Sunday, January 8, 2012

What's Happening In 2012...

The year of 2012 is looking to be an exciting year for me. As I celebrate my birthday this month, I'm finally doing something that I dreamed about all last year. I'm taking one class a term at the local college. It's not aimed at a degree, just something to keep my mind awake and to gather new information. As I mentioned before, this first class will be a basic computer class so I can find the "on" button.

In my writing journey, I've been laboring over a few of my stories, getting them ready for my new endeavor: e-book publication. I'll be offering a selection of short stories as free reads in preparation for the release of Dragon Kind, in it's revised and completed form. Also, I'm very excited to announce that I'll be working in conjunction with Loretta Stephenson, at Art By Retta, who will be creating some fantastic illustrations for the book! We are both hoping to get this to you later in the year. I'll keep you updated as to our progress.

I've just finished the first draft of a new story, which looks to have some great possibilites in the sci-fi/fantasy arena. Up From Alpha Centauri B will start it's journey through the re-write stage and then editing and then more revisions. You know the process. But I've allowed myself time each day to work on this WIP so the project can move forward.

My final project of the new year is an excercise on how to write a book in twenty chapters. It might sound dull and boring, but the challenge of staying within the structure is a real tickler. I've made it to chapter five without completely tearing out my hair and I have to say that I'm learning a lot about pacing and scene structure. Plus, when I'm done, I'll have another WIP to begin the editing and re-writes on!

I read an interesting thought: "Imagination is your greatest resource. Craft is your hardest lesson."

4 comments:

  1. This year for publication?? Yikes, I'd better double time it, LOL!!

    New year, new adventures. :-)

    And I love that quote you gave at the end. It reminds me of one I have tacked up in my studio by Mr Anonymous:

    "We are all born with the ability to create art... it is not talent, but hard work that makes artists great."

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  2. Retta:
    No rush, no panic. Okay? It's only January and we have 12 months this year. Besides, if we need more time, we'll take it!
    Hugs,
    Karen

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  3. I have original art by Retta, too. It'll make it onto the paperback book cover & I used part of it on the Backworlds cover.

    Hope you're enjoying your class. That book sounds instructive.

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  4. I can't wait to see the art work! The story will be so much better.

    The book is really hard! I'm grateful that I'll have a 20 chapter book out of it when I'm finished. I'm learning so much from it.

    I can't wait to see your paperback cover...

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