Art and Literature

Telling the Truth About Art By Lying About Paintings

I’m writing about paintings that don’t exist. Let me back up. I’m writing about an artist whose work has largely been lost. When a trusted mentor read my work, she suggested I write about the artist’s paintings. “Make them up,” she said. I was fascinated and daunted. I’ve since gotten over my fear and haveContinue reading “Telling the Truth About Art By Lying About Paintings”

My Top Ten Tips for Organizing and Writing About Art: A Sneak Peek at my Ebook.

I’d already read Susan Vreeland’s books, and Tracy Chevalier’s wonderful Girl with a Pearl Earring. I fell for Of Human Bondage as well — it remains my favorite novel, even though I did throw it against the wall when I finished it because I was so distressed at Philip’s decision. But it wasn’t until IContinue reading “My Top Ten Tips for Organizing and Writing About Art: A Sneak Peek at my Ebook.”

A Backrub Book Review: Amy Tan’s The Valley of Amazement

I adore Amy Tan. There. I said it. Call me biased, but there isn’t a word she has written that I don’t just love. And in case you doubted her coolness ratio, she’s also in a rock band! Her latest novel, The Valley of Amazement was a Christmas gift from my husband, Barry. We wereContinue reading “A Backrub Book Review: Amy Tan’s The Valley of Amazement”

Published, but not in a “flash”!

When I first became a student with the Spalding MFA in Creative Writing program, I quickly became enamored of flash fiction. It seemed to fit my terse, plain style, and I liked that there was no room in it for over explaining. About my writing: I had never really written a short story until IContinue reading “Published, but not in a “flash”!”

Unmasking the Sprezzatura of Writing: What’s Under My Bed?

If sprezzatura means to express art in such a manner as to convey a supposed effortlessness, then let’s unmask that, at least in regards to my writing. (I say this with much tongue-in-cheekedness; I am not saying my writing is that good, but hey, how else am I gonna work up to what I reallyContinue reading “Unmasking the Sprezzatura of Writing: What’s Under My Bed?”

Life Hack: Give the Greatest Gift

I have had some awesome teachers and mentors who have freely given of their time, and I treasure that. We can all make more money, but none of us can buy any extra time. (Although we can manage what we have better, perhaps.) As creative, we need to give back some of that precious timeContinue reading “Life Hack: Give the Greatest Gift”