Hibernating with the Muses

Ever noticed how years seem to take on themes? Here’s a quick look at mine (at least in regards to my business):

~ 2008 was a year of expansion for me. After a whirlwind of hard work, DOOMED QUEENS came out, received a lot of attention and even won a rave New Yorker review. I moved my work studio into a commercial storefront that would double as a gallery. As you can imagine, this was a big change after several years working from a windowless 7 x 9 foot hallway in my apartment.

~ 2009 was the year I solidified my business within my community (both local and global), to create a stronger platform for future growth and security. My studio began to offer events, workshops, and art exhibitions for adults and children. To  help me, I hired a part time studio assistant and publicity person. I created and sold four card decks, two which for DOOMED QUEENS. I made the big leap into digital publishing with iPhone apps. I also set up an art licensing site and created promotional videos for my books and much more.

Though I did begin work on the New Book follow up to DOOMED QUEENS, it felt as though business-related projects took precedence. In retrospect, I think much of this work activity was my response to the transformation of publishing as it lurches into the digital age.

Brave new world indeed!

~ * ~ * ~

And now it’s 2010. (How did that happen?) Just over two weeks into this new decade, I sense that 2010 is turning into a year where creativity will take the lead — at least for now.

No doubt this is in reaction to all I did in 2008 and 2009. Much as I love everything I worked on during these years, I’m feeling the need for serious muse time — time when I can just be creative and see where it takes me, rather than worry about deadlines or bottom lines. Time to allow myself to replenish my well, so I can grow as an author and artist.

I experienced some of this creative freedom with my participation in November’s NaNoWriMo, in which I wrote a very rough 50,000 words first draft of a novel. It whetted my appetite for more hibernation with the Muses. Fortunately, I think/hope that I’ve set up enough of a healthy business structure that I can allow myself this necessary luxury — at least for a little while.

So in the coming weeks, I’ll be focusing on writing two new books, including revising my NaNoWriMo novel (which has become a bit of an obsession, in the best sense of the word). I’ll also be researching history and other things to inspire me along my way. I’m even planning travels to places that will feed my creativity — Montreal this month, London in the summer.

To celebrate the start of this new cycle, I’ve even bought a new work table. It’s large enough for me to grow into.

New work table, ready for action!

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