On Jewelry Design

After posting a few pics, some folks in my online circles wondered where I get my ideas from. After suffering from metal allergies, I started designing jewelry in college using regular stringing methods and some basic wire work. Then, when I found out there were classes and kits available at my local bead store, I’ve been focused on bead embroidery and bead weaving. Some magazines and books, too, provide patterns that allow me to create pieces like this:

A Twist in Grey

Since I’ve been making more pieces, I’ve also been able to take on my own designs or heavily modify existing patterns. This bracelet started out as something else, but I lost the pattern so the embellishment is my own. As you learn patterns, you’ll pick up what size of beads will work for which projects–and what cut as well.

Harlequin Bracelet

In addition to your local bead store, there are a ton of resources online you can visit to learn more about beadweaving and wirework. To get you started, here’s a list of five websites you can visit for more information.

The thing I like about making handmade jewelry, is that it’s uniquely satisfying to create something from scratch. Plus, there’s a mathematical component to jewelry design that lies underneath the surface of the artistry, similar to knitting, crocheting, or sewing. Add in levels of complexity, too, and over time you’ll notice your progress (and confidence) improve as you start with something simple and increase your skill set.

    Mood: Blargh
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Three-ish
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: A short walk
    In My Ears: RED 2
    Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Inquisition
    Book Last Read: Dr. Potter’s Medicine Show
    Movie/TV Show Last Viewed: RED 2
    Latest Artistic Project: Make Art Not War 2017 Challenge and Rules
    Latest Releases: In Volo’s Wake for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Read my end-of-the-year list of releases for an overview of what I’ve put out for 2016.
    Current State of Projects: Read my latest project update. New project update coming this month!



February 21, 2017
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Launch Pad Astronomy Workshop Applications Due March 1

“Launch Pad is a workshop for established writers held in beautiful high-altitude Laramie, Wyoming. Launch Pad aims to provide a “crash course” for the attendees in modern astronomy science through guest lectures, and observation through the University of Wyoming’s professional telescopes. We generally cover all workshop expenses including meals and lodging, and are sometimes able to offer travel assistance as well.”

Now that you know what the Launch Pad Astronomy Workshop is, I’m going to tell you why you–yes you!–should apply today.

I applied last year, because I felt very intimidated by all the amazing and wonderful authors I’ve read in science fiction. I’ve also been working on the Firefly universe since 2013, and after a while I felt inadequate. Sure, I did hire writers and editors who had a better background in the sciences than I did, but I could tell I had a gaping hole of understanding that needed to be filled. I anticipated that my work in genre would only increase, and as I enjoy researching and reading the hell out of whatever I’m doing I needed a starting point.

It’s impossible to describe how intense and rewarding that week was. Did it trigger (most) of my neuroses, as deadlines wait for no space camp? Yep, it did. But, I got to learn alongside so many other brilliant and talented individuals as we listened to even more brilliant and talented individuals talking about things like accretion disks and what black holes really are (Hint: they’re not “holes”). Oh, and all those stupid questions you want to know the answers to–but were too afraid to ask? We asked them, too.

I wanted to go to Launch Pad because I am actively working toward being more science positive. I have the deepest and utmost respect for scientists who do all the things I cannot. I can read, I can research, but in the end I am an entertainer–and this workshop pointed out why and how writers can embrace the sciences even if we’re not professionals. Plus, the workshop environment with its labs, discussions, and field trips facilitated that awe, that wonderment, that feeling you get when you look up at the stars and think “What if?” That, by itself, is an irreplaceable feeling.

So, what if you applied? That’s the question I’m asking you today. Not because you’re second-guessing what you’ve done (or what you haven’t), but because of what you want to do for the science fiction genre. Set aside your insecurity and your Imposter Syndrome for a moment, and remember that all science fiction writers–from the late Octavia Butler to Robert J. Sawyer to Kim Stanley Robinson–all wrote one story, one screenplay, one game at a time.

Our world needs writers who look to the future and see more hope than disaster, who hear about all the work NASA is doing and think about the possibilities, who want to facilitate a science-positive atmosphere in our stories, our own workshops, and beyond. That writer could be you. If that’s the type of work you want to do, I strongly encourage you to submit your application to the Launch Pad Workshop today. If I can do it, then you absolutely can, too!

February 18, 2017
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Creative Challenge: Organize for Headspace and Avoid New Rules

Music Avatar

One of the issues I see pop up with respect to making art every day, is that when you don’t (and guilt sets in) your brain creates a new “rule”. These rules take the form of “I will” or resolutions that are so complex and unrealistic you can’t possibly achieve them. I will write 2,500 words every day no matter what. I will work on the same project every day until it’s done. I will hit 10,000 steps every day. Etc. Etc. Unfortunately, this is what leads to procrastination because when you fall down (which is normal because you’re human, not a robot) you’ll associate “making art” with creating demands for yourself that wind up making you feel very small.

This issue is exacerbated when you start getting your shit together, because as you go through stuff you’ll take stock of your past self and goals–and that’s when the brain weasels wake up and attack. Organizing by itself is not a creative challenge; organizing to clear your mind, however, is. The point of revisiting old files, cataloguing your inventory, and assessing where you’re at is to make way for your future self. To do that, sometimes you have to address your physical space even though that might generate memories of your past self.

Here’s how I deal with this creative challenge: in anticipation of brain weasels, I’ve been using a visualizing technique to facilitate and channel my emotions. I picture a large house inside my head. (Way bigger than any home I’ve ever lived in!) All my proverbial junk is in the basement. If I’m feeling crappy, when I head down there I “see” a flooded basement. Super gross! As I clean up my physical space, I concentrate on draining that water and mopping up the floor. It’s an added layer to help me be more resilient to making new rules, and it helps me “see” the effect it’s having, instead of just feeling it.

    Mood: It’s all coming together.
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Whoaaaaa… Like, psychedelic.
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Half an hour
    In My Ears: Fish tank
    Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Inquisition
    Book Last Read: Dr. Potter’s Medicine Show
    Movie/TV Show Last Viewed: Clone Wars
    Latest Artistic Project: Make Art Not War 2017 Challenge and Rules
    Latest Releases: In Volo’s Wake for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Read my end-of-the-year list of releases for an overview of what I’ve put out for 2016.
    Current State of Projects: Read my latest project update. New project update coming this month!



February 17, 2017
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MANW 2017 Week 7 Check-In: Fire It Up and a New Creative Prompt

MANW February Badge

Congratulations, you made it to week number seven! And, we’re half way through the shortest month of the year! Now can you see why I picked ORGANIZE for this month’s theme?

Whether you’ve embraced that messy pile in your closet or not, you’re probably feeling a bit worn out and uncomfortable right now. That’s normal, because cleaning up old messes and taking stock of your inventory will churn up a lot of emotions and memories. Why did you abandon this project? What happened when you stopped painting/writing/stitching? Then, that’s when all the “shoulda/woulda/coulda’s” start entering your brain. I should have completed this project years ago. I could be further along in my craft if I finished what I started. I would have done what I said I was going to do if I had more focus and dedication to my art.

These feelings and thoughts you’re having are normal, and they’re getting under your skin because they are a sign of change. As you clear out the undergrowth and the sludge, you’ll start to feel resistant after a while because you’re looking back, not forward. That resistance might even lead to procrastination and a case of the “idunwannas”. You’re frustrated, because you can’t see where this intense emphasis will lead–you cannot see that you’ve started your spring cleaning early and you’re making room for growth. What you know, however, is what you feel right now. Annoyed, maybe a little embarrassed, and not at all interested in facing your messes.

A good way to power through this month of organizing, is to use your timer. Instead of thinking about how long it’ll take to sort through that box or clean out your closet, set your timer for half an hour–then clean as fast as you can until the timer goes off. You’d be amazed how fast those 30 minutes will go!

Before you and your productivity can blossom, all that muck and sludge you’ve been carrying around needs to get cleaned up. I encourage you to continue organizing any way that you can, because getting uncomfortable–even anxious or afraid–will lead to a new, more productive phase in your artistry. In other words: you have to take out the trash in order to bring something new in. If it’s piled up, it’s definitely time to clean house.

Whether you have paperwork to file or a messy desk to organize, take advantage of this opportunity now so you be open to more opportunities and possibilities next month! Once your organizational activities are done, all you’ll have to do is maintain your current status. If anything, that should be something to look forward to.

Creative Prompt: Visualizing Your Artist’s Journey

Visualization is a powerful motivator, but it can also be the same thing that keeps you stuck. Dreams are beautiful, ephemeral, fleeting wisps that exist only in your mind. To make them come true, you have to do the work–and that is 1,000 times more challenging than thinking about it (or saying that you’re going to do it). After all, if you envision yourself running a marathon but can’t see yourself taking that first step, then it’s easy to give up and fall under the sway of your gorgeous dream.

Today’s creative prompt takes visualization one step further. Consider that what you’re doing isn’t to achieve an “end point”. After all, you may want to write a novel, but if that’s your only goal you don’t have anywhere to go after that. Career-minded artists are on a journey, and our goals are to get to those next rest stops. Instead of thinking about the finish line, picture yourself at each stage along your path. Subtle changes, even if it’s your hair or clothes, highlight your uniqueness at each stage along the way.

You could:

  • Clip out fashion pics and pin them on a vision board.
  • Pull out old photographs and mark where you’ve been–and opt for where you’re going next!
  • Draw or describe interesting faces at each stage of your creative journey.
  • Pull together a scrapbook that you’ll show to your readers/supporters.
  • Write letters to yourself during unique milestones
  • Build yourself as a character in a game.

What are you wearing? What do you look like? How do you feel? What did you accomplish? Then, fast forward and rewind. How have you changed since you first started your journey as an artist? Can you predict where your future self will be? The differences you’ll pick up on could be major or subtle, and your discovery will evolve naturally as you proceed through this exercise.

Whether the changes you’ve encountered are big or small, the point of this visualization exercise is to rid yourself of the toxic belief that you need to make “it” or be “it”–otherwise you’re nothing. Your success, your journey, your talent cannot be summed up in one word: “Succeed” or “Fail”. Be gentle with yourself, because you are not racing toward a finish line. There’s no One True WayTM to be an artist, and recording the steps on your journey will allow you to embrace that even more than you already are. Enjoy your path, because it’s yours to take!

    Mood: Meh. Winter doldrums.
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: I’m flllllyyyyyyyyiiiiinnnnnggggg!
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Half an hour
    In My Ears: Dragon Age: Inquisition soundtrack
    Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Inquisition
    Book Last Read: Dr. Potter’s Medicine Show
    Movie/TV Show Last Viewed: Pacific Rim
    Latest Artistic Project: Make Art Not War 2017 Challenge and Rules
    Latest Releases: In Volo’s Wake for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Read my end-of-the-year list of releases for an overview of what I’ve put out for 2016.
    Current State of Projects: Read my latest project update. New project update coming this month!



February 15, 2017
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On Keeping Your Eyes On Your Own Page

Spike and Giles... Together at Last

Over the years, I’ve learned that there’s a big difference between what you want to write, and the perception of what a “writer” is. The career of writing is filled with other people’s opinions based on your profile or popularity, which circles you travel in, how much money you’re believed to make, where you publish, who you’ve worked with, what genre you write, how frequently you put out books, and what it is you’re writing in the first place.

Perceptions, dear reader, are all bullshit and they are a distraction that can kill your productivity. They exist as a natural part of being in an uncertain, unpredictable industry where so many of us work from home and only see one another at conventions. This can be exacerbated if you have friends or acquaintances that are writing, too; the best advice I can give you is that your true friends will be happy for your success. If they’re not, and they make passive-aggressive comments, it’s because they perceive your success as a sign of their failing or what they haven’t earned. As a writer, you will define what you believe your success to be. There is no “one true way” to be a writer or have a career, because there is no formula for success other than to be persistent. Do you write? You’re a writer. Do you make money off of your work? Then, you are professional writer. Are you consistent? Then, you building a career in writing.

Enter the idea that you should “keep your eyes on your own page.” It may sound incredibly selfish, but this mantra is a tool for your own survival. Other people’s opinions can be damaging to your career, because that’s when you start to ask questions. Am I doing this right? Am I writing the right books? But wait, that other writer started the same year I did and they’ve surpassed me in money/popularity/etc. Then, the worst possible thing happens: jealousy. You deserved what that other writer got. After all, you wrote the same damn thing. You should’ve gotten that contract. Your book should’ve gotten better placement. Ack! Turning green yet? Worrying about what “X” writer is doing is a recipe for madness, because even if you’re friends that won’t help you get the words down and out the door.

That’s not to say there aren’t real problems that can affect your career like bigotry, sexism, homophobia, nepotism, etc. these things exist in publishing because they occur in real life. Publishing isn’t some esoteric business that exists in the clouds; it’s a multi-million dollar industry filled with people making decisions every day to produce books, comics, and games. What I’m suggesting, is that obsessing over the hows/wherefores/whys of someone else’s book took off won’t do you any favors, because your greatest asset is what you have to sell. If what you have isn’t selling, then write something else and try selling that. Or, do more research on the markets you’re submitting to and try a different one instead.

Lastly, I want to point out another reason why you should keep your eyes on your own page. In this political era, there is a lot of uncertainty that has nothing to do with the publishing industry. That big question mark of what will happen next is omnipresent and frightening as hell. I could spend hours modeling what the future might hold, I could spend days in front of the TV worrying whether or not we’re going to war, or I can write. Thanks to Make Art Not War 2017, I am putting “me” first. This acts as a shield that allows me to protect my work and make better decisions for myself and my career.

When I first designed the MANW program, I did so thinking that it would just be to weather the political storm–but it has a crucial, secondary purpose as well. By prioritizing my art over all the other bullshit out there, I know I am doing everything I can to make something happen. That, outside all the other bullshit, is what’s keeping me sane. I can’t predict what’ll happen, I can’t possibly know whether or not all of this will be worth the effort financially–but I can control whether or not I fill a blank computer screen, one word at a time. Without doing the work, I can’t do anything else. After all, no one wants to read an empty page.

    Mood: Crap, it’s Friday.
    Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Too many
    Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Half an hour
    In My Ears: Dragon Age: Inquisition soundtrack
    Game Last Played: Dragon Age: Inquisition
    Book Last Read: Research materials for work.
    Movie/TV Show Last Viewed: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
    Latest Artistic Project: Make Art Not War 2017 Challenge and Rules
    Latest Releases: In Volo’s Wake for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. Read my end-of-the-year list of releases for an overview of what I’ve put out for 2016.
    Current State of Projects: Read my latest project update. New project update coming this month!



February 10, 2017
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