Author Carey Wallace writes:

Discipline is not a mystery. Its elements are so simple they can seem mocking. Put down the extra slice of bread. Run one more mile. Pick up the pen, or brush, or violin. It’s no more complicated in the creative spheres. But it’s every bit as elusive there as it is in the world at large. “I want to make work,” people often confess to me when they discover I’m a working writer. “I just never seem to get to it.”

If you roll in a creative sphere, this is a must read.  I’m surely glad I stumbled upon it. Read the whole thing, “On Discipline” here.

The Contest is now CLOSED.  Thanks and good luck to all the entrants!

To celebrate the release of my short story “Mephibosheth” and the blatant fact of human limitation, I’m hosting a poetry contest!

The premise:

If all creativity is an act of limitation, deciding some things among a myriad of possibilities, then why not create some boundaries through which others can create?  Why not practice the craft of poetry by deciding to throw together an ad-hoc Poetry Contest?

I’m interested in your creative thoughts on limits and how you’ll transcend the ones I attempt to impose on you.  Sometimes we need to be given reasons to write.  Here’s a good one!

Who wins:

Well, altruistically, we all do!  Because you created something with wow.  But only 3 people will get a prize.

The Prizes

1. First place - will receive a copy of my original, handcrafted book of poetry God/he ($30 CDN cash value)
2. Second place – will receive a print copy of my young adult novel Ten Silver Coins ($15.99 CDN cash value)
3. Third place – will receive a copy of my latest book Disappointed by Hope ($10 CDN cash value).

All 3 winners will also receive a free copy of the “Mephibosheth” Ebook.

Contest Rules:

1. Write a poem. You must use 2 of the following 3 words in the poem:  “limit” “horizon” and “spine”.
2. Each entrant can submit one poem.  The poem can be free verse or rhyming – or your style of choice – but cannot exceed 40 lines.
3. You agree, by submitting the poem, that Andrew Kooman can publish the poem on his website and use your name in his social media outlets (websites, twitter, facebook, etc.).  Note: You will retain copyright of your work!
4. Poems must be submitted in the online form below.
5. You must submit your poem by Friday, August 20 at 7 PM (MST).
6. You are allowed to blow our collective minds (or a few sockets).
7. Only winners will be contacted, their poems selected by an anonymous jury.
8. Winners will be announced on 29 August, 2010 – Andrew’s Birthday.

Here’s my privacy policy if you have questions about your personal info.  (If you don’t want to click… basically I won’t share any of your information with anyone… but as above, I might share your poem, and if I do, will do it happily and emphatically).

I officially joined Etsy.com as a seller last night.

Though I’ve considered jumping in before, I joined out of respect for the creativity, humanity, and biz-whiz of 29 year-old founder, Rob Kalin, who started the now multi-million dollar company out of university.  And because of this short article from the Wall Street Journal.

Lanilea Ledingham is a Public Relations Consultant at the Red Deer College. Her first book Bright Red Trousers, is her personal account of leaving her job, selling her car, renting out her home and heading to England to reconnect with her life’s purpose.

Lani is also a prairie girl with big dreams. Though she has worked in Communications for four years, life sometimes still renders her speechless. She is a self-proclaimed “dabbler” who likes to try different things and create new experiences, but consistently loves God, strong coffee and traveling.

Her motto? Always dream.

I interviewed Lani at the beginning of 2010 as she prepared for a public reading of her book at the Red Deer College on January 19, 2010, and because I think she’s a great example of someone whose life is proof you can have the cake and eat it too.

Andrew Kooman: The title of your book is intriguing. What’s the story behind the bright red trousers?

Lanilea Ledingham: Before I went to England I emailed back and forth with the two teachers I lived with, Philip and Verity. A common question I ask people is “how did you meet?” Philip responded with the tale of how they could’ve met much earlier in life (due to decisions and geography) yet their paths didn’t cross until university when he came over to her flat to hang out with her roommie one night. She bounded down the stairs to answer the door, and they were both wearing bright red trousers. When Philip told me this story he finished with “Are some things just meant to be?” The title kind of stuck from there. The thought that “bright red trousers” moments come to us all when least expected yet they’re the ones that change us the most!

AK: Can you describe the space you were in when you jet setted off to England? A lot of people talk about pursuing their dream, traveling, taking that risk, and never do. What launched you into this adventure?

LL: Umm, I was frustrated! I felt like I wasn’t going anywhere creatively. I needed a change. I have always been the kind of person that has a lofty imagination and the thought hit me that it actually was going to take action, and when you’re young and single and have fairly low responsibilities, that’s the time to take the chances. So, I did! I think sometimes what it takes is the dissatisfaction of average and that “there must be more” than everyday life. And then that’s where the real journey begins.

A few months prior to my actual decision to just “GO” I had sat down with a couple real friends and for two hours they listened to me rant about what I would do if money weren’t an option. We wrote all over a piece of paper what my dreams really were. It got me thinking again and re-birthed something that had been asleep for a few years. That really was the turning point – to find an adventure!

AK: Do you have any regrets about selling your car, quitting your job, and leaving home behind?

LL: No regrets at all. It was exactly what I needed at that point in my life. Scary as all get out, since I didn’t really have a plan! But it was God’s timing for me to do something a little out of the ordinary and trust that He would lead me a day at a time. The hardest part was really just deciding to go — then everything came together after that.

AK: What are some key lessons you learned when you were away from home and how did you learn them?

LL: I did A LOT of soul searching since I had much more time on my own and less schedule. It probably took a couple weeks for me to get used to being “okay” with not having a plan for every day! Sounds crazy, but I needed to unwind and just ‘be’. One night after supper Philip said to me when he saw me staring blankly at my laptop, “Ya know, it’s okay if you don’t have anything to write tonight.” I was like “really?!” For me, I felt like there was expectations, completely self-imposed, that at the end of my time in England I would have everything in life figured out. I would have conquered myself and the world and be able to write to tell others how to do it. That’s a lot of pressure! I realized that perhaps God just wanted to take me away to learn to “just be”, enjoy Him and His goodness, and remember what it is that makes me come alive. That was a big lesson, and one I think in coming back to a busy society I still have to remind myself about. I answer to no one else but God and sometimes the only thing He says is “It’s okay.”

I learned that creativity cannot survive in a timeslot. It isn’t planned. It can’t be dictated to. Sometimes the most creative thoughts come at night when you’re trying to sleep or when you’re cooking. It’s not often convenient. So sometimes you just need to allow your brain to function and speak to you when it’s ready. I can’t sit down and force myself to write brilliance. I do find however that my most creative times and “sparks” are when I am really connecting and growing in my walk with God.

Hmmm, what else did I learn… I honestly had many “ah ha” moments where I realized the greatness of God to allow me to have such an adventure. I was surrounded by people who loved me, both back home and in England. I had the privilege of meeting new people, learning a new country and it’s way of doing things and the time with which to grow myself. Not many people are afforded that opportunity. I just felt very thankful.

AK: Do you think you could have learned these things if you had stayed at home in your routine? If not (or if so) what is it about traveling, or the myth of traveling, in your experience, about making a risk, that is so life changing?

LL: Routine can be such a groaner on life. We get used to it not realizing that maybe there is something more. And I’m not saying everyone should quit their jobs and move away, I’m saying sometimes we need to change things up a bit and allow ourselves to grow and try something new.

When you travel you see all that you are capable of. You learn how to book tickets, ride the tube, introduce yourself to strangers, try new foods, live a whole new culture. It’s very invigorating and not something that can be delivered through YouTube or the internet in quite the same way! I think after each travelling experience I’ve done, I come back with a new appreciation for my life at home, the greater world, and myself and all I can really do in life if I let myself. Travelling opens the eyes up so much and really gives a greater understanding of oneself as well. Highly recommended!

AK: What was the writing process like for you as you put together this work? How did the story emerge and evolve?

LL: Many things for me start with a title. And for this one it was of course, the bright red trousers story. I thought “huh, I gotta do something with that!” While I was in England I wrote a couple short films, but did a lot of personal faith writing and my journey on life. That is mostly what the book is – there’s only one chapter with any fiction in it. When I came back, it was really a mentor and a friend that said “You need to write a book!” So, as the winter months entered, I gave myself some deadlines and began looking over what I wrote in England and how I wanted to tell the story of Bright Red Trousers. I wanted to share my own personal journey in a vulnerable way, because you never know what could help someone else. I also wanted to make it very much about the country of England, because I really love that place! Thus the “England Snippet” chapter titles in the book. I wrote. I edited. I read. And finally I felt it showed my journey thus far in a way I was proud to share.

AK: How would you describe the book and who is its targeted audience?

LL: It really is more for women, because I am a “flowery” writer. Yet I’ve had guy friends tell me they were enthralled as well. I sell it to guys like this “It’s short and makes a great bathroom read!” You can read it in a night. Ideally, it’s for young 20-somethings still pursuing their dreams and looking for someone else along that journey.

AK: What metaphors do you draw on in your day to day life as you balance your career, your dreams, and your faith?

LL: Hmmm, metaphors. A big word for a writer J Honestly? When I need balance I go to my Bible. I go to my mentors. And I go to my schedule to see where my priorities are. I like this quote by Joyce Meyer “Enjoy where you’re at while you’re on the way to where you’re going.” Anything, good or bad, in life will change so we might as well learn to enjoy the journey. And the thing is, each person has a unique journey so there’s no use comparing it to someone else’s! I hope that answers that! LOL

AK: To me it is inspiring when artists give from their work toward important causes. What is the Home of Hope Rwanda and how did you decide to give proceeds of the book to it?

LL: Home of Hope was birthed out of a Pastor at my church four years ago and since then I’ve wanted to go. Obviously, my travel has taken me elsewhere so far. It is an orphan care facility where 1 widow takes care of 8 orphans in a home-style building. Many of the widows have received help in starting businesses. We already have four churches started in Rwanda and over 500 kids sponsored. It has really grown since it started which goes to show people want to contribute and there is a definite need in Africa.

So for me, I thought a great way to start getting my writing out there is to attach it to a cause, and at the same time I can contribute to the kids in Africa until I can get there myself! The printing was sponsored locally (HUGE blessing) so the only thing it cost me was time.

AK: What are you working on, creatively, now?

LL: I did a lot of photography last year and that was a new creative challenge for me. I love a great picture and the feeling you get when you’ve delivered to a family a great memory.

I am teaching a drama class locally with a Christian Theatre Group so that is expanding my own experience in theatre and where I want to go. And I do want to get Bright Red Trousers officially published and out there on more shelves!

AK: What advice do you have for people who are on the verge of making a leap of faith, or a creative, life-changing risk?

LL: If you don’t do it, you’ll always wonder if you could have. Regret is an ugly thing to live with. One thing I always do when I feel a change is needed or coming down the path is start looking into opportunities. Internet is a great resource now. England started with an email to a friend who had a relative. That got me a free place to stay and a wonderful church family to be a part of. If I hadn’t of done that, England may never of happened. You just never know!

Prayer. Pray with a mentor that the right doors will open up. You’ll want their support too when you take your leap of faith! I think more and more I realize that I can’t do life on my own and God has surrounded me with Himself and amazing people to help on the journey. We need each other!

And I would also say, never never never give up. Well, that’s what Winston Churchill said J It’s just never an option when you have a dream in your heart. It may take 5, or 50 years, but just never give up and you’ll make it there. I often picture myself standing under the spotlight in this theatre I’m going to build (read the book and you’ll know more about my dream!). When I can see the vision it reminds me that it can be reality and it will take a lot of work!

AK: Where’s your next adventure?

LL: OY! I like to travel somewhere new every year. This year nothing is yet booked, but it’ll come!

I shared the following scripture, quotes, and thoughts (posted below in a condensed form) with the photogenX track on campus at the University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii in August of 2008. They helped as signposts along the creative way. At present the team is putting together a powerful publication of photographs and stories to show how the abuse of sex and money devalues human life.

Scripture:

1 John 1: 1-4 - …that which we have seen and heard we declare to you.. John, son of Zebedee. John, son of Thunder. John the brother of Jesus. John, the disciple that Jesus loved. Writer of a gospel, three epistles, and a cataclysmic and encouraging book about the end of time. John: one man with one voice whose words have impacted believers for centuries. He wrote because he felt an urgency to tell people something that he believed they needed to know: believe in Jesus and you will have eternal life. His gospel. He wrote thoughts and instructions to people about what they should do once they were informed of the truth. His epistles. He wrote as a response to the things he saw and the experiences God gave him. His revelation. John had authority to speak about Jesus because he saw Jesus and he knew Jesus. John wrote what he knew. You also, like the apostle John, have had incredible experiences: you have seen, heard, touched. You have authority to share stories in words and images because you have had authentic experience. Your experience will translate into significant impact as you tell these stories. That which you have seen and heard, declare it!

Ephesians 2: 4-10 - We are what he made us, created in Christ for good works. Have you ever asked the question, “Who am I?” This question can be painful, filled with disappointment. It is often clear who we aren’t. The world is good at showing us how we don’t measure up, even rubbing it in our faces: who we are not, why we cannot do it, how we fall short. The question can also be an exciting one, and Paul gives us a thrilling answer. Throughout the book of Ephesians he reveals to the believer who God made us to be, generously invited by God to do what is pleasing to the Lord, things that are good, right, and true (5: 8-10). There are over 60 declarations in the book that Paul makes about the believer’s identity in Christ. Here are a few that relate to you: people who expose deeds of darkness (5:11); subject to one another, putting others before yourself (5:21); hard workers (6:7); strong in the Lord (6:7); filled with God’s power (6:10); equipped with spiritual armor (6:10); fighters and victors in a spiritual battle (6:13-17); alert, knowing when, how, and what to pray about (6:19); seated with Christ in the heavenly places – victorious overcomers with authority over evil (2:6). May these words encourage you as you set out to fulfill the task of this creative project. You were created for it. You have authority to do it. It is important and you have so much freedom to create it in a way that is good and right and true.

Luke 1: 26-38 and 46-55 - Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. God brings about salvation in unexpected ways. The world in the first century was dark. Mary was caught up in a drama – a scandal to her relatives. And yet through it, God was bringing about the salvation of the world by conceiving his son inside of her. The creative process is also a form of incarnation. Ideas and words take root in our hearts, form and grow. We need courage, patience, and grace to birth them, even when we cannot see how it can be possible. Though you write these stories in a short amount of time, seeds, experiences, and ideas have been deeply planted in your hearts and they have been hidden inside of you, growing for twelve months. My prayer is that like Mary you will invite Christ in and that he will be fully formed in you and this process. Whatever creative challenges you face, Christ is here inside of you, working out salvation. As you create, may your work be fresh, courageous, and make people think!

Ephesians 4: 1-16 - There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling. The world is very competitive. I think the root of this competition is fear: fear of failure, fear of being overlooked, fear of not measuring up. Paul tells us in Ephesians that we are all on the same team. Where we are different is in the spiritual gifts God has given individuals – diverse gifts that are meant to more effectively see the Church reach the same goal: unity and maturity as people, full in the stature of Christ. Imagine if we had to compete for the things of God, for his mercy or for his love? The good news is that we are not in competition with each other. We don’t compete for the mercy of God, for his love or for his gifts. He freely gives these things to all believers. Diversity is a blessing in the body. Different gifts don’t suggest God choses favourites, but are given to achieve unity. My prayer is that you will be united in hope, united in faith, united in love. And that as you have unity in these ways, that you will see the kingdom come the remainder of your time together. As you share your publication with others you will see the oppressors and unjust overcome.

Joshua 4: 1-7 - These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever. Throughout Israel’s history God gave his people memory prompts to connect them to past events where God worked out promises, redemption, and grace in their circumstances. The rainbow in the sky as a reminder of his promise to never destroy the world again by flood. The stars at night as a reminder that Abraham’s ancestors would be impossible to count. The covenant of circumcision to serve as a symbol of a people set apart. Memorial stones. One thing that is clear about the human race – we see it in scripture and in our own lives – is that we quickly forget the good things God has done and get restless, anxious, and irritable in our present circumstances. We need to remember. The good things God has done in our lives. The good things God has done among us. It can feel ridiculous to share these things, especially aloud, especially when we feel anxious or irritable. But when we do, it builds our faith. Hearing the testimony of the goodness of God creates expectation that God can, that God will, show his faithfulness again because he already has. So I exhort you to Re:Member. RE (Concerning) Member (Each other). As you remember the good works of God, as you share them aloud, you will build up each other. Remember.

Quotes

Annie Dillard. The Writing Life. New York: Harper Perennial, 1990. Pages 75, 78. At its best, the sensation of writing is that of any unmerited grace. It is handed to you, but only if you look for it. You search, you break your heart, your back, your brain, and then – and only then – it is handed to you. From the corner of your eye you see motion. Something is moving through the air and headed your way. It is a parcel bound in ribbons and bows; it has two white wings. It flies directly at you; you can read your name on it. If it were baseball, you would hit it out of the park. It is that one pitch in a thousand you see in slow motion; its wings beat slowly like a hawk’s. One of the few things I know about writing is this: spend it all, shoot it, play it, lose it, all, right away, every time. Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now. The imp8lse to save something good for a better place later is the signal to spend it now. Something more will arise for later, something better. These things fill from behind, from beneath, like well water. Similarly, the impulse to keep to yourself what you have learned is not only shameful, it is destructive. Anything you do not give freely and abundantly becomes lost to you. You open your safe and find ashes. After Michelangelo died, someone found in his studio a piece of paper on which he had written a note to his apprentice, in the handwriting of his old age: “Draw, Antonio, draw, Antonio, draw and do not waste time.

Alexandr Solzhenitsyn. From his Nobel Lecture. The artists duty is to be a receptor for that “one word of truth that outweighs the world.”

Gary Haugen. The Good News About Injustice. Intervarsity Press. 2000. Page 67. In the end the battle against oppression stands or falls on the battlefield of hope. No one knows this better than the oppressors. They know that they never have enough power, lies or loyalty to withstand the onslaught of even a fraction of the power, truth and courage that humanity could at any minute amass against them. Therefore they rely on, utterly depend on, the inaction of despair. They know full well the preeminence depends on m ost people in their community, their nation and their world doing nothing.

Annie Dillard. Advice to Young Writers, a letter to students at Chapel Hill. Found in Image Journal. Always locate the reader in time and space—again and again. Beginning writers rush in to feelings, to interior lives. Instead, stick to surface appearances; hit the five senses; give the history of the person and the place, and the look of the person and the place. Use first and last names. As you write, stick everything in a place and a time. Don’t describe feelings. The way to a reader’s emotions is, oddly enough, through the senses.