Oct 1, 2013 11:29pm
I have just added another childhood story to my blog. You can read it here:
I have quite a few more of these that I would still like to write, and in fact I am a fair way along on a few already. I had an idea a few years ago to assemble a collection of childhood yarns into a book called “BAKER’S DOZEN: stories from my first 13 years”. I wrote a few of the stories but got nowhere near enough (13 seemed the minimum) to publish, but now seems a good time to work at completing that project.
I may be able to combine it with another current goal, which is learning to draw with my left hand. It seems that the subject of childhood is an appropriate venue for these looser, scribblier scrawls. I am a long way from getting anything I am genuinely happy with but at least my left-handed drawings make me laugh, and that is half the battle.
Yay!!! What a terrific idea, BAKERS DOZEN. Go for it. I just adore your stories AND your pictures, but let’s face it, whether it’s writing or drawing or sitting around having a chat, it’s that part of you & how you see the world that we all enjoy . You are an utter delight to read.
I’m really interested in your comic book side as well. So much to do, eh?
I’m up in Uralla at the mo & went into Armidale this morning. I always think of you when I go there.
Spring is springing, & there are loads of ducklings about the place & the trees are getting on their first blush of bright green, & lilacs are out & butterflies everywhere. It’s very very dry though, but still lovely crisp nights laden with stars.
I hope you’re going well with your rehab. Keep going :0)
Lots of love to you & Julia, Jxoxooo
— Janine Dawson, October 2, 2013
Hey James!
Brilliant plan!
Look forward to hearing your progress.
Good to know that you’re being so productive.
Wouldn’t it be ironic if your new left-handed output earned you a better living than your right?
Big hugs James. Love from London Phil and Lisa
— Philip Vallentin, October 2, 2013
Fantastic- I look forward to reading them! Loved the one about heaven and your dog. Very enjoyable and well written. I’ll have to see if your new stories would be Zadie appropriate- she loves hearing stories about when people were kids.
It’s great you are keeping your creative juices flowing, and inspiring to read your posts. Much love! xox
— Larissa Martin, October 2, 2013
Hi James, I’ve just re-read your latest Bakers Dozen. You know what? I’m really liking your left-handed drawing — a LOT.
You’re right, it does really compliment your stories (engagingly & evocatively written by the way), maybe because it is your less dominant hand or maybe it’s something else, but there’s a beautiful vulnerability & honesty about your line now. It’s very, very appealing.
Keep it up. I think you’re on to something new & interesting. xoxoooo
— Janine Dawson, October 13, 2013