Jenn Greenleaf's Blog
Posted by Jenn Greenleaf
I think I need a change of scenery. I was thinking about something my friend, Hope Wilbanks, said the other day about how she needs a change of scenery so she thought about setting up a makeshift office in the corner of her bedroom or something like that. I have a dedicated workspace in my living room (my corner of the basement looks like an art supply bomb went off in there, there’s no electricity, and no heat…so, it’s on hold until my husband has time to work on his “honey-do” list).
After careful contemplation, I went through and organized my living room workspace. The clutter has been reduced significantly, the trash is all gone, and neat piles of work or household related things are left. Yes, I feel better about my work conditions . . . so, why am I having such a hard time working? Could it be because I just finished the hustle and bustle of the holidays? Could it be because my son’s 10th birthday planning and party was in the midst of that hustle and bustle? Could it be because I’ve had tons of appointment in the past three months? Could it be because I, too, need a change of scenery?
What it all boils down to is this: I’ve been using outside distractions as an excuse for my lack of productivity. When I really put my mind to it, I can and do accomplish quite a bit in one day without barely breaking a sweat. My challenge is ACTUALLY putting my mind to this. I’ve managed to churn out multiple articles for my topic here (Mixed Media Arts), and I’ve been compiling books regularly in order to meet my 12 publications in 12 months goal . . . now, I need to get on track with all of my other writing gigs and deadlines. There’s no excuse! I need to stop looking out the window, and start working!
Do you find creative blocks through life distractions, as well? If so, how do you solve this problem?
P.S. Check out Hope’s latest book: 37 Tips For Successful Homeschooling: A Beginner's Guide to Make Homeschooling Fun and Easy For The Entire Family (Volume 1)
Posted by Jenn Greenleaf
Writers helping writers, right?
I’ve always been a firm believer in writers supporting writers, and have always made efforts to work toward achieving that goal with my peers. I’ve participated in their promotional efforts using “shout out’s,” interviews, reviews, blurbs, testimonials, and link exchanges…among many other efforts. I’ve done this full boar, and never gave it a second thought.
Why can’t I do this with my own work?
It seems I’m VERY shy when it comes to promoting my own work. As soon as I mention my book, I start shaking and wondering if I should go back and delete what I just said. In the case of emails, I just have a panic attack each time I realize there’s no taking back what’s sent through cyber mail. (eek) I have no idea what’s wrong with me, or why I feel this way.
Why can’t I promote my own work as easily as I’ve helped others?
I’m still searching for the answer to this question and, to be quite honest, I may never find the answer. All I can do in the meantime is hide behind my desk each time I talk about my book, link to my book, or send an email (eek) about my book. I don’t even want to think about the trembles and terrors I’m going to go through when I start venturing into stores and sending out press releases!!
Have you checked out my book yet? If not, here's the link:
Posted by Jenn Greenleaf
I'm pleased and ever-so excited to announce the release of my first book:
101 Mixed-Media Art Projects, How-to's & Ideas: A Beginner's Guide to Messy Art Without Rules! (Volume 1)
These writings were inspired by so many who have watched me create this, that, or the other thing and asked, "can you teach me how to do that?" I spent three years teaching through writing, and here it all is. I have another 101 volume coming out in April, and so far, it looks like a volume 3 will be releasing soon after.
I'm offering a special for my readers because, without you, where would I be? There's still time to order through Amazon and receive your book in time for Christmas! Use coupon code 3LFCWEPV to receive a 20% discount. Don't worry, this coupon doesn't expire if you choose not to purchase the book in time for the holidays.
I'm looking forward to hearing your feeback!!
Posted by Jenn Greenleaf
I spent about 12 hours working with suite101 yesterday, but I wasn’t composing articles and blog posts like I have been. Instead I was compiling, editing, and formatting:
101 Mixed-Media Art Projects, How-to’s & Ideas:A Beginner’s Guide to Messy Art Without Rules (Volume One)
Once articles posted to suite101.com are a year old, all the rights revert back to the writer. So, I scanned through my arsenal and found 101 that are that old to publish in the above-mentioned title. In April, I’ll have another 101 that will “come of age” and they will be compiled into Volume Two.
I chose to use 101 articles because they are in keeping with the Suite101 website title, in a way. 101 from suite101 – catchy, right? I thought so! I’ll be working on these 101 compilations each time a new set comes of age. I’m not sure how many volumes will come out of this effort, but it looks many are on the horizon because I LOVE writing for this topic so much.
If you’re interested in writing a review for this book, please drop me a line at jmgreenleaf [@] aol [dot] com. This title should be available through Amazon.com within the next several days.
Posted by Jenn Greenleaf
I’ve been writing a lot of basic how-to articles focusing on book arts for my Mixed Media Art topic, so you can just imagine my delight when my oldest son came to me saying he’s creating an art journal of his own.
My two boys are in a situation where they won’t be able to see their father for a long period of time. Rather than focusing on the negativity and sadness, my oldest son has decided to create an art journal to present to him when they’re able to see each other again. I think this is such a positive step for my nearly ten-year-old to take, particularly since he has a lot of feelings and thoughts to work out.
He plans to fill the art journal with:
- Letters to his dad
- Drawings
- Stories
- Photographs
- Important school papers
- Brochures for things they can together later
- Memorabilia from things he’s done while they’re apart
- Diary entries about his days
- Lists of books he’s read
It’s going to be a very interesting and wonderful volume when it’s complete. As my youngest son sees my oldest work on this, I hope the interest sparks within him as well. They both love working with book arts, so I’m sure it’ll happen eventually. It’s going to be a wonderful gift for their father, and a great way to bridge the time for my son.
Do your children work in art journals or other types of book arts?
