Art, Lines, Choices

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend Life, the Universe, and Everything, a science fiction and fantasy symposium in which authors and artists converge to share knowledge. The keynote address was given by a man named James A. Owen, and what he had to say struck home with me.

Turns out, James and I are likeminded people. I have spent so many posts talking about choices, and the importance of making good ones, and this was the focus of his address. His words were a well-timed reminder to me.

He says (I’m paraphrasing) that art is nothing but a series of lines. It’s up to us, the artists, to choose where each line goes. Everything in life is about choices. “Your choices are cumulative, and every choice you make gives you the chance to make new choices.” Meaning (to me), that the choices we made as children have brought us to where we are as adults. The choices we make as adults will ultimately decide on the paths of our lives. And sometimes, our childhood choices come back to us in unexpected ways.

He then went on to spout a number of fantastically wise words that I started writing as quotes. I’m going to share the three most important points of his address here, and then I’ll give you information about where you can purchase a book in which you will find James Owen’s whole incredible, triumphant story. I bought it. He signed it. I treasure it because of the incredible message inside. Worth. Every. Penny.

1. “If you really want to do something, no one can stop you. If you really don’t want to do something, no one can help you.”

2. “Are you the kind of person things happen to or the kind to make things happen?” (Decide!)

3. “Never sacrifice what you want most for what you want the most in that moment. If you hesitate [in making the decision] you’ve already made your choice. It was probably the hard one.

And one last quote for the road. “If you are strong enough to overcome, you will. It’s YOUR choice.”

What choices are you making today that will affect your life, or the lives of others, tomorrow?

James A. Owen is the author of Drawing out the Dragons, the Starchild series, and the Imaginarium Geographica series. Also, he is a highly motivational, absolutely inspiring speaker. Check out his works at his website.

**Update**

James A. Owen is right now GIVING away free ecopies of this book here. This is for a very limited time, so hurry, go fill out the form and download yours now!

Things I Love, Day 5: Being Social, Service, and Sunshine

Yeah, I know. That's more than one thing. But really, I'm running out of days here. And as you will see if you look at the date on this post, I'm about 15 minutes past the real-life day 5 deadline. Day 5 is actually over.

I haven't been home. At. All. And as I type this, I'm well aware that I need to go to bed so my brain can handle another conference day. Speaking of conferences, that's another thing I love. Love learning and networking and hanging out with people who get me and what I'm all about.Wait, that kind of does fall into the social category, doesn't it? Yeah. It does. So, I love being social. (Especially when there's food involved.)

Another thing I love is service. I have this need to help others. It's always there, hovering right under the surface of my thoughts. It doesn't really matter how I help or serve people, only that I do it without expecting something in return. That's me. Don't misunderstand me though, I always get a return. It always comes back to me one way or another. That's how life should work. And I love it.

As for sunshine--well, that pretty well explains itself. Right? The sun is like, well, sunshine. It's the thing that wakes me up in the morning and keeps me going. Without sun, I'd be a miserable, ornery person. And definitely gloomy.

There's more. I should probably tell you all about the classes at the conference I'm attending this weekend. Maybe the one about movie special effects, or the one taught by Richard Hatch (from the original Battlestar Gallactica). But I won't. At least, not tonight.

Because, of all the things I've just listed, there's one thing I really, really love right now, probably more than all of the above.

Sleep. Goodnight world!

Cool Book to Watch For and Fun Signing News

Okay, I've blogged every day this week. Not always here, mind you, but we're talking serious bloggage going on. And I had no intention of blogging again today, because, you know, I have writing to do. Plus, I'd hate to make you sick of me.

But...I have cool news I want to share. Cindy and I are officially scheduled to sign copies of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief at the BYU bookstore during the sci-fi / fantasy conference, Life, the Universe, and Everything. Our signing date is Thursday, Feb. 11th, from 11:45-1:30. Yes, during lunch.

I realize that the time seems a bit odd, and that it will cut into the conference classes, including both lectures by my favorite artist, James Christensen. BUT this is a good thing because I can catch a little of both lectures, and still sign for the lunch crowd. So come by and say hi, and if you haven't already, pick up your copy of Mormon Mishaps and Mischief. If you already have one, it makes a great gift for your Valentine, and also Mother's and Father's Days. Just sayin.

And since I'm sharing anyway, my friend Rachelle just released a trailer for her book, Wrong Number. It's being released in a few weeks, and I'm totally excited for it. I've read this book, and it's so, so good. So, here it is. Enjoy!



That's it for this week, kids. Have a great weekend!

Nichole