26 January 2016

Does mental illness instigate creativity

I have had some of my most intense creative moments in times of depression. Not that I've suffered depression that often. But when I did, I seemed to feel more deeply, more dramatically. That caused an outpouring of emotion onto paper, perhaps thinking that would revive me. If depression gets too deep, however, it can paralyze. Been there, too.


24 January 2016

Back cover blurb

We have the opportunity to promote our books at upcoming conferences at which we are speaking. So I had to stop everything and write the promotional copy for the novel I am editing under duress to finish quickly.  
This is critical. Crafting the back cover copy is almost more important than writing the book itself. It's what's going to make someone pick up the book and decide to read it. Isn't that the point of writing a book?  Then back cover copy must be the most compelling part. Fortunately, my background in copywriting is coming into good use. 
What do you think?  Would it make you want to read the book?

19 January 2016

Technology and Art as Inspiration




Sasha Sykes
Caliology II
Bird’s Nest in Resin
18cm H x 24.5cm L x 24.5cm D, 2015

Tomorrow I drive to Dublin to help a dear friend who broke her leg and must attend a meeting but cannot drive or handle the stress of public transport. So as part of the deal, I am planning a day of inspiration.  As I have just finished my first novel, I am already planning my great American novel. What will be my subject?  It will be about the sea.  It will be about the human condition.


16 January 2016

On finishing the first draft


Just a few moments ago, I finished the first draft of my first novel. How does it feel?  Wooo-hoooo! Celebration time!

I grabbed my husband Alex and said, "I finished it," with finality.

He said, "Finished what?

I bashed him and said, "You know, only the thing I've been working on forever."

He laughed and said, "So now, the real work begins."

He could have given me one moment of glory. One moment of respect. One moment of success. One moment of cheer.

Naw, I guess you never deserve to expect anything.

Right. On to the next phase. Reading what I wrote.

Psssst. I read the first chapter already. Found a few small typos. But I LIKE it.

I am celebrating on my own.