Hi. My name is Sandy Carlson. I write historical fiction for kids.

Hi. My name is S. L. Carlson. I write YA fantasy. 

On Saturday, I’m doing a book signing at the Maritime Museum in South Haven, MI. Even though  my next unicorn book is coming out this fall and I must work on promotions for that, the story doesn’t take place on the sea. On Saturday I’ll be signing my ghost stories historical fiction, Tales of the Lost Schooner. Yes, that’s a sea tale; hence, the Maritime Museum. 

As I wrote in my last post, I need to focus. So I will only work on one project at a time. But after the manuscript is “done” and sitting with one of the editors, I tend to become antsy during the wait. I feel the need to remain focused on that one project and keep my mind clear for it. So instead of writing, I’ll engage in other creative activities during the wait.

I know other writers advise to work on your next writing project. Used to. Not recently. I may do some marketing, but I not only want my mind free during this waiting period, I also need to be creatively thinking and doing. This summer I’ve been crafting miniatures.

While my husband was sick, I spent a lot of time sitting with him. I kept my mind writing-free, but my hands busy making miniatures: 1:60 scale Dungeons and Dragons tiles, furniture, etc (for Arizona son); 1:87 scale HO railroad tunnels, buildings, and scenery (for husband); and a miniature house and furnishing (for my other son and grandkids). For myself, I’ve been toying with ideas of crafting miniatures of scenes from my books.

Let the creative juices flow.