I don't know who created this Neil Gaiman meme, but I need it pinned in every room in my house. But once the story ends, it wishes to be read. The story can't hide in a file, right? Anyway, I'm changing a few things around here. Cleaning and polishing. Getting things ready for when my …
Category: publication
This Solstice
Today was the summer solstice. A year ago today, we had our housewarming party to celebrate moving into our very first house. A week from today I'll have my fourth chemo treatment (12 more to go after that). Before I'm done with chemo, I'll have another book out that I've illustrated. Soon after I finish …
Sadness and Other Good Things
When I was an infant, my grandmother (pictured over there) would put a blanket on the floor for my naps. Her German Shepherd puppy, Jill (also pictured), would curl up around me and nap too. At the time, my mother was depressed and suicidal. Perhaps she wasn't the best mother those early days, but eventually …
Books, Dogs, and Wild Hopes
I'm so proud and excited of the children's books my publisher has written and I've illustrated. See! They books are here at Plum Tree Books. Plum Tree also published cards with my art! If you know anyone (or school, organization, and such) that might like unique children's books, please help us spread the word. And …
Change and Other Cool Things
Publication! My publisher, Plum Tree Books, is launching two children's books that I illustrated! I've been distracted and more unorganized than usual because of a cancer diagnosis and chemo brain, but I'm trying to get my life and my attitude back on track. I'm excited about my publisher's work and I want her books to …
Imagination Fail
Eight days until surgery. I've got my post-op shirts and even two small post-op pillows. One pillow is recommended for the drive home from the hospital. It will go between the seatbelt strap and me. I've seen post-op pictures of others to give me an idea what to expect. I'm getting my house in order, …
Learning
When I first wanted to be a writer (back when I was eight, I think), I knew nothing about the publishing industry. I didn't understand how agents worked or what it took to get a book to readers. A few years ago a young man told me he wanted to write a book so that …
Bloody Days
I've almost forgotten I blog. Heading toward the Christmas season things took an unexpected turn. A routine mammogram ended in a biopsy and two surgeries, and I can't say it's all done yet. The main distraction is the incision that has continued to bleed for over a week. There are plenty more serious health issues …
Is that the best you can do?
In high school I spent one year on the yearbook staff. I started the class really excited, and I ended the class hoping never to speak of it again. When my mother saw the section I'd worked on--the advertising section, which I hated but did work hard on--she said, "That doesn't look very good. That's …
Why is it dark in here?
Recently I joked, "I could've written a light comedy." And my husband replied, "I don't think you have light comedy in you." A friend said, "It's odd because you're a funny person." Hey, I didn't set out to write a dark, emotional novel. I started with an image and went from there. But I don't …
Marta Bacon 