Hi Creative folks!

This month is a big month for me. I've finished my first novel, and it's time to send my book baby out in the world. It's left me thinking about how we as creatives share our work with the world.

Sharing with the World

Maybe you share your drawings on FB with your friends. Maybe you give your short story to a friend for feedback. Whatever it is that you do, it can be exciting and nerve-wracking to put yourself out there.

Feedback Friends

As I've gotten more serious about my writing work, I've developed a team of people I trust for feedback--my critique group, my beta/ARC readers, and my husband. I've found these folks by casting a wide net and sticking with the people who get my work and follow through. It makes it easier for me to be vulnerable and share my work.

Where are you at with this and book rec?

How do you share your work with the world? Who are in your trusted circle for feedback? Are you in a place where you want to share, but you haven't yet? I have a BOOK REC for you:

It's a cute little book with tons of cartoon-like illustrations that you can read in a day. I like all of his books and pick them up at the library when I need a creative pick-me-up. This one focuses on starting to share your work with the world.

Creative Recommendation

I have been loving Mindful Art Studios slow drawing videos. If you want to check them out, she has a new one regularly at this link. I love how her work is a mix of watercolor backgrounds with slow drawing patterns, often with cutouts and 3D elements. Here's a sample from her FB page:

Book Updates:

My first novel is coming out in 2 weeks! It's been an incredible four-and-a-half-year journey from seeing someone dressed as an elf for Halloween to a published novel.

If you would like to try the first six chapters, I'm in a book promo group for Fantasy and Sci-Fi authors. Click here and find Zaria on my cover to check it out. There are a ton of other books and samples to try there too!

Good luck this month in all your creative endeavors! Let me know how it's going for you. I'd love to hear from you. Don't worry, I won't get inundated with replies. We're an intimate group here.

Mary