Authors Speak, Cryptid Bits
To read is to fly: it is to soar to a point of vantage which gives a view over wide terrains of history, human variety, ideas, shared experience and the fruits of many inquiries. ~ A.C. Grayling Authors Speak This Succeed and Soar series invites writers to answer questions about their artforms and special inspirations. Welcome Jess Simms “Ascending, Mt. Ararat,” Photo [c] 2014, Sandra Gould Ford, Route 30, Pennsylvania Visit Sandra’s Fine Art America Collections Jess, what phrase inspires your writing and life? I don’t believe in being serious about anything. I think life is too serious to be taken seriously. – Ray Bradbury How have Bradbury’s words helped your writing, your life? I find that my best writing comes out of a place of joy and fun. This quote is an excellent reminder that sometimes the best way to approach a serious subject is to find a place to inject something light—even if it’s in the form of gallows humor, or even if it’s just a small moment of levity in the midst of something heavy. I also find this quote helpful in a broader, life sense. There’s no shortage of serious things happening on a daily basis, from the personal to the global level. If I let myself take all of them seriously all the time, I end up so drained of motivation and energy that it’s hard to keep moving forward. How these words inspired Cryptid Bits When I set out to write Cryptid Bits I wanted it to be fun, first and foremost. My main inspiration was to play with the thought experiment of “modern society plus fantasy creatures.” Using the modern world as my starting point inevitably meant I would have some serious topics at play, but by tweaking the world to include things like brownies and bigfoot, I could treat these real-life details with a wink instead of tackling them straight-faced. Sample Text: It must have been a full moon last Saturday because I ran into a werewolf at the night market. He was at one of the produce booths, a bag of arugula hanging from his right foreclaw and a head of romaine in his left palm. He was comparing the greens as though his paws were scales. Reedsy Review Purchase Here About Jess Simms Jess Simms is a co-founder of Scribble House and the managing editor of After Happy Hour Review. They’re the author of the micro-chapbook Shapeshifter Diaries (Rinky Dink Press, 2023) and their short fiction can be found in MockingOwl Roost, The Oakland Review, and HOOT!, among other publications. They live in an old house in Pittsburgh with two humans and four cats. Web Site: https://www.jesssimms.com/ Keep in mind, Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary. – Jim Rohn Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. COMMENT. NEXT WEEK: Heroic Hearts On Saturday, September 7, LaToya Ruby Frazier’s Monuments of Solidarity show ends at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. Her awesome exhibition includes special selections from several of her works, including “The Last Cruze,” “Flint is Family,” and “On the Making of Steel Genesis,” which presents my artistic life. Here’s a 2-minute video. The Museum of Modern Art is offering some complimentary admissions. My “Steel Genesis” tour and conversation starts at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 7. To join the Guest List, RSVP here. I’m delighted to share this precious experience with you. Sandra Gould Ford
Novels, Part 2 of 2: How to Finish
Consider Someday you’re going to be someone’s favorite author. –Flash Fiction Online Have you ever started a project with sparkling visions of the finish? Then, halfway through, an enormous gap opens, and the project has nowhere to go. In the world of concrete and steel, that happened while building two of Pittsburgh’s bridges. The first structure is officially called the Fort Duquesne Bridge. After years, “The Bridge to Nowhere’s” fix was seamless. Not so for the Birmingham Bridge where the huge mismatch remains visible. [See lower left side of photo at top of this post] ‘Mid Novel Slump’ is the notorious and insidious situation with a story’s beginning and ending can’t be, well, bridged. Why? In starting stories, the celebrated writer Ray Bradbury advised, “Find a character, like yourself, who will want something or not want something, with all his heart. Give him running orders. Shoot him off. Then follow as fast as you can go.” Too often, characters do run off and create situations where the beginning doesn’t seem capable of connecting to an ending. To keep going, Writers Digest recommends giving the ‘supporting cast more page time.” Because “Act One introduces [the main character] … it’s in Act Two that the supporting cast comes to life.” This article also explains the “Rule of Three,” a valuable story-building tool. See “What to Do when You’re Stuck in the Middle of Your Novel.” “Five Ways to Beat the Mid-NanoWri Slump” recommends, “Getting out of your usual writing space and breathing some different air can be one of the best things to do… Whether it’s taking a short walk, driving around the block, or doing a little shopping, the change of scenery gives your brain a break.” See four more tips. Also see “Six Tips to Avoid a Sagging Middle.” The videos below share enriching, empowering writing motivations. And, Pinterest offers insights from accomplished authors. One of my favorites is also from Ray Bradbury, Your intuition knows what to write, so get out of the way. Keep in mind, someone could be waiting for you to become their favorite author. Keep bridging the gaps between start and finish, whatever the type. Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. See Wordsmith Stars Part 1 of 2, “How to Start A Novel.” https://wp.me/p9Qn9N-Lx Ten Best Tips for Overcoming Writers Block Click Here to View. 12 minutes, 50 seconds. How to Get through the Sagging Middle of Your Book Click Here to View 23 Minutes, 59 Seconds Join me in drafting a complete novel [or memoir] during 2024. Each Weekly Class [via Zoom] includes: Inspiring Resources Enriching Discussions Encouraging Support Enlightening Feedback Goal: 430 page first draft by mid December Cost: $100/month. [Sample first class for $25. ] Write me with questions and to register. This Month, Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Puzzles As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more Puzzles are great for quiet time, focus and centering. A pleasant way to share time with others or relaxing alone. Puzzles are made from premium 0.2” paper stock A semi-gloss coating on top surface makes image pop Puzzles available in two sizes [18”x24”, 500 pieces and 20”x28” 1,000 pieces] Safe storage in in handsome, sturdy box with artwork printed on top Puzzle pieces are unique shapes Prices vary, from: $40 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit on item. Use CUSTOMIZE. tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this Puzzle View All Puzzles Thanks for your support!