Greetings on the fine October 31st! Whether you are preparing for spooky costumes and tricks and treats, or gathering together with friends, family, or your community to celebrate the end of the harvest, celebrating your ancestors, or welcoming the dark of winter ahead, I hope you are blessed this holiday season.
It has been a bit since I’ve posted anything, but I have not been idle. My developmental edits for my first book are complete and I am preparing for copy and line edits next. While that process marches slowly onward, I have started researching agents and the querying process, which is vexing to say the very least.
Add in the current state of our world and you have a recipe that is not supportive or encouraging for a creative mind.
I want to be writing book two. I want to get lost in my fictional world where I am in control of the events and the outcomes but not matter how hard I stare at my computer screen or the blank paper before me, I can’t seem to conjure any creativity.
Instead, I have been reading.
Normally, I would read and post a review of each book ( I still post a star rating on goodreads.com or Amazon) but alas, that hasn’t happened either.
Since my last review post, I have read four books.
The Colour of Magic by Sir Terry Pratchett – I’m not sure if my head wasn’t in the right place when I read this but I am glad it was not my first exposure to the Discworld. I probably wouldn’t have read another if this had been my first. For me, it was chaotic and hard to follow.
Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe – Every once in a while I like to throw something classic into the mix and I have often heard the phrase Faustian bargain so I thought I’d check it out.
The Undiscovered Self by Carl Jung – the unconscious mind has always intrigued me and Dr Jung is brilliant. This book talks about humanity’s true nature and the need for individuals to resist the pressures of the masses and threats posed by those in power. It hit a little close to home (lately anyhow) but I enjoyed this book.
Irish Witchcraft from an Irish Witch by Lora O’Brien – I try to read as many authentic Irish materials as I can out of love and appreciation for the culture of my ancestors and to support authentic Irish creators, but also to research for my own purposes to respectfully portray the folklore and mythology in my fantasy novel. As always, Lora’s knowledge and method of presenting and providing that knowledge is unmatched. I am grateful for teachers like Lora who give of themselves to bring the rich Irish culture to those of us who are drawn to it. Read Lora’s books.
It could and probably has been said that this season reminds us of how beautiful endings can be and so, with that in mind, I am making this post to renew my creative fervor, and since Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month, for my non-writer friends) begins tomorrow, I am going to announce to the universe my intention to be creative every day, even when I don’t feel like it, for as long as I can.
Wish me luck!
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