  For Authors
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We love reading. We love writing. We love reviewing. We love solving crossword puzzles.
So how about trying our hand at ... anything except those, shall we? |
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Dear Readers,
It's been a while since I did a newsletter.
And that's because I've had some issues with my eyes, and have been advised to use the computer as little as possible.
Also, I can't read books the way I used to, and i can't write longhand as easily as I used to. I've taken a break from my work (teaching) while I regroup. It's a temporary condition, but it's real now.
So what do I do with my time?
I tried various things -- and finally, with the help of my Doctor, I arrived at ... painting.
Those who know me will probably raise an eyebrow in surprise, because last they heard, I didn't know which end of the brush you put the paint on.
But hey, I can learn.
So, first step, a friend bought a big sketch book for me, another friend bought poster paints and four brushes.
I sulked.
I wanted to read -- I put the paint and brushes aside, and used the sketch book to write poems, big, with a thick permanent marker.
Then my Doctor coaxed me into a two-day art therapy workshop, where we interacted with colour. We put yellow on the canvas, we put blue, we watched, delighted, as green emerged where yellow and blue met. I stood at the easel and dabbed and swiped and curled (or whatever it is painters do, I haven't learnt the words yet).
And when I got back home, I un-sulked.
I got out the paint and brushes, opened a new page, dabbed on blue and yellow - hey look at the green!!
Since then, I've ruined three sketch books, and I'm having so much fun, I don't really mind (well, um) that I have to temporarily stop reading ...
So I've tried poster colours, I've tried crayons, I've tried filling a page with crayon, putting soapy paint on top and then scraping it off to get a carved effect, I've tried using a stencil (owl) on paper and cloth (yes, I bought fabric paint, too) and I now have two shirts which are designated 'painting' outfits, because otherwise everything is going to be splashed with paint ...
The best part is, I don't have to be good at it. What I've enjoyed most is the not-being a 'painter', which means I can mess up, I can laugh off mistakes, I can be a total child and run to my Dad (he's eighty-one years old, and I'm forty-eight) saying, "See this owl!" and have him respond, "That's nice, now make his eyes bigger so I know he's looking at me."
And that has freed me up.
This is a 'For Authors' newsletter.
What am I trying to say, that I hope is helpful for authors?
Well, did you enjoy reading what I wrote above? I sure hope you did. Some of the admissions (my age, for example!!  ) were possible because my painting (or the lack thereof) has freed me up as a writer. Being able to say 'doesn't matter' has helped me -- all round.
So do it. Really. Try something you've never done before, or at least, if you're above thirty, not done since primary school.
And
just
have
fun
with
it!!
Thanks for listening
- Sonali
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Thanks for the feedback for "For Authors Newsletter (March 25, 2015)" !
I usually read the blurbs while shopping for a new book to read. The books are never as good as the reviewers claim. It's kinda like selling snake oil. I have found that, like my music, I just buy the Greatest Hits of authors. You can never go wrong there. willwilcox
Great newsletter, Sonali. I rarely look at book covers, but I choose what books to read based on the blurb. I want an idea of the plot, but as you say, it needn't include spoilers. One thing I am particularly enjoying about ebooks is the chance to read the first few chapters online before purchasing. I know some publishers don't recommend sharing samples for free, but more times than not, I am drawn into the story and can't bear to leave it unfinished so I end up buying the book. It's more rare for me to dislike the author's writing style and choose not to buy it. Elle - on hiatus  |
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For Authors: May 18, 2016 Issue [#7643]
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