Wesolych Swiat

That's Merry Christmas, without all the diacritical marks that make Polish such an interesting language to see in print!

As Christmas nears, I'm reminded of Wigilia at my grandmother's house on Christmas Eve. And that reminds me to post another recipe for a great Polish dinner. I've already posted a soup, a sauerkraut dish (and if you think you hate kraut, this kapusta recipe will change your mind) and a dessert. So how about a potato dish? Check out the Royal Potatoes recipe on the main page.

My writing is coming along very well--mostly because I retired in May after 38 years of teaching English. Amazing how much I can get done when I don't need to grade 92 papers every week! I finished my novel Coming to Be and am still waiting for word from two publishers who have requested the complete draft. I'm also a third of the way into a new novel which is a real stretch for me--it's set in early 19th Century Natchez, Mississippi. But it is almost writing itself, or so it seems.

I've also started presenting, with my colleague Phillip Sterling, a series of writers' retreats based here in northern Michigan. In January I'll be posting a full schedule of next year's retreats. If you're a writer or know someone who is looking for a great retreat experience, check it out.

Sales have slowed for One Amber Bead, which is to be expected, although I continue to do readings and signings. I would like to remind everyone that it is still available in bookstores, through Amazon, and on Kindle and Nook.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2015.

Rebecca

Hello,

I haven't posted for a while, but that's because I've been busy retiring from 38 years of teaching writing--retirement today is a long, tedious process of learning about investments, insurance, taxes, etc. But I retired to write full time, so it's very exciting for me.

I've completed my second novel, Coming to Be, and hope to see it published by the end of this year. I also spent the last two weeks in Natchez, Mississippi, doing research for my next novel, which will be set in the late 18th and early 19th Centuries--a real stretch for me!

I've  begun, with my colleague Phil Sterling, a series of writers' workshops. Our first one on characterization was very successful--we're doing a second workshop in September on point of view. I'll post a flyer for the workshop once I figure out how to sign up for PayPal.

Thanks to everyone who has supported One Amber Bead. 

Rebecca

Creativity

We had a wonderful time at the Feminine Creative Process panel discussion. My co-panelists, RoseAnne Shansky and Kym Nicolas, had great insights about women's creativity, and the audience, who entirely filled the back room of the Blue Cow, had lots of great questions and comments. I hope we get the chance to do something similar again.


Lynne Scheible our moderator, asked us to define creativity at the beginning of the discussion. I referred to the nine ancient Greek muses, who supposedly inspired musicians, artists, and  poets, but who also inspired others, like mathematicians and scientists, who I really didn't consider "creative" before this panel. But, of course, they are--it's just a different kind of creativity. I think everyone is creative in some way or other--but not everyone is lucky enough to figure out where their creativity lies and how to access it.


What's your definition of creativity?

Hi All,

Mark your calendars for Feb. 26, when I'll be on a panel of truly creative women discussing--what else!--creativity! This is part of the Ferris/Artworks Festival of the Arts, which is one of the things that makes the month of February bearable in this part of northern Michigan. I'll share more information about time, place, and other panelists as soon as it's available.
Stay warm.