A story bounced around in my head for two years. Twelve years later the manuscript was completed! I spent another two years editing and polishing it up.
Why so long to write this story? Well, I was involved in something called 'life': working, teaching, building houses with my bare hands, getting married, etc. So, it took a while. Oh, did I mention writer's block. Yeah, I had that a few times.
In the end, I built up enough confidence to share my work with a terrific writers group. This group tells it as it is. That's what I want. Honesty, whether it hurts or makes you smile. I was in a group where everyone was nice. That was nice, but it didn't help. Everyone in the group had really nice stories--every day--every time--never miss. Impossible! They wanted to be nice. I wanted to sweat and toil. I wanted to see more! I took the door.
Whenever possible, I read about writing. I read novels that are in the genre I am writing in and I listen to what others have to say about writing .
Being consumed in writing this story for such a long time has taught me how much I'd forgotten or what I just didn't know.
For about 30 odd years I wrote poetry whenever the mood struck. I've carefully stashed my poems into a briefcase--for later. Sometimes I make drawings, which relate to the poem. I think of poetry as a canvas with which to paint words. That is what I'd tell my students when I wanted them to write something to be included in their assignments. (I was a computer teacher and a science teacher.)
May-Sept, I displayed artwork in Cushing, ME while we vacationed at the Saltwater Farm Campground. The campground offers a peaceful retreat on the St. George River, not far from Andrew Wyeth's home and the famous Olsen house depicted by Andrew.
Another favorite place is The Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters Cafe, in Hernando, FL. two artworks are on display until December, 2011. If they sell, I will ship another painting to replace them. How exciting is that?
If you enjoy the world's best coffee, go to the Cattle Dog. James, is a wonderful chef and takes pride in roasting a great variety of coffee beans. That is the only coffee I can drink! And, James bakes wonderful pastries. People get there early to grab whatever pastry is left in the display case. Those who come late hang around if they know James is baking a new batch of pastries. I love the sticky rolls with the pecans and brown sugar. There are other good eats as well. You just got to go there. Don't forget to look for my work while you are there!
My current major painting is a portrait of two women from the WWII era. Painting in color from a black and white photo is difficult but doable. It is turning out fine. It will be on my Portraits page soon at www.jomorise.com.
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