Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

 

Lover of Lists

Being a goal-oriented creative, I have numerous to-do lists lying around all the time. They relate to all facets of my life including work, family and home projects. My favorite reason for working from lists is checking completed tasks off and then crumbling the paper up, to throw it in the trash. I rarely allow myself the luxury of lingering to appreciate my accomplishments. Instead, I immediately shift my attention to mapping out my next goal, or stress over items still left undone. 

As the year draws to an end, I find myself thinking about the many things I wanted to achieve this year. It’s with mixed emotion that I admit to having fallen short on seeing some goals, like my novel, come to fruition. My intellectual side takes comfort in sighting the many areas I’ve grown as a writer. I realize that to achieve excellence in any field, you must first invest time and endure unforeseen trials.

It’s on these introspective occasions that I make a different type of list, one that reflects the positive things that warrant appreciation. I’ve found the simple act of acknowledging even the littlest things therapeutic. It puts life in perspective, helps me remember I’m very fortunate and I shouldn’t take anything for granted.  

Topping my list for 2012 was being coaxed, on several occasions, out of my mid-life comfort zone to that thrill threshold which I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Last spring, friends talked me into whizzing down a zip-line strung high above Freemont Street in Las Vegas. It was the most invigoratingly, sensational ride. You should try it!  


Over the summer my daughter asked me to take SCUBA diving classes with her. After completing the course, we vacationed in the Keys. There we went on two open water dives at the coral reef state park. Seeing the surprise on her face when we swam up on the only creature she didn’t want to see, a huge shark, was priceless. As luck would have it for me, we saw four sharks that day, more than any other dive team on our boat.


 Then my other daughter arranged for me to have my first riding lesson. After some practice and a lot of butt pounding, I can now finally say that trotting is not soo bad. Thanks to her guidance, I no longer feel like I’ve been spanked every time I get off a horse. Just this week she decided it was time for me to learn to canter, another first for me. It was all good while riding in a straight line. But eventually you do have to turn. Oh boy, I lost control and was flopping around like a Raggedy Ann doll while shrieking like a scared little kid on a runaway roller coaster. The good news is I stayed on and was entertainment for the other riders at the barn. My take away from the experience: next time, double up on sport bras.


Another highlight in 2012, my husband, Joe and I celebrated our 30th anniversary. Not only has our marriage stood the test of time but we still laugh often and hold hands.
 
It’s been a productive year for glass work as well. After years of planning, and the expert talent of a patient web-designer, my website is working in a new, dynamic way. Like so many things, I underestimated the effort it would take to update the site. I’m happy to say it was worth the time invested and is quickly developing into the interactive, user-friendly site I envisioned. In addition, classes have been plentiful. I’ve enjoyed teaching and meeting enthusiastic glass artists all over the country. It’s rewarding to share my knowledge and watch inspired students expand their talent as they perfect their skills. 

A few other accomplishments worth mentioning are I’m now published in fiction and my fourteenth design book is available. I’ve remained active with my critique group all year and therefore have a completed first draft and five polished chapters. I’ve discovered multiple uses for pine nuts and I almost like salmon. 

It’s easy to get disenchanted when you only focus on the future and on goals you have yet to realize. Dreams are good; they motivate us to push forward. But they mean nothing without today and yesterday. Before you make your new year’s resolutions and set new challenges for yourself, take time to appreciate what you have already accomplished. Be grateful for the people in your life and take pleasure in the wonderful journey that got us here.  

Here’s to health, happiness and prosperity in 2013, and crossing my book off the list.

Cheers!
Lisa

Friday, December 21, 2012

Happy Holidays!


Sharing family traditions passed down from generation to generation are what make the holidays special. Cooking old favorites like bourbon glazed ham and baking Christmas cookies top my list. Its fun to get the whole family involved in measuring the ingredients, mixing the cookie batter and shaping the dough.


We started last Sunday and the baking went on till Thursday! That afternoon, I pulled out my sticky, old cook books and a smudged file folder full of loose papers. While sorting the pages in the folder I came across dog eared and faded hand-written recipes, given to me by my mother-in-law. I couldn’t help but show the kids the browned papers covered with her neat, curly script and share the fond memories I have from years of baking Christmas cookies with her. When the day was done, we had mixed nine varieties including my favorite, Santa’s Whiskers. Santa’s Whiskers are sweet sugar cookie dough mixed with red and green cherries, then rolled in coconut. The coconut coating browns during baking, making a crispy golden fringe that resembles whiskers.

In keeping with tradition, we’re going to share the love and give cookies away to friends and family. In keeping with my inventory reduction plan, they’ll be delivered in decorative vases.


Hearts Take Flight 
FREE pattern download on www.LisaVogt.net

My gift to you is simple, but it comes from the heart. The butterfly is a symbol of change, beauty and hope. I offer a pattern, Hearts Take Flight, to you. It’s a small gesture, a tribute to love and compassion and a sign of hope and healing.
                                                     

The pattern is available free on my website. It’s drawn for fused glass but can easily be adapted to mosaic or stained glass techniques. The small version is intended to hang in a window or on your tree.  

Best wishes for a happy holiday filled with love and laughter.  

Cherish the moment, 
Lisa

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Creative Gifting


Flowers are a passion of mine and I’m frequently given arrangements. The local florist delivers so often they actually wire one dog biscuit per puppy right into each arrangement. And so my office/studio buddies are as excited to see the deliveryman as I am.  The problem was I ran out of space to store all the pretty vases I’d collected.

They were too nice to throw in the trash, so I made it a personal goal to figure out a creative way to share them. I started small by giving a neighbor a vase full of chocolate chip cookies. Another one brimming with crackers was purposely left behind at a party. I admit it was getting out of control when I sent Joe’s uncle home after dinner with a fluted vase full of pot roast. But I was on a mission.

It was about this time last year that the perfect idea came to me. I purchased a variety of colorful, individually wrapped seasonal candy. After stuffing the vases with chocolates, caramels, peppermints and butterscotch, I tied candy canes around the neck with a festive bow. I gave them to neighbors, friends and family. The re-gifting was a huge success. Everyone loved the pretty vases and thought filling them with candy was so clever.


Now it’s December, and again I find myself with an overstock of vases. After some careful thought, I’ve decided that home-made Christmas cookies will be the filler this year. Baking cookies is a family tradition we enjoy every year. And the best part of this new plan is I can bake to my hearts content and the cookies won’t be around to tempt me for weeks afterwards.

Here’s to another triumphant holiday season!  
  

Website news
New this week on www.LisaVogt.net
Art Wear: signed, one-of-a-kind dichroic pendants with leather cord and silver findings. 
Clocks-Form and Function: kiln formed clocks with contemporary style.
Vintage Series: elegantly detailed votives and dishes.
Art and Function you’ll find ten fresh, new botanical themed pieces. 
Endless Summer series has six new breezy dishes.

FREE shipping and handling on all orders shipped in the continental US.

Last week to SAVE $100.00 on class tuition!
For your convenience, you can now register for my 4-Day, hands-on classes Fused Vessel Sinks and More Feb, 5-8, 2013 and Cast Away Feb 19-22, 2013 on the website. Click Shop, then Classes and Workshops.

Now on e-Bay
Two, one-of-a-kind kites are up for auction on eBay
Search: Bird of Paradise Kite fused glass art and
Princess Kite mini fused glass art
Make dreams come true. Dig deep, 100% of the Princess Kite sale will be donated to my daughter’s Interscholastic Equestrian Association team. Bid starts at $10.00!

During this joyous season of giving I wish all the best to you and yours. And if you happen to be in the neighborhood, stop by we’d love to see you. Just be warned, I probably have a vase full of pasta salad with your name on it.

Health and happiness,
Lisa

Friday, November 30, 2012

You’re Awesome!

Published Art- Cherry Blossom Vase
It’s been an amazing week. The overwhelming response and positive feedback I’ve gotten on the updated Lisa Vogt web site is incredible! I’ve heard encouraging comments from friends all over the country and as far away as the Netherlands! I’ve enjoyed seeing your familiar faces on Facebook and look forward to keeping in touch with you there. The site has also attracted so many new visitors. The traffic exceeded my expectations and the shopping activity has been phenomenal! I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of such a generous community. Thank you!


Grinch intervention! Treat yourself to a little studio time and check a few holiday gifts off your list at the same time. December is looming, but there’s still time to make the fast and fun projects you’ll find in Fireworks, available at your art glass supplier and on Amazon.

Glass fusing is enjoyed worldwide. Thanks to Friederike who wrote from the Netherlands this week with kind words and to order my books!


New Art Wear on www.LisaVogt.net
Dew Drops are one-of-a-kind, kiln-formed pendants. They’re fashioned with an assortment of exotic metallic glasses that magically shift colors in the light.

Only 3 seats left in the Fused Vessel Sinks & More and Cast Away Classes.
Register by December 15th and SAVE $100.00 on tuition.

Publishing News

Glass Fused Projects Magazine - Winter 2012
Check out my article, Embossing Made easy in the winter 2012 issue of Fused Glass Projects, a downloadable magazine now live and available at


Congratulations Kelly!
Dead Like Me, friend and critique partner Kelly Miller’s debut murder mystery novel was released this week. I was lucky enough to read her book in advance of publication. Kelly's book is well written with authentic characters and a page-turning plot that delivers all the way to the shocking finale.    

In an interview, Kelly was kind enough to answer some questions about her book.

Lisa: What is your debut novel, Dead Like Me, about?

Kelly: Homicide Detective Kate Springer is on edge after a two-week mandatory leave due to an officer involved shooting. Her first case back, she’s blindsided when she discovers she shares a link with Tampa’s newest murder victim. A troubled teen found strangled and dumped in a remote part of town. The bond between them threatens to expose Detective Springer’s past—a past she’s been hell bent on keeping secret. When the killer finally emerges from the shadows, Kate finds her secrets aren’t the only thing on the line, so is her life.

Lisa: How is Dead Like Me different from other mysteries?

Kelly: I don’t just tell the story, I shed light on what’s going on in the main character’s head. What Kate’s feeling and why those feelings lead her down a certain path. Mysteries today are full of great plot twists but as a voracious reader of this genre, I’ve always wanted writers to get into the head of their characters more. So I wrote the book I always wanted to read.

Share the love and show support for a local writer. You can order your copy of Kelly’s book Dead Like Me by visiting her web site.  Kelly Miller, www.kellymillerauthor.com

Visit next week for exciting writing news.

All the best,
Lisa

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Happy Holidays!


Stirring, cast glass sculpture. 


You’re invited to visit www.LisaVogt.net my updated website where you can now purchase signed, Lisa Vogt originals for a limited time. Prices start as low as $6.00, with most items under $50.00.  

As the year’s end approaches, I find myself mentally going over my 2012 to-do list. It’s been a year with challenges, change and growth. Though there are still a few things on my list, including finishing my novel, I’m pleased to say it is shorter now than when the year began.

As I frantically try to calculate how to cram everything left on the list into the last few weeks, I have to remember that, like it or not, the holiday season is here. And this time of year is not about deadlines or rushing to the mall to find the perfect gift. The holidays are about connecting with people, friends and family. I remind myself to slow down and enjoy the company of those close to me, because the most cherished gift one can give or receive comes from the heart. The gift that outlasts all others is your time. 

Let’s keep in touch; join me on Facebook, Lisa J Vogt.

Be generous,
Lisa

Updated classes for 2013.
Note the February 19-22 class has changed from fusing to advanced casting.
Sign up by the early registration deadline, December 15, 2013 and receive a $100.00 discount on tuition.

 

Fused Vessel Sink, 4-Day Workshop

Hands on / All skill levels
February 5-8, 2013
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL

Kiln formed sinks are the hottest functional art glass topic today! In this class, Lisa will teach you the many advanced techniques used to make these lavish basins.  She’ll cover the many processes used to create large vessels, concepts for design and color selection, plus much more. 

Beginner and advanced students alike will gain valuable knowledge that they can apply immediately to push their work to an exciting, new level of sophistication.

Each student will leave class with several projects, a large vessel, process outlines and the technical information needed to fire at home. With the professional tricks and secrets revealed, you will be ready to dive in and take the fused sink plunge!

 

Cast Away! 4-Day Fusing Workshop

Hands on / All skill levels
February 19-22, 2013
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL

Think big, think heavy, think glass casting!  In this class, Lisa will teach you several innovative techniques she uses to cast large scale and small scale works of art.  You will be guided and shown step-by-step how to design, build and fire in your own custom made casting molds.  Beginner and advanced students alike will gain valuable knowledge that they can apply immediately to push their work to an exciting, new level. Students will make several projects, and leave class with process outlines and technical information. Your new found abilities will have your mind whirling in new creative directions, ready to seek new shores, drifting, exploring, literally cast away!

Friday, October 26, 2012

WANTED! Missing Muse

Titan tries to help.
At the FWA conference last weekend I sat in on a session titled, Finding Your Voice, with literary agent Nicole Resciniti and author Amanda Carlson. Both ladies were friendly, inspiring, generous speakers. Throughout the presentation Amanda repeatedly said to keep writing, keep trying. When something doesn’t work, scrap it, you can do better. “You can do better.”

It’s been one of those weeks. I put in the time. You know, butt in the chair. But I couldn’t get the ideas onto the screen let alone, reduce them to tight, meaningful sentences. My head felt like an over-inflated helium balloon.

Finally, I resorted to sitting on the floor with a drawing pad and rainbow markers. There, I wrote anything and everything that came to mind. Ten scribbled pages later I was still clueless as to how to write the paragraph I was struggling with.

Even though it was dinner time, I debated cleaning the shower. I’m not sure if it’s the mindless chore that spurs inspiration or being in a confined space with strong chemicals. Anyway, the shower had already been cleaned earlier in the week and the kids were hungry, so I cooked instead.
Tyke thinks we should sleep on it.
In the middle of the night the ideal phrase, the perfect words, woke me up. They fluttered across my mind as lightly as a butterfly. They were so simple and familiar they seemed to have been there all along.

I’m happy to say the paragraph is written and best of all, it’s really sharp. It was a tedious effort but Amanda was right. I can do better.

You can too!




On the lighter side.  
Salads get a bad wrap! Get creative with your salads. They can be satisfying culinary delights. Here’s one of my recent weird-o salads. Give it a try, it’s delicious. 

Ingredients:
Chopped cucumber
Canned garbanzo beans 
Cubed ham
Diced onion
Cherry tomatoes
Crumbled Feta
Fresh chopped cilantro
Italian salad dressing
Combine ingredients. Toss. Chill. Share.

Enjoy!
Lisa

Saturday, October 20, 2012

On the Road

Wow! Am I enjoying all the motivating sessions and super friendly people here at the Florida Writers Association Annual Conference in Orlando. Can't wait to get back home and use these helpful nuggets in my manuscript.

Write on!
Lisa

Friday, October 12, 2012

Victim of auto-correct!

 Yesterday, while riding in the passenger seat of my car, I hammered out an email on my phone. My permit-carrying 15 year-old daughter was driving. Her new boyfriend was in the back seat. Somehow, HE was in control of the music, the volume and the play list. What they called so cool, I called scream-o DEVIL music. Needless to say I was a little distracted but still tried tapping the email to my critique group. I wanted to let them know that I was having trouble with a chapter in my novel and wouldn’t be submitting anything for this weeks meeting. Before hitting the send button, I realized the phone auto-corrected my message. I quickly deleted it and wrote a generic, “No submission this week,” for the sake of giving the ladies adequate notice.  

The hurried original message read: I won't be submitting this week. This chapter is licking my butt.

Hope you get as big a laugh out of it as I did.

Life’s little pleasures.  

  • Morning temperatures under 60 degrees
  • Sleeping puppies
  • Jessie’s hugs
  • Niki’s laugh
  • Good friends
  • Unconditional love  <3

Find this spooky pattern and other holiday treats in FireWorks
now available at your art glass supplier.

Cinderella
Proof that shoes can change your life.

Make it a great day!
Lisa

Friday, September 28, 2012

Book Releases and Glass Fusing Classes

Lots to tell, read on for exciting publishing news and information on upcoming glass fusing classes I’m hosting here in my private studio.   



Fire Works, Fun and Festive Fusing! 
New Book Release Fall 2012
Get inspired! My latest glass fusing book is back from the printer and will be available October 2012. Loaded with a flashy assortment of easy-to-make projects for all seasons, this book is sure to spark imagination and fuel your fire for creativity. Pick up your copy at your art glass supplier. 

Fire & Ice and Destination Innovation are available at your art glass supplier. 

 I’m a winner!
Fiction Short Story Book Release and Book Signing
FWA Conference, Orlando, Florida, Friday, October 19, 2012
My first complete piece of fiction, a short story, is being published in a book. I submitted to the FWA (Florida Writers Association) competition back in May and won inclusion in this year’s anthology titled, My Wheels. This marks the first of, I hope, many published works of fiction. After the book release, I can reveal the title of my story. For those inclined, the FWA Collection #4 - My Wheels is available, starting October 19, through the FWA website.  www.floridawriters.net

Embossing Made Easy!
Fused Glass Projects Magazine, Winter 2012
Check out my how-to article in the December issue of Fused Glass Projects Magazine, a quarterly downloadable publication for glass craftsmen. In it I detail fast and easy techniques you can use to make an elegant cheese tray, with an attractive embossed design.  www.fused-glass-projects.com 



How’s the novel coming?
Thanks for asking. I finished the first draft at the beginning of the summer with a deflated little, “wahoo.” Anxious to have it done, I rolled right into the editing phase. That’s when the words of the famous, Ernest Hemingway struck home. He said, “The first draft of anything is shit.” I hate when other people are right. The good news? Since I started the book I’ve studied the craft and my writing has greatly improved. I recently found my form and my fiction voice. The new material I’m weaving into the old is plot driven, exciting and unique. Members of my critique group say I have great visuals in the scenes. I can’t wait to share it; but not before it’s ready. In the mean time, there’s consolation in knowing I’m in good company; Ernest Hemingway and you.  

Upcoming Glass Fusing Classes



Fused Vessel Sinks & MORE with Lisa Vogt
Advanced Technique, 4 Full-Day, Hands-on Workshop
Tuesday, February 5 - Friday, February 8, 2013
Class meets daily 10:00 - 4:00 in Lisa’s private studio in Wesley Chapel, Florida
Contact Lisa@LisaVogt.net for details
Class size is limited

Exceed you expectations!
Kiln formed sinks are the hottest functional, art glass topic today!  In this class Lisa will teach you the many advanced techniques used to make these lavish basins.  She’ll cover the many processes used to: create large vessels, concepts for design and color selection, plus much more. 

Beginner and advanced students alike will gain valuable knowledge that they can apply immediately to push their work to an exciting, new level of sophistication. Each student will leave class with several finished projects, a large vessel, process outlines and the technical information needed to fire at home. With the professional tricks and secrets revealed, you will be ready to dive in and take the fused sink plunge!

Extreme Glass Fusing 4-Day Workshop with Lisa Vogt
Open to all skill levels
Tuesday, February 19 – Friday, February 22, 2013
Class meets daily 10:00 - 4:00 in Lisa’s private studio in Wesley Chapel, Florida
Contact Lisa@LisaVogt.net for details
Class size is limited. 

Hard-core fusing + casual atmosphere = FUN!
Get fired up! You’ve played with fusing; made jewelry, fired coasters and dared to design your own bowls. If you find yourself consumed by a burning desire to go bigger; to do more and learn more; then this class is for you! Here you’ll build your working knowledge, expand your creativity and go beyond basic, while creating unique works of art. Beginner and advanced students alike will advance their skills and build confidence, while applying the wide variety of techniques explored in this workshop. You’ll learn by doing casting, combing, painting with frit, embossing and mold making.  

Students will gain valuable knowledge that they can apply immediately to push their work to an exciting, new level of sophistication. Each student will leave class with several finished projects, process outlines and the technical information needed to fire at home. 

Glass Craft and Bead Expo
Las Vegas Nevada, April 3 – 7, 2013
WWW.GLASSCRAFTEXPO.COM

I’m super excited about presenting at the Glass Craft and Bead Expo again in 2013. My workshops include, Profit from Production, Painting with Frit, Cast Away, Fireworks and Fine Art of Design. Three of the five classes are new for 2013, Profit from Production, Fireworks and Fine Art of Design. If you plan to attend register early; many of the workshops sell out before year end. Hope to see you there! 
Visit the EXPO website for more information. WWW.GLASSCRAFTEXPO.COM



Advise from an English teacher
Good fiction is like a mini-skirt. Short enough to hold your attention and long enough to cover the subject.

Till next time,
Lisa

Friday, July 27, 2012



Summer Reading

Writers write and read. I’m never without something to read close at hand. I like all types of books.  At any given time I have several books going usually one on the craft of writing, another on some subject I want to research for my novel and then several entertaining titles by popular authors.  Sitting next to me right now is a bag of eight books I’m currently reading.  Two are for research the rest are popular women’s fiction titles. 

Recently I finished The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing 2nd Edition, The Psychic in You by Jeffrey A. Wands, and The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which I liked. Plus an 1892 short Sherlock Holmes story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle called The Adventure of the Engineer’s Thumb. And though the story was entertaining, let me tell you Sherlock is not much of a sleuth by today’s standards. I don’t want to give the ending away, but the thumb was in plain sight.

My go-to author for witty, laugh out loud humor is Janet Evanovich. I’ve read all of her Stephanie Plum series. I love the way she puts words on the page and the antics of her quirky characters.

I found another author who I find equally amusing. Jennifer Crusie had me laughing out loud on page two in her book, Maybe This Time! I’m only up to chapter four so I can’t give a full report yet but I’ll be sure to let you know how I like it when I’m done. 

Until next time,
Lisa

Monday, May 14, 2012

Have you ever stopped to think about the number of things we buy just to throw away?



Things like trash bags, disposable duster thingies paper towels; the list goes on and on… In an effort to be less of a consumer I’ve started a new trend in my house. Instead of storing leftovers in food storage bags I now use reusable plastic containers. Not only does the food stay fresher longer, it makes the tidbits more appetizing the second time around and my fridge looks neater; which is always a welcome plus. 

If you think about it there are a lot of simple ways to cut down on product waste everyday.  Try using a towel or sponge instead of paper towels. You could write notes on a dry erase board instead of paper. How about taking a reusable sports water bottle along instead of the fancy-label-but-tastes-just-the-same store bought variety.  Not only will you reduce the amount of trash you’re lugging to the curb you’ll also save money. 

I challenge you to make one change in your routine. See where it takes you.

Of course, there are certain throwaway items that will always be exempt from substitution in my book; among them are Q-tips, toilet paper and definitely feminine hygiene products.

I think the reasons are self explanatory.

What can you do without? Share your clever swaps.

Best of luck!
Lisa

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Down to Earth


Thoughts on Art and Writing

3 things I learned about life while playing in the dirt.

Spring arrived this week with a trip to the garden center to buy flowers for my planters and seeds for our vegetable garden. While up to my ankles in peat-moss, turning the dirt under to aerate the soil I had an epiphany—a sudden understanding that gardening principals apply to art, writing and life in general. Here’s what I learned.

1. Start from the ground up.

Before the first seed was planted my hubby and I worked the soil; turned it under, racked out roots and added amendments all to ensure the vegetable plants had the best foundation possible to grow strong. It was a lot of work with little reward other than a smooth patch of land. But as in glass and writing, when you put time and effort into good pre-work not only is the next step easier the quality of the project as a whole benefits.  

2. Patience:

After the seeds are planted my favorite thing about a vegetable garden is watching the rapid growth. Though it takes weeks for the plants to produce, you see noticeable change, development every day. Skill building in glass and writing takes time. Focus and be proud of even small accomplishments, they are the building blocks that’ll lift you up to the level you want to achieve. 

3. Try something new:

We planted okra and radish seeds for the first time.  They’re two vegetables I could live without but was told they flourish this time of year. Truth is, no matter what we plant once it pops up I’m enamored and can’t wait to share it in a new recipe. In glass and writing it’s rewarding to expand your experience, step out of your comfort zone and try something new because good or bad it all leads to growth.  

Though there was sweating involved, a lot of bending and the constant threat of a blister on my thumb, after working in the garden I felt productive, rejuvenated, inspired. It was, Ah-h, like clicking the refresh button on my brain. 

Whether you have a big back yard or just a narrow window sill the thrill is the same. Go on, get down to earth.

Grow something!
Lisa

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Get Fired Up!

Here we go...I'm here in Las Vegas preparing for an exciting day of glass fusing with fellow enthusiasts from around the world.

Today in my workshop Fire & Ice I'll be teaching a variety of assembly techniques, new uses for frit and methods of embossing. With 12 kilns at the ready it's sure to be a fun fuse for all!

Crank up the heat!
Lisa

Friday, March 23, 2012

New Year Resolutions



Being the Free Spirit that I am, I make new resolutions all year long. For the past several months I’ve been working hard to study the craft of writing, researching current story trends and writing to finish my novel. Now, 96,000 words into my book, I’m so close to the end that I can taste the sweet nectar of accomplishment. 

Recently, I read that a writer’s first million words don’t count.  At first that made me want to cry, then I cinched up my V.S. Bombshell and decided I can prove them wrong. But just in case, I’m going to write more, a lot more. I’m trying my hand at short stories so I have the satisfaction of writing a beginning, middle and end in the same year. I and intend to write one a month, some I’ll share here, some will be submitted for publication. Yesterday, I submitted my first short story to a competition; I can’t share it here until after the judging in May.

Wish me luck!

And I’m going to make weekly posts on this blog. Mostly for fun and to exercise my writing voice, which I’m told is the most important thing a new writer needs to stand out.

I hope you’ll share my journey.

Happy New Year!

Cheers!
Lisa