I've been thinking about a purpose for this blog. My three interests lie in WRITING, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND ART. My art is on my web site, tomplummer.com. I plan to post some of my photography and art and writing as this blog goes along.
Currently I am helping several writers with their memoirs. Some are more experienced writers, some less. Whatever you think you can or cannot do with writing, photography, and art, I hope to persuade you that your only limitations are your fears. I spoke with one person who has a fabulous idea for a book, but he thinks he can't write. He can write. For years I thought I had not one stitch of artist in me. I have a teacher who reminds me every week that I have a unique style, that I am an artist.
YOU CAN DO THESE THINGS TOo. I AM HERE TO SHOW WHAT CAN BE DONE, TO HELP YOU GET STARTED, IF YOU NEED HELP, AND TO HAVE A FRIENDLY, COLLABORATIVE UNDERTAKING, IN WHICH WE ALL BECOME FRIENDS.
Here are my projects:
To continue painting, working in collage and multi-media, to enter contests, and to work with as many models--including any and all of you--if you wish. I am not looking for fashion models. I am looking for personalities. Characters. I have now sold six pieces of art since I began last year. I'm blown away.
To continue writing about my relationship with my father. I plan to use this blog to try things out. I don't see why we couldn't try out some of your writing as well.
Photography. I have a lot of experience with photography, and I'd be happy to help any of you who are struggling. Send in your questions on the "Comments."
Years ago I knew that my calling in life was to help others. It's what I do. I'll find out in a hurry if this is a good idea for a blog.
IF YOU THINK IT IS A GOOD IDEA, WOULD YOU PLEASE COMMENT? THAT WILL GIVE ME SOME SENSE OF YOUR INTEREST. IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO FOCUS ON ONE AREA OR ANOTHER, WOULD YOU PLEASE SAY? THIS IS A CHANCE FOR US TO BUILD A LITTLE COMMUNITY. PLEASE JOIN ME. IF THIS STRIKES A CHORD WITH YOU, PLEASE SAY SO. THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO BE SHY.
It seems you could add "Teaching" to your list of interests. I am trying to write, though I lack confidence, I am very interested to see what contributions you get here.
ReplyDeleteHere's what I wrote to Dorothy K:
DeleteYou're not alone with your feelings of inadequacy. Here's a quick suggestion. Set a kitchen timer, if you have one, or check your clock. Without deciding what you are going to write about start writing. Just let your pen/pencil push thoughts and words onto your page. This is by definition "bad writing," because you're writing fast. Do this ever day or every other day. Set a schedule. Just write badly. Your confidence will grow as you keep writing. Our problem is we are afraid to try, because we know we don't know much. But this is a start. Try it and let me know.
I feel like a late bloomer who has yet to bloom. Any suggestions on how to overcome those types of feelings?
ReplyDeleteWriting, photography, and art all sound like art to me. "Creativity" might be another word for those, but I suppose it's important to be specific. When you say "art" do you mean painting? I love what you do with color. Do you enjoy other types of art?
I'll definitely be following your blog. Thank you for starting it. It's difficult to be vulnerable, but the way the world is going and as you said, "This is not the time to be shy."
You're not alone with your feelings of inadequacy. Here's a quick suggestion. Set a kitchen timer,for five minutes, if you have one, or check your clock. Without deciding what you are going to write about start writing. Just let your pen/pencil push thoughts and words onto your page. This is by definition "bad writing," because you're writing fast. Do this ever day or every other day. Set a schedule. Just write badly. Your confidence will grow as you keep writing. Our problem is we are afraid to try, because we know we don't know much. But this is a start. Try it and let me know.
DeleteYes, yes. And yes. If there's anything I've learned (am SLOWLY learning) from the Tom & Louise Show, it's to shine anyway, regardless (I considered saying 'irregardless' just to get a rise) of fear and that others don't want me to outshine them. And if I have anyone to thank for good things that have come to me in art and life, your SHOW is at the top of my list. I realize I have been a taxing student. …irregardless… Yes. More please.
ReplyDeleteYou and Louise have always been unique, interesting, talented and giving. I'm eager to follow this blog along with your other postings. Keep going, growing, and shining!
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ReplyDeleteYes to all of the above, especially photography tips and stories. Lots of stories. You are a gifted storyteller!
ReplyDeleteWrite as much as you can. I will come back and gobble it all up. I don't know what kind of a contributor I can be at this moment in time, but I thrill to read anything you have to teach. Teach, I say, Teach!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity, Mr. Plummer!
The Tom and Louise Show! What a great idea for a reality tv show. The Duck Dynasty show doesn't interest me at all. Bring on Tom and Louise in living color. I would definitely watch that.
ReplyDeleteI write. I cut people's heads off in photos and after being shamed to a blush in 8th grade Art class, I don't draw or paint or do anything artsy. But I do love to look at other people's art. Nothing is more fun than going through a museum or attending an art exhibit.
Bring on the fun because I am an amazing fan in the bleachers.
I've been reading Louise's blog for a long time- one of only 2 or 3 blogs of strangers that I read regularly. I love the way she has with words and ideas. And I think I share her love of houses and far away places. But I'm definitely an introvert- so I identify with you on that! Since I was in 7th grade I've been a writer, thanks to an amazing teacher who turned all of us into writers. I've always loved art- took 3 years in high school, and did Architecture along with a couple art classes and a photography class in college. But I don't have much talent in the art arena. It does bring some joy to life, although my sketchbooks and watercolors are boxed up... I enjoy seeing my kids enjoy artwork and projects. My photography is mostly my kids, my house, for my family blog. I have a secret desire to write a novel for kids or teens. But my main success in writing so far has been more personal, self-narrative type stuff. Writing a whole novel with plot and characters is daunting. So, I'm interested in all the topics you have here!
ReplyDeleteTom I am so excited that you are going to be blogging. You have such a talent for teaching and encouraging fledgling artists. I'd be interested in learning strategies for adding details to stories--details that can help show not tell the story. i'd love to hear your ideas on this. also i love the idea of writing exercises.
ReplyDeleteI also say yes to all of the above, I also love art and photography and the writing of others.
ReplyDeleteI am enthusiastic about following your blog. I have already thought "Hey, I would like to be painted by Tom Plummer! Maybe Louise would help me memorize a chocolate chip cookie recipe while I was at it." I wish I weren't several states away. My writing season has yet to arrive, but I will eagerly anticipate your stories. Maybe in a couple of years when I finish my degree program and have only two of my five children left at home I will be a more active participant in this community.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a children's book and did my own photography. It's the true story of a family of robins that nested in a pine tree in my front window and I photographed every day until they fledged. At the time, I thought I would buy it in a heartbeat if I saw it in a store - currently, it's trashed in the bottom drawer of my desk. You know where my D700 is but I have a crappy D60 thrown in a corner of my office. I may not participate fully but I will read along - mothering a house full by myself leaves little time for personal work but yes, you were meant to help others. You've saved me more than once.
ReplyDeleteYes to all of the above, especially writing. I can start stories but it is hard to finish.
ReplyDelete(However, is it possible to limit the ALL CAPS? It makes my head hurt.)
Thank you! You and Louise are inspiration in many many ways.
Sorry about the caps. I got a little carried away. They're in the next blog too. I'LL STOP. I'LL STOP.
DeleteI love this. And I am excited you are blogging. I need to write. I have a hard time finding the energy to write in between remodeling my house, planting tulip bulbs and refereeing my 5 kids. But at least I think about writing a lot. And so I will at least come here to think more about it- :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you've started blogging. I make my husband listen to me read your essay about "wonderland" at least once a year. I think he hates you. But I love you. And Louise; she inspires me. I want to write. I want to write a blog, even, but I'm too afraid. (I don't know of what, so don't ask.) But knowing that you've started one makes my courage grow a teeny-tiny bit. I hope you'll keep sharing essays. "The Fine Art of Wooing" made me deliriously happy.
ReplyDeleteOther than family I don't follow any blogs but yours and Louise, so please keep writing. Although my main interest is art, excited to read/see what you are up to in that area, I am pretty excited to just read what you will be sharing. I think it will all be helpful or insightful. I would be interested in hearing what you and others have to say about fear and creativity, I find that a much bigger hurdle now than when I was young. Back then I had a much stronger push to just do what pleased me. Now between the internet and worrying what others might think it can sometimes cause an "artist block". I second what Bookworm had to say about the "Art of Wooing", I am glad to know it never goes out of style and I loved how dedicated you were to getting it right. Lucky Louise!
ReplyDeletei've been stalking Loesje's blog for the past few weeks and then spent all morning talking to her...but i haven't even commented on her blog yet. so feel special, tom!
ReplyDeletei told her i'm basically an impostor in the writing/art world, very new to it. i've never studied either of them...but i'm getting old(er) and need to reinvent myself for the second half of my life. i think these two areas may play a significant factor in my life. so i'm excited to have discovered you two. it's such a small world. i'm grateful for the random connections that we have in common, and look forward to getting to know you both.
as for this post: any spare encouragement that you have laying around to "go for it" with my creative endeavors...well, if my art and writing don't actually stink, then please pass some my way. if, on the other hand, i share something and it is ridiculous and there is no hope for me, that would be good information, too. i'm not above moving along til i find something with a remote chance of success at (defined as personal satisfaction with the outcome...coupled with it being even slightly enjoyable by others.)
welcome to the bloggerverse! your i'm totally cool & hip factor just skyrocketed.
cheers,
blue
I took your Writing Memoir class a few years ago and loved it, so I am so excited you are blogging. It's like I get to be in your class again. Since taking your class I've gotten married and had two children, so right now my time for writing is extremely limited. I'd love to hear your insights on making the most of limited writing time.
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in reading any photography tips you have. I love your writing and have read a bit of it to my kids. We talk about your essay on centerpieces, usually when someone in the family is trying to create an amazing centerpiece, and it always makes me laugh.
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