The Creative Writing Process

So, because I have been doing so much writing lately, I haven't hany images/graphics to post. I did paint a twelve by twelve abstract painting a few days ago that I plan on posting a pic of. I also got moved into my new office space. That is a really cool thing to share, but I haven't had time to do a bunch of extraneous stuff right now.

The reason I have been so swamped is that I am sprinting toward the finish line of JUMP VBS, the mission centric VBS curriculum that I have been developing for Team Expansion. The VBS centers around five stories, which are really monologues. They are the focus of each day's VBS material.  I had three other writers that were helping me with these, which is great because they are over six thousand words each. I am doing two of them, so just the stories alone are twelve to thirteen thousand words. Then there is all the other aspects of writing the curriculum; skits, lesson material, etc.

What I have found is that the creative process is different for writing than doing general art. It's difficult to write if you are listening to music with words for example. You either find yourself following the words to the songs, or unknowingly you start typing the lyrics into the middle of your work.

So, I've been trying to find some good instrumental music to have on in the background. I have some good Jazz, or soundtracks that have worked well. Also, made some Pandora stations based on Taio Cruz on Piano and Helen Jane Long (Thanks for those Lane).

I'm starting to wonder if the creative process is really that different though. I remember reading from several sources that Milt Kahl, one of Disney's Nine Old Men (creators of the original classic animated features), wanted complete silence when he was doing animation. The times when I have tried complete silence have been good, whether for drawing or writing.

The problem comes with the fact that in my new office there is a raccoon or something in the attic. When I don't have music on, and its quiet, he gets brave. He really likes the attic spot over my desk. So, I hear him scratching himself or walking around. Hopefully, those traps work soon.

Okay, I'm heading back to Word where I can keep creatively writing. Music or raccoon scratching....it's gotta get down.

Xoom Tablet Sketch

So, I have a Motorola Xoom tablet and I have been toying with the art features and how it can add to my art ministry. Time will see exactly how I use it, but in the meantime here is my first sketc h with it using a program called Sketchbook Mobile Pro.

JUMP VBS character - Science Kids Team





(from left to right) Dr. Y, Mattie, Spike and Nick

  
Here's Dr. Y with his smart team of science kids.  They help Doctor Youngenstein do all kinds of research and tests.  All three love learning about God and the cool things He created!

JUMP VBS character - Doctor Y

Here's one of the characters from the new Team Expansion JUMP VBS curriculum that I have been developing.  His name is Doctor Youngenstein or Dr. Y for short. He heads up a small science team of kid helpers finding answers to perplexing questions.  He loves God and loves science.  Dr. Y believes that science supports the existence of God.  And he's old and can't see very well.

JUMP VBS character - Cosmo the Globe.

Here's the main character from the new Team Expansion JUMP VBS curriculum that I have been developing.  His name is Cosmo the Globe.  He's passionate and loves showing kids where God is working all over the world!

JUMP VBS packet

I've finally finished a ten page packet for churches interested in Team Expansion's new VBS curriculum.  I've mentioned it before, it is called JUMP and contains some new cartoon characters that I created.  My next few posts will contain images of them. 

As you check them out, remember they are for a great new VBS curriculum that gets kids excited about missions.  And best of all....it's FREE!  Your missions offering would go toward Team Expansion, but the only other cost to you would be copies of materials to handout, decorations for story rooms, snacks, and other logistical stuff like any VBS would have. 

If you are interested in using the new Team Expansion JUMP VBS curriculum, let me know and I can get you and your church a ten page sample packet.

Sketches From My Moleskin While Traveling

     Here are a few scans from my moleskin sketchpad. I use it for writing, drawing, collecting ideas, sermon notes, planning and numerous other things.  I have filled three moleskins already and now I am on my fourth.  All but the last picture I drew during our trip to Italy.  Some inspired by things we saw, others direct from my imagination.  The last image (friendly scarecrow) was the initial concept for our church's Fall Fun Fest sign artwork. I hope you enjoy and look forward to your comments!

Fall Fun Fest Scarecrow

For our annual Fall Fun Fest offered by our church as a community outreach, I was part of the signage team that designed signs for directing traffic.  I made a scarecrow to put on each sign.  Here he is.

Magazine Artwork - Emerald Hills

Here's an illustrated version of Emerald Hills in Louisville, Kentucky where our headquarters are located for Team Expansion.  I made this using CorelDraw X5 for possible use in our organization's magazing coming out this autumn called, Tell.

Piggyback Curriculum - Exodus Kid's Series - Egyptian Dog

Here is another design from our Exodus Kid's series that we're working on.  I had fun with this one! I had the reference photo in one of my books on the Egyptian life called, The Hidden Life Of Ancient Egypt.