My writing retreat in April was a success…(though it spurred some interesting feedback on whether a gay man should write children’s stories)…I made a lot of progress on a brand new novel, this time moving into the sci-fi genre. It was fun to venture off in a completely different area than I’ve written before…we’ll see how it goes. It will most likely be a 2008 release, because it’s not even half-way completed, and with NaNoWriMo coming up in just a few months, it’s going to be a busy year.

The fairy tale that will be the next item published (see the tag cloud here) has moved into what I’ll call the “artistic” part. That being, I’m working with a fantastic artist who is doing the cover for the book. He’s the best friend of a guy who works for me, actually, and when I came across some of his artwork, I knew I’d found the right person to help me create the book cover. (you’ll be able to read more about him when the book is published)

We’re going through several iterations right now, adding and changing things on the original sketch, as well as he’s getting the opportunity to read the current edit of the book. In fact, he’s the first person besides myself who is getting to read it. I was rather hesitant at first to let someone read an in-progress novel - but it’s helping design a better graphic, so it will all work out well in the end.

We’re shooting for an end of June time-frame for publishing, so stay tuned for an exciting (hopefully) new release from Heath.

I am in need of some creativity. I can’t draw anything more than a stick figure, but I need some more detailed art for a book I’m working on.

If you are interested in submitting work for the book, you can view what I need below and send it along. You will not receive any royalties for the work, but will receive mention in the acknowledgements/credits of the book (including an “about the artist” page if you wish), if I use your art. I would reserve the right to alter the art in any way I need to, but still giving you credit for it. (any art or sketches must be at 300 dpi)

So if you’re willing to do some quick sketches for me (black and white only), or have some photographs that would fit these categories, here is what I need:

• a Castle, preferably one with very tall spires
• a horse drawn carriage on a wooden bridge crossing a river
• a run down house, preferably a cottage
• a fountain in a town square with water, and another without water
• a little girl, 5 years old, long blond hair
• a boy with hair that looks like flames
• a girl, 18 years old, on a horse
• a bubbling cauldron
• a lake with trees in the background
• two heavy set women standing in the distance
• a boat on a river
• a rectangular wooden box with ornate carvings on it
• two goblets being clinked together
• an impressive fountain, in a courtyard with water pouring from it
• tall woman in a long flowing gown, hooded so you can not see her face

Thanks in advance to those creative folks out there! Contact me directly if you are interested and we can discuss next steps.

Remember all those crazy entries from my childhood journal?

Here’s the journal cover…I have no idea why I seemed to be fascinated with the swastika symbol, or the strange toothy-mouthed creatures.