On a roll...

My latest illustration might be a metaphor for my obsessions... or it might just be another picture of a whale.

Custom Art Contest

You know I love having contests, but I'm REALLY excited about this one. I just finished up the artwork for Dana Alison Levy's gorgeous, new website (you'll be able to visit it very soon) and now I'm dying to create something else. So I'm turning to you, dear reader. I want to design some custom artwork for YOU.

Maybe you're in the market for original artwork for your own website, or maybe your blog needs a new look. I'm happy to design almost anything from Facebook or Etsy headers, to book covers.  

To enter:
1. Leave me a comment telling me what you'd like me to illustrate for you.
2. Make sure you're a follower.
3. Spread the news: tweet it, Facebook it, email your friends, anything to get the word out.

I'll announce the winner September 25th.

Damsel Distressed

It's almost impossible for me to pass up a contest, especially when it's one as awesome as Kelsey Macke's Cover Design Contest for her upcoming novel DAMSEL DISTRESSED.

The contest runs through September 22nd, so if your feeling artsy, head on over and give it a go. You can read the rules here and watch the entry video here.

You can design as many covers as your little heart desires and although I'd like to spend the next month designing my own, I think my family will be happy if I keep it at one.

Writing Material or Kindling?

Last night we got home from a family camping trip to the Uintahs. For two days we sat in the sun reading books and relaxing, spent hours around the campfire laughing and eating s'mores, and went fishing in the Provo river. Oh... and there was also those few hours in the middle of the night where we counted down the minutes to our sure and painful death.

I know I shouldn't complain. It's great to find writing material in real life. Authentic moments that drive gritty and real stories can't be bought, right? But I'd rather not find mine at midnight in a remote camp site in the middle of the mountains.

A little past midnight I woke to the sound of a gunshot echoing through the canyon. Of course I nudged my husband awake and a moment later when the next shot sounded he mumbled in agreement, "Yeah, sounds like a gunshot." Already I was on high alert, but a few moments later when a woman's bloodcurdling scream traveled down the canyon I bolted up, ready to get in the car RIGHT THAT SECOND to drive down the canyon. Forget our camper trailer, forget our camping equipment and clothes. We would leave it all behind.

In my mind, a pair of murderous thugs were already making their way towards our camp site to take out our family next. I saw it all: their stubbled faces, the terror in my kids' eyes, our last minutes together as a family. 

I love having an active imagination, but on occasion it can be an almost lethal power. For hours my mind circled through scenario after scenario, not limited to: deranged murderers, killer mountain lions, and zombie apocalypse. 

After hours of staring at the dark ceiling, I only started to relax after I began composing a short story in my mind. Maybe I'll put that material to use after all...