Updates, updates, updates!

Why the heck haven't I updated this blog in forever?

Well, I've been busy writing a bunch of books. *smile*

First things first: The Great Red Horse is now THREE books. Yup. My work tripled in the blink of an eye. How did that happen, you ask?

You see, I made bacon cheeseburgers for my creative team, sat 'em down, and recited the WHOLE first draft of The Great Red Horse to them.

After I was done, Bruce looked at Steve. Steve looked at Bruce. Silent.

Then, they looked at me.

"What?" I implored.

"You wrote too much for one book," Bruce replied.

"I agree," Steve added.

"I...what?"

Bruce continued. "It's easily three books. Make it a three-part series. One book is too long."

"You can have part one be his youth, part two his show career, part three his legacy," Steve said. Brilliant. Can you see why these two are on my creative team?

At first I thought: aw man, I thought I was almost done with this book! But, that thought was soon replaced with: WOW, this is going to be FUN.

So, that's where I've been--writing THREE books. Wait, hold up--FOUR books. I am also working on a book on the UConn Polo program.

Sure, it's a lot of work--but if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.

The Great Red Horse: A Colt is Born is the first book, and I am shooting for a spring 2015 publication. WATCH THIS SPACE!

Even more updates, read on:

So, yesterday--the sun was out, the sky was a brilliant cerulean, and there was a hay-scented autumn chill in the air--a perfect day for an author photo shoot with The Great Red Mare!

Here I am with UC Serendipity, a Reserve World Champion daughter of The Great Red Horse himself, UC Ringmaster. Many thanks to Megan Thompson of Depot View Farm for lending your beautiful farm and your beautiful mare. 'Dippy' is thirty, and is full of spark and spunk. She still owns that Champion energy and grace!

My husband Steve took A LOT of photos, and if you have ever tried to take photos of a horse in a field of grass, you will know how challenging it is to get that horse to 1) lift her head up and 2) stop munching for two whole seconds and 3) perk the ears just so. A lot to accomplish, and Steve did brilliantly!

We were able to get a couple of really nice shots. Dippy was a doll and lifted her head and perked her ears just so--but didn't quite get the whole "stop munching for two whole seconds" part down. And you know what? It's totally wonderful because I LOVE THIS PHOTO for so many reasons:

1. We look like we are having a lot of fun, because we are.
2. I love a chestnut mare that is not shy about expressing her love of green, succulent grass. Yummy nummy!
3. Her expression says JOY, pure and simple. Joy of life, of friends, of home, of fun, of laughter, of good eats.
4. My expression also says JOY. I love this horse. She is my kind and generous friend. She is my wise and patient teacher.
5. It's a great photo for a children's book--because it's cute, it's funny and it says so much about the nature of horses: They delight us and make our lives whole.

Steve also captured this lovely shot:

At the end of the shoot, I gave Dippy her head and let her put her face in the deliciousness all around her.

This photo shows us relaxed and simply enjoying our time together.

Horses remind us to be in the moment; to appreciate that sometimes the simplest things are the most profound and bring us the most happiness: sunshine on our faces, time with friends, a beautiful day, and---yummy snacks.

Thank you for cheering me on, everyone! What an amazing  journey this has been so far!

Enjoy some sun on your face today.

Helen

First draft FINISHED

...now I move on to the editing phase.

No one creates in a vacuum. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, share your vision, cheer you on, and enrich your soul....

How true.

I am grateful to know so many incredible people: artists, writers, musicians, thinkers, doers. You inspire me, friends!

Thank you for your honesty. You don't just tell me what I want to hear--how boring. Nope, you tell me what I need to hear. It helps me grow as a writer, as an artist, as a person. He helps me to break out of old habits and replace those negative thoughts with positive ones.

It's essential for the creative journey, and life itself. 

Time to finish this book, and get it out there!

My creative team

Last night, I had a wonderful and inspiring meeting with my creative team: Poet and lover of literature, Bruce Carver, and my incredible graphic designer husband, Steve.

Bruce and I have been friends since 1987 when we were radio geeks at UConn's radio station, WHUS. I have always known the man to be an undiscovered genius of sorts. He is an amazing writer, can recite Melville's Moby Dick from memory, is a fan of Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf, and has a dry, yet profound, sense of  humor.

Steve is also a writer and a proud owner of an Art History degree. He is my husband, but he is also my best friend. I respect and value his opinion, and not just because he is a talented creative professional. He is smart, funny and true to his word. He taught me the real meaning of trust. Of love. Of gratitude. I am blessed to have such a fine person as a life partner. Plus, he's pretty cute. Bonus!

It is easy to see why I picked these two amazing people to be on my creative team. Steve and Bruce are not afraid to be honest with me, so when they praise my work--I know they mean every word.

As a writer and artist, I can be my own worst critic. However, I can say that I am proud of this work. I can't wait to share it with all of you.

The muse swooped down from the barn rafters and patted me on the head.
Big smiles!

Happy 2014--The Year of the Horse!

I hope to have The Great Red Horse published this year....

The Year of the Great Red Horse!