When Collecting and Writing Collide
By Christine Verstraete
I began collecting quite a few years ago (yes it’s more than 10, no, I’m not saying how many-ha!), and I’ve stuck with it. Usually when I’m not writing, (when is that?) I’m dreaming up some new miniature project.
Guess what? The process isn’t all that much different.
While I have to sometimes struggle to find the words I want, or to get a story to go in the direction I had in mind, working in miniature works much the same way. I’m still planning and creating except with paper, clay, wood, paints and other materials instead of on the computer. The one drawback is doing something in miniature often requires measuring and math, which I’m really not good at. Terrible; it took me several tries to get some wood framing cut right.
I think the best thing about having a hobby is it can actually improve your writing (or at least your well-being!) I can stew over my writing subconsciously while I concentrate on something else. Often the problem, or the solution I’m looking for, comes to mind once I’m not obsessing over it.
You can see some pix of my miniatures at my blog, Candid Canine or at my website, click miniatures.
* My latest nonfiction book, IN MINIATURE STYLE II, includes profiles and how-to
projects for dollhouses. Available in eBook, PDF, Kindle, iPad, etc. and in print. See links at website.
And while I do take writing seriously, much of my writing isn’t always that serious.
* Horror and humor? See “The Killer Valentine Ball.” Perfect for a touch of Halloween! Or find out what really goes on at the North Pole during the holidays in “Christmas at the North Pole Compound.” See Ebooks.
* Kid’s mystery: Searching for a Starry Night, A Miniature Art
Mystery (Yes it involves miniatures! How else to get paid for your hobby? Haa!) See books.
That ought to keep everyone busy for a while! Thanks for hosting me and for visiting my site, too!
About Me (Christine):
Of course, As the family “bookworm,” I think my writing desire was a natural progression. I always read and still do, enjoying books by Barbara Taylor Bradford, Elaine Viets, Debbie Macomber, Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, Elaine Viets, and many others.
Nonfiction to Fiction
My career has mostly been in newspapers and magazines, although fiction writing always called to me. Discovering online writing groups inspired me to get more involved in short fiction.
Initially, the transition from nonfiction to fiction was hard, but it was always a heck of a lot of fun. I’ve come thisclose to sometimes hanging it up, but it’s hard to stop the ideas and harder to bury a dream. It simply bubbles back up to the surface, begging to be taken out and polished, crying to find its way into print.
Other Background Stuff
I grew up in Chicago, the third-generation to live in the two-story house bought by my Belgian-born grandfather in the mid-1900s. (See my
I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Columbia College in Chicago. I’ve received various awards from llinois and national press associations for nonfiction articles I’ve written. (See nonfiction page for details.)
A favorite pastime, building dollhouses and miniature rooms, has served as inspiration for nonfiction stories, my nonfiction book, In Miniature Style II, a Christmas
eBook and influenced my kid’s mystery, Searching For a Starry Night, A Miniature Art Mystery. Visit my Miniatures gallery to see photos of some of my miniature projects.
Thanks for coming by everyone. Well I haven’t tried mountain climbing or anything… ha! Like writing, I think miniatures are fascinating as it gives you a chance to create or go to any world or place. And I love the art of creating things myself.
I know what you mean. I do some of my best brainstorming while I’m busy with other projects. I guess the mind keeps working no matter what the hands are doing.
Susan
I’ll admit I don’t understand the miniature collecting, but I love how you’ve brought it into your books. Talk about writing what you know!
Great to see you here Chris. A delightful interview leading into a great story. You’ve had a very interesting life. But how do you like those Chicago winters?
Congrats on your success.
C.K. Volnek