Brandon Sanderson Book Signing

Hello to all of my faithful readers! I wanted to do a quick post about a quick little adventure that Michelle and I went on Wednesday night. We drove up to Dayton after work to the Books and Co, to attend a book signing that Brandon Sanderson was doing to promote the third book in his Mistborn Trilogy. Here's a picture: For those of you who don't know, Mr. Sanderson is the author that was chosen to finish the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, who fell ill with a condition called Amyloidosis and passed away last year before the epic's completion. I didn't really know of Brandon Sanderson's work before I heard he was completing the Wheel of Time, but as soon as I did, I went out and bought Mistborn, which was a fantastic novel! I'd recommend it to anyone, not just fantasy readers. The trilogy is accessible and easy to read, and most importantly not too big to commit to reading like say, Wheel of Time! :) Mr. Sanderson addressed this last night too. It's easier to get into an author's body of work if you don't have to begin with book one of a 13 volume epic. Anyway, There was Q&A, and some readings from a couple of Mr. Sanderson's books, including a passage from his very own multi-volume epic which is unpublished and mostly unwritten as yet. We had a great time listening to his thoughts on both writing, and reading. I was glad to hear that two of his major influences were Robert Jordan and Orson Scott Card - Two authors I respect greatly. We were there about an hour and left just before the Mistborn Trilogy - Book 3 spoilers began, thanks to a prudent warning from the author. It was a great time, and really inspired me to keep pursuing my writing. I think I could definitely make a go of it if I can find the time and the drive to get my first book written. I am envious of Joel Cooper, who is now beyond the initial writing, and into the editing. Well, I don't envy him too much. Editing is supposed to be the tedious part. :) So that's my update on my latest adventure! Thanks again for reading! -J

Pottery 102 - Nights 4 and 5

Woohoo! I have to say that things are going well in Pottery class, and this two week post thing is really shaping up well as things are progressing a little more slowly and I'd have little to say in a once per week post. Anyway, I'll fill you in. I have succeeded in throwing my most technically advanced piece to date. It is taller, more even and straighter than anything I've done thus far. It is trimmed and getting ready to bisque fire. I had quite a few things that came out of the glaze fire, and I thought they looked good for the most part. A couple of little issues, but mostly, I was pleased! I will have pictures this weekend, which I will be posting to my site gallery. I'll update you here with a URL when they're available. So, I feel as though I am making steady progress with my skill. The majority of my progress has to do with the fact that I am not nearly as afraid of the process as I was. Not that I was scared to do anything, but I'm a little more confident in my ability to at least make some kind of vessel. I'm sure I haven't finished my amazingly terrible blunders. I know I have a lot of those left in me. The kind where clay flies from the wheel, coating everyone in a thin coat of slimy brown paste. Alright, I'll go, but within a week, PICTURES OF MY WORK! STAY TUNED!!! -J