The blog created today, "Awl my Pages," serves as an electronic diary for the Advanced Writing Workshop, "DIY Publishing for Writers..." and a documentary of my first practices of self-publishing. The class will last throughout the Spring semester and cover all aspects of self-publishing. We will create chapbooks, zines, and our final publication which is an open form.
I am particularly interested in imitation and exciting forms. I have written sonnets, epistles, bout-rimes, odes, and my favorite so far is: the cento. I love to borrow language!
On the right, is the first quilt I made. It's a sample pattern of different blocks. It demonstrates my favorite color and love of design, nature, and color.
Below, is "Cats & Bats" a celebration of my favorite holiday.
This is called "Fairy Tea Party." I am working on it now, it still needs to be quilted. It's at Stage 3.
On the right, is one of my paintings. I like to paint poems I like from other poets, or my own poems: this is a poem by Amy Lowell called "The Bungler." One of my favorite poems.
Past work relevant to the course:
I have transferred to SAIC this semester after studying a hybrid of Professional and Creative Writing at Lewis University for three years. Previously, I took several intensive writing classes and produced several portfolios of creative writing including: poetry, creative non-fiction, short fiction, and prose. I made one chapbook with Simone Muench and Kim Ambriz, titled "A Brunette's Brigandage." The chapbook included original poems and two creative non-fiction pieces.
I am particularly interested in imitation and exciting forms. I have written sonnets, epistles, bout-rimes, odes, and my favorite so far is: the cento. I love to borrow language!
Outside of writing, I have been painting and drawing since I can remember. I started quilting five years ago after my mother gave up and handed down her sewing machine and tools. I was really surprised that I had a natural ability for quilting because I had little to no experience sewing before creating my first quilt. I was relatively self-taught because my mother gave basic advice but I spent most of the time learning through reading introductory books. Making a quilt is a three step process. First, you have to design the top which is also called blocking. After the top is done the quilt is "sandwiched" meaning, the layers are created including: the top, the inner stuffing, and the bottom and/or backing. After the layers are bound, the last step is the actual quilting. Quilting sews together the layers and completes the look, it can be simple or decorative. Quilting takes a lot of patience.
Importance of past work:
I value art and design because it hones creativity and individuality. Writing is a journey. The journey can provide catharsis, growth, and so much more. Art provides communication that goes beyond language and basic understanding. I believe my past work has provided a great foundation for self-publishing.
I am looking forward to improving throughout the duration of the course. My creative process will certainly expand, becoming more thorough and diverse. I hope to learn more unique ways to express my personality and personal values. Self-publishing is a great way to use my past work and create more outlets for distrobution. Distrobution will express my personal and professional goals. Some of my goals this semester are to continue to expand my writing, reach a broader audience, and hone my artistic skills.
Examples of my artwork:
On the right, is the first quilt I made. It's a sample pattern of different blocks. It demonstrates my favorite color and love of design, nature, and color.
Below, is "Cats & Bats" a celebration of my favorite holiday.
This is called "Fairy Tea Party." I am working on it now, it still needs to be quilted. It's at Stage 3.
On the right, is one of my paintings. I like to paint poems I like from other poets, or my own poems: this is a poem by Amy Lowell called "The Bungler." One of my favorite poems.
