"Feminist Art Project"

One of the worthy projects that is sweeping the nation is called the "Feminist Art Project that is based out of Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Tonight I went to a meeting to see what's going on in the art world relating to this project. Some of the artists are very motivated, and a few have their own galleries.
I originally signed on as a writer/poet, but, since I started working with this group, my art has been displayed in various venues. The latest one that I am in is the Sister Sister Exhibit at Izzy's Raw Art Gallery. The coordinator of Michigan's Feminist Art Project was familiar with this show, and glad that one of the participants in her group is showing work there.
In addition, my book, "Woman Reclining" is mentioned on the web site through Rutgers University. I feel that there are a lot of artists out there who are unaware of this project. I'd like to either curate and exhibit or propose a poetry reading revolving around this project, or a specific show. I figure in 2007 I'll have a better idea as I'll try to plan something later in the year.
At any rate it was an interesting meeting!
Tonight is the race to the finish line for those who are still working on National Novel Writing Month. I'm truly glad that I wrote my 175 pages........I know, I know, it's going to be fun to download all of that and print it out..............
Maybe after January 1st, I'll tackle that project. Right now, I'll take a break from it and work on other projects................

Musings On National Novel Writing Month

I have added a few hundred words to my novel for this year's National Novel Writing Month. It's kind of sad that it's over, but, I am working on one of my writing books right now, so hopefully I'll have that done in December. I'd like to have the manuscript submitted by the end of 2006.
I am excited that my words are taking shape and that the idea I had for this one writing book is going to be more of a diary type book. It'll contain entries from this blog, as well as new ones. I want to inspire other writers to follow their hearts and write. Even if they can't pen the words yet, they'll have the ability to follow the life of another artist. I know I've always enjoyed reading about the writing journey of others!
At any rate my schedule will be jam packed with events from now on. If you are in the Plymouth area in Michigan on December 10th 2006, please stop by the Book Cellar & Cafe to say hi and perhaps buy a book from me. I profiled this book store in October, and the response to the article has been favorable. Both of the book store owners were pleased with the story and the outcome from it. My article is hanging inside the store too.
When I stopped by the other day to drop off books at Michigan Made and More, which is next door to the Book Cellar and Cafe, I saw a young lady standing in front of the window reading my poster which showcases my book, "Woman Reclining". I'll have to make up some more book covers for other businesses that'll carry my book.
It was a surreal moment, and one that made my day! Now, if she'll go inside and buy my book...........
http://outskirtspress.com/womanreclining

IT'S OVER!

I did it! I accomplished my goal for November..............I wrote over 50,000 words for National Novel Writing Month..........The bells and whistles silently sang when I hit the 50,000 word mark. I've written a bit more, and may pen a few more words in the next day or two. It was a worthwhile venture and I encourage you as a writer to stretch your imagination and try something that seems extremely difficult to do. Many times, I sat at the computer key board staring at the screen trying to fill it up with meaniful prose. Most times, it was anything but......I feel now that after writing around so many pages that it'll be fun to continue writing. Whether this novel will become a best seller is anyone's guess..........Well, it'll be awhile before that happens!
I am happy that I've had this opportunity, and it's another writing credential that I can share with others............Hopefully it'll inspire you and other readers to take the next step in your writing career or any career for that matter. When you pursue something that you love, you are bound to be successful!
One of the reasons I put my self through this project is to motivate me to write and publish three more books in the next year or so. The ones that I am planning on are two books of non-fiction, and another poetry book. These lofty goals will keep me busy for quite a while.
My writing adventure begins now.................
http://outskirtspress.com/womanreclining

National Novel Writing Month Is Almost Over!

I've hit the 40,000 word mark tonight and it's been a lot of work. I have plenty of writing to do, and by composing this document I've come up with some great ideas for a novel or book. I even wrote one poem in it. Who knows, maybe the creative juices will continue to flow and I'll be more inspired into the next day!
Right now, I've got to take a break as I've been writing and editing for the past few hours. I'm working on wrapping up another manuscript to help the author get published over the next couple of months. I wish all writers would realize that editing is not something that can be done in a day or two, or that one edit perfects a manuscript. It takes a lot more than that...........
At any rate, my writing is complete for this day............

National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month began on November 1st and today being Nov 8th, I've kept up with my writing at this point. I have written over 15,000 words, some of it is good, some not so great, and some in between. The point is to write and create as much as one can in a month's time. That's a whole lot of responsibility, yet, if I and other writers do this we could write a whole lot of books! That's kind of neat if you think about it!
I can't write too much here, or I won't be able to continue on my writing trek today, so, keep on writing, and reach for the stars!

Midnight Musings

I probably should write a few more words this evening. If you are interested in reading my updated profile please do so as you'll learn a little bit more about me, and you can also log onto my webpage through Outskirts Press.
The night owl is quite tired, and has a lot to do in the next week. I've been researching items for my french class and my creative writing and poetry classes. If anything, I'll be remembered for creating the most handouts...I find it inspiring to create, and create some more. The whole point of it is to stay creative and engage the students.
If you are interested in writing something neat tonight, I'd like for you to focus on whether or not you like the month of November and what it represents. For me, I start thinking about Thanksgiving in October. I suppose it's all about the food I'll consume. Perhaps it would be beneficial to me if I consumed a little bit less.
Well, that's it for now. Happy writing and journaling!

November's cool days

November is here and the frosty winds of winter have visited. Snow has fallen atop my cabbage plants, and the rest of my yard. Hopefully the early sprinkling of flakes will not kill the few plants left that are still producing some fruit. It would be nice if this chill would be a temporary one for a little bit longer.
I began my writing for National Novel Writing Month yesterday, and it'll be quite the challenge for me. It's a lot to sit still and pen so many words at once. I think I'll have a better chance of completing the goal this year.........However, I haven't set a word limit......We'll see. So far I've penned over 5,200, words which is a phenomenal start. If I can continue at this pace I may have a story/novel unfolding. In the midst of this chaos these two days I submitted another poetry manuscript and it would be nice to see my words appear in another publication.
My piece "Homage to Kafka" is in the Penisula Poet's poetry chapbook, and I'm happy with the placement therein. That poem is actually one of my favorites, and a piece that some do not understand. I may write more regarding Kafka's works, and even do another version at some point, if, I am so inclined.
Going back to the Downriver Council for the Arts was nice as I was able to absorb the artwork and poetry once again. I need to go back and record it further as I put a lot of effort into my pieces for this show. I am a gallery artist, luminary artist, and contributing writer/poet. I also contributed many photos to the powerpoint presentation that I want to view again. Since the topic of the exhibit is quite serious, I felt it appropriate to actually use a cemetery photo for my art. I didn't have enough time to frame my grave stone rubbings and put it together as a collage. I plan on doing that at some point, and capturing the essence of what I feel is "The Field of Grass" as this unmarked cemetery with no identifying markers is just that, wide open. Finding the eight inch bricks with only a number etched upon them is quite the task. Some are buried deep into the ground with an abundance of grass and overgrown weeds surrounded by massive pine trees.
I think that reflecting upon this piece of history will make me a better writer and artist. I am moved to explore it further, and create more art and literary works.