Another Branch in the Creative Creek

As I mentioned in my last e-letter, I became a published author (yay!) writing two books in the last year under the pseudonym, Jone Araya, a name I thought of way back in the 7th grade or as the kids of today would say, back in the Mesozoic era.

Writing, like art, is not a newfound passion. When I was a somewhat shy and introverted teenager, I started writing short stories and poetry, finding more entertainment in what was going on inside my head than outside of it. It was a time of great inspiration. As I matured it seemed life became more about 'doing' and less about 'dabbling'. Writing stories, like creating art, became back burner fodder.

When time became more friend than enemy, it seemed a timer went off in my brain—ding—time to get back to creating art. Last February, there was another ding—start writing again. It was time to place those long-ago passions on the front burner and let them burn.

And now is the time to reveal my newly published novels just in time for the gift-giving season. Of Sinners, Saints, Poetry and Perfidy is an anthology of seven short stories that feature human brokenness. The Extraordinary Misses of an Ordinary Life follows the life of one character abandoned at birth, and all the accumulated misses of his ordinary life.

But rather than blather on, I'll let these few excerpts speak for the books themselves.

For more information on the books or to purchase, visit www.joneariahbooks.com.

Both Sinners, Saints, Poetry & Perfidy and The Extraordinary Misses of an Ordinary Life can be found on Amazon in paperback. Hardcover and e-reader versions will be available soon!

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Speaking of Books...

My creative collaboration with children's book author, Jaklen Alkyan, has net another Mom's Choice Gold Level 1 Award for Bravery Beyond Borders: The Journey of the Assyrian People. This is the second Mom's Choice Gold award the author has received, the first award being for our first collaboration, A Lovebird Named Lucy.

Jaklen has written five children's books in five years and has kept me hopping as illustrator of her wonderful stories. Three of the five books are award-winning, an honor we don't take lightly. I am proud of her accomplishments, and for following her dream of becoming a children's book author. And I am pleased she is always more than willing to share the limelight, telling all that she could not have done any of it without me. While I don't necessarily think that's true, there are many fine illustrators out there, one thing's for sure, we make a great team.

We have invested much time and much heart into our collaborative efforts. Not going to lie and say it was all paved with roses. Jaklen can be exacting while I've been known to dive into diva mode on occasion. But the dividends have been beyond expectation and, the best of dividend of all, we have become dear friends.

For more information on all of Jaklen's books, visit www.jaklenalkyan.com. Her books make great gifts for children of all ages.

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And Just Like That, It's

the End of the Year

Being the capricious and busy working artist that I am (but mostly capricious), who knows if I'll be able to get around to writing an old year/new year message. Just in case I don't, I'll wish you a happy holiday season here and now! May it be merry and bright. May you enjoy time with loved ones. May peace reign over your celebrations and in your hearts. I'm truly appreciative of your support and interest in my creative journeys. Love you all and wish you all the best for this busy time of year and into the new year.

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