UPDATE: The winner is Kymberly Holland!
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That phrase, “filling the well”, sounds almost erotic, doesn’t it? Given when I write, it shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that my mind goes right there. But to a writer, it means refilling your creative well, that part of you that has to live in la-la-land and needs to daydream.
I’ve been writing since January 2000. Not as long as some, but the longest commitment I’ve ever made to a single job. And I do it because I truly love to write—and it’s a natural fit because I’ve been a dreamer all my life.
I finished another story for Samhain on Sunday, the next in the Firehouse 69 series, entitled, Rapid Entry. (Yeah, I had to go there, again.) But the title’s not the point. My carefully detailed work plan called for me to sit down yesterday and whip out a quick short story, but I couldn’t make myself do it. So instead, I wandered into my very messy art room and made this for my daughter.
I’ve discovered in recent years, that not all my talents are confined to words. And when I’m struggling with a story, I need to refresh my well. Since I don’t want to dread the creative process I go through to dream up my stories, I take mini-breaks to stop and make a necklace or paint something like this…
It’s not perfect, but it explodes with color and took concentration to create, which allowed me to drift—something I have to do replenish my imagination. And sometimes, I make things that are whimsical and just make me smile, like my domino pendants.
Luckily, I can indulge that whimsy because I sell enough of them to keep purchasing paints and brushes and all the crazy art things that are currently littering my workroom. (Does anyone really need a Vintaj metal embosser, or a pasta maker and toaster oven for their polymer clay?)
So, that’s what I do when I need to escape from my computer. What is your escape?
Answer for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!
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First of all, I must compliment on your painting and jewelry. You are truly a multi-talented lady! My escapes are reading…I love to immerse myself in a story. And, of course, hanging out with my wonderful grandkids always helps me destress! 🙂
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I have a couple of escapes…I love to color, and with the new ‘adult’ coloring books (not that kind of ‘adult’), I have a small collection, and I have markers, pencils and gel pens to color with. My biggest escape is my jewelry…I make earrings and bracelets and necklaces, and the occasional other strange items, no two alike.
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Beautiful art work! I fill my well by listening to music. I turn on my faves and just let go of all the crazy. Great post, Delilah. 🙂
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I escape by crafting, coloring, watching cartoons (old school though…), and read… Not necessarily in that order… 😉
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Hi Delilah!
I work for an accountant, so my escape is to sit in my car at lunch (the only place I can go outside my office so that I won’t be interrupted on my break) and read, preferably one of your books! Can’t wait for Rapid Entry!
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I escape by sewing. I have been sewing my own clothes since I was a little girl. I love it. I got a new sewing machine last year. I love looking at pattern books, and fabric.
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I escape by reading. Nothing like getting lost inside an amazing book.
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As a teenager I loved to draw in chalk and even won some first place ribbons; then one day I was discovered by the opposite sex and never picked up a piece of chalk or charcoal again. As an adult I thought I’d try again, but it was gone.
Now apart from reading my love is the movies and has been since my dad and I would go right after church since I was around 12. We both still go, I in TX and he in FL.
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Reading is my biggest escape, but I also crochet, knit, and play with the pups when I need a break from real life (sometimes this happens more than I would like).
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Reading is and will always be my escape from my day to day life. Just give me my kindle, and leave me alone. I can lose myself in a book for hours and never once look up. (my husband hates that sometimes)
Beautiful bracelet. And as I told you earlier, I love the domino pendants. Wish I had just a tiny bit of your talent. 😆
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I read. Consistently. That’s my escape.
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Love you’re artwork!!! Reading is my favorite escape love getting lost in a good book!!!????
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I love to draw… do little art projects with my nephew… find reading a great way to unwind! 😀
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I escape by reading or by watching House Hunters International.
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I read. That has been my decompress method since I was young. I love doing crafts, making jewelry and meditation.
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Painting (oils), pastel drawing, jewelry making, pottery….when I’m not writing.
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I love your domino pendants (I have 2 now). I’m not particularly creative so, like many others have posted, I read, read, read. I can’t wait to read Rapid Entry!
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I like to crochet
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Reading is my escape or writing. I feel like I can lose myself in either of those things 🙂
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Such pretty jewelry & painting. I craft, sing, read & garden to “fill my well”.
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Reading is my number one escape but I also like doing research on mine and Hubby’s family history!
Linda W
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Reading is the biggest part of my life, another big part is my garden, and all my plants <3 Getting my hands in soil and fixing my windows with primped plants? Love it! =)
Thanks for the giveaway & Happy Tuesday!
//Linda
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I read or watch old movies. Reading always keeps me happy!!!!! It helps to recharge my batteries!!!! 🙂
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As an Editor / Reviewer I used my art for relaxation and creativity. It opens my mind so I can “see” what the writer is really saying. But when the job gets to me I also am a Mixed Media Textile Artist and Silversmith (my first love)…I use the books I review as inspiration for the sculptures or paintings I make. And I’ll be honest I copy the trending jewelry designs I see all over town…LOL But as I have been retired from Editing for almost a year now, I sell my art for the money to keep me in the comfort I love so I can lay around and read books for review. Its a win-win for me!
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If I am taking a break from computer work I like to read or work on my quilting project. I have been taking quilting lessons thru the adult college classes and love picking out colored fabrics and putting them together to form a piece of art…at least that is what I call my quilts.
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My escapes are reading and writing. Of course, those aren’t always enough, so sometimes, I’ll withdraw and binge-watch something. When my health was better, I loved making really complicated desserts, but now I’m not able to do much, but I still reach a point where only cooking and/or baking will clear the funk.
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I do enjoy my craft work especially knitting.
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My escape has always been reading. Or shopping!
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reading
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I go and spend time in the pasture with my horse take a nature walk. And I read
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Hiking and some crafts.
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Reading, coloring, outdoors/nature and my Cats are my escapes!!! 😉
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Thanks for playing, ladies! It was fun reading through all your activities. And it’s lucky for us writers that reading is a fave!
The winner (chosen by a random number generator) is Kymberly Holland! Congrats! I’ll be in touch shortly to arrange delivery of your prize!