Be bold.

 

This is Penelope. She's the heroine of my novel-in-progress. Actually, novels-in-progress, since I now have a trilogy on my hands. I honestly never expected this to happen when I began writing the book way back in 2018. And this little ink painting I did of my heroine? Well, she was just an exercise, really. She was a diversion. Painting was something I turned to when I felt stuck with the prose. 

The world cannot remain in a state of stasis. And so, I began painting more of the characters in my novel--ahem--novels and before I knew it, I had a whole bunch of paintings, as well as three books.

Back in the spring I applied to the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts for a residency. I've been there many times before, but always as a writer. This time, I did something audacious and I applied as a VISUAL ARTIST. Never mind, that I have no training. Never mind that I only joined the Coco Sketchers in 2018. Never mind that I felt nervy applying to VCCA as a visual artist. Never mind that I feel like an imposter and outrageous, and as my mother would say--high-falutin!

I simply girded my loins and I sent in my application anyway.

And guess what, I just found out that I was given a fellowship!!!!!!

I am so happy, but also flabbergasted. And humbled. And thrilled. And scared. And beyond all these things, I am very, very grateful.

Creative friends--be bold. 

Be audacious. Join that art club, or writing group, or dance ensemble or cooking club. Get up on stage and sing. Send in that op ed piece. Say yes. Be brave and wild and high-falutin. 

There you have it--your creative exercise for this week, for this year, and for the rest of your life.

And as always, have fun.

Love,

Jamie