PM
Richard, mine would only have been butterflies. the B52's were what were churning my cousin's stomach, and what his new bride yanked me out to the dance floor on at the reception party (my second time ever on a dance floor)

CelticRose:

I tend to grow skeptical of feedback, perticularly from those closest to me. I have a feeling that they'll say it's good just because they don't want to hurt me. The reaction I got last Friday evening, however, left zero room for doubt. It came from both people who had known me all their life, and from people whom I had never met and who had no reason to know me. My aunt told me two other things as well that provided me second hand feedback that ment the world. She told me first, that my cousin totally freaked out when I read it (I hear this after he has already told me one side and down the other how much he loved it). Second, she told me that several among the bride's family had asked me who it was who got up and read the poem, and she was proud to tell them who.


Anyone think I was feeling bad at the end of that night? (ignoring the wine I drank)



PS: I told my cousin that several of my friends were interested in reading the poem, and I was trying to decide about posting it. His answer... "Do it!" Guess I will....

Posted by: Aaediwen 30-Jan-2004, 08:52 PM
Haldur: those story ideas sound better every time! Definately a change from what you started with, and I'm looking forward to seeing to what you come up with from it smile.gif Think ya need a bigger book to write in though.

Posted by: CelticRose 30-Jan-2004, 10:21 PM
Aaediwen! Doesn't it feel good to get positive feedback from the strangers there to you as well as those close to you? Must have been very reaffirming of your talent, that you know in your heart is already there. I have read some of your work and I am no writer and know nothing about poetry and writing, but I have my opinion and what I see from you is very good!

I tend not to trust family and friends either with their compliments. There are very few I do trust. The only ones I do listen to is my husband who will sometimes be brutally honest about a piece I am working on or the people who actually "show me the money" in wanting it bad enough to buy it! laugh.gif Siusaidh was my art instructor for many years and she is one of the very few people in my circle that I do trust with any comments made. I know she is not going to try to pull the wool over my eyes! wink.gif biggrin.gif

Thank you Aaediwen so much for sharing. Glad the wine that night was good too! beer_mug.gif

Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 31-Jan-2004, 12:36 AM
Writters Block? does this include Artists Block???

I am having one heck of a time with this new project I am working on, the colors are simply not blending the way I want them to!!

*ROAR!*

I have spent 2 days just staring at it and getting more and more frustraited with it.

This is just my way of getting my frustration off my chest. Thanks for letting me "lose it"

angel.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 31-Jan-2004, 12:46 AM
Thank you for sharing it Angel! I experience it all the time..........especially lately and have for a year! I don't know what is wrong with me unsure.gif

Posted by: Aaediwen 31-Jan-2004, 01:38 PM
I don't think I'm first to say this:

Perhaps it should be Artist's/writer's/Musician's/Creative Persona block
Rather than just Writer's block

Looks like it effects everyone

Posted by: Angel Whitefang (Rider) 31-Jan-2004, 09:39 PM
Well now there is a place for Artists to vent and what not. Celtic Rose came up with the Idea and together we refined it. keep in mind that "Artists Corner" is still a work in progress and will be refined more & More. See ya there!

Posted by: Richard Bercot 31-Jan-2004, 09:59 PM
QUOTE (Angel Whitefang (Rider) @ Jan 31 2004, 01:36 AM)
I am having one heck of a time with this new project I am working on, the colors are simply not blending the way I want them to!!

*ROAR!*

I have spent 2 days just staring at it and getting more and more frustraited with it.

I know this feeling exactly,

I think and dream about Flies. I had this dream about a Fly and it seemed so simple when I saw it. But when I tried to tie it, it did not come out the same. I have tried several times and it does not seem to make any difference. It just will not come out the way I saw it. sad.gif At least with Fly Tying, if it doesn't come out right you can take your frustration out on it by tearing it apart. wink.gif

Posted by: Siusaidh Blues 03-Feb-2004, 01:10 PM
QUOTE (Richard Bercot @ Jan 31 2004, 10:59 PM)
At least with Fly Tying, if it doesn't come out right you can take your frustration out on it by tearing it apart. wink.gif

Or you could chunk it into a trout stream and see if it appeals to the fishies.

biggrin.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 23-Feb-2004, 06:43 AM
OK, after an EXTREEEEEMMMMLLLYY long dry spell, I have a story once again rattling around in my brain. I am so excited! I've been in the thought stage for the last few days and now this morning I am going to write. This one will be a long short story, of appropriate legnth for magazing submission. Anything to give my novel credibility.

But I am finding myself a bit intimidated by the blank screen. Isn't that just stupid? a few paragraphs in and it will be fine. It isn't like you artists who fear messing up a canvas. I can just delete anything I don't like. Ah, we artists.... rolleyes.gif

So, if your chatting with the muses, remember me...... smile.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 23-Feb-2004, 07:25 AM
Oh, I am so happy for you Elspeth. I got early this morning and planned to work in the studio. However it is dark and raining outside and my light source from my window is terrible and I don't like working from artificial lighting. sad.gif But I guess it will be better than nothing.

Yes, a canvas you can work over, but I work mainly in colored pencil. When I start a new piece out and mess it up from the beginning I have to start all over too! sad.gif
I think watercolorist and pastel painters are the same. Sigh......the moans of being an artist, but what a joy when we see those completed pieces. Worth the work,eh?

I think starting a short story for magazine publishing sounds terrific! I am not too keen on magazines other than the beauty, fitness and entertainment ones. Which magazines would you be applying to, if I may ask.

happy writing! smile.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 23-Feb-2004, 08:44 AM
Rose! What a switch. Up here it's bright and sunny and out in the desert it's gray and rainy.

I don't know if this is better or not. Few magazines even carry stories anymore so the competition is probably just as intense as it is for novels. But, I thought I'd give it a try. Especially since this idea I have is best suited for a long short story. (I love that inconsistency)

It seems the prize is to get a story in Atlantic Monthly, at least if you go by that they pay. There are other, mostly smaller magazines as well. Right now, anything would be better than nothing. I hate the business side. It takes all my time and then I have no time to write. But, such is the nature of the beast.

Hope you have a good art day. BTW, do you have a catalogue or an online collection?

Here's a sideline - we watched The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence last night. When they were talking about the cactus roses, I thought of you. smile.gif

Posted by: barddas 23-Feb-2004, 10:01 AM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Feb 23 2004, 08:43 AM)
OK, after an EXTREEEEEMMMMLLLYY long dry spell, I have a story once again rattling around in my brain. I am so excited!

That

That's good to hear! It's about time..'old woman' wink.gif




The old fool

Posted by: CelticRose 23-Feb-2004, 11:09 AM
yeah, Elspeth! What a switch, eh? It is so dark and dreary here today, I have yet to be in the studio. I have been doing laundry, housework and cooking instead. It is so supposed to be dreary here every day this week.

That is interesting about the magazines. My sis-in-law started out publishing her works in Christian magazines, which is another reason why I asked you. you don't make much money but it did real well for her and got her started being noticed and book deals were offered to her because of that exposure.

I don't have a catalog or brochure or anything. I used to have a website but since I gave up the business aspect of it all, I gave that up too. Like you say, it is alot of working doing the business end of it. Worth it if you make though. I wish you the best! thumbs_up.gif

Posted by: Siobhan Blues 23-Feb-2004, 12:18 PM
QUOTE (CelticRose @ Feb 23 2004, 12:09 PM)
I don't have a catalog or brochure or anything. I used to have a website but since I gave up the business aspect of it all, I gave that up too...

Hi CR,

Just to let you and everyone else know, my web site is at iVillage.com
and its a free place to create one... iVillage is geared for women with discussion boards, articles to read, recipes, stuff like that - but they offer free web page space and have 'templates' or designs already set up that you can choose from to make a web site of your own. It can be a simple home page or you can make it more complex like mine is. You become a member of iVillage for free and automatically get an amount of space... come to think of it, they offered email addresses to but quit doing that about 2 years ago for some reason.

I know nothing about html and the technical aspects of web sites, but even I found it easy to make a site at iVillage! Ya'll might check it out.

SB

Posted by: CelticRose 23-Feb-2004, 01:36 PM
Hi SB! I may check into that. Just depends if I am up for all the work. biggrin.gif

Thank you for the information though! thumbs_up.gif

Posted by: Aaediwen 23-Feb-2004, 05:34 PM
I did www.aaediwen.com by hand, and the hardest part was deciding what I wanted it to look like tongue.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 24-Feb-2004, 04:56 AM
QUOTE (CelticRose @ Feb 23 2004, 02:36 PM)
Hi SB! I may check into that. Just depends if I am up for all the work. biggrin.gif

Thank you for the information though! thumbsup.gif

Do it just so I can see your paintings. smile.gif It might be fun. I created a website for a local community theater once through a nonprofit org site and it was a blast, even if it was a bit time consuming. Make the site and you never know, people may start coming to you!

Thanks for that info Siusaidh oh wait, you changed your name, it's Siobhan now? I'm sooooo confused. If I ever get a novel published, then I will need a homepage and this looks like a great place to go.

Posted by: CelticRose 24-Feb-2004, 01:55 PM
QUOTE (Aaediwen @ Feb 23 2004, 06:34 PM)
I did www.aaediwen.com by hand, and the hardest part was deciding what I wanted it to look like tongue.gif

That's what I keep worrying about for mine too, Aaediwen! unsure.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 24-Feb-2004, 01:59 PM
QUOTE (Elspeth @ Feb 24 2004, 05:56 AM)
Do it just so I can see your paintings. smile.gif It might be fun. I created a website for a local community theater once through a nonprofit org site and it was a blast, even if it was a bit time consuming. Make the site and you never know, people may start coming to you!

Thanks for that info Siusaidh oh wait, you changed your name, it's Siobhan now? I'm sooooo confused. If I ever get a novel published, then I will need a homepage and this looks like a great place to go.

Elspeth, I have posted many of my art pieces in the "Artwork" thread here in this forum. You can see a lot of it there, if you like! wink.gif smile.gif I'd have to go back and see what pages they're on, but lots of other nice artwork to see on there too of some very talented people. Siobhan has some of her pieces in there too!

Yeah, a website might be the way to go for you. My sister-in-law has one.

Posted by: Elspeth 25-Feb-2004, 04:34 AM
I have seen those, Rose, ( I'm a poet and didn't know it!) but looking at them only makes me want to see more. You really are gifted and I love looking at your paintings. And I'd love to have a place to steer other people to, to say - hey, you've got to check out this artist. She's great!

I know setting up a site is a lot of work initially, and I don't know how selling works for art work, but it seems you could sell via the internet at a low overhead and little committment. And you'd not be beholden to impress or pacify any gallery. If your work is out there for people to see, people will want it. You might find yourself shiping your paintings to Australia, Alaska or Aruba! tongue.gif

I don't collect art, I don't have the knowledge, funds or the decor (my walls are covered with masterpieces from the early elementary period) but I would love to have one of your paintings. I would ask for a catalogue, but I am afraid I couldn't afford anything and I don't want to appear rude. But someday I am buying one of your paintings! smile.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 25-Feb-2004, 12:00 PM
Elspeth, you are very kind. I used to have a website from freeserve in the UK but it doesn't work anymore. I don't know what happened to it. Oh well, it was free anyway. I do have put together a packet with pages of my artwork samples that I mail to people who are interested. Never went into the cost of doing a brochure. And now that I am out of the business, it is pointless to do one now. I know of other artists who have set up their arwork on webpages to not get very much response at all. So that is why I don't bother with it now. I could always send you one of those packets, if you are ever interested. wink.gif

For writers, I have always heard that it is best to start out publishing your work in magazines cause you get noticed and commissioned to do other things from there. That's how my sis-in-law and others like her I know started out.

Posted by: Siobhan Blues 01-Mar-2004, 08:43 AM
CR, I wondered if your web site at freeserve was still in operation but haven't been to check on it. You could create one at iVillage fairly easily; its all done with templates, designs & backgrounds & things already there for you to choose from. You then can add text boxes and put art images into an image file where you keep them & can add them to the site anywhere you choose.

I've spent a lot of time the last few weeks changing the appearance of my site, and just now found out how to change the entire appearance of it with just a couple of steps. They have a background that shows my beloved London & Big Ben, so now that's the very first thing you see when you go to the site!


www.sggardner.com

Posted by: Elspeth 01-Mar-2004, 09:10 AM
I bookmarked your site to get back to when I have some time. But I have to say I just love the landscape painting on the front page. Oh, to wake to a scene like that every day.

Posted by: Siobhan Blues 03-Mar-2004, 12:45 PM
I really appreciate your comments! I too wish I could wake up to a scene like that one every day...

You know, though, I've been doing a lot of introspective thinking the last week and I've realized that I've been putting off going into the studio for awhile now... I think I am going to have to get back in there now and spend some serious time drawing again. I've got two commissions to do so that's a good reason on its own, but its been very easy these last months to find something that I need to do instead of drawing.

I think I have a bit of 'fear of failure' syndrome going on here! Time to face it, isn't it....

Posted by: Elspeth 03-Mar-2004, 06:42 PM
And isn't that just so silly? Fear of Failure? How can art fail? It's an expression. It might not say exactly what we tried to make it say, but it still says something.

Posted by: Siobhan Blues 04-Mar-2004, 06:24 PM
You're absolutely right - fearing failure is absurd! When I taught a drawing class, I always told everyone 'no project is a failure if you learned something from it'. That is true.

I guess the kind of failure I fear is the failure to put on paper the image I see in my mind before I begin something new... my tendency is to overwork things, so sometimes I get to a point where the drawing looks fresh and strong then I "pick at it" until it may have more detail - but I've destroyed the freshness of it.

My goal as an artist is to NOT overwork everything!!
artist.gif

Posted by: Elspeth 04-Mar-2004, 09:05 PM
I don't paint, but I so know what you mean about overworking it. tongue.gif

And then you get to the point you no longer know up from down. I've sat back and reread sentences and thought - that is either stop the presses brilliant or the worst piece of trash ever penned. And for the life of me I could no longer tell which. rolleyes.gif

When I start writing, the story may be outlined, but the details are all vague as are the descriptions. So, luckily for me, I don't start with a definite image I am trying to achieve, just a general one. Good for my sanity. unsure.gif

Posted by: CelticRose 04-Mar-2004, 09:22 PM
QUOTE (Siobhan Blues @ Mar 4 2004, 07:24 PM)
You're absolutely right - fearing failure is absurd! When I taught a drawing class, I always told everyone 'no project is a failure if you learned something from it'. That is true.

I guess the kind of failure I fear is the failure to put on paper the image I see in my mind before I begin something new... my tendency is to overwork things, so sometimes I get to a point where the drawing looks fresh and strong then I "pick at it" until it may have more detail - but I've destroyed the freshness of it.

My goal as an artist is to NOT overwork everything!!
artist.gif

Yes, SB I always learned that in class from you. However, so many times I invision something on a blank page for it to not turn out how I imagined it, sometimes for the worse! sad.gif I was told by another art instructor that I never knew when to stop on an art piece, so I also need to stop overworking my pieces too! rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Siobhan Blues 15-Mar-2004, 04:07 PM
QUOTE (CelticRose @ Mar 4 2004, 10:22 PM)
I was told by another art instructor that I never knew when to stop on an art piece, so I also need to stop overworking my pieces too! rolleyes.gif

Hey, once I was in a painting class working on a portrait of a live model and the instructor came up behind me and growled "Do you want to borrow my mahl stick so you can finish that one off?!?!" I had overworked the poor girl beyond belief, but it made me mad for him to be so smarty pants about it!

Oh well. Maybe he's the reason I'm always so proud when I DON'T overwork something these days.

Posted by: greenldydragon 22-Mar-2004, 11:48 AM
Hi
I tend to dwell on the details of a story til it drives me mad. Then, I have other things going on and I don't work on it. All I have ever written are short stories, but I'm thinking of writing longer ones, over the summer. I have so much homework and practice for colorguard and strings class, I don't get around to writing that much. Unless I am writing for english class, which really annoys me sometimes, because you have to write about what someone wants you to write about. Over the summer, when I have some free time, I plan on writing more, but at times there are just so many ideas that are all accumulating in my mind, that I have to write. Which is perfectly fine with me, as long as it isn't at like, 2 in the morning on a Wednesday morning. (Has happened before.....) Right now, I am writing about a woman whose people were taken captive by their enemies. I only have a page written, cause I started it but haven't gotten back to it.. wink.gif ...I should probably work on that......
But, I also make up songs on my instrument, just so I can vent out my emotions in a song, of course, afterwards I never know what I played......
But over October and November, my brain just couldn't come up with any new stories. I only started writing in july, so it hasn't been that long....so I don't think that time that I couldn't think of anything was a writers block.....

Posted by: Aaediwen 22-Mar-2004, 05:47 PM
it's almost funny how bad we tend to want to blow off writing something for class, and then turn around and do three times as much on our own time. Guess it proves that there is a fallicy in the way schools teach writing perhaps. One thing that cannot be taught, is one thing that is key to any creative endevor. And that is inspiration. Being forced to write or create something specific is unnatural and will not often result in anything that's any good IMHO.

Keep that pen moving on your own ideas =) Work them in your spare time. Then, who knows, maybe some of it might even match an assignment one day, and you can get some feedback. Just a thought.

Posted by: Siobhan Blues 26-Mar-2004, 02:12 PM
QUOTE (greenldydragon @ Mar 22 2004, 12:48 PM)
Hi
I tend to dwell on the details of a story til it drives me mad. Then, I have other things going on and I don't work on it. All I have ever written are short stories, but I'm thinking of writing longer ones, over the summer. I have so much homework and practice for colorguard and strings class, I don't get around to writing that much. Unless I am writing for english class, which really annoys me sometimes, because you have to write about what someone wants you to write about...

Hope you find the time (and inspiration) to write soon - its almost always hard to find the time!

I think the only good thing about writing assignments is the discipline you're learning; it forces you to work in a structured situation: their subject, their length of story, etc etc... the discipline of it is good for you, even though its not much fun!

Posted by: greenldydragon 03-Apr-2004, 05:21 PM
Yea....it keeps me thinking up ideas at least... it doesn't really help with making stories a certain length...cause the teacher never specifies. wink.gif So, I usually write as much as I think the story allows...or until my brains fried.. bangin.gif

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