Life at Open Heart Publishing

Posts Tagged ‘art’

I’m cracking it to remind you that submissions for An Honest Lie, Vol. 2 will close on March 15, just a little over a month from today. Unlike last year, the deadline will not be extended, so be sure to turn in your work on the theme “Delusions of Insignificance.” Submissions should be at least 3000 words in length and no more than 6,000 words total. Please be sure to read the faq for further details before submitting: www.anhonestlie.wordpress.com/faq.

In addition, the deadline is also March 15 to be considered as a writer or illustrator for an upcoming serialized fiction project with Open Heart Publishing. The setting is modern and based around a specific location and a diverse cast of characters; the “story collections” created by this team will be linear and as such the changes to characters within the story will have unique effects to plotline and development, and authors chosen for this episodic serial will receive full credit for the pieces. For more information regarding those writing and illustration opportunities, click here: http://debrincase.com/blog3/opportunities-with-o-h-p/

Artists interested in doing illustration for other projects should send a link to their work to ohpcareers@debrincase.com.

To our concerned parents and faculty:

It has come to my attention that many of our students are in possession of “A Children’s Book of Necromancy,” written by Debrin Case and illustrated by Darcy Melton. The book encourages children to mesmerize up to twelve of their friends, then force them to unwillingly participate in ceremonies in which they reanimate the dead.

Although “A Children’s Book of Necromancy” is clearly marked “Not recommended for children” on the cover, it is a coloring book and sells for just $12 from Open Heart Publishing, an amount any child can save from their allowance.

The inherent danger of this book cannot be overstated, and parents should closely monitor their children’s phone calls and activities. Make sure you know where your child is going and what they are doing. If they seem confused or are acting strange, they may have become a victim of a necromancer.

If your child exhibits any of the following signs, especially following a telephone conversation, do not permit them to leave the house, and call a local clergy member to assist with exorcism.

· Swirling spirals in place of eyes
· Sudden willingness to follow commands
· Insistence upon leaving the house without a specified destination
· Penchant for dark robes
· Chanting or humming

As long as these reanimation ceremonies are kept to a minimum, our students need not fear the zombie horde. I know we can count on your help in these troubled times.

Sincerely,

Dr. Nigel Newsom
Headmaster, Schadenfreude Academy

From left: Erin Marissa Russell, Melissa Cantrelle, Alyssa Cooper, Rhia Johnson, Eric Trant, Jon C. Forisha, ME Johnson

Way back in July of this year, several of the Dallas-local authors of An Honest Lie, Vol. 1 met with publisher and fellow author Debrin Case and editors ME and Rhia Johnson at Liberty Hall to rub elbows so when we have events things won’t be all awkward. Also because we are an incredibly talented lot, and it’s always good to share drinks and discussion with a table of authors, editors, and publishers.

You can read Eric Trant’s musings on the evening at his blog, Digging With the Worms.

I’d like to say, before you read Eric’s blog and start wondering, that I only carry batteries in my purse (both AA and AAA) because I usually need them for my digital camera or voice recorder. I have another job as managing editor at the Brookhaven Courier, and it’s the end of the world if my voice recorder runs out of batteries.

From left: Erin Marissa Russell, Melissa Cantrelle, Alyssa Cooper, and Rhia Johnson.

At the time, I was an artist for An Honest Lie- Rhia Johnson was the junior editor as well as an author- and it was fascinating to hear the authors talk about their stories. I’d already drawn the illustrations, based on a scene Debrin had described, but I didn’t know who the people were, what was happening, or even what the stories were really about. The authors had a lot of fun hearing about one another’s work, too.

Don’t forget to support your favorite contributor to An Honest Lie, Vol. 1 by doing one or both of the following:
* Leave them a comment by clicking their name on this link: http://ahlvol1vote.debrincase.com/. A comment earns them one point toward a book deal with Open Heart Publishing.
* Purchase An Honest Lie, Vol. 1 through their portal by clicking on their name here: http://ahlvol1vote.debrincase.com/. A purchase earns them 500 points toward a book deal with Open Heart Publishing!

Also, there are only 95 days left to work on submissions for An Honest Lie, Vol. 2: they’re due March 15, 2010. Read over the submission guidelines here: http://anhonestlie.wordpress.com/2009/10/10/its-that-time-again/

Things are happening here at OHP, and as such, there are several positions just waiting to be filled by the right author, artist, editor, or salesperson. Check out the opportunities below and don’t be afraid to send a letter of interest- we don’t bite (much).

Writers and Illustrators

Open Heart Publishing is recruiting four people to form a creative production team.

Must be comfortable working on a managed and controlled product with expectations for results and serious deadlines.
Product is serialized fiction, setting is modern and based around a specific location and a diverse cast of characters; the “story collections” created with this team will be linear and as such the changes to characters within the story will have unique effects to plotline and development. Authors chosen for this episodic serial will receive full credit for the pieces.

To be considered for this position with Open Heart Publishing

Writers please submit 3 written examples as attachments in a .doc or .docx format, these examples must be
1. Real Life essay
(Humorous encounters from real life only 2,000 words or less)
2. Fiction
(Preferably fantasy fiction. In the areas of contemporary and urban tales, surrealism, magical realism, modern age fairytales, and folktales)
(3,000 words minimum – 5,000 words maximum)
3. The Pitch
(pitch us an interesting story concept revolving around “the heart of a butterfly” 1000 words or less)

Illustrators please send us 3 black and white illustrations of
1. A woman’s hand
2. A housecat
3. The interior of a bathroom in a small apartment
Please keep these illustrations simple and quick.

Send your submission packet to
ohpcareers@debrincase.com
Pay structure is royalty based.
Production begins May 1st 2010, so apply now.
Telecommuting is ok

Promotions

O.H.P. is looking for talented individuals who love the arts, namely the literary arts. These passionate people can help us expand our ever growing fan-base, and we can in turn compensate them handsomely for their efforts. If you are interested in learning more about this exciting position with O.H.P. send an email to ohpcareers@debrincase.com

We’re talking with Dorayne Breedlove, Youth and Family Ministry Director at the Center for Spiritual Living in Dallas, TX. Open Heart Publishing worked with Dorayne and the children at the Center for Spiritual Living to create “The Cave of Colors,” the first release of the Opportunity Project. The Opportunity Project works hand in hand with youth organizations to instruct future generations about the positive changes they can make in the world around them, as well as the limitless opportunity their lives will offer them so long as they are willing to look for those opportunities. Through the crafts of writing, art, editing, marketing, and publishing, these groups create a book the children sell, and 100% of the profits benefit a charity of the children’s choosing.

Thanks for joining us, Dorayne. Tell me about what you do at the Center for Spiritual Living.

I am the Youth and Family Ministry Director. I am responsible for all children, youth, and parenting programs, which include our Sunday school classes, spiritual parenting classes, and special family events through out the year.

What would you say is the most rewarding thing about your life’s work, and what is the hardest thing?

The most rewarding thing about my life’s work is that I am with children every single day. I learn how to be a better teacher, better parent, and better person when I am with children. They are my greatest teacher. The hardest thing is to remember that I do not have all the answers and am willing to to seek help.

You said the children are your greatest teacher. What is the most important thing we can learn from children?

When we are most aware of the gifts children bring to our lives, we learn the importance of “allowing”. So often we, as teachers, caregivers, and parents, tend to direct, manipulate, and coerce our will on children. By allowing the multiplicity of ideas to flow, to be as inclusive as possible, to work together as a team, we create a synergy that would not have otherwise existed if we were only set on our own agenda. Allowing children to express their creativity, thoughts, and ideas helps to bring a higher level of relationship between children and the adults who care for them.

The children you work with had an chance to express their creativity in the Opportunity Project. Tell me about the story the kids wrote, “The Cave of Colors.”

The Cave of Colors is a story written by our children in grades 1-3. During the past year, they worked together to create an original story based on their ideas and input. The Cave of Colors is the magical world that resides inside of everyone. In this place we decide, through our thoughts, to live in light and beauty.

That’s a very valuable message. How do the kids feel about writing their own book?

The best word is “pride”. During the months of developing the story, the gathering of ideas, the unfolding of characters and plot, the children were part of a process that developed many skills like listening, including, creating, and deciding. After all that, they have a final product that they can own as theirs and feel a sense of pride in their accomplishment.

It sounds like it was a lot of fun. Tell me about the writing/publishing workshops that the Opportunity Project did?

The Opportunity Project was an amazing experience for the kids of Jr. Church. Debrin began the Opportunity Project as a way to help kids have a creative voice in the world at large. Over the past year, Debrin inspired the kids with interactive lessons tailored to the age group that touched on story craft, writing, publishing, art, and creative teamwork.

Do you know what charity the children have chosen to benefit from “The Cave of Colors” sales? Why was this one chosen?

The children have chosen 3 charities so we can touch the world globally, locally, and also within our own community. In order to touch the world globally, we chose “Pennies for Peace.” To impact our world locally, we decided to donate to a program here in Dallas known as “Preventing Violence in Children,” a program dedicated to teaching alternative solutions to violence to kids in Dallas area schools, and of course the kids also wanted to help build our own resources here at the YFM program at CSL.

If you had the opportunity to speak to yourself as a child, what would you say? Do you think your child self would listen?

I would simply say, “I love you dearly. You are a magnificent child of God, and I adore you.” I would hope that my child self would listen and know this to be the absolute truth.

Dorayne Breedlove is the Youth and Family Ministry Director for the Center for Spiritual Living in Dallas, a professional storyteller, and a music and drama teacher. She offers multicultural stories, educational programs, and training for teachers through her company “A Slice of Rainbow“, and has performed her arts and education programs for more 15 years in many states including Texas, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Georgia, Maryland and even Delaware. A product of a military family, she learned at a young age how diverse, interesting, and fun cultures can be and incorporates that into her stories, music and drama classes. You can visit Dorayne’s website at www.alsliceofrainbow.com.

An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child is now officially for sale! That’s right, copies now are up for grabs. Support your favorite contributor by purchasing from their portal at this link:

An Honest Lie Voting and Purchase Portal

Even if you aren’t ready to purchase just yet, leaving a comment helps your favorite author win a book deal, so don’t be shy.

Vote for your favorite An Honest Lie author today and help them win a book deal!

Every year An Honest Lie showcases new authors who are all vying for the opportunity to earn a book deal with Open Heart Publishing, and that is where your help is required. In order to win this book deal, they require your votes.

Just leave a comment at the link below, on their voting portal, to give them one vote. Or if you are serious about helping your favorite author win this book deal, then give them 500 points by purchasing a copy of An Honest Lie Vol. 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child through the link below.

You can either vote and/or purchase copies directly at:
http://ahlvol1vote.debrincase.com. This link will also provide you with story excerpts and bio info for each author.

So vote today, vote often, and encourage others to vote for your favorite authors here.

Voting ends October 31st, 2010.

Once again, here’s that link!
http://ahlvol1vote.debrincase.com.

We’re here with artist Eric Carbrey, who did interior illustrations for “An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child.”

Eric, people often say art is a metaphor for life. How do you feel this applies to your own craft?

I feel as though my art reflects my inner self and thoughts. That what I put down on the paper has always been in me, waiting for the right opportunity to present itself to the world. Art is a reflection of a person in a given time.

In that way, your art could be said to be a chronological image of you as a person. How far back does your record go? When did you begin as an artist?

I have been an artist my whole life. I remember being a youngster, I spent a lot of my time drawing and painting, coloring in color books, never within the lines. I have always been interested in what art is and what art has to offer, the more time passes the more it consumes me.

So you’ve been at it a while. Have you chosen a favorite medium?

I enjoy all mediums. If I had to pick one I would say painting. But so often in my work the line between mediums has been blurred. I enjoy the fluid aspect of painting, things seem to keep going with or without you.

Tell us about the art you created for “An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child.”

The works I completed for An Honest Lie were a bit taxing. They did require an afternoon or two of brainstorming with my thinking cap on tight.

So you’ve mentioned drawing and painting … what other areas of the arts do you explore?

I really enjoy learning about new mediums and techniques, different ways to do old things, old ways to do new things. Right now printmaking has my interests piqued.

Eric, do you believe in magic?

Magic? Ummm maybe. I am pretty sure that someone can not make a helicopter appear out of thin air without some sort of smoke and mirrors, but I would have to say that there are things that cant be explained and maybe for the better. Is that magic? Maybe.

Definitely. How about this: Have you ever considered suicide as an alternative to procrastination?

Suicide as an alternative to procrastination, I think not, I have that whole procrastination thing down, and need no alternative.

Good answer. And what do you feel about quantum mechanical theories involving cats in boxes or rather sharp razors?

It seems like to me the deeper you get in to quantum theories the more the scientists sound like old tripped out hippies. As far as my thoughts on the quantum mechanical theories that involve cats, boxes, and rather sharp razors, I remain blissfully ignorant.

Back to reality, then. What other projects are you currently working on?

Always continuing my art, and pushing myself in my craft.

Ah, the neverending project. And who or what would you say inspires you as an artist?

I am inspired by the things I see and experience. I look at things and think about them, narrow in on the simple shapes, colors, and feelings in my life.

And a really important question. What is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything?

Sometimes I think that the meaning is that there really is no meaning. Or perhaps your life, and living it to the fullest is the meaning, I am pretty sure that the meaning is a personal thing that is different for everyone. I think that people seek answers and cannot accept that sometimes there are no answers, so they make things up so that their questions will be answered.

And who would you say is your personal artistic hero or heroine, and what does this person mean to you?

Small time artists that are hanging their works in local coffee shops and galleries are usually the ones that I find inspiration in. Also any sculpture that is done on a large scale.

And finally, Eric, how do you encourage the delinquency of your inner child?

By making sure that I do not listen to any sort of supposedly “reasonable voice” in my life that is contradictory to what I really want to do.

Eric Carbrey currently lives in Wichita, Kansas along with his lovely wife of five years, and three of the finest dogs Kansas has ever produced. Eric spends most of his time living his life, and making art. He is only a couple of semesters away from finishing up his BFA from Wichita State University. One of Eric’s biggest hobbies is eating homemade sandwiches in very busy public places. “There is a very gratifying feeling of having a homemade sandwich in public. I often think that people are jealous, or at least are wondering about my sandwich and how good it looks when I am eating them in public. You should go ahead and try it out, that way you fully understand what I mean.”

Cover artist for “An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child,” Sarah Freeman, is here to talk about her art.

Sarah, you know the saying, “Art is a metaphor for life.” Indeed, your still life and interior paintings are so realistic they are almost indistinguishable from real life. How do you feel this adage applies to your own work?

You have to be in the right frame of mind if you want it to turn out.

Definitely true in life as well as in art. You began showing professionally at the stunning age of 18- how did you begin as an artist?

I used to make birthday cards for family members and knick knacks out of pipe cleaners.

It sounds like you were resourceful in procuring materials. Assuming you graduated from pipe cleaners, do you have a preferred medium now, and what do you like about it?

Oil paint, because it has depth.

That makes sense, since you studied with realist Jeremy Lipking. In addition to creating beautiful visual art, Sarah, what other areas of the arts do you explore?

I like to read and write, and I enjoy foreign languages.

Some of the stories in “An Honest Lie, Volume 1: Encouraging the Delinquency of Your Inner Child,” have a magical or mystical aspect. Do you believe in magic?

No.

That’s terrible. You must be so sad. Have you ever considered suicide as an alternative to procrastination?

Only when I’m on a deadline!

Well, that’s when magic would come in handy. On a somewhat related note, what do you feel about quantum mechanical theories involving cats in boxes or rather sharp razors?

I think they teach us not to take life too seriously, because the very particles our world is made of act according to chance.

Someone’s been reading up on vacuum fluctuation.

Let’s talk some more about you, Sarah. What projects are you currently working on?

I’m working on a series of monochromatic oil paintings that are portraits of imaginary people. You can see them on my website at www.sarahfreemanart.com.

Imaginary people! That’s brilliant. Who or what would you say has inspired you as an artist?

Light, space, and life.

Those are sources of inspiration that will never run dry. And what individual would you consider your personal artistic hero or heroine, and what is it about them that you admire?

Daumier, for his ability to capture people’s expressions.

Good choice. And finally, how do you encourage the delinquency of your inner child?

By eating dessert first.

You can see Sarah Freeman’s art at her website: http://www.sarahfreemanart.com/