Some time ago, while surfing through blogs and looking at links for artists, writers and other creatives, I came across a link to the website of artist Camille Boggs.  I’m so thankful I decided to check it out because it was definitely a treat!  Camille’s work is simply breathtaking and her ability [...]]]>

Some time ago, while surfing through blogs and looking at links for artists, writers and other creatives, I came across a link to the website of artist Camille Boggs.  I’m so thankful I decided to check it out because it was definitely a treat!  Camille’s work is simply breathtaking and her ability to create such beauty in detail blows my mind.  I’m just tickled that she granted me an interview!  I do hope you’ll head over to her website after reading this feature so you can view her art in a larger scale.

Camille, will you please tell us a little about your work?

I work in hand cut paper.  I developed the technique I use to cut paper over many years as a vinyl sign manufacturer.  I became very adept with an x-acto knife.  I had seen cut paper art before, mainly from China and Mexico, and found that special tools and small scissors were used to create them.  More recently lasers are used, especially for mass production.  I loved the look of the cuts, but wanted more.  I first began layering the cut paper and noticed that if I use a certain thickness of paper, it could hold its own weight after being cut.  Then I added space between the layers and began folding to form 3D shapes (an example of this would be in the upper right corner of Winter Memories).  The drawings of dolls I added to my cut paper layers paved the way for my cut paper marionettes.  I now add fabric, wood, drawing, and origami to some of my pieces.

Who has more power, the marionette or the manipulator?

Throughout history, marionettes have been used to say and perform acts that humans could not due to laws, propriety, and fear.  My marionettes are stronger than I feel.   Each one, though captured by her strings, rules her domain.  Without fear of exposure, embarrassment, or condemnation she tells the story she has been given.  The literal translation of marionette is “little Mary” named for the Virgin Mary puppets used in churches during the Middle Ages.  Just as their namesake, my “little Marys” are chosen by me, their creator, to immaculately conceive an idea that has the potential to change perspectives.

What tools and materials do you use?

I use a #11 x-acto blade for all my cutting, and a large range of archival papers.  Depending on the piece, I will at times use graphite and pastel on wood and beautiful fabrics (ranging from upholstery to silk brocades).  I also use minimal pastel on my marionettes, mainly to give them just a little “life”.  I like playing with the line between over idealized puppet/doll and beautifully imperfect real.  All the details of the eyes, lips, hair…anything with a black outline…is cut paper.  The pastel is the blush, freckles, bruises, eye makeup, etc.  I use needle and thread for the joints.

Do you work (or have you worked) in any other medium?

I have worked in many medium; everything from carved wood to lithography, pulp casting to fresco, ceramics to book binding, digital photography to oil paint.  I have been very lucky to have had opportunities to try many different techniques and products.  I love learning because even if I don’t turn to that medium as a focus medium I may be able to incorporate it into a piece, or perhaps I will see my own medium in a new way.

Were you creative as a child?

Yes, I loved coloring, on everything, and making little models out of whatever I found in the yard.  I had a great many “imaginary” friends.  I really don’t believe in calling my friends “imaginary.” I use “imaginary” so that people understand what I’m speaking about…but to a child, friends are just that…friends. Back on subject…My favorite friend was Pablo.  He was a tiny fisherman about five inches tall and I would build him little boats for his adventures on our pond.  I would often talk to and for Pablo.  I would change my voice and speak as he would to me.  My Mom tells me the first time she heard this I was doing something in the kitchen and she kept hearing me talking to someone, so she peaked in to see that I was alone.  She listened for a while and realized it was Pablo, and she was perfectly supportive of our friendship.  I also had a clan of tiny lions I would play with in the yard…they didn’t like being inside and preferred the wild.

I always loved to look through art history books. I would pour through Janson’s Art History with the same amount of joy and excitement as I did Dr. Seuss.  College level Art History books were kept where my siblings and I could get to them.  We would play make believe together and form elaborate histories for the characters we were playing.

What type of schooling or training have you had?

I graduated top of my class, Summa Cum Laude, from Memphis College of Art May of 2004, I was the poster child for overachiever in school.  In four years I earned a double emphasis (Papermaking/Book Arts and Sculpture) Bachelor of Fine Arts and an Art History Minor with a focus on Renaissance and Baroque.  What I learned most in school was how to pull all nighters, have no life, and always stay focused on that “A+”.

This was my life until I was a junior (2003) studying in Italy.  I lived and studied predominately in Cortona.  I was with the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art study abroad program.  I fell in love with every part of Italian life and culture and truly found who I was.  In many ways, I both became an adult and rediscovered the power of my inner child. As a student in the program I studied painting, ceramics, printmaking, and art history.  The most important lesson Italy taught me was that the journey, experiences, people, and life were more meaningful than  a letter on a piece of paper. I went back to MCA, albeit reluctantly…it seems somehow, mysteriously, my return ticket from Rome disappeared. I thought I was going to stay in Italy forever.  The ticket reappeared and one year later I received my degree and began my journey to seriously find my place in the world.

Your art is so intricate, do you ever mess up and get completely frustrated?  If so, what do you do to turn things around?

I am completely human and have learned to accept failure.  I don’t like it, but I accept it.  Oddly enough, most of my big frustrations come from the preliminary/drawing phase or after the paper is cut.  I really don’t screw up the cutting that often and when I do it is small slips of the blade that I have learned to fix with the right application of glue and mending paper.  When a drawing does not turn out the way I want it to look or after I’ve completed multiple layers of cut paper just to put them together and they don’t fit the way I wanted them to…that is when I get completely distraught.  I have a nice long, very adult, hissy fit leading into completely convincing myself that I’m a fool for trying to continue as an artist which leads to depression and by the time I’ve convinced myself I’m going to become a dermatologist, my husband has braved my space, looked at my piece, and gets me working through the problems verbally.  We critique and brainstorm all the time.  Usually after speaking with him and stepping away for a while I can find a way to start over or fix what I thought was complete rubbish.  I really have to remind myself that when I wasn’t doing art, I was miserable, and that I am doing what I am meant to do.  Also, I am ultimately in control of my mood, so I can become happy and confident again as soon as I’m ready to be.

Spending time with friends over a glass of wine and laughter is also a great way to relax.

Which piece was the most challenging for you?  Easiest?

By far the most physically demanding piece I’ve done to date was Phoenix.  She is a 5ft marionette with an 8ft wingspan.  Her base is book board that I hand cut with a blade and everything else is hand cut paper with pastel and some watercolor for her tattoo.  I plan to do more of these large scale installation pieces, but I will be using different tools to cut the dense base in hopes to save my hands and body from the torture of cutting 1/8” book board into shapes by hand.

The easiest, surprisingly, was probably Seraphim or If I could.  Those two both came to me quickly and the images flowed from my hands without a hitch.  They were both very time consuming and I had to work out many problems dealing with multiple appendages, but they were ready to be made the moment they entered my mind.

Where do you get your ideas and inspiration?

Everywhere, Fairy tales, Catholicism, pop up books, other artists, music, friends, and family all inspire my creations.  The most direct influence in every piece is my own life and emotions.  Each creation has come from a story in me, a moment, a time, a feeling I had for something, someone, or some place.  When I was little I always wore my heart on my sleeve.  I was in touch with everyone’s feelings.  If someone was sad, I was sad.  When I got older others started noticing and using this to their advantage, they saw me as gullible and easily manipulated.  Perhaps I was a little gullible but did not like people being unhappy, sad, or hurt.  I thought everyone’s happiness was my personal responsibility.  That’s a lot of responsibility.  I tried to build a wall around my heart and all that did was make me forget who I was.  I have taken my heart back out and placed where it is meant to be…on my sleeve.  That is what has allowed most of my art to be made.  I am older now, and not as gullible.  I no longer believe that everyone’s happiness is my responsibility…but I will still be the one to listen and always have a shoulder if you need it and I will do what I can to let you know someone cares.  That is my inspiration.

On average, how long does it take you to complete a project?

From first thoughts, research, drawings, cutting, to completion…it can take months.  Sometimes, however, a piece is just dying to come out and in a matter of 3 or 4 very long, tiresome days I can have a finished product.

What is your favorite part of the entire process?

It has to be when the marionette is complete.  At that moment she comes to life and the entire story is behind her eyes, in her pose, and on her body.  I create the marionette before any of her environment, often before the environment is even drawn.  I let her tell me the rest of the story.

What is a typical day like for you?

Many of my days have the same elements; they just may not all happen in the same order.  I spend time with my husband, work on any graphic design projects my clients need, work out, and then head to my studio to work on any one of my many projects I have going on at the moment.

Which work of art do you feel the strongest connection to?

I feel an enormous connection to all my pieces, but I do have one that I will never sell.  It was the first piece I finished 18 months after hurricane Katrina.  We lost all our art and art supplies along with everything else and I had no interest in looking at, much less doing art for a little over a year.  One day a clay character came to me, Twitchy.  She reminded me that I still wanted to be an artist. It was what I was born to do.  Months later I finished a mixed media painting titled I was Wearing a Pink Dress.  This piece helped pave the way for my Devotional Series which ultimately led to the marionettes and shadowboxes I am doing today. The piece is about Katrina and the loss of my memories and items but being reminded that I am still here and so is my family.  I was born in New Orleans and my family was blown all over after the storm, but we did not loose anybody.  The figure is obviously not wearing a pink dress, but she is also not me.  The title refers to a photograph that was destroyed of my mother and I in the French Quarter.  I was about three and standing next to one of my “orses,” as I pronounced it (the old horse head shaped horse ties found all over the Quarter) and I was wearing a pink sailor dress.  I titled it that because I wanted to remember, my memory became very bad and this piece was to give me something solid to look at and remember, like a photograph.  There are many small things throughout the painting, each a memory that I don’t want washed away.

Will you tell us about your first sale and what that was like?

I had sold a few pieces in college and such, but I don’t really count any of my sales until after Hurricane Katrina (when my art became what it is now.)  My first sale was actually quite big.  I sold all seven of my Devotional Series to a collector in Birmingham, AL.  She had wanted them for a while but her husband kept telling her they could not afford them, and then one day I received a phone call from him.  He wanted to buy the entire series as a surprise Christmas present for her.  She was completely shocked and so excited…she was crying she was so happy, and that made me happy.  It was an odd mix of happiness and sadness.  I guess it could be like when your child goes off to college… you are proud of them, but will miss having them where you can keep them safe.  It is hard to say goodbye to my pieces, but I know I’m hear to create a work of art to be sold…bottom-line, it is a business.

Since then, they have purchased one of my self portraits and continually stay supportive of my art.  I thank them for that.

Do you have any hobbies?

Thank you for asking this question.  I feel too many people believe that art is a hobby and that is all it can ever be.  Art is my career and passion, and yes I do have a hobby.

I love to bake.  I have always loved sweets, but about 3 years ago I started baking and I’m hooked.  Everything from scratch and many are old recipes I grew up on.  I change some around and try new things, but my favorite is chocolate.  I bake lots of brownies and chocolate chip cookies.  My most recent creation was the birthday cake for a dear friend of mine’s 30th.  He loves chocolate, so I was challenged to make a chocolate cake that we would serve with chocolate ice cream.  I made a devil’s food crust with a layer of cream cheese fudge, then a layer of chocolate custard followed by a layer of flourless chocolate cake, then another layer of chocolate custard with a layer of old fashion buttermilk chocolate cake topped with Kaluha and dark chocolate glaze.  It was a hit.  I love sharing my baked goods with people around me including my husband’s coworkers, friends, our hairdresser, and all the people at our favorite coffee house.  It always brings a smile to their face.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

So many, it really depends on the day.  A few examples are; Jean-Jacques Gaudel (painter, sculpture, everthing), Megan Kimber (painter), Marina Bychkova (doll artist), Lesley Reppeteaux (painter), Matthew Reinhart & Robert Sabuda (pop-up book artists), James Christensen (drawer/painter), Charles De Lint (writer), Melissa Etheridge (singer/songwriter), and many from history such as Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Sofonisba Anguissola, Carravagio, Luca Signorelli, and Artemisia Gentileschi…to name a few.  There are just so many talented artists in the world (past and present); it feels wrong to only name 16!  And my husband knows I love his art!

Since your husband is also an artist, do you ever collaborate on projects?

We have collaborated in the past for portraits, children’s book illustration, and charity works, but nothing recently.  Our work is very different as is the way we work, so at times it is difficult to work together.  We are always there for each other with advice, support, and constructive criticism.

Do you have any advice for artists just starting out?

If you are serious about art as your career…then be serious.  Be professional with collectors, galleries, and the public.  I’m not saying not to be you, by all means that is what people will love, but be prepared for the business end of the art world.  Research galleries before you allow your work to be seen in them and do not get sucked into “vanity galleries.”  A vanity gallery will try to charge you to be in their gallery…don’t do it.  Galleries take a commission off of the sale of the piece, which is how it should be done.  Be sure you pick galleries that are worth that often 50% commission.  Do they have a nice overhead/storefront?  Do they advertise?  Is the gallery Director personable and an aggressive seller?

Do not give up.  I had scholarships to college for math and science.  Many were pushing me to get a real career as a chemist or mathematician and quit looking at art schools…art was to be my hobby according to them.  I do not regret my decision.  A wonderful artist friend of mine, Michi Meko, is having a show in Atlanta, GA called “Fear kills Pursuit.”  He is right.  If you are truly going to have a career in art, be prepared not to listen to all the negatives you will hear.  So many people will be lining up to find out what your “real” job is, to let you know that making it as an artist means starving, to tell you it can’t be done.  I’m not saying it’s easy, and it has gotten tougher during these economic times, but if it is your passion and you are prepared to treat it with the same respect and dignity that every doctor, lawyer, teacher, or CEO treats their career…do it and never look back.

Where can we find your work?

I currently have pieces available through Matt Jones Gallery in Birmingham, AL (www.mattjonesgallery.com) and Distinction in Escondido, CA (www.distinctionart.com).

What project will you be working on next?

I always have multiple projects going on at once.  Right now I have three marionettes complete, two of them have their environments drawn, and one set of conjoined twins cut and ready for their joints to be sewn.  My newest form of displaying my marionettes is in found containers.  I think of these as specimens and am very excited of adding these to my family of art as I find more containers.  The first of this type is silens totus illa annus, the translation is “Silent all These Years” from a Tori Amos song.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

If anyone would like to see more of my work, please visit my site www.camillemboggs.com and feel free to contact me on facebook.  I’m always interested in meeting new people.

Camille!  Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful art with us, and your thoughts, ideas and passion behind it!  I’m so happy to have learned more about you and would love to see your work in person some day!  Please keep us posted on any upcoming shows!

~ Pamela

On this Magical Monday, we’re pleased to feature Rebecca J. Vickery, romance author.  She and I have been on several email groups together and over the last year, become friends.  While we live on opposite coasts, I have the feeling that if we were next door [...]]]>

On this Magical Monday, we’re pleased to feature Rebecca J. Vickery, romance author.  She and I have been on several email groups together and over the last year, become friends.  While we live on opposite coasts, I have the feeling that if we were next door neighbors, there’d be a lot of sugar-borrowing going on because we can always find something to talk about.

Rebecca’s debut, Surviving With Love, is out now, and in July, Looking Through The Mist will be released.

JR: Rebecca, what makes you tick?

RJV: I am a true romantic at heart with an interest in the paranormal and a love of mystery and adventure.  I have been married for 33 years and I have one son and three wonderful grandchildren. I began reading and writing at an early age and thought I had died and gone to Heaven when I started school and found the library.  Since then it has been my pleasure to entertain and inform others with the written word.

JR: What’s the first book you ever read that inspired you to become a writer yourself?

RJV: That would have been Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow. It combined sweet romance with a dash of adventure and suspense. I was hooked and began to pen my own tales of daring romance. I was all of ten and the long looks between the hero and heroine and the hand-holding were very exciting.

JR: How has your background influenced your stories?

RJV: I grew up as a tomboy and was always around horses and animals. You’ll often find them mixed in my stories and my heroines usually have some back-bone and independence. I also did a lot of camping and fishing in the early years of my marriage and I used those experiences in Surviving With Love. Many of my adventures and embarrassing moments are immortalized in my work. Now you’ll have to guess which scenes I actually experienced first hand.

JR: How do you cope with writing and children? And husband?

RJV: My husband, Robby, and I are currently caring for our youngest grandchild, Taylor, who is two and a half. My mother, Patsy, also lives with us so we have a full house. Robby is one of the most patient men on the planet. He has to be to put up with me and our wacky schedule. I write at night while everything is quiet and toss laundry into the washer and dryer during breaks. I’ve even been known to toss a meal in the crock pot and have it ready for the next day. Robby and my mom watch Taylor for several hours in the morning so I can sleep a bit. Then I sneak in editing in the afternoon when the rest of the family is out and about doing errands or playing outside. If I have a contract research job or it’s tax season, it throws the entire schedule out of kilter. I’m hoping my writing will eventually let me give up the tax and research work.

JR: Do you have a writing schedule?  If so, are you able to stick to it?  If not, how do you avoid procrastination?

RJV: I am a “by the seat of the pants” writer and I work best when a deadline is pushing me. I stay more focused and avoid distractions that way. I tried a schedule, I tried forcing myself to write a certain number of chapters in a week, and I also tried daily word counts; but none of that was practical or manageable for my lifestyle. As soon as Robby, Taylor, or mom got sick the schedule flew out the window. When a contract job came in, out went the chapter or word count. I do try to write some everyday, even if it just notes on my settings or characters or doing my own research.

JR: Why did you want to write books for sale?  I understand the compulsion to create stories, but I’m always curious as to why someone would have a goal to sell them.

RJV: First of all I love to create stories that help us escape from the mundane day-to-day chores we all get bogged down in. Second thing is I have to work as my husband is disabled and anyone on disability pay knows you can’t survive solely on that. Then my third big reason came when I started having health problems and had to limit my outside activities. Add to that Mom and Taylor joining our household and I definitely couldn’t work outside the home anymore. So by selling the stories I create and would be writing anyway, I hope to be able to supplement our income while cutting down on contract jobs.

JR: Tell us about your current release and what inspired you to write it.

RJV: Surviving With Love, a full-length contemporary romance, was released May 1 in e-book format and more recently in print from Class Act Books. It was actually conceived several years ago from a “what if” moment. I heard a bit on the TV news about the theft of some unusual bearer bonds. Later in that same evening, there was a plane crash. My brain went to work with the “what ifs.” What if the thieves of the bearer bonds had been on the plane? What if they kidnapped hostages? What if the plane went down in the wilderness? What if the only one who could find them was a female tracker? And what if a man was sent to free the hostages? And on and on. By the time I answered all my questions, I had the basic storyline for Surviving. To find out more about it please watch the book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZrvw76qjNo

JR: What criteria did you use for choosing the publishers to whom you wished to submit stories?

RJV: That took quite a bit of homework and time. I wrote down every publisher’s name I could find. Then I ruled out any publisher who charged fees for editing or set-ups. I also required both e-book and print, which ruled out quite a few more on my list. The next thing was the publisher had to be open to submissions from new authors. My list was getting slimmer. Then it had to be a publisher who wanted the type of books I was writing which so far are contemporary romance. And finally the publisher had to have a good reputation and no complaints listed with Writers Beware or Preditors & Editors. That cut out a few more. Then came the round of submissions and rejections until I finally met the publishers at Class Act Books.

JR: And your upcoming release-what’s that about?

RJV:  Looking Through The Mist, to be released in July, is also a contemporary romance but with a psychic element. This full-length novel begins in my hometown of Easley, S.C. It’s about a female psychic who has visions of crimes that always involve children. She ‘sees’ the kidnapping of a little girl from a nearby town and meets a disbelieving detective when she goes to report what she knows. Another child is also kidnapped and the psychic and the detective have to work together to try to find them. You can find out more about Looking Through the Mist by watching the new video just out for it at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oehCsQ0mb4

My third release of the year, Following Destiny, will be coming out in October. It also has a paranormal element but more of a medium/channeling type of talent is involved. We’re just now beginning to talk about the cover and such for it.

I’ve also had two proposals accepted for the early part of 2010 and now I just have to get those finished and sent in by the deadlines.

JR: Tell us about the online readers’ and writers’ group you started, Sweet and Sensual Romances.  Why, with all the groups out there, did you decide to invest a major chunk of precious time starting a new group?

RJV: Well, I actually was only a small part of starting Sweet and Sensual Romances. Four other ladies and I saw a need for a place where the more traditional side of romance would be appreciated and showcased. Everywhere we looked there were plenty of groups for writers of erotica, GL/BDSM and Menage, paranormal, and even sci-fi stories. Then there were the Christian and Inspirational groups. But there weren’t many groups available for the authors like us who write less explicit, male/female, plot and character driven romances with happy ever after endings. Thankfully, the five of us seemed to have different areas of expertise and we fell into our little niches within the group. You actually see me a lot as I’m the chatter of the group. I can talk about anything to anybody. (LOL)  And I truly am interested in others and what they are doing. As for the time invested, I think our group has already helped a few new authors get motivated and another new group or two have also sprung up since ours was founded. We all learn from sharing our experiences and ideas in the group. I totally believe in the pay-it-forward premise and everything I do to help someone else always comes back to me ten-fold when I need it most.

JR: What did I not ask that you’d like to say to the Texty Lady readers?

RJV: If you love reading, let the authors know you support them. Always be willing to help someone else and try to provide constructive rather than destructive criticism. And remember to pay-it-forward.

JR: Please tell us how to contact you, and give us the links to your social networks.

RJV: You can always e-mail me at: dixie92298@yahoo.com
or contact me at my blog site: http://www.rebeccajvickery.blogspot.com

Other sites:
Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=1095614601&ref=profile
Twitter  http://twitter.com/rebeccajvickery
Any Ning sites http://romancewriterandreader.ning.com/profile/RebeccaJVickery
http://morganmandelbooks.ning.com/profile/RebeccaJVickery
http://readersstation.ning.com/profile/RebeccaJVickery
http://bookblogs.ning.com/profile/RebeccaJVickery
http://bookplace.ning.com/profile/RebeccaJVickery

JR: Thanks for being our guest on Texty Ladies today.

Thank you so much for having me as your guest. I loved talking about my writing and I hope I’ve made some new friends.

And that’s it for another Magical Monday!  We have more guests slated for you so keep an eye out.

Contests. . . Hmmm, what do we have going this week?

There’s the Summer Treasure Hunt: 30 Prizes in 30 days.  You could win a copy of Faery Special Romances on June 24th.

And on June 21st, the IWOFA Summer Contest will launch.  (No link yet, because it’s not live.  Don’t be impatient.   Will have a link for you next Monday.)

At 1st Turning Point (all about sharing promotion and marketing tips), you could win a huge prize package, including Extinction: a short John Klawitter film, a really cool T-shirt from Gerri Russell’s upcoming Templar series, a critique by romance author Rowena Cherry, and books by Rebecca J. Vickery, Carol North, and Jacquie Rogers.  To be eligible to win, all you have to do is become a 1st Turning Point Parrot (subscriber, is another way to put it).  Drawing will be July 31.  Don’t miss Friday’s article by Eilis Flynn on Guerrilla Marketing: or how to make do with little money but lots of time and imagination.

Have a great week!

Jacquie
Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues (See the Book Video featuring Justin Saragueta)
Jacquie Rogers *** Myspace *** Twitter *** Facebook
Faery Special Romances * Book Video * Royalties go to Children’s Tumor Foundation, ending Neurofibromatosis through Research

I’m so pleased to bring you today my interview with super cool romance author Melody Lane.  Melody, thank you so much for the interview and for visiting us at Texty Ladies!

Will you please tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been a registered nurse for many years working in a variety of settings. You name it, I’ve worked [...]]]>

I’m so pleased to bring you today my interview with super cool romance author Melody Lane.  Melody, thank you so much for the interview and for visiting us at Texty Ladies!

Will you please tell us a little about yourself?

I’ve been a registered nurse for many years working in a variety of settings. You name it, I’ve worked it. Although I have a full-time day job, I dream of writing full-time like a lot of other authors. My favorite things to do are going to concerts, listening to rock music, traveling and reading. I live in the beautiful countryside of Michigan, but often wish I lived in a New York City high-rise or brownstone.

Please tell us about your upcoming release, “Rock Me.”

Jenny Page is a Midwestern nurse who has always had trouble with men. When her favorite British rock star fantasy man, with women issues of his own, becomes her patient Jenny knows she’s in for trouble. After he admits harboring a nurse fantasy, the sparks begin to fly. Their sizzling starts before he leaves the hospital to continue his concert tour, and grows into an out-of-control inferno when they meet up in New York City for a weekend of uninhibited passion and unexpected love.  I am happy to say that ROCK ME is available at Ellora’s Cave as an e-book and print book!  http://www.jasmine-jade.com/m-417-melody-lane.aspx

What makes a man sexy?

Every woman defines sexy differently. For me it is a combination of rugged handsomeness, confidence and intelligence. If I had a choice, I’d like tall and fit too! He doesn’t have to be picture perfect, but he had better know how to carry on a conversation. I’d be so disappointed to find out a man I’ve lusted over for years didn’t have a thing between his ears but empty space.

If you could tour with a band right now, which one would it be and why?

I have quite a few favorite bands that I’d love to spend time with. Def Leppard is one of them. I’ve met this band many times over the years. Every one of them is handsome and sexy and talented. A couple of them are very funny. I could kickbox with one, play golf with another, watch movies, discuss the history of music, and drink Guinness. Sounds like a fun summer to me!

When did you first start writing?

I’ve always wanted to write as long as I can remember. After I had an article published in an international nursing magazine, I realized how much I wanted to do it on a regular basis. But I didn’t do anything about it. Time, family, all the reasons everyone gives. After my father died in 2002, I realized that life was short and I was capable. I just needed to put my mind to it. But where was I going to find the time? The answer. I gave up television. Instead of watching television when I got home from work, I started writing. I allowed myself no excuses. ROCK ME is my first erotic romance.

What aspect of writing do you find easy?  Difficult?

Dialogue is the easiest and most enjoyable. I find character development and motivation is the hardest for me to write.

Have you or would you like to write in a different genre?

Paranormal romance. I just finished my first novel and hope to get a contract. It’s called Love On The Prowl. Here is a blurb:

When Dr. Ariel Summers starts her dream job in the newly elected Mayor of New York City’s administration, she has no plans to fall for anyone. But the lust-filled banter and intense physical attraction she has with the Mayor’s security expert, wereleopard Nicholas Savage, does not make things easy. Not all citizens are embracing the Mayor’s agenda for paranormals being out in society and threats are being made. Clues to the identity of their enemies start unraveling once Ariel and Nick stumble upon angry clowns calling themselves the Carnival of Sins. By the time they realize the Mayor is not the only one in need of protection, it might be too late for love.

What do you like to read?

Romance, suspense, mystery, paranormal.

Do you have a writing schedule or word count you try to meet?

After I get home from work and do all the little things I need to do in preparation for the next work day, I let out a breath and sit down in front of my computer. This is the part of my day I most enjoy. I write from around 8 PM until 11 PM during the week. On weekends, I write more if I don’t have plans. Most often Sundays are my longest writing day. Sounds pretty boring, doesn’t it? But don’t get me wrong. I can be fun! If a favorite band of mine is in town or I get an offer for some other form of entertainment, I’m there!

Have you ever considered another career?

Since I’ve been a nurse forever, the only other career I’ve considered is writing. I’m working on that one.

Do you enjoy any hobbies when you’re not writing?

I’m a huge rock music lover and enjoy seeing my favorite bands whenever I can. I long for the front row at every concert and am disappointed if I’m not there. I crush hard on my rock star men. Some of my favorites are who I adapt my characters from. When I write about them, it makes me feel like they’re a little more accessible to me. Of course I don’t really know them, but that’s fine. Reality can’t get in the way of fantasy.

Traveling is another passion of mine and I can never get enough of it. I love to write about the places I have visited. I’ve been to New York City and London, England numerous times and tend to use them as a backdrop for my stories. I love walking around the busy cities and seeing the sites. The theater, museums and multicultural cuisine all appeal to me along with fruity white wines and girly martinis.

What or who inspires you?

Music. It relaxes me. It excites me. It makes me think.

What is the most romantic thing that has ever happened to you?

I’m a big fan of New York City. I once went there with a past love who had planned a dinner in Little Italy. When we got there our table was already set with a red rose and a chilled bottle of Pinot Grigio. I am no longer with him, but continue to go back to that restaurant in Little Italy every time I can. It is called Da Gennaro on Mulberry Street. I enjoy the ambiance of the area and seeing the charismatic manager, Momir. Tell him that Melody sent you!

Will you please tell us about your works in progress?

I’m working on a couple of things at the moment. Besides my recently completed paranormal romance, I have a couple of contemporary erotic novellas I’m trying to finish–one is about a fireman and the other about a NYC actor. I’m also working on an erotic romantic suspense novel.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

The business is difficult, so tenacity is a trait you must have. Don’t give up.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

I love hearing from my readers. Feel free to contact me on my website, http://www.melodylanebooks.com or on Facebook.

Thanks Pam!

~*~*~*~

Thank you, Melody!  It’s great getting to know you better.  We look forward to all of your future releases!

 ~*~*~*~

Review of ROCK ME by Brenda Talley at The Romance Studio.

Her characters were great in dealing with each other as well as the conflicts which occurred. The sexual scenes were hot and explicit. They did not, however, take away from the great storyline written here. It is definitely a book that readers will love, regardless of favorite genres. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Overall Rating: five hearts.  Sensuality Rating:  explicit.

***********************************************************************************

Poetry Play Thursday will return next week with a unique twist. ?!?!?! 

In celebration of National Poetry Month, I will be posting a different poem each day in April near the top of our sidebar.  Please feel free to post any thoughts you’d like to share about it in our comments.

Poets.org has great information about this April celebration and some fun ideas on what you can do to take part.  I love their idea for Poem In Your Pocket Day, and you might want to consider joining their Free Verse Project.  The prize is pretty darn awesome! 

Hi everyone! Today I’m posting the interview I did with Freya’s Bower publisher, Marci Baun. Enjoy!

Thanks so much for doing the interview, Marci, and welcome to Textyladies!

~Jane

******

JJ: Are you a writer as well as a publisher?

MB: Yes, although I don’t have a lot of time to write. I have three pseudonyms: Rosa Orrore for [...]]]>

Hi everyone! Today I’m posting the interview I did with Freya’s Bower publisher, Marci Baun. Enjoy!

Thanks so much for doing the interview, Marci, and welcome to Textyladies!

~Jane

******

JJ: Are you a writer as well as a publisher?

MB: Yes, although I don’t have a lot of time to write. I have three pseudonyms: Rosa Orrore for horror, Kit Wylde, and Alyce Brown. I have a few books on Freya’s Bower by Kit and Alyce and a free story as well as a story in Weirdly by Rosa.

JJ: What kind of attitude within the industry does FB receive, as an ePub? Have you seen much of a change in the way the publishing world reacts to ePublishing?

MB: Honestly, I haven’t had any issues with attitude, at least amongst other ePublishers. I have had a newspapers interested in interviews until they discovered I was an ePub. (shrug) As the popularity of ebooks grows, that will change. Education and patience will change this…I hope. And with the big NYC pubs jumping on the bandwagon, there’s no doubt it will change.

JJ: How do you think eBooks will compare to print books in the future?

MB: I don’t think print books will ever go away, but I do think, especially as the younger generations come up, eBooks will become more dominant than print. That won’t be for a number of years, though, and probably won’t happen until we have an ereader that’s affordable.

JJ: What are some important things you’ve learned about the publishing industry, especially ePublishing, since you became publisher of Freya’s Bower?

MB: How wonderful the Internet community really is. I have made some lifelong friends as a result of becoming a publisher. These are people I never would have met without this experience.

JJ: What are your goals for the company in the next five years?

MB: Big plans. (grin) Dominating the industry. (grin) No, but certainly a force to be reckoned with and where when people think of romance and erotica, they think of Freya’s Bower.

JJ: What can Freya’s Bower authors do to make the process, from submitting to release, easier for everyone involved?

MB: For submitting, follow the submission guidelines. If your editor tells you to submit to them, do it, but format it properly. Make sure you’ve filled out your cover art form and send it to the proper email address. Most importantly, communicate with your editor, let her/him know where you are at and what is happening. Set revision date goals and do your best to stick to them. Make sure these dates are viable for your editor too. If you have any problems meeting the date, let your editor know. Also, have a blurb ready

JJ: Are there any genres you’d like to see more of? YA, for instance?

MB: Well, no YA at Freya’s Bower as we publish erotica, but I would love to see more historicals. I love historicals. (grin) I would love to see paranormal historicals, although there’s a rumor that those aren’t popular anymore. (raised eyebrow at that comment)

At EPICon, I was on a publisherÕs panel. This very question came up. All of us laughed and agreed: if you want a bestseller, write an interracial romance (of any genre). Now, if you want to blow it out of the roof, it should be M/M or mŽnage shapeshifter interracial erotica/romance. Yeah, really. These are really hot right now.

JJ: Do you have any advice for authors thinking of submitting to Freya’s Bower?

MB: Read our guidelines and at least a few of our books so you know what we are looking for and what to expect. Also, know your craft. We edit to NY standards of old, so if you are signed, be prepared.

JJ: What would you like people to know about Freya’s Bower?

MB: While our submissions are closed until May 1, 2009, keep us in mind for future submissions. We are always looking for good material. Oh, yes, come by and see what we have to offer. We have everything from sweet romance to erotica that will set your clothes on fire. (grin)

JJ: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

MB: Just a big thank you for having me here today.

Thank you, Marci!

Freya’s Bower

****

I also want to remind everybody that my contest is still going on to promote my own book with Freya’s Bower. Click here to read the rules, see the prizes, and enter the contest.

~Jane

This weeks interview is with author Teri Wilson, who writes sweet and inspirational romance. From her bio:

Teri Wilson loves romance, dogs and wearing pink. Her stories are often filled with happy endings, splashes of humor and a loveable critter or two. After all, Cinderella never would have lived happily ever after without [...]]]>

This weeks interview is with author Teri Wilson, who writes sweet and inspirational romance. From her bio:

Teri Wilson loves romance, dogs and wearing pink. Her stories are often filled with happy endings, splashes of humor and a loveable critter or two. After all, Cinderella never would have lived happily ever after without a little help from her animal friends! Teri is the winner of the 2008 Spaniel Journal Writing Contest, the 2006 Westminster Kennel Club Angel on a Leash Writing Award and the 3rd place winner of the 21st Annual American Kennel Club Short Fiction Contest. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband, son and three delightful dogs.

Thanks so much for being here today, Teri! Now on with the interview.

~Jane

****

JJ: What was your first published book? What was it like when you got that first contract?

TW: My first published book was in 2006 and it was actually a non-fiction book. All Creatures of Our God and King: What God’s Word Says About Animals is a Bible Study book for animal lovers. Eden Publications was the first publisher I approached with the project and they were very enthusiastic about it from the very start. I was in shock when they told me right off the bat they wanted to publish it. Everything about that book was easy as pie, which is very, very unusual in the publishing world. I really believe it was God’s book and I just kind of put it on paper for Him. He took care of the rest.

JJ: What genre(s) do you write?

TW: Now I write romance novels for pet lovers. Yes, that’s right. I’m sorta inventing my own sub-genre. Ha ha. Actually, there are plenty of romance novels with fun animal characters. I am by no means the first to tackle this fun subject.

JJ:  Tell us about your books and who you’re published with

TW: I have one full length book and an ebook short story, both published by The Wild Rose Press. The short story, Bonbons & Truffles, tells the story of lonely chocolatier Melody Sweet, her puppy Bonbon and a mysterious secret admirer. Before being published by The Wild Rose Press, an earlier, shorter version of this story won Third Place in the 21^st Annual American Kennel Club Short Fiction Contest.

My newest book, Do You Hear What I Hear?, Hoofbeats & Heartstrings Book One, is the first of a new series of romance novels I’ve written about miracles, love and horse rescue. Here is a little taste of Do You Hear What I Hear?:

As a child, Simone Littleton adores the European folktale that animals are given the gift of speech at midnight on Christmas Eve. She makes a wish to talk to animals “forever and ever” and, when her pet Dalmatian asks her for a biscuit, she discovers her wish has been granted. Now Simone is all grown up and she uses her unique gift to rehabilitate unwanted horses. When race horse trainer Chet Wallace rolls into San Antonio, with chocolate eyes and dimples blazing beneath his black Stetson, romantic sparks fly. He is immediately drawn to the beautiful woman who has a mesmerizing affect on both his horses and his dog, but his less than enthusiastic response to Simone’s claims threatens their budding romance. It takes a scheming Jack Russell terrier and a fresh batch of rescue horses to convince Chet she just may be telling the truth.

JJ: How do animals influence your writing, and why do you like incorporating them into your books?

TW: I am an animal lover through and through. I literally cannot even picture my life without a dog nipping at my heels, so naturally all my characters have loving pets. And the animals always have an integral part of the plot. They aren’t just there for decoration. In Do You Hear What I Hear, the dog is the matchmaker. In my upcoming book, Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw, the heroine discovers something fascinating about herself when she has an unusual encounter with a stray dog.

JJ: I read about your trip to Mexico to help build a playground for the children. That post was so inspirational! Do you think you’ll go on another mission trip? Any idea where?

TW: I will definitely go on another mission trip. In fact, I just got off the phone with a mission trip leader from…guess where…Alaska! As a lifelong dog lover, I’ve always been fascinated with the Iditarod dog sled race that takes place in Alaska every March. To my utter surprise, I recently found out about two different mission trip opportunities involving the Iditarod. Missionaries deliver dog food to the mushers and pass out hot drinks and Bibles. I am hoping to go on this trip in March 2010. You can bet I’ll be writing about it on my blog. And don’t you think the beautiful landscape of Alaska is the perfect place for a romance novel? Ahhh…

JJ: Who are your biggest writing influences?

TW: This is a fun question. I am an avid reader. Growing up as an only child, my best friends were books. Some of my favorite authors are Judy Baer (especially the books Nora’s Ark and Sleeping Beauty) and Janet Tronstad (love her Sisterhood of the Dropped Stitches series).

I’ve said before – and this is no exaggeration – that I will read anything Kristen Billerbeck ever writes, even if she scribbled her next book on the back of a cocktail napkin.

JJ: Why did you decide to write ‘Sweet’ and ‘Inspirational’ books?

TW: It wasn’t really a decision. Those types of books are what just flow naturally from within. I like to write about characters who love God and want to change the world and make it a better place. When the hero and heroine come together, their faith and lives are made all the stronger.

JJ: What are your writing goals for the future?

TW: Well, this year I hope to sign a publishing contract for my most recent manuscript, Cup of Joe (more on that to follow). I also plan on finishing another full inspirational title by the end of the year and Book Three of the Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series.

Beyond this year… well, let’s just say my wildest fantasy involves my pet lover romances becoming movies on the Animal Planet channel!

JJ: Do you have any advice for new writers?

TW: My advice for new writers is two-fold. First of all, write. You can join all the groups and organizations you want, but none of them will help you if you don’t get the words on the page. Secondly, join a critique group. I belong to a group that meets once a month. There are five of us and we get together and read each other’s pages out loud. We have become great friends and always encourage one another to pursue our writing goals and provide valuable feedback.

JJ: Do you have any upcoming releases you’d like to talk about?

TW: I have a new book coming out for Easter. Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw, Hoofbeats & Heartstrings Book Two releases in e-format on March 11 and in print on April 24. It is part of my Hoofbeats & Heartstrings series of romance novels from The Wild Rose Press that celebrates love, miracles and the beauty of horses. All of these stories take place on a horse rescue farm and a portion of the proceeds from the books goes directly to help horses in need at Saddlebred Rescue. Here is a little sneak peek at Love, Lilies & the Unbroken Straw:

Christabel Wilde’s life has just turned upside-down. With little more than the clothes on her back and her newly rescued Chihuahua tucked under her arm, she makes a pledge to start over and applies for a job as a groom at a horse rescue farm. Nevermind that she’s never been up close to a horse before, she has a bigger secret to hide. A mysterious gift her new neighbor, Dr. Declan Armstrong, is determined to uncover. When the irresistible veterinarian volunteers to give her riding lessons, Christabel knows it could be the end of her secret. With the Easter holiday approaching, she tries to remember that sometimes what looks like the end is really a new beginning.

JJ: What are your favorite writing/editing/research resources?

TW: I love Faithwriters.com. The Faithwriters weekly writing challenge is the one thing that really taught me how to write fiction. I strongly encourage aspiring writers to check it out.

And, of course, my critique group friends are my favorite editing resource. They’re the best!

JJ: What are you working on right now?

TW: Right now I am chomping my fingernails down to nubs because I submitted a manuscript for a new full-length inspirational romance to my editor three weeks ago and I’m waiting to hear if it will be contracted. It is a darling book called Cup of Joe and it was a really personal project for me so I am eager to see it in print! I came up with the idea shortly after my Grandpa died two years ago:

Goldie thought she was prepared for the death of her doting Grandpa who raised her since childhood. But in the days since his passing, she finds herself curled up on the sofa watching Judge Judy and The Price is Right, feet clad in fuzzy slippers. She knows God has a new plan for her life, but she’s just too tired to figure out what it is. To make matters worse, cups of coffee keep piling up on her doorstep. Sweet, shy coffee shop owner Joe seems determined to pull Goldie out her funk. When she tells him emphatically she does not like coffee, never has and never will, he shows up with a dog instead! Being a proper Southerner, Joe knows he should bring food rather than a live animal to someone who is grieving. But Goldie’s Grandpa was his best customer and, with him gone, he can’t seem to figure out how to tell her he’s been carrying a torch for her for years. As she takes steps to start a new life, with pup Bliss scampering playfully at her side, Goldie begins to realize a cup of Joe just might be what she needed all along.

While I’m waiting to hear back about Cup of Joe, I’m working on a new project called Rodeo Redemption. I find the only way to cope with the waiting is to start something new.

JJ: Is there anything you’d like to add or any links you’d like to share?

TW: Yes, I also write a fun, on-going chick lit column for Chihuahua Connection Magazine called Chihuahuas are Better than Facelifts. Just a couple of weeks ago, this column was awarded the Pet Sitters International Humor Award at the Dog Writers Association of America banquet held in conjunction with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. I was so excited to win this award because last year it was given to one of my favorite writers – Lee Harrington, author of the popular Rex & the City column in Bark Magazine. I feel so honored to follow in her footsteps.

Come visit me at www.teriwilson.net and you can learn all about my books and even read a snippet of Chihuahuas are Better than Facelifts. Please drop me a line! I love to hear from readers.

Thanks so much for doing this interview, Teri! It was great getting to know more about you.

Be sure to visit Teri’s website and also take a look at her very interesting blog!

~Jane

My friend Barbara of Happily Forever After, as well as being a writer and an amazing reviewer, is a licensed cosmetologist and has agreed to let me pick her brain about makeup and hairstyles. If you have any questions, post them in comments and she’ll be happy to answer them. Thanks, Barbara, [...]]]>

My friend Barbara of Happily Forever After, as well as being a writer and an amazing reviewer, is a licensed cosmetologist and has agreed to let me pick her brain about makeup and hairstyles. If you have any questions, post them in comments and she’ll be happy to answer them. Thanks, Barbara, for doing this interview!

~Jane

****

JJ: First, let’s start with face shapes. Can you give us examples of what hairstyles are best for what face shapes?

B: Complimenting the client’s facial shape is extremely important. My main goal is give the illusion that my client’s natural facial shape is oval. Oval is “considered to be” the perfect shape.

Round Face: In this case, you want to add a bit of length to the face. So, choose a style that will add height at the top of your head, but generally you want to avoid any volume around the sides of the face.

Square Face: This one isn’t easy. You want to be certain that whatever cut you receive it’s going to soften the area around the jaw rather than bring attention to it.

Pear Shaped Face: People with this face shape normally have a small forehead and a larger jaw area. You want to create the illusion of width and height at the forehead so that it appears to be even with the jaw. I would recommend a style that gives a lot of volume at the top of the head and the area near the forehead.

Oblong Face: With this face shape the goal is to make your face appear shorter. In order to a achieve this look you have to choose a style that will add width to the sides of the head rather than the top.

JJ: How does one discover her face shape? I’ve tried outlining in the mirror with lipstick, but I didn’t have much luck!

B: LOL! Well, what I do it I will pull my client’s hair back away from their face and try and determine what it lacking in order to achieve an oval shape. Is the face too round? Is the jaw too square? Is the face too long?

JJ: What tips do you have for someone with thick, wavy, and frizzy hair?

B: This are some of the more difficult clients. A lot of times (and I hate to say it) it’s up to mother nature whether or not they will be having a good hair day. To eliminate frizz, I will usually recommend a product called Glass and it is made by Redken. This product is a serum that when used correctly will eliminate frizz, define curls or waves and add shine. But keep in mind you don’t want to over use this product or it will create the dreaded greasy hair look.

JJ: What trends do you see in hairstyles right now?

B: Well, I work in both Long Island and Brooklyn and what I notice is that styles change with the area my clients live in. For example, my Long Island clients tend to veer more towards long layers and volume. While my Brooklyn clients like the shag/straight look. My recommendation, choose a style that will compliment your features. Do not choose a style simply because you saw it in a magazine. You have to remember that just because it looks good on the model it might now necessarily compliment your features.

JJ: What cut can make a face look thinner?

B: If you have a round/plump face, you want a cut that will give height to the top of your head. This will give your face the appearance of being longer.

JJ: Do you think a woman really can be too old for long hair, or is it really about her personality and shape?

B: I believe it’s definitely based on your personality and of course your features. Long hair can actually look horrible on a young person as well if they don’t have the features for it.

Makeup:
JJ: What tips can you give for achieving the best coverage on problem skin?

B: Personally I would suggest always applying a non-oil based lotion before applying a foundation. The reason for this is skin is very absorbent, so by applying lotion before your foundation your skin will have a far smoother appearance.

JJ: What eye shadow colors bring out your eye color?

B: One thing to remember with eye shadow is that you want to use a hue different than that of your actual eye color. You want the shade to bring attention to your eye rather than drown them out.
Example: Blue eyes, I always recommend mauves or plums. I have blue eyes and it makes them really stand out.

JJ: What’s the best way to define sparse brows?

B: Best option is to go with a brow liner. You want to apply it in gentle, small and even strokes in the direction of the hair growth. Once finished, you can smooth any artificial appearing lines with a brow brush.

JJ: Thin lips?

B: I would suggest using a neutral colored lip liner along with your lipstick. Once finished applying, dab a bit of clear gloss at the center of your bottom lip. The liner will better define your lips, while the gloss will give the illusion of fullness.

JJ: How can a woman use makeup to contour her face?

B: The key to makeup is that you want to apply it in a manner so that it appears natural but at the same time will enhance your appearance. Always remember darker colors will add contour where you want it, whereas lighter colors will highlight an area.

Example: Cheeks
If your cheek bones are less than prominent, you can use blush to add definition to that area. Choose a color that would naturally show on your cheeks. Using gentle strokes apply in a manner so that the color will add contour to your face shape. My one warning is DO NOT apply blush in a circle. You do not want to appear as though you drew apples on your cheeks. Yikes.

Eye shadow: The common rule with eye shadow is first apply a neutral base color to the lid and brow bone. This color should be close to your natural skin tone. You will then apply a darker shade to the areas you wish to minimize or contour. If you choose, you can also add a shade lighter than your normal skin tone to highlight a specific area.

JJ: Do you have any other tips or tricks you’d like to share?

B: The advice I most offer is, anytime you are going to apply heat to your hair, whether it be blow-drying or flat ironing, ALWAYS use some sort of product first. You want to avoid the damages of the direct heat as much as possible.

JJ: Thank you so much for being here, Barbara! It was great having you!

~Jane

I know I usually do the interviewing, but this time I was interviewed.

It’s posted over at The Deadly Vixens, and the interview was done by a very nice guy named Pandem. I hope you’ll come have a look and leave a comment if you’d like.

Tuesday I’ll be posting [...]]]>

I know I usually do the interviewing, but this time I was interviewed.

It’s posted over at The Deadly Vixens, and the interview was done by a very nice guy named Pandem. I hope you’ll come have a look and leave a comment if you’d like.

Tuesday I’ll be posting an interview that I did with Barbara, a licensed cosmetologist, and she offers some wonderful tips. I hope to see you then.

Hello, fellow texty folk!

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve done a major overhaul on the look and feel of my blog Rudigirl’s World (formerly Rudigirl’s Book World).  The focus will not only be on books but art, music and more.  I joined the CreativeEveryDay challenge this month and will post [...]]]>

Hello, fellow texty folk!

Just wanted to let you know that I’ve done a major overhaul on the look and feel of my blog Rudigirl’s World (formerly Rudigirl’s Book World).  The focus will not only be on books but art, music and more.  I joined the CreativeEveryDay challenge this month and will post about it at Rudigirl’s World.  What is that, you ask?  CreativeEveryDay was started by artist Leah Piken Kolidas in 2008 as a way to infuse her life and the lives of others with daily creativity.  Your creative acts do not have to be art related, but can include cooking, doodling, writing, dancing, brainstorming, what-have-you.  You do not even have to post about it every day.  Post whenever it works for you to do so.  Leah has added a monthly theme this year that you can use or not, it’s up to you.  Click here for more details on this low-key but worthwhile challenge.  To follow my journey, just go to Rudigirl’s World.

I’ve also changed the look of Dreaming in Digital.  This blog will continue to be my place for sorting out thoughts, experimenting with ideas, and ranting and raving about daily life. 

Believe it or not, I’ve created another new blog, A Touch of Inspiration, to help focus my thoughts on more positive matters.  Singer-songwriter, public speaker and creativity consultant Christine Kane, in her Resolution Revolution message, suggests we pick one word that will guide us throughout the year.  Please check out her post to find out why she believes this will help.  After deliberating for a few days, I’ve decided my word will be “inspire” or “inspiration.” I am inspired by so many things and would like to do something with that inspiration but I often run into a wall.  It’s time to break it down.  I think Ms. Kane is on the right track with this idea and so I’ll be following her lead and posting inspirational items at A Touch of Inspiration.  You might ask why I need two different blogs for creativity and inspiration.  Well, I probably don’t.  I just wanted to have one separate place for inspirational items instead of mixing them in with the book reviews, library features, and more that will be posted at Rudigirl’s World.  Besides, I liked both backgrounds, so sue me!  

These three blogs will be where you’ll find me most often, outside of this group blog where I like to hang out with my texty friends. 

On another note, I wanted to let you know about upcoming posts here at Texty Ladies.  Talking as we have been about inspiration, I thought it might be nice to catch up with some of the artists we’ve featured here in the past.  An update on what’s been going on with artist Kathy Ostman-Magnusen will appear next Thursday, January 15th, and I hope to bring you the latest on Natalia Pierandrei and others. 

I’ll also be posting more author and artist interviews, a series of posts about something that’s been on my mind a lot lately, the senses, and more.  I defer to my fellow Texty Ladies, who have more writing experience than me, to bring you the best writing tips and tricks.  I’ll just let you know how my writing is going, fill you in on my trials and tribulations, you can do the same, and maybe we’ll learn from each other.

I hope you’ll check out Rudigirl’s World and A Touch of Inspiration and join me in the CreativeEveryDay challenge and the Resolution Revolution.  I’d love to hear your thoughts on both.  

Thanks for spending time with us here at Texty Ladies.  I hope you’ve had a fabulous start to your new year!

Hugs!

~Pamela