Your Magic

A couple weeks ago I didn't have a chance to read many blogs, but I've made it up this past week, and I wanted to share with you some of the posts that brought me joy this summer. Some are whimsical, others question the nature of creativity and the artistic gift.  I hope you enjoy.

I love the serendipity of the Wide World of Blog.  In June, R. at the Creamy Middles and author Lena Roy posted the same quote (one I needed to read) from Emile Zola: 

The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work.

Lena's follow-up post, "Anyone Can Cook, Er, Write...If They Want To," addresses what she believes is the artist's gift and the importance of craft, perseverance, and old-fashioned hard work.  It's great motivation during rewrites.

Leila over at Write Am I posted an adorable shot of her new editor.  This is one editor I wouldn't mind peering over my shoulder as I work.  She also shared the terrific news of finding a publisher for her novel!

Here at Fantastic Spatula we celebrated with Kemp over her Shameless Self Promotion.

We have graphic artists on staff here at Fantastic Spatula, and I know others of you have the same bug, so check out the interview with the artist behind the jacket for Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver and Linger. I'd love to see an interview with the artist for Lena's Edges, which The Hiding Spot named Cover of the Week on May 24.

Finally, I'm giddy for Sarah and Michelle of Slushbusters as they blog about their time at the Highlights Foundation Writers Workshop.

Thank you all.

What's put a smile on your face lately?