The Intimate Dance of Creation and Inspiration

Artistry is not just a talent; it's a profound journey through the very essence of what makes us human. In a recent episode of the Language of the Soul podcast, we had the pleasure of engaging with Shelley Finance, a ceramic artist, podcaster, and veteran of Richard Edlund Films. Her narrative painted a vivid tableau of an artist's life, touching upon the nurturing environments of a blue-collar film community and the supportive networks of family that spur the growth of creative seeds.

Shelley's multifaceted career spans the tactile world of ceramics to the auditory domain of podcasting, to the visual spectacle of cinema. This intersectionality provides a unique lens to view the intricate dance between artistic devotion and life's obligations. Artistic pursuit, as we discovered, can be a 'jealous mistress,' with the capacity to influence personal relationships deeply. Shelley's insights reminded us of the importance of respecting each other's 'churches'—the sanctuaries of our creative endeavors.

Moreover, the episode explored the nuanced challenges faced by women in the arts. Shelley's experiences brought to light the transformative power of honoring one's artistic aspirations amidst the confines of societal norms. This led to a broader discussion about how creativity is often fenced in by societal expectations and the importance of carving out a space to let that wild garden of imagination flourish. We considered the potential unleashed if society were to recognize and nurture this creative spirit.

The digital age presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for creativity. We lamented the decline in articulate communication and pondered the impact of digital devices on children's creative development. The physical act of writing was celebrated as a crucial tool for concept formation, a practice seemingly fading in an era of touchscreens and keyboards. This segued into the critical topic of how fear of failure can inhibit the creative process, with Shelley recounting her experience of guiding students to embrace imperfection in their work.

As we delved into Shelley's current projects, including her YouTube series 'Pots and Thoughts,' the theme of embracing one's creative identity continued to resonate. The conversation veered into the metaphysical as we discussed the whispers of heritage that guide the artistic process. We shared how our personal histories inform our storytelling, touching on the significance of regional landscapes and the mythical creatures that inhabit our narratives.

The episode also took an unexpected turn, finding inspiration in the banal setting of an Amway meeting. This anecdote served as a powerful example of how the most mundane moments could ignite the flames of creation, birthing compelling tales from life's most ordinary encounters. Finally, we contemplated the human drive for narrative justice, exploring how storytelling serves as a tool for understanding and conveying the universal quest for order and meaning in a chaotic world.

As we wrapped up our journey, we were reminded that artistry and creativity are not just activities but the threads that weave the tapestry of our lives. Each stroke of the brush, each molded piece of clay, and each penned line of a story are reflections of the multifaceted, complex, and beautiful human experience. We invite you to listen to this episode, which promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the depth and diversity of the creative human spirit.

Download the episode at https://www.buzzsprout.com/2267353/episodes/15098245

VBT-Guest Author Spotlight Donna McDine

Donna McDine is an award-winning children's author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78 th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Her stories have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Donna has two more books under contract with Guardian Angel Publishing, The Hockey Agony and Powder Monkey . She writes, moms and is the Editor-in-Chief for Guardian Angel Kids and Publicist for the National Writing for Children Center from her home in the historical hamlet Tappan, NY. McDine is a member of the SCBWI and Musing Our Children. What excites you most about your book’s topic? Why did you choose it? The Underground Railroad was a pivotal time in American history, one that should never be repeated. It is my hope ...

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The world of children’s picture book publishing is extremely competitive. If you’re an aspiring children’s author, you need to make sure your manuscript is in excellent shape and has all the elements editors and agents look for before you begin the submission process. Here are five tips to make your picture book manuscript more marketable: Start right with the problem. Many times beginner writers begin a picture book with back-story. It’s okay to have this back-story in the first draft, but be sure to get rid of it when you edit. Back-story is unnecessary 90% of the time and it only serves to slow down the beginning of a story, making it weaker. You want to grab the reader right from the start. So don’t be afraid to begin your story at the heart of the problem. It’s okay to set the stage with a sentence or two—but no more! Have a protagonist readers can relate to. Generally, children like to listen to stories about other children or animals with children’s characteristics. ...

Interview Friday with author Rie McGaha

Rie McGaha was born and raised in northern California along the shores of Humboldt County where her grandmother often took her to dig for clams and watch the whales migrate. Being raised with the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other, gave Rie a deep love for nature. She has resided in the Kiamichi Mountains of SE Oklahoma for more than ten years with her husband, Nathan, where they rescue animals, nurses them back to health and tries to find homes for them. She is the mother of 12 and Nana of 33. VS: Rie, I want to thank you for being my guest here on The Writing Mama today. As you know, being a parent is hard work and when you throw writing into the mix . . . well it seems almost impossible to get everything done. I find myself asking if I giving my three children enough attention throughout the day. Now you didn’t really start writing until your children were grown, however, you have your grandchildren running around from time to time, so to start here is the first qu...

VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

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