Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year to each of you. 2012 is a Year of the Dragon — a most auspicious year indeed!

I was born in the Year of the Dragon, several dragons ago, and I think that was the genesis of my life-long fascination with mythical beasts and magical stories.

In celebration, I’m working on a new painting of a red dragon. I began the painting yesterday with washes of colored inks and metallic watercolors. Then, I added a few drizzles of India ink and brilliant green. Next, I used acrylics to paint my slender, long-necked dragon clinging to some vines in the foreground.

Today, I’ve been adding more layers of acrylics on the dragon. I’ve also added a small barn and house with an “English countryside look” to them to the background. And I’ve painted a red dragon’s egg hidden in a leafy spot on the vines. The dragon’s face still needs more detail, and a few of the vines need to be “freshened up” because the newer layers of paint have muted their vibrant green. Still, I think I’m satisfied with my first dragon painting of 2012.

 The painting you see in this post is an older one — but I still like Strawberry Dragon because of his whimsical vibe. However, liking my older artwork is not a “given.” Luckily, I’ve grown as an artist, so much of my older work seems out of step with my new art. But I’ve decide that is something not to cringe at — but to celebrate.

As each of us grows a year older, we hopefully learn new things and improve upon our work — whether writing, painting, teaching, repairing engines, or whatever it is we do.

So chase away the bad luck by banging some pots together, set aside your broom so as not to sweep out the good luck, and remember to honor your ancestors and the local dragon.

As for me — I think I’ll sketch a unicorn!

Zombies & Angels & Boogeymen…Oh, My!

 2012 has started off with a bang! Tomorrow, I’ll be part of a Cold Moon Press presentation at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC at 12 noon. Besides reading an excerpt from my zombie love story, I’ll be discussing how to use traditional creatures/ characters from myths & folklore in creative writing. The public is invited if any of you are in the area and interested.

Again this year, my art work and writing are nominated in the Preditors & Editors Readers’ Poll (which closes at 12 midnight, Jan. 10, 2012). For those who’d like to read the story- Blood of the Swan (published in “While the Morning Stars Sing”); the nonfiction piece originally published in Little Patuxent Review- Fairies, Magic & Monsters; or the poem published this December in EMG-Zine- Penelope for free until Jan. 20th, you can go to: http://vonniewinslowcrist.com/preds__eds_nominated_work

 Also nominated are my magazine cover for September 2011′s Aoife’s Kiss, the cover of my book The Greener Forest, and one of the illustrations from that book: Ningyo (reprinted here).

I just finished designing 2 logos for new imprints at Cold Moon Press – and they’ve been emailed to the editor for approval. (When approved & with the editor’s permission, I’ll give you a peek at them later.)

The end of 2011 featured a guest blog, Holiday Traditions for the Writer, on Tracy S. Morris’ website: http://tinyurl.com/holiday-traditions-VWC-blog and 2 interviews. The 1st is about being an illustrator: http://tinyurl.com/eraserburns-interview-vonnie   and the 2nd about being a fantasy writer: http://tinyurl.com/funzone-interview-vonnie

And for those interested in reading what I have to say about what goes into choosing a cover for a book, you can check out my guest blog at Morgen Bailey’s Writing Blog: http://wp.me/p18Ztn-1Fa

And now, I need to focus on completing several stories for my next book. Title and other details will be announced shortly. Till then, here’s a hint: Dusk, darkness, and owls are involved!

Here’s hoping that each of you has a healthy and prosperous 2012.

To Review or Not to Review

 Sending The Greener Forest out to reviewers wasn’t easy. What if the reviewers hated my beloved child? The Greener Forest is a collection of short stories (with a few fantasy poems & illustrations tossed in for good measure), and it’s therefore harder to find reviewers willing to read the book. What if reviewers begrudgingly skimmed the pages of the collection, then jotted down mean-spirited words? Yikes!

But an author must push aside her doubts, and send review copies out into the big, wide world. If she’s worked hard enough on her craft, edited judiciously, and listened to her editor — maybe, just maybe, the readers and reviewers will say positive things. And if the reviews are dreadful, then she must slip on her rhinoceros skin, ignore the critical jabs, and keep on writing.

Why bother with reviews? Because readers from Amazon to Goodreads to hundreds of other sites look for reviews to help them make their reading choices. And, as much as writers like to deny it, we need to hear from our readers so we can write better.

The Greener Forest has been well-reviewed to date. (She wipes the sweat from her brow and smiles tentatively). Thanks to the reviewers who took the time to read, then write a few words about my book. If you’d like to read a few reviews of The Greener Forest, check out the excerpts below, then follow the links.

Valentina at Carabosse’s Library wrote: “I highly recommend this collection.” http://tinyurl.com/carabosses-library-review-GF

Lindsay of Lindsay & Jane’s Views & Reviews wrote: “5 Stars. This book is filled with beautiful poems, magical fantastical stories and stunning illustrations.” http://tinyurl.com/lindsay-review-greener-forest

Natalie of Besotted with Books wrote: “There are so many great little stories throughout, some stories are beautifully magical and others sent a chill down my spine.” http://tinyurl.com/besotted-with-books-review

Laura Shovan, ed., Little Patuxent Review wrote: “Crist is a master of metaphor. In The Greener Forest her modern fairy tales stand out.” http://tinyurl.com/little-patuxent-rev-review

Fran Johnson, ed., Harford’s Heart Magazine wrote: “Crist has created believable characters, including some who are not-quite-human.” http://tinyurl.com/harfords-heart-review

And remember, after you read The Greener Forest to post on Amazon, Goodreads, etc. your feelings about the book.

Darkover & Animal Sidekicks

I was invited to participate in Darkover this past Thanksgiving weekend in Timonium, Maryland. Wow! What a wonderful con. I was part of several panels including substituting at the last moment on the “Animal Sidekicks” panel for a couple of writers who had planes/rides to catch.

I love adding animal sidekicks in my stories. Per the advice of Dr. John Flynn, who taught “Writing Science Fiction” as part of my Masters in Professional Writing Degree Program & served as my advisor for 2 Independent Studies on writing science fiction & fantasy prose, I try my hardest to avoid cats, dogs, and horses. Now, it’s not because I don’t love cats, dogs, and horses — but rather because they’re the most common animals used.

 So what critters have I used as sidekicks or important characters in my stories? In “Assassins,” I use a singing opossum – it’s genetically altered, hence the singing and glow-in-the-dark eyes. In “Birdling,” a robin is an important character. I must admit to using a one-eyed dog and three-legged cat in “Appleheads,” but they’re really a goblin and bogle, so I’m not sure if that counts. In “Toad,” I use a toad. (That was hard to guess, I know!) In “Henkie’s Fiddle,” a calf-shaped buggane is a sidekick. In “Weathermaker,” a Chinese dragon has a starring role. In a novel I’m pecking away at, I use rats and pigeons as sidekicks. I’m also currently at work on several stories where owls are either a sidekick or necessary character. Then, there’s this tale where telepathic beetles bond with the protagonist…

The advice I gave on the Darkover panel (with a nod to Dr. Flynn) is still good — “Think outside the box.” Cats, dogs, and horses make fabulous sidekicks and characters, but so do spiders (EB White’s “Charlotte’s Web”), cockroaches (Suzanne Collins’ “The Underland Chronicles”), beavers (CS Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia”), polar bears (Philip Pullman’s “The Golden Compass”), snakes (JK Rowling’s “Harry Potter”), and even trees (JRR Tolkien’s Treebeard in “Lord of the Rings”).

I think readers like to read about cats, dogs, and horses — but they probably would like a pinch of emu, lizard, and lion, too.

Till next I blog: Happy reading! Happy writing! And thanks so much to the folks at Darkover for inviting me.

Gunpowder Review 2011 is Here!

 Hooray! The 2011 issue of The Gunpowder Review arrived in 2 large boxes on my doorstep today. I opened the first box, heart thumping, and examined the newest edition of the women’s literary magazine that I’ve edited for the last 3 years.

I think the front and back covers look stunning. Front butterfly photo is from Katie Hartlove. Back cover photos are from Jean Voxakis, Danuta Kosk-Kosicka, Patti Kinlock, Kristin Stephens Crist, and Robin Bayne. And the poems, prose, photography, and artwork on the inside of the magazine are just as wonderful. I feel priviledged to publish the work of so many creative women, and look forward to hosting a publication reading on November 13^th at 1 PM at the Bel Air, Maryland, Barnes & Noble. The public is not only invited, but encouraged to attend – so if you’re in the area, why not stop by?

 And the weather was so balmy today, that husband, Sandy the Black-Mouthed Cur, and I took a hike on the North Central Railroad Trail. We walked beneath deciduous trees that had few leaves remaining on their branches, over bridges spanning a creek that had enough momentum to turn many a mill wheel in the olden days, and beside farmland, woodland, and flood plain. Though there were exposed roots aplenty, fern gullies, and mossy rocks – I didn’t spy any Fairyfolk. Still, I believe that they were there peering at us from rabbit holes and birds’ nests.

There was a feeling of timelessness in the names of the tiny roads we crossed. I must research the history of the NCR Trail and the little towns we walked through. History holds so many secrets and endless inspiration for writers. I’ve used a bit of personal history to YA Urban Fantasy already, and I’ll surely use more.

So hurrah for hikes on sunny days, history, creative women, and the arrival of The Gunpowder Review 2011. Now, back to typing…

An Impatient Editor

 Today, before I begin working on my November novel, YA Urban Fantasy, I glance out the window. I expect the arrival of this year’s Gunpowder Review any day now, and I don’t want to miss the delivery person. I pick up last year’s issue with a water lily photo on the front cover from writer, photographer, and 2012 Balticon chair, Patti Kinlock. I flip through the pages, pausing every now and again to glance at a favorite piece of work.

As the editor, I know every word between these covers. And a year after the 2010 issue appeared, every error that I didn’t catch when proof-reading jumps off the page at me. I sigh, and hope that our wonderful designer, Katie, or I have spotted and corrected all errors in the 2011 issue. But there are gremlins hiding everywhere – so mistakes do happen.

 I turn The Gunpowder Review 2010 face down, determined to write another 2,000 words on my November novel today. But can’t help admiring one last time, the fabulous artwork & photos from Mary Lou Lanci, Mary Stevens, Wendy Stevens, and Kristin Stephens Crist that grace the magazine’s back cover. As impatient as I am for the 2011 Review to arrive, I’m also a little sad to see this fine collection of women’s work put on the “back issue” shelf.

Now (if the gremlins will stay away from my computer), back to the rats, pigeons, and goblins of my YA Urban Fantasy.  Now, where was I? Oh, yes: “A hand grabbed Roni from behind as she walked past an alley on her way from Casa Rosa to the subway entrance…”

November Novelist

November is officially here – which means it’s NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).

This year, I’m going to see how many words I can complete on a YA novel I’ve been planning for some time. In addition to keeping you up to date on the progress of YA Urban Fantasy, as the novel will be known until I’m certain of a title, I’ll be blogging about other tidbits in this writer’s life.

Firstly, I needed to take a few deep breaths, relax, and get in the novel-writing mood. To read more about what I find stressful in my writing life and how I deal with that stress, check out my guest blog at Amber Polo’s Relaxing the Writer – http://tinyurl.com/relaxing-interview  And I’ll give you a hint – the recent pre- Halloween snow hasn’t helped with my outside gardening time!

Once I was a little more relaxed, it was time to put fingers to keyboard, and begin to write my YA Urban Fantasy. My report on Day 1′s results: I managed to get 2,000 words down in reasonably good shape. It’s a long way from my goal of 60,000 or more words – but it’s a start!

Secondly, and this has nothing to do with writing, but it sure was fun & relaxing – I baked a double batch of chocolate chip cookies in preparation for hosting a pre-Thanksgiving family gathering at Woods’ Edge.  Of course, some cookies were consumed, but a plastic container of the treats were popped into the freezer. Now, if only I can ignore them for 3 weeks!

And lastly, I submitted a poem to a “ship” themed issue of an online magazine. We’ll see if the editor likes Penelope well-enough to publish the poem.

So wish me luck – and I send good wishes out into the ether for all those other brave writers who’ve decided to write a novel this November.

Magical Illustrators

 We’re right in the middle of National Magic Week – when it seems all the world acknowledges that magical things are still possible. And I think it’s no coincidence that Halloween is just a few days away. But rather than magic in general, I’d like to celebrate the illustrators (like Gary Lippincott pictured here) I met at last year’s FaerieCon who bring their visions of the usually hidden worlds of fairies, elves, trolls, giants, and such to the reader.

 I’m one of those devoted readers and appreciators of illustration who drags a knapsack worth of books to a conference and patiently stands in line for the signature of the artist or author. FaerieCon, held this year November 4-6 in Hunt Valley, Maryland, is a great place to meet these artist-magicians. Last year, I met the gracious Michael Hague (see my Jan. 6, 2011 blog) and the fabulous doll-maker, Wendy Froud (see my Dec. 12, 2010 blog) – but they weren’t the only artists I chatted with. Brian Froud (pictured on the left), Wendy’s husband and perhaps the most well-known fairy artist working today, spoke as part of several panels and shared his delightful tales of bringing Faeriefolk to life. And if you took the time to stop by and visit with the Frouds, both Brian & Wendy signed their books and chatted amicably with their fans.

 Faerie Magazine, www.faeriemagazine.com , usually hosts several illustrators and authors at their FaerieCon booth. Last year, the colorfully-dressed and always-smiling Linda Ravenscroft signed 2 books for me. She seemed happy indeed to converse with her many fans as well as talk a bit about her art. (Linda is pictured on the right).

For those who decided they wanted to know more about the business of illustration, businesswoman and illustrator extraordinaire, Jessica Galbreth, gave a workshop.  Not only did Jessica tell the audience about the ins & outs and ups & downs of life as an illustrator, wife, and mom – but those who registered for the workshop also received a copy of her Artists Manual. And as the owner of an autographed copy of that manual, I can tell you it was a worthwhile workshop. (Jessica is shown to the left).

And lastly, but never leastly, Charles Vess, autographed 2 of the Neil Gaiman children’s books he’d illustrated, for me to give as Christmas gifts to my daughter. This year, Charles has a wonderful painting that will be displayed at FaerieCon.  For those who’re interested, you can see the progress of the enormous painting on Charles’ facebook page. I’ve already got my copy of a book of his magical art ready to take with me to hopefully get autographed when I visit FaerieCon in a little over a week from now. (That’s Charles in the photo to the right).

And what of my illustrations? I had a successful exhibit of fantasy paintings this summer (sold 4). My illos have been published in a few speculative magazines recently, and are scheduled to a appear on the covers of several more in 2012. A small crocus fairy illo of mine will be appearing in an upcoming issue of Faerie Magazine as part of an ad. And of course, I included over 30 of my drawings in my recent book from Cold Moon Press, The Greener Forest. For those who’d like to read more about what I have to say about illustration, check out a guest-blog from me at Morgen Bailey’s Writing Blog:
http://wp.me/p18Ztn-17n

Happy Belated Dictionary Day!

Life, per usual, is too busy. Therefore, I’m a day late wishing everyone a Happy Dictionary Day!

As a lover of words, this is a day to celebrate the marvelous words, both cutting-edge and archaic, that fill our dictionaries. A couple of years ago, I stumbled across a particularly fascinating word, and wrote an entire story just so I could use it. Bloodguiltless was the beginning place for that short story titled, The Nestgatherers of Gad. It’s unpublished – but since writing the initial draft, I’ve decided to work the story into a novel length piece of fiction. A book from one word? It’s possible.

Another fabulous word is mumbletypeg. Which is even fun to say out loud! It’s used in the very first paragraph of one of my newer stories. And how much more delightful is kerfuffle to mutter than disturbance? How much more interesting is it to open a bumbershoot rather than umbrella? How much more of a clunker does a car seem when I call it a flivver?

Why was October 16^th chosen for this celebration? It seems Daniel Webster, who compiled the first American English Dictionary, was born on that date in 1758. So Happy Belated Birthday to Daniel Webster, too.

So grab a dictionary, and find a new word to add to your vocabulary. As for me, I’m geeky enough to not only enjoy perusing a dictionary and thesaurus every now-and-again, but to subscribe to “Word of the Day.” Everyday, a new word is delivered to my email in-box. Often, I recognize the word; but sometimes, the word is so strange and irresistible that I must immediately include it in my writing.

And speaking of my writing, I have a new interview up on author KS Brooks’ blog, “Write Write Write.” Please take a look at the interview & comment: http://tinyurl.com/on-writing-VWC-interview

Happy Birthday Snoopy & Charlie Brown!

On October 2, 1950, “Peanuts” comic strip featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and their friends first appeared in 8 newspapers. Written and drawn by Charles M. Schultz, “Peanuts” was published for nearly 50 years. The final daily version of the strip was published on Jan 3, 2000, and its creator passed away on February 12, 2000. Oddly enough, the final original Sunday “Peanuts” comic strip was published the day after Charles Schultz’s death.

I grew up reading “Peanuts,” and still enjoy it in reprints and on television specials. Good old Charlie Brown, the meek anti-hero of the comic strip, called out to those of us who understood his lack of self-confidence. We admired his determined  persistence in the face of almost certain failure. Charlie Brown couldn’t fly a kite; he managed and played on a baseball team that didn’t win. He endlessly tried to punt a football only to have Lucy pull it away. He got rocks for Halloween, picked a straggly Christmas tree, served a sub-par Thanksgiving dinner, and had an empty mailbox on Valentine’s Day. Charlie Brown represented all of us who weren’t the “popular kids” at school.

The other character I identified with was Snoopy. Yes, I know he’s a dog – but a dog of superior intelligence with a rich imagination. Snoopy’s thought bubbles revealed the multiple and fascinating lives he lived in his imagination. He was not just a beagle — he was a World War I flying ace, Joe Cool on a college campus, a hockey player, Olympic figure skater, grocery clerk, and astronaut. Snoopy was also a Scout leader for his buddy Woodstock and his feathered friends.

But my favorite imaginary Snoopy role was best-selling novelist. Perhaps it was because I, too, dreamed of writing that best-selling book. As soon as I saw Snoopy sitting by his typewriter, I knew I’d like the comics that day. And I always smiled when I saw the first line from the 1830 novel “Paul Clifford” written by Englishman Edward Bulwer-Lytton: “It was a dark and stormy night…”

So Happy Birthday Snoopy & Charlie Brown! And thank you, Charles Schultz. You have made millions smile, given a voice to the underdog, and celebrated those who daydream. This evening, I shall do a brief, but enthusiastic Happy Snoopy Dance, then sit in front of my keyboard to try to write that best-selling novel.