I detest writer’s block. My characters go on a walk-about and leave me stuck - usually in the middle of a tale - only to reappear whenever they decide it’s time to return to the proverbial barn. There’s no use in complaining. I don’t know of any writers who haven’t experienced this dreaded phenomenon. I guess it just goes with the territory, regardless of whether one is writing fiction, short story, bio or anything else that requires input from the Muse. Or Muses.
Two years ago, when I was in the midst of a terrorist plot while writing Suffer the Children, I had my first really tough experience with writer’s block. No matter what I tried, I just couldn’t “hear” the story. A friend of mine who is a fabulous artist suggested I try a pastels class, something different but still drawing on the creative part of the brain. Believe me, drawing is not my forte. But, I was desperate and the class sounded fun. To my great surprise, at the end of the 8 week pastels class I clearly heard the Muse calling me back to finish Suffer the Children. So, this summer, when the block hit again in full force I decided to pick up my pastels again and give it a shot.
My style is Folk Art. I’ll never be a Van Gogh or even Grandma Moses, but I am having a hell of a good time. I’ve decided that my “signature” is painting the subject’s aura, and generally using colors that the subject would never sport in real life. So far I’ve painted three dogs, a barn and a church. Above I’ve posted “Maddie Gets Her Wings”, in honor of my daughter’s sweet, one-eyed pup who crossed the rainbow bridge last fall. If you look at my portfolio page you’ll see some of my other work. For those of you who are hooked on Allison Parker, never fear. I’m sure the Muse will return before the summer is over. In the meantime, enjoy the heat and do something fun.