So … the last time I posted was in February. And at that time, I asked your opinion on left-handed knitting videos and what you thought I should write next. Most of you said “yes” to the videos, and I got equal responses to writing another Christmas, inspy romance, or a fantasy story.
But no sooner did I receive most of your responses than my desire to create videos completely dried up. I recorded two mini-videos to get a feel for the process, but I didn’t enjoy it or how the videos turned out, to say nothing about the time it would then require to edit and polish them. Sure, creating videos entails a learning curve, but was that what I wanted to spend my time learning to do?
I decided no, it wasn’t.
However, so that I don’t let down the left-handed knitters out there, you might find the following YouTube links helpful:
- Right-leaning, left-leaning decreases
- Left-handed tutorial for beginners
- Website with videos for knitting cables, for both right- and left-handed knitters
Now, when it comes to writing, I initially felt drawn toward another story set in my Santa village of Flitterndorf. I’ve completed a very rough skeleton outline and started working on the first chapter a few months ago … and then I reworked it.
And reworked it.
And revised it and started again.
And started again—breaking my own rules for just getting something down and moving forward.
I know myself when it comes to first drafts: in order to figure out what needs to be in the story; to recognize the theme and discover many of my characters’ quirks; I need to first reach the end of that initial rough draft. The vomit draft. The crappy draft. The draft no one, not even my bestie writer-buddy, sees. Only then can I return to the beginning, now knowing what should appear in the first chapter, to start revising it and fleshing out scenes I previously left summarized in brackets.
Except, with this story, I had the darndest time getting beyond the first chapter.
And then I just got depressed. Yes, my writing woes certainly contributed, but other things in life are difficult, confusing, and angering right now—and I’m not even talking about politics! So, my desire to write shriveled up, along with any desire to interact with people beyond the necessities. Goodbye, newsletters and blogposts!
I’m still depressed and emotionally exhausted, but here’s my attempt at making contact. 😜
I do have a bit of fun news: I sent in an application to Handmade Montana to sell my books at the Bozeman MADE Fair that happens in October. I’m not sure I have a chance of being accepted, since they focus on the handmade part, but I’m only out a $10 application fee if they reject me.
In order to apply, however, I had to take a picture of my booth. And to do that, I had to create one. But rather than simply set up my books on a table, I had an idea based off of MadeUrban’s many informative craft fair articles to create a diorama intended to reflect how I’d love readers to feel when they choose to cozy up with one of my books. Now that Hobby Lobby will be bringing out their Christmas items soon (you know I’m one of those people), I plan to round out my diorama with some rope garland and white lights along the top edge.
In truth, the “booth” didn’t come out as cozy as I’d envisioned it, but according to those who have seen these pics, they all love it. Maybe they’re just placating me. 🤷♀️
Regardless, I had soooo much fun creating the chair and ottoman. While I also love how the wardrobe came out, making those doors and getting them to fit—getting the hinges to stay affixed to the foam board!—was fiddly. The armchair, though! 🥰 I’d love to create a couple more of those. Different patterns, different fabrics, fun fun fun! The problem is that the total cost of materials for the one armchair was about $40. And what am I going to do with 17-inch-tall chairs?! 😆
Now that I’ve reassured you I’m still here, I hope you’re having a wonderful summer and your spirits are lighter than mine. And to help kick off “Christmas in July,” all three of my books are $0.99 on most major ebook platforms for the entire month. If you’ve been sitting on the fence, wondering if you want to invest in a light-hearted Christmas fantasy, now’s your chance. If you’ve enjoyed my books in the past, please consider letting others know about this sale. ❤️
Thanks for sticking with me! Hopefully I won’t be such an Eeyore next time. 😬
Scattered Whimsy 