The Value of a Creative Mentor

You're creative. You believe to some degree you have talent. You would like to do that creative thing as a job because you LOVE it, BUT you go ahead and do everything except exactly that.
You might even go and do everything else you can possibly do to support that notion. It's helpful, but the mountain is still way in the distance.
I have always enjoyed creativity in many forms. Some years ago I concluded writing was top of my list.
 In regard to that I looked at what I felt confidant about- I loved writing, I believed I had ability, I had enthusiasm and I wanted to be a published author. All good.
I looked at what I thought I had against me- I knew no other writers, I didn't know much about the industry, I didn't know where to start, I wasn't sure who I wanted to write for, I wasn't sure exactly how good my work was.
All the things I thought stood between me and being published I worked on- I joined writer and author societies, I made writer friends, I attended work-shops and courses, I talked to authors, I had manuscript appraisals, I read books on writing and publishing, I looked up things on the Internet.
At the end of that, I finally felt I knew what I was doing, who I wanted to write for, how good my writing was and I knew all the steps I needed to take to get published. Now I only had to write!
Of course I wrote little snippets regularly and I'd written some children's stories. I had a few ideas for novels.
People encouraged me- friends, family, industry professionals. All green lights. Then the biggest green light flashed in my face- A YEAR OF TIME. That's right, all my complaints about struggling to write amid part-time work and family life ceased to be a reason. I had a whole year ahead of me and I envisioned the novels, plural, I would get finished and return from my year, ready to knock on a publishers door with their new bestseller. I couldn't wait!
After some initial busyness caused by moving abroad, I finally got down to writing. A Few months had passed but I still had loads of time. And I did write. Some days.
 I had a few obstacles I'm sure didn't speed my progress- writing is an isolated occupation and outside of that I had little social life (living in a new country). I was living in a new country I wanted to see, not from the window. Also, I had left behind more or less my little network of writer friends.
My progress was slow and I lost my focus. My days of writing slipped. I was frustrated and grumpy and had no one to discuss my work with. Suddenly I was two thirds through my writing year and wasn't anywhere near the goals I hoped to achieve. I hit a really creative low-point.
I read some inspiring and soul searching books and was starting to feel enthused and hopeful again when lo and behold  the opportunity to have a three month mentorship jumped out onto the path before me. It seemed like the exact thing that I needed and I jumped at the idea.
This  turned out to be the MOST VALUABLE STEP in my whole long flight of creative stairs.
I mean, I have had some brilliant epiphany's along the way and over the years, but their value is somewhat diminished if these trees we build never bear fruit.
During the next three months my mentor,  Karen ( http://www.karenscottboyd.com/home ) spoke with me every week by phone and mail. These sessions were formal but I could contact her more or less whenever I needed by email.
Some of my sessions with her were practical- how to get the writing actually done, and other sessions were more holistic and looked at the mind, body and spirit focus of what I was doing- my health, my thoughts, my habits, my attitude.
 Karen brought me very gently along, supporting my work with genuine interest and encouragement and providing me with invaluable new tools to bring out the professional writer in me. At the end of the three months, not only had I done more writing in a set time than I had ever done in my life, but I understood myself a lot better and was working more steadily than I had ever managed before towards my goals.
 I finally have a completed manuscript AND, Karen helped me put together a cover letter for an agent, plus  helped me think about marketing and several other areas for the future I hadn't even thought about. She helped prepare me, not just to be a productive writer, but a successful author.
 And, I learnt how to do all these things for myself, so that I could keep going once my time with my mentor was done.
I simply couldn't ask for more (except of course if she had also been head of a publishing house;)
Unless you are lucky enough to have a very good friend in the industry, I can't think of anyone more valuable to help you reach your goals than a mentor- especially one who specialises in helping creative people.
If you've ticked all the other boxes, or are in the middle of doing so because that's all you can seem to get out of yourself, then I cannot more highly recommend the use of a mentor- in fact wouldn't it be great if we all just had one anyway? Just think what we might achieve!

Don't Die With the Words Still Inside

Last night I read a small sentence which completely horrified me. It was- "And die with the words still inside you."
This could easily translate to whatever creative passion drives you, but for me personally, writing is the parcel I feel compelled to deliver before death do I part. Surely then, I need only draw a picture of a headstone with my own name on it and some words like 'Beloved Author and Artist'to give me something feel-good to work toward. Uh-huh.
Let's face it though; not doing what floats your boat is like not getting your life letter in the mailbox. How badly you feel about that varies person to person. Personally it terrifies me.Surely then this is top-notch motivation. A clear vision. An undisputed goal. Of course, and I will be there with bells on, just after I check my e-mail...
I read that earlier dire sentence in an excellent compilation of 50 life lessons, written by one Regina Brett. They are gathered up into a neat little book called 'Life's Little Detours' and I highly recommend it. My quote comes from a piece entitled- "A writer is someone who writes. If you want to be a writer, write."
Brett was once asked what makes a writer. She replied that she wasn't really sure, but she did know what DIDN'T make a writer. She then writes a long and comprehensive list of all the usual excuses we find not to write/paint/compose. You will blush when you read it, because most of your 'Reasons' or simply excuses are listed here. Ouch. You can rate them from valid and genuine to pathetic, but the fact is, they are all time spent not doing what you know full well in your heart you should be doing.
Isn't it silly that if someone told you you were not allowed to write/draw/paint etc ever again you would look at them like they were insane- "As if anyone can stop me!Ha!" And yet, many days and in many ways, we are our own worst enemy. How did we change our fear of not doing, to a fear of doing? Figuring this out, may seem valid, but it's just another waste of time!
Instead, each day, 'say' what you were born to say,because you love it, because it makes you feel alive and it just feels damn right. Make a choice while you can.

The Pleasant Torture Of Writer's Festivals

A few days ago I attended the 3rd Sutherland Shire Writers Festival at Gymea. The event promised a good line up of esteemed writers and illustrator's, most of them for children and teens. Bring on the fun!
The day did not pan out as I imagined however. After two excellent presentations by writers Oliver Phommavanh and Melina Marchetta, I had taken down some juicy notes and my head was brimming with ideas and writing wisdom.
No sooner had that finished than I had a manuscript consultation with author Sue Whiting of Walker Books.
No matter how lovely Sue is and that I have now met her half a dozen times, I still got so nervous touting my literary wares that my knees became caffeinated crabs under the desk and I had to speak through a nervously clenched jaw.If Sue felt any alarm or pity towards me, she thoughtfully hid it.
The advice I got was excellent. Amazing how you can read your piece 17 times and never notice obvious flaws until you sit in front of an editor- and they haven't even spoken yet!(It's like getting dressed in a posh frock, doing your hair and make-up and after some self-admiration in the mirror, you head out into the sun only to notice the big juice stain down your dress!)
Sue was encouraging and the appraisal was well worth the cost, but after I got out of there, I couldn't possibly face a workshop or more talks. If I can compare the moment (forgive my addiction to analogies) to being fed delicious hor d'ourves and they're bloody wonderful and you're scoffing them down, but they just keep coming and no matter how good, you just can't keep going.
Instead I walked outside into the heat and climbed up on a little wall like a jigging child. I thawed out from the air-con and flicked through my notes. I couldn't ignore the fact I was simply busting to write. There was nothing for it but to leave.
When my husband came home at lunchtime, he found me, with surprise on the computer.
HUSBAND-Oh you're home! Err...was the festival okay?
ME- Yeah, it was great! That's why I'm home and writing.
HUSBAND-Uh, okay.
And I'm afraid this is pretty much what happens to me every time at Festivals, but usually I stick it out, feeling nothing short of lobotomised at the end.
It would be just great at these shindigs if there were two hours of talks and then two hours of scribbling. Fill the jug, empty the jug.

Perhaps my jug is just too small!

Studio Pigsty

These last two weeks have been more or less only artwork as I work towards meeting a self-imposed dead-line. The dead-line had a most tasty carrot - my bookstore agreeing to sell (on commission) some of my illustrations. Hooray!
Really it was about time that I asked. Previously I had moaned about all the comments people were giving to another illustrator's work displayed there.
I whinged to my boss who bluntly said "Well, she got her finger out and did those. Where's yours?" My inner whinge bag procrastinator needed that slap. And so here I am, ready to pop my own work onto a wall. It will be interesting since I will obviously hear some comments, not all positive, but a great opportunity to learn more and, hopefully sell some of my work.
I gave this blog that particular title because I wanted to show you the area I work in. I might add, I don't normally wear a hat, but had been out and come home and headed straight down to work. I am a shocker at working in whatever clothes- good or bad I am wearing when the urge to create takes me( about the time the dishes need doing)
I am tremendously lucky to have a studio under our house. It is also our storage area. Growing up,my Mum always said my room was a pigsty. As shown by my picture, it still is. I know other people are very tidy and neat. I tend to think in circles and fragments and am not very ordered. I have had to learn to be a bit practical to manage a home, work and family, but in my studio, I get to let my inner slob be herself- I never loose things and I produce good stuff during happy hours of play/work. It gets a furious tidy after each session of projects. In the meantime, I love my sty as it is- a creative chaos with me as it's mistress.

Photoscape Phun

A friend put me onto the free Photoscape photo software which I have gone really wacky on as you will see from my pics.
Like Photoshop but need something cheaper and simpler- try photoscape! Worth giving the lovely people a donation for their great product.
These are from my day at Bonnie Vale. I do so love being an amateur photographer. These were taken on a 4 year old Nikon Coolpix P4.

Author/Illustrator Interview

As no-one has rung me for an interview yet, I thought I'd jump the gun by making one up. I doesn't hurt to practice surely? Prepare to be moved, inspired, etc.

JANET- Natalie, you've written hundreds of stories, poems, plays, newsletters, cornflake commercials and indeed, painted murals, canvasses, drawn pictures, tattooed and chalked on your driveway.

NATALIE (Me actually-isn't this exciting?!)- That's right Janet.

JANET- So how much of your work has been taken on by a real publisher then?

NATALIE-(Pause) Er, that would be 'null' Janet.

JANET- Null?

NATALIE- Actually, it's pronounced 'nool' as in rhymes with 'wool'. I'ts how my German grandmother would say "None, zero etc" which in English translates as "None, zero etc". Very similar meaning.

JANET- Right. Ah, why is that Natalie? You obviously have the urge and some talent.

NATALIE- That's a good question Janet. Perhaps you could ask me a different one.

JANET- oh, okay (looks flustered). Why do you have short hair these days? Is it a feminist statement?

NATALIE- Right. No, actually. Though I do believe very much in the feminist train of thought. I just think it stopped half way along the tracks. Long way to go yet, so "All aboard. Toot, toot etc" No really the hair is because I don't have a lot of time and this length works on my dog- she doesn't look too bad in the morning. Dog clippers work on human hair it turns out.

JANET- Ahhh..

NATALIE- Anything else? I really need to update my Facebook status- "being interviewed LOL"

JANET- Well, I had intended to ask what advice you might give budding writers and artists but..

NATALIE- No I can do that. Hmmm, well- for a start, don't take any negativity from parents or teachers. They were given negativity about their stuff and that is why they are now sulky. Break the cycle and ignore them.
Then I would say- immerse yourself in what you love, not like in a bath or pool or anything- just read loads, check out art and most important- do loads of it yourself.
Find other like-minded (wacky) people, join groups etc (regular folk will get bored with you going on) and network, network, network! (check out my blog! I'm on facebook too!). Oh, and find some discipline. I had none and this became a 35 year old problem. Pretending you will die in a year is good motivation (readers who really are going to die within the year-sorry- but you can still get loads done in a few hours so cheer up:-)). Also I now get up at 5am and because my eyes are glazed with sleep, I don't seem to notice the ironing or the messy kitchen which would otherwise distract me- but weirdly not my children. Huh.

JANET- Okay, well thanks Na-

NATALIE- Oh, just a little more (shove Janet aside gently and get close to mic or camera), enter lots of competitions with short stories since you will have them to spare -you can't be precious about them all. Because sometime, some kind sod will give you good feedback and this will help. And lastly don't seek approval from others- beleive in yourself!!!
Was that okay Janet? Was I alright?

JANET- Uh, thankyou again Natalie for your compelling and er, well-researched advice.

NATALIE- No Thankyou Janet. Not a problem. Less than an hours work on Google!

Rockin' Writer's Bod (or attempts to that end)

A phrase keeps popping into my head. Actually it is the title of a book at work- “The Practice of Writing.” It clanged a really big bell in my head because, to write well, one must actually write and if I do not do it every day, then I will not improve.
I think a writers mind (or anyone creative) is like a body. By writing every day I take this body for some exercise, which builds tone and muscle and feels pretty good too. Sometimes I wonder just from writing each day how I will get better at it, with no other input. Well somehow I do, but like a body, there are definitely other factors involved- good food, fresh air, sunshine, laughter, conversation with others, spirituality, love. These are things my physical body needs. As a writer, my brain body translates these things as: reading great books and books on writing, jotting down fresh ideas into paper. Keeping a sense of humour, doing things that make me laugh, doing things that inspire like going for a walk and appreciating the beauty around me (seems easy in the greener areas but in the city I marvel at the history and atmosphere and also the cleverness of architects and trades people). Getting together with like minded people for a brainstorm- always gives me a recharge, noting conversations around me: listening to the structure and tone and emotion and grinning over peoples gorgeous accents from wherever. Doing what I love (easiest way of living in the moment)and getting out in nature is spiritual for me. And having people who love me support me, and me doing the same in turn and the lovely feeling that giving freely, gives back.
So I think that whilst writing every day can give you a rockin’ writers bod (still working out here), the life that you expose that body to, is a vital part of total writing health too.
As Richard Simmons said "Get up and squeeze..."

Illustrating for Self-Publishers

Another thing I got to do recently, was visit a writer to discuss illustrations for a great new story. I listened to her book idea and we discussed the age of the intended audience and also illustration styles and ideas. I find working for self-published people very different from the idea of a traditional illustrator, who is hired on the grounds of their style, and left more or less to their own ideas.
With self-publishers, the writer often has a strong idea of how they see the pictures, and though usually a bit flexible, they want you to come up with their vision, more or less.
This can be tricky, because you have your own thoughts, so it has to be a compromise. You have have to try and understand how they want to see it and introduce your own concepts and improvements to that. It really is a collaboration. And, depending on your agreement (get it signed in writing always) you may be parting with your pictures forever at the end, so make sure you factor that into the fee, because your work may get used by them for other things. It's a bit of a learning curve at times! One other thing I just wanted to say was that sometimes books you are asked to illustrate are being funded by a grant or done for charity. It's at your own discretion of course, but don't rip yourself off because it is being done for a good cause. The book may be funded, but the people you work for are generally working for a wage, so why shouldn't you? You can always give a little extra for free, but you deserve to be paid for your hard work (however fun!).

Reading Books Via Video

This week, via video link-up I got to speak to hundred of children around NSW, for Book Week. I got to pretend I was real author and read my book and answer questions to 11 different schools. Thought a bit nerve-wracking, I thought I was doing a dignified job until, suddenly I had to join with the other author to do a rendition of 'The Wheels on the Bus', complete with actions. Well, I am not beyond acting like a goose, but I prefer to choose my own moments! In any case, though apparently I laughed a fair bit, I got through it and the children seemed to enjoy having a sing along. This was all done via video link-up using smart-board technology. What a planet-friendly way to visit schools- marvellous! The possibilities of these wonderful tools are endless. The other day for instance, my sons English class got to read through a play with another school, sharing the roles between them. So Cool!
All in all it was a really fun experience and I feel lucky to have had this opportunity. Thanks universe!

Living Fully and Creatively

The Artist's Way book has been a valuable tool for my creative recovery and continues to be so. It amazes me (but in a way, not) how relevant each chapter is for that particular week in my life. So, the pot is well stirred, the juices are flowing and lots of wonderful projects are in my life, offering me passage once again down the road to creative fulfilment and extreme happiness. But, the truth is, I've been here before. Many many times. It most certainly is a first step, but obviously it isn't quite enough for me, else I wouldn't be here. Again.
The universe obviously listened because I went into work at the bookstore, and one small white book was on the bench(with a beam of sunlight falling on it!. Just kidding) , waiting to be put away. I'd never seen it before, so I picked it up to have a look. It was called 'The Art of Uncertainty' by Dennis Merritt Jones. I had a quick look through it and knew it was exactly what I needed. I have been reading it, bit by bit ever since (small nibble and time to digest) and my life has been changing dramatically as I go. It is about many things and I haven't finished yet, but mostly it's about living consciously (though I have many books on that) and leaning out over the void of uncertainty and bravely, stepping off. It's also about listening to the 'stories' you tell in your life that reinforce negative patterns "I'm no good with money", "I never finish projects", etc. Also it is about noticing the ruts in your life and, not only explaining how to leave them, but remains with you while you do it. I have read many books on 'life tools' but they don't stay with you for the duration.
So I have my ticket and now I have my companion for the journey and she is simply me, being conscious and being brave for as long as it takes to leave forever these trenches, this mile-deep maze, made by me.
I'll send postcards I promise.

Harry Potter Party

Direct from the icepack on my head, I finally have a party to report!
Last Saturday we had our (now) annual mid-winter celebration. This year, it was obvious I had to choose Harry Potter as the theme. Hence I have been preparing over the last month, with lots of set and prop-making, food ideas and considering of costume. In other words, I have been having a lot of fun playing!
I hired a magician for entertainment. This wasn't so easy as most of these people work through agencies and it all costs big bucks. Also, though the theme may be based on YA books, this was a party for grown-ups. Luckily the wonderful Harry Mak volunteered and his show certainly helped make the evening magical.
Some people dressed up, (costumes were excellent), others wore black, but I think everybody had a lot of fun getting into the spirit (and butterbeer) of the evening.
A very lovely friend also made me my own set of Olivander wands. I was just as excited as if I had been at the store itself!

Harry Potter Fun

It was obvious, as I jumped up and down with excitement over the Harry Potter poster at work today, that the expression on my co-worker's face was not that of enthused delight. Alarm? Pity? It was hard to tell as I was too busy looking at Harry, Ron and Hermione and getting very excited about the final movie installment this week. I'm devastated too, like any fan, than this is the last morsel we shall be fed...but let's go with the happy thoughts shall we?
I'm torn of course; I really want to see the movie, but will be too busy preparing for my Harry Potter party this coming weekend, to go.
I just spent a week away with my family. Well, we were in the same location but they were doing sporting stuff involving snow (looks lovely but is really cold and wet) and I was indoors: warm, drawing,writing and sitting at a table drinking hazelnut hot chocolate whilst looking out at the mountains. Not too shabby. Among my activities were some decorations for the party which were a lot of fun to make. Just a lot of colouring- in hours. And I found a gorgeous mate at the shops...

The Artist's Way to Harry Potter

Theres one thing I had forgotten the joy of recently until I was grinning like an idiot, elbow deep in Derwents, and that is playing.
My self-led artists recovery course happens to co-incides with our annual Mid-winter party. This is a yearly excuse for me to decorate our house in some kind of theme and have a party to celebrate mid-winter (I celebrate the winter, my husband the end of it). As the final Harry Potter movie is to be released [ :-)/:-( ] about the same time, it seemed an excellent theme for the party. I usually do make some effort at props and styling, but this year, reconnecting with my creativity has meant I have become, well, obsessed. Ideas are coming out like a clay pigeon shooter and though I have no idea how I will have the time to do them all, the main thing is that I am having a ball (albeit alone on my little nerdy planet- "I solemnly swear I am up to no good."). This opportunity to play with something fun has been a great party-starter for my brain. I promise to proudly show off whatever ridiculous lengths my playing reaches!
If you have lost your creative joy, try putting on a themed party, make a cubby house, design your dream campervan, make a clay gargoyle or put on some eyeliner and do Singstar. You know your inner child wants too!

The Artist's Way

I haven't posted here for a quite a while. I admit the reason was, that for much of this year, I found myself in a creative vacuum.
At the end of last year I had been given a green light to send my manuscript in to a publishing house. All I had to do was rewrite it for a teen audience. Duh! I was relieved that I had new found direction and you would expect then, having been given such a good opportunity, I would tuck right in and do the job. But I didn't. Admittedly it was a busy time of year with retail work and school holidays, but an excuse is only an excuse if you use it. And I did.
Months later and feeling like some invisible opportunity door was closing, I began, but I struggled to write. I wondered whether my novel was not meant to be for teens. I just couldn't work out my inability to write. Things trickled to a halt. I gave myself deadlines I ignored. I had stopped doing any art as well. My work areas became cluttered and became more fodder for the excuse mill.
It wasn't until I worked hard at clearing all my excuses and sat down to work that I realised I was in serious trouble. There was nothing there. I didn't feel like writing and my art was reluctant and feeble. I did try to do it anyway. Anyone creative knows you can't rely on the fickleness of creative moods.Bum-glue was administered. Still, nothing happened.
I continued to attend a few writing and art related things but I felt hollow and empty. I didn't want to be there and I felt like an impostor and an outsider. I found it hard to listen to other creative people and I didn't want to talk about my problem because I could hear how miserable and dead I sounded. Eww, who wanted to listen to that? I didn't!
Anyway, after one particular bout of creative constipation, I sat down to find a book to kick-start some inspiration. My eyes fell on my copy of 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron. Ten years ago I was going through a troubled time creatively and the universe sent three random strangers to mention this book to me. I thought "Okay I get it!" and bought the book. It is a self-led 12 week course on creative recovery. It worked like a dream then, and I felt it would work again.
Aside from having to write out three pages of whatever is in your head each morning, and to take yourself out for an inspiration date each week, the book contains lots of great quotes and exercises for you to do, all related to helping you recover creatively.
So, two weeks ago I began the course once again and noticed almost immediately that the universe lined me up with some small and easily digestible opportunities, positive and encouraging people and a tiny yearning to get creative. I still have another 10 weeks to go and who knows what will happen after that, but I will certainly put whatever happens down here. In the meantime...
"Hi, My name is Natalie and I'm an artist."

Christmas Reading Miracles

Shake up your Ventolin puffer in preparation, Christmas is almost upon us. Ah, how I wish I were living in Little Women and I could present my children with two pencils and a sheet of paper, over which they would frolic and exclaim and view me with loving, moist eyes.
Instead I have a long list of what appear to be weapons of mass destruction and highly advanced technological contraptions. I stare at my children over breakfast and wonder if they are planning to take over the world. I know that if Santa coughs up the goodies he won't get much gratitude, but at least the kids will be happy as they hunt each other down in the street with Nerf Guns. Honestly, I banned guns since forever but as soon as they could work out how to arrange their chubby little fingers into a gun shape, they've been making fake guns. Aged 14 and 11 I have given in, based on the idea that they are running around at least in the fresh air and sunshine instead of getting a tan from the monitor or TV.
One kind of pressie which will get one of my children excited is books. Of course working in a bookstore means I am spoilt for choice, and I need to be as my other teen child is a non-reader extreme. The solution? Graphic Novels. Younger kids can be started on Captain Underpants (They're new book OOk and Gluk, Kung-fu Cavemen from the Future is pretty funny too) and of course the unbelievably popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid (actually have I told the story of how we had an author event for kids about the marvels of the universe and instead of listening to the lovely astrophysicist, two kids just sat there and read Diary of Wimpy Kid, in the front row, right in front of the guy). Anyway and then there is the wonderful classics of Tin Tin and Asterix and then you have the Alex Rider novels and then right through to stuff for older kids on everything from the classics to new stuff (there is a pretty good Twilight too). The other day our store even got a graphic novel on the Dalai Lama. Amazing! Anyway, if it gets them to read, do it. Graphic novels are just the kind of miracle this Christmas fairy needed.

Writers Festival

Up I got this morning, just after five, bursting at the seams to write. It was pleasant for a while lying in bed thinking- " But what would my character do if I changed this... and that...Hmmm." But eventually it's off to wake Mr Computer (who kindly never comments on my morning appearance) and start tapping away.
Yesterday I was fortunate to attend a great writers festival locally. This was the 2nd Sutherland FAW (Federation of Australian Writers) festival, and, as last time, they did a marvellous job for everybody.
The lineup of lovely authors (and illustrators) was: Deb Abela, William Kostakis, Marelle Day, Annie West, Cathleen Ross, Ruthie May, Leigh Hobbs, and Sue Whiting. What a delicious smorgasbord of advice, tips, wisdom and shared experience!
I know these people all get paid a little something, but at the end of the day, they are people giving up their weekend time to give tips and inspiration to aspiring (published) writers like me.
Not only was the main program of speakers on offer, but also a writing for kids workshop and a romance writers workshop. And for dessert, if you wished it, a manuscript appraisal, this one with Sue Whiting, well-known children's author and Publishing Manager at Walker Books.
Of course, I certainly had the mousse! Manuscript appraisals are sooo valuable. I highly recommend them. Among other things, they can help make pivotal decions about your work. This was only my second appraisal ever (my first had been with Mark McLeod)and as usual I came over all terrified and am sure, uttered some words with several letters of the alphabet missing. The air conditioning was up pretty high, so perhaps I also had partial brain-freeze. Anyway, bottom line is, luckily my manuscript was being appraised and not my ability to vocalise a complete sentence.Sue gave me some really valuable advice and threw some really pertinent questions at me. AND, she very kindly offered, that once finished, she would be happy to look at my manuscript. I was a bit fuggy (yes, with a 'u') in the brain by this stage and though I am sure I grinned happily and said thank you, it wasn't till afterwards that it dawned on me, how great an opportunity that was.
If you are old enough, you will remember the TV show Get Smart. I kinda think of getting published as the set of doors that Maxwell Smart has to get through at the beginning of the show and yesterday, I got given access to door two (I imagine about 8). Hence I am up before even the dogs this morning (we all look like we use the same stylist) tapping away with new vigour. Door three, your days are numbered.

Rosso and a Mixed Bag

Work may be busy, but there's always time for some creative cutting and pasting (sans computer) when a table display is needed. With Tim 'Rosso' Ross due this Saturday (1pm- come along for the fun!)we came up with a display which, dare I say is really pretty cool.Everything is made from paper- pretty good origami eh?! That's my 1985 typewriter in the foreground as well. Hope Rosso enjoys the effort we put in!
And finally, though I have been really busy, I managed to do a thank you picture for some friends of their dog Coco. It's only about 6 months late, but better than never. I have to admit, it was thoroughly enjoyable having a colouring pencil in my hand again.
Two other bits of fun that have happened- I have an invitation to my first book launch, that I actually had something to do with- a self-published book that I illustrated will be launched at my sons school later this month. Not only do I get to go along as a guest of honour but my son will do a little review on it, which though lovely to be asked, he couldn't really get out of as it's on Speech day jitters!
Second fun bit is the addition of two new family members- Sparkler and Cracker- awwwww, so cute!

The Adventures of Rose Tall

At work I put my name down to do 'Story time' with visiting children.
"Would you like a name?" my boss asked, preparing the flyer to advertise the event.
"Er, maybe...I don't know." I felt as though someone had asked me if I wanted to name my sneakers. Well, I could, but was it necessary? Still, previous story-tellers had used costumes, props and names, so who was I to be Miss Boring?
The next morning when I awoke, a name had popped into my head. Rose Tall. An acronym of Reader Of Stories Every Tuesday At 11. I was suitably impressed, yet disturbed by this little creation, as was my boss in turn. Sure it was clever, but what kind of nutter brewed that in her head in the night?
Yet a name wasn't enough. I decided costuming for specific stories was not my thing, so thinking of traditional Story-tellers I wondered if I might get a cloak. My local Tree of Life had no cloaks left with Summer on it's way, but I did manage to get a vastly discounted voluminous crushed velvet jackety shirt thing. On this I sewed buttons. Each button was a prompt for a traditional fairy-tale. A diamante glass one was Cinderella. A giant brown one Jack and the Beanstalk etc. Though I would read from books, I thought it might be an icebreaker talking point. Okay, I was set.
The first appointed time rolled round. I set up my seat in the corner of the kids section, I practised a rhyme about my name to help people remember (gosh yes, it's worth worrying about) and waited for the little folk to arrive and promptly be dazzled by my witty one-liners and thoughtful costuming.
One family of two children turned up. I looked at my seat in the corner and decided it would be ridiculous so we sat together on the long seat. Basically I read to the one little girl. Her brother, being about 16 months, simply pulled books off all the shelves around us. The little girl, lets call her Cindy, was delighted with the first story and I swelled with pride;hey it was only one kid, but she was loving it!
I think her mum was getting into the story too. However story number two was obviously boring as all buggery and I had to really wing it by shortening it as I went and making it rather more exciting to keep her attention, Frankly we were all distracted now by little brother emptying the shelves, and I only just made it to the finish line, where we all sighed in relief and praised the wonders of book one.
The following week, when no-one showed at all, my boss, genius that she is, went out on the street and spruiked storytime until one Mum, possibly out of fear, came in. She had two girls. Lets call them Pixie and Lily. Once again we sat on the bench as I felt silly sitting in a corner and plonking them on a rug. And this was where I made my mistake. Pixie liked climbing equipment and apparently I qualified. She was a very friendly tactile little girl who, beside trying to climb all over me as I struggled to read, kept trying to look at my necklace, bracelet, the buttons on the chair. Lily was a little needy of concentration so her Mum would ask regularly in a nice voice, "Are you listening sweetie." Eventually the little girl, aged about 4 whipped around with a firece face and held a fist to her mothers nose. Boy, did I finish storytime quickly. "We'll come back another time." promised the Mum when leaving.
"Heh, heh." was all I managed.
And yet, I am learning a load, some of which is young children only laugh at slapstick, not wit and, if you work with little kids, be prepared for anything!

Wonky Donkey and the Supernatural

As they say, there's no rest for the wicked! Work has been busy busy busy but I'm enjoying it immensely and I'm not just saying that in case my manager reads this! I was just saying the other day how great it is, working in a place where people look happy as soon as they walk in the door, as opposed to my job of old when people would come in with a grimace and ask where we kept the haemorrhoid creams.
Aside from the general enjoyment of being surrounded by books, beautiful stationary and gifts, I had the excitement of being involved with two recent author events that our store ran.
Firstly, one evening we had the lovely Karina Machado come visit to talk about her book Spirit Sister's, which is a collection of real supernatural experiences had by various Australian women. It was a fascinating evening listening to Karina talk about her favourite stories and what it was like interviewing these people. It's the kind of book anyone would find fascinating.
More recently we had Kiwi Craig Smith of Wonky Donkey fame, come entertain children and grown-ups alike with his books and music. If you have a child five or under, I highly recommend his book which has a CD of the song on it. Kids seem unable to resist it! The story/song is one of those building up styles, like There was an old woman who swallowed a fly, and I kept wondering how Craig went, singing it day after day on his tour. I got a chance to ask him when he visited and he replied that he loved to see the reaction on the children's faces and indeed we had lots of kids jiggling about and clapping and laughing along. If you ever get a chance to see Craig perform somewhere, go along as he really does make it fun for everyone. His new book is called Wilbee the Bumblebee.

An Education

In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie, to his great delight is shown with the other children into the heart of the Wonka factory, that delightful garden of treats. In Natalie and the Story Factory, Natalie walks into a book version of the same thing and is equally overcome in a good way.
Working in a gorgeous shop surrounded by books is not a bad way to spend your working day!I have certainly landed on my feet, though both of them are quite sore.I forgot how hard standing up all day can be and these pins aren't getting any younger! I am getting used to it though and haven't fallen asleep in my dinner for at least four days.
Old age aside, my new job , though busy, is great fun. I am really happy to have been assigned the children's section and look forward to getting better acquainted with the 2600 books I have yet to read. What a labour of love eh?! Hence I am madly reading everything I can get my hands on to sort the chaff from the grain. At our store we can put up book reviews, so what grains I come across, I have great pleasure in writing up a little review for. I have warned my shop manager that I may plaster the place in them. But of course it's hard not to share a great read.
All in all, I have begun what I feel is a most excellent education in the art of great writing, and better still I get paid to do this course!