Artistic Adventures with Victoria

I find myself at a crossroads, teetering on the edge of completing my next book—the latest adventure of Alexia and Phoebe is nearly at its culmination. “Nearly” is the operative word here. As I work on the final touches, weaving together text and images, a spark ignites within me, propelling the idea of a new project that becomes irresistibly compelling.

Navigating the Creative Process

To be honest, the last steps of creating a book are both the best parts and a pure nightmare. The finishing touches can be an extremely frustrating experience. Knowing what’s coming does not make it any easier. Part of this struggle, I believe, is about letting go of the story. Once completed, the story can be loved, hated, or ignored. While I hold these little stories dear, I must accept that not everyone may feel the same. This realization is difficult to embrace.

The technical process plays a significant role in this equation. The simplicity of editing text in word processing software starkly contrasts with the complexities of editing text within an image processing program. As I blend text and visuals, the story begins to coalesce—the individual elements transforming into something greater than their parts. This process is dynamic, and at times, what seemed perfect as standalone text feels out of place once images are integrated. Correcting something previously deemed complete can be exhausting.

The Dilemma of New Projects

Amid these creative endeavors, a faint idea for a new book and the next chapter in the unicorn saga, “Unicorn of the East,” begins to form. However, it’s an incomplete vision, marred by a lingering problem. A formidable obstacle stands in the way of my heroines, one I’m uncertain how to overcome. This dilemma leaves me pondering: Should I alter the current narrative or conceive an interlude story? Both options present their own challenges, making it hard to choose.

Alternatively, my thoughts drift toward a longstanding desire to develop a new coloring book project inspired by one of my favorite tales by Jane Austen. My affection for this story has deepened over the years, and the concept of transforming it into a coloring book captivates me. Creating a full coloring book may not be feasible at the moment, but could a more modest approach to this project prove to be just as fulfilling?

A lingering question remains: How does one effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously? Is there a method to this madness, or is it merely a matter of following the whims of inspiration? I wish I had the answer.

The Essence of Creativity and Procrastination

As I contemplate these ideas, I wonder: Are they genuine avenues for creative expression or merely sophisticated means of procrastination? The completion of my fourth book hangs in the balance. Should I diligently pursue this project, even if I don’t feel like it, or await divine inspiration to strike? Could working on other projects be the key to unlocking this inspiration?

Color with Me?

Despite the unfinished state of my current narrative, the allure of this new venture is undeniable. I’m curious: Would you be interested in joining me in this creative “Jane Austen coloring project” endeavor? It might be difficult to decide without having seen any images, but the idea has been brewing for a while.

The images are nearly ready, and the beginning of the next adventure is almost here. So, would you like to color “Pride and Prejudice” with me?