Let's get social

I'm often astounded by the breadth of creative people that surround me. Not just in a local sense, though my day job has certainly introduced me to a mesmerizing group of talented literary artists.

But I'm looking more at the global picture. Like the friendships I've nurtured after meeting at writer's conferences in Hawaii, New York, or Vancouver. Or the people I've only met through Facebook and Twitter, but with whom I have shared so many special moments. Or my amazing blogging network, where some bonds have actually changed my life.

Love it or hate it, social media plays an important role in connecting the literary world to other artists, to agents and publishers...to potential readers. Facebook and Twitter have allowed us to forge relationships that, although sometimes superficial, satisfy a level of communication that in the past seemed unaccessible. (And yes, I *might* be following Ian Somerhalder with the hope of him one day acknowledging one of my Tweets...)

I wasn't the first to jump on the social media bandwagon, but I do understand its charm. So much so, that I've recently started a company with the ingenius Judith Graves, an Alberta YA paranormal author (Under my Skin, Second Skin) ...and all around awesome (and wildly creative) soul. Bridge is about narrowing the gap between artists and their audience, and helping people new to the social media scene understand how to make social marketing work for them.

It's true that social media has changed my life - not just because I'm suddenly building a business. But because without Facebook, Twitter, or Blogger, I may never have connected with the beautiful Jessica Bell.

I'm excited that Jessica has signed on as Bridge's first official client, but more than that, I am deeply proud to call this talented kindred spirit a dear friend. If you haven't connected with Jessica, what are you waiting for? Seriously...

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go stalk me some Damon, er, Ian.

- Dawn

Return of True Blood and my muse

Oh Eric, how I have missed thee.

Season 4 of TRUE BLOOD premiered last night, and to say I waited for it with bated breath would be a gross understatement. Along with Supernatural, Dexter, Vampire Diaries and a smattering of reality shows (okay...SYTYCD and Idol), True Blood is among my must-see TV list.

True, I'm a fan of the show (and the books from which the show was created - go Charlaine Harris!), but really, it's Alex Skarsgard as Eric that makes the show really stand out for me. And frankly, there wasn't near enough of him in last night's episode.

The premiere was enjoyable, even though I predicted a good portion of what was going to happen.

Eric/Alex was perfect. As always.

Making him a perfect muse avatar.

I pushed through a number of creative blocks this weekend, and have a full slate of writing projects I am excited to tackle. In a few weeks, my day-job situation will change drastically, allowing me increased time to write.

And blog.

And read.

I haven't been doing much of those three things for the past few months - for a variety of reasons. I'm hoping by the end of July, that will be fully rectified.

- Dawn

Sticks and stones

Go ahead, start calling me names.

I accept that posting "three hot guys"  as muse avatar(s) might be considered...greedy. Selecting them for no other reason than for their very hotness may even be deemed...shallow.

It's all good. I've heard it before and I accept your name calling. Sticks and stones and all that cliched jazz.

But truth be told, I've got a lot on tap this week. Two short stories to complete, final edits on the thriller to submit, pages for my crit partner, and yeah, a whole bunch of work for the new company I started with the awesome Judith Graves. (You think I'm busy? Check this superstar out...and then head on over to our company website to see how BRIDGE might be able to help you...)

With so much on the go, it seems logical - even brilliant - to stack the odds in my favour. Jensen Ackles  (Supernatural's Dean) was my very first muse avatar. Ian Somerhalder (Damon on the Vampire Diaries) practically set a record last year with the number of times he made the cut. And Paul Wesley (Stephan, also of Vampire Diaries) is fresh...at least on this blog. (And it should be noted that while I appreciate the aesthetics, there is truly only one vamp on VD that can bite me.) 

Still trying to figure out how I'm justifying three muse avatars? Let's examine the week's projects in priority:  final edits to my "first" thriller (Jensen), a return to my ongoing paranormal/adventure/romance (Ian) and plotting/character development/first few chapters of a plethora of new projects (Stephen).

Of course these three don't cover off for the groaning WIP pile of collaboration projects and various other creative pursuits...but to add a bunch more "hot guys" muse avatars might be considered... greedy ;-)

- Dawn