Rediscovering art, writing and raising grandchildren

Returning to rediscover my place in art was a recent process. Retired, and, outside of renovating. I made time to achieve several objectives. Carving, writing, painting, and discovery of ancient shield-making techniques, amongst other art explorations are my goals.  Having enjoyed the television series Vikings, I decided to research Viking shield making techniques, with the intent of recreating a lenticular Viking shield from scratch. Why a lenticular shield? It seemed to me, were I a Viking, I would like to carry the most effective shield.  In terms of durability, lenticular shields are less likely to split under assault from a sword, spear or axe because of their construction. It too seemed logical, arrows were less likely to penetrate, but I have yet to put this to the test at an archery session with my grandsons. The challenge for me was to stick to the most likely hand-making methods Vikings may have applied. As I progressed, it came to me working with wood to produce an object de

     I am pleased you have received your reviews back, all of them. That is an achievement in itself, you must have a great circle of friends, keep them close. I get the fact you are confused by a couple of responses but consider this. Your friends may not be reading within their genre, and are not experienced, reviewers. They are doing this because they are your friends and have volunteered to help.   As to the others, great outcome. Where to from here? Despite the advice/observations returned to you, be selective in what you take out of the comments. Remember, it is your novel. Thank each person for their efforts, they may offer their valuable services again. The benefit of this, they are invested in your work and, are now experienced enough to accept your guidance on what you require.   However, simply because a reviewer comments on something, that does not mean a re-write of that chapter. However, if a comment is made that your main character, or any character. Has blue eyes on pag

  12 days in a caravan   Our great, family summer adventure north along Australia’s eastern coast commenced for the four of us with our hire of a lightweight 1600kg caravan through - Camplify ( https://www.camplify.com.au ) which in turn led us to our local provider – Outback 2 Sea ( https://outback2sea.com.au ) run by Greg and his family.     Despite Outback 2 Sea’s great website and images supplied, Greg permitted us to drop by for a firsthand look at what we might expect to hire.    We chose the Serendipity. All insurances are covered. Spacious bed & bunk beds. Greg was professional, friendly, thorough in his explanations, knowledgeable and made himself available to answers any questions by text or mobile after we collected our hire van.   Being first-timers hiring a caravan, what followed were new experiences, as was our intent. Our 2020 Mazda BT-50 easily pulled the van north to Emu Park outside Yeppoon, where we stayed for four nights at Fisherman’s Beach caravan park. Towing

I’m sitting at the kitchen table early one morning late last year, staring at my Mac, trying to get my head around this blogging caper, when Mr Seven year-old approaches me clutching a book. “P-oooop?” I know from experience, the longer the ‘ oooop ’, the bigger the question he will ask. “Yes, mate. What have got there?” “A book on ancient Egypt, see.” He proudly hands me a thin, illustrated children’s book from the school library. “Wow, that’s impressive.” “Did you and Nan ever live in ancient Egypt?” Having a quick flick through, I say. “Well, I’m ancient, true and might easily have fitted in. But, Nan’s way too young to have lived there. Why, mate?” “They had lot’s of slaves back then, didn’t they to make beds, cook and look after kids?”   “That’s what’s in this book, why’s that, mate?” “Slaves did everything for them, didn’t they? Like making things and cleaning.” “I guess so, mate.” “You and Nan, you’re just the slaves back then only to me and Ayden.” “Ver

The question you ask about seeking reviews caused me a lot of anguish back in the day. I was quite naïve, wondering how to proceed in a manner that most benefited me with an outcome that improved my work.   I trawled through writing organisation sites looking at advertisements. Subsequently, I sought out a professional reviewer. That cost me money, time, and frustration at the poor response I received. Two more times I sought reviews, only to receive inadequate advice.   Look closely at the reviewer and what is offered. Ignore their testimonials, they’re never going to present you with a bad one. Ask yourself, what is it this person will do for my dollar before you invest?   Before I write more, I will provide you with advice on a paid way forward, and a free way to understanding your writing needs.   The paid way. Investigate the reviewer as if you were creating a character from several explored sources. Is this person working in the genre you write in? No good asking a romance review

Write with passion, edit like a sword-swinging barbarian, and review with the purpose of continuous improvement.    You are not done until you have tortured yourself about dialogue, scene-setting and characterisation.    When it is polished to perfection and your vision shines onto your intended audience, you will know it is time to submit.