Before I seriously applied myself to writing, my creative focus was making chainmail armour and jewelry. Oddly enough, that art was integral to my writing path. First, it taught me that I could become good at something if I set my mind to it. Later, it taught me about starting over. I had just worked my way up to the level of being accepted at small renaissance faires when the magic in the art seemed to vanish. I didn't know what to do. Who I was was linked to the rings. "I" made chainmail. Slowly, I came to the realization that who I am is linked to nothing and that I could do anything I wanted. I quit working the faires and stopped linking rings.

I started editing a newsletter for Fantasy and Legends Organization and discovered how much I really enjoyed writing. I used some of the money I had earned from chainmial to take the Breaking into Print course at the Longridge Writers Group. It was an invaluable experience. When I began the course, I didn't know what I didn't know. There is still a lot I don't know, but I can now see the holes. I do not fear them like I once did and know I have the means to go after them with my craft.

I also enjoy making chainmail again. It wasn't the art that had lost its magic. My dislike of working the faires had simply masked it. I do sell some pieces here and there, now, though I don't try to do big shows. Still, making chainmail is a rewarding endeavor, and it's a significant contribution to my creative motivation, so I've provided a look below:

Jewelry

Visit my shop at www.chivalrings.etsy.com

Armour

The real lesson, here, is best expressed in the words of Mary Pickford—"You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down." Never pass up a chance to fall down. Just bring along the courage to get back up.

Home | About Me | Chainmail

If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint,"

then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.

~Van Gogh