My Dancing Dragon (DD) has begun his book, titled The Dark Shadow.  You can view the beginning of his tale at the Story Art section of DreamArc.  He dictated the story to me, and I typed it into the computer, making it official.  The DD was delighted!  We first printed out a sheet with the title across the top.  Using this sheet he made a crayon drawing for the cover art.  While he designed and colored, I had him dictate the first page of the story to me while I typed it onto a sheet I had set up for the inside of the book with text along the left side allowing for art on the right.  When he was finished with his drawing, I scanned it, and then brought it into Photoshop.  There, I added background color to the crayon art under his exact specifications. 

It was great fun for both of us, and got us both through an impatient day at home.  I had taken him to the doctor the previous day with strep-throat.  He couldn’t return to school for two days, but he was feeling peppy the second day and needed entertainment.  The process of beginning to turn his story into a real book delighted both of us.

The Dancing Dragon’s book grew out of the complex tale he had woven after hearing my ideas for my upcoming NaNoWriMo novel.  Realizing right away that he would not be dissuaded from creating his own version of the story/stories, I offered to assist him in building his own book.  He wanted assurance that we could actually turn it into a “real” book with a cover and a hard spine.  I assure him that we could.  I either plan on uploading it to Lulu.com and have a copy printed or actually building our own book with cover. 

My fifth grade teacher had us write and illustrate our own novel and taught us a rudimentary way of Book Binding with cardboard and contact paper.  As I refigure out the process with the DD, I will document it and put it onto the website for your use.

Meanwhile, the Dancing Dragon and I are in the creative state of Story Art.  Visit the Story Art section of DreamArc to see our process.  We are moving slowly, between rounds of strep throat, Boy Scout Campouts, School Homework and the intricate task of building Robot Dragons.

Original Crayon Cover Art

(before Photoshop)

Twenty nine days until National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) 2009 begins.

Over lunch this week, I shared with my children the new adventure I am about to embark upon, NaNoWriMo!  I am going to take the month of November to write 50,000 words towards a novel!  I even shared with them my three possible story arcs.

To pass the time while riding in the car, (when the DS batteries die, or they were not allowed in transit) we pass the time by telling an ongoing “And Then” story.  One person begins a story.  When they say, “And Then,” the story passes to the next person.  The story grows around and around the car, until the Fashion Fairy kills off the Dancing Dragon or vice-versa, (both literally and figuratively) and the adults call a halt to the whole process.  Hopefully, by this point we are in the garage and ready to get out.

Being well trained in the art of story telling (it may be genetic; you should hear my mother)…They immediately took it upon themselves to begin constructing my story for me.  My daughter offered the name “Bob” as the antagonist, or the nickname “S” short for a name she has not chosen yet.  My son leapt into the mix with a complex weaving of all three of my possible story arcs, carefully bound into one long flowing tale.

I considered explaining to them that this was MY STORY, but knew this would be pointless.  When a story teller is unleashed, there is really no stopping them.  Looks as if I may have to give them their own paper and pencil, so I can write My Own Story.  That is how it works with drawings in our house, and with mathematics, as well.  But that is another story for another day.

Wish Me…Errr…Us Luck!

Thirty one days and counting until National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) 2009 begins.  Unlike you crazy seat of the pantsers, I am attempting a little prep: Character Analysis and Plotting, prior to the gates opening November 1^st when the prose will begin to pour.  I am providing myself with a handful of crutches lest I come up half way through November and forget how to write…or three days into November.

I gave myself How to Think Sideways as a gift and igniter several months ago.  I have always enjoyed writing and story telling, but will not give it anytime, unless I have a commitment to do so.  Sad that I have to put a requirement to the things that I enjoy doing in order to do them.  Otherwise, I think they seem too much like…well…Play, and who has time for that!?! 

Quoting the powers of Play and the Imagination is easier than actually following through.  So, I am double daring myself with the self gift of How to Think Sideways coupled with joining the NaNoWriMo challenge.  You see, as much as I love creativity, feeding your imagination, and giving it room to play, I am loathe to take time to do it outside of my occupation. 

So, Here We Go!

Note:

Having children who need parental attention, down on the floor with colors and blocks, requires creativity and play out of you also.  

A Good Thing!

National Novel Writing Month or put your fingers to keys and don’t look up until you are done.  I have written about creating… children creating, adults creating.  I believe in dancing with your dragons and flying with your fairies.

Now, I am going to do it!  Yes, I am.

I signed as a member of NaNoWriMo today.  I am putting myself out there for public humiliation if I do not finish. 

National Novel Writing Month is just that.  Everyone participating starts November 1^st and attempts to complete a novel or 50,000 words written by November 30th.  Setting limits on yourself and announcing them publicly aids the creative process by causing you to actually participate IN the creative process.  It is after all, a process, not an end destination.  Participation is necessary rather than mere spectatorship.

I came to the discovery this past week that whatever else I proclaim myself to be; I am ultimately a story teller, a teller of tales.  Even as an architect, I am merely helping my clients realize their story of how they want to live, work, play, and worship.  As an architect, I tell these stories in concrete.

In NanoWriMo I will tell these stories in words.  Join me if you dare!