Thank you for so many things, Part 2

Fourth unrelated photo. 

This is a continuation of the last blog post.  So, if you're getting here without have read that, you might want to go back because this part will make much more sense to you. :-)  When we were last here I was explaining how June Roman helped me to think about the book proposal.  I certainly didn't think I was an enameling expert ... not by any stretch of the imagination ... but I was making some interesting discoveries in the studio based on skills I had acquired when firing Matilda, my big Roman arch downdraft kiln. I was merging two decades of ceramics arts knowledge with the world of torch-fired enameling. June gave me insights into her process of submitting a proposal to North Light. She insisted I go with her publisher.  She said, "When you're ready, let me send an email to my editor, Tonia Davenport, so that she'll know to expect your material and that I'm referring you."

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That very weekend I went into hibernation.  I knew there weren't any books on the market that dealt with torch-firing ... but for how long?  I had to get this finished ... plus, I realized I was not getting any younger! Who knew! I started writing the book concept, which I lovingly refer to as the "oxyclean commercial" ... the pitch.  If you read the book, it's the Introduction ... almost word for word. I wrote all weekend and finished up on Monday. I was bleary eyed and in a fog.  Book concept, preliminary table of contents, a couple of project how-to's, a copy of the Winter 2010 BAJ article, 20 digital images, bio, artist's statement sent.

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Tonia was kind, she didn't make me wait on pins and needles.  She said she really liked my work, but she would have to check with the "trade guys" first.  The "trade guys" are the ones who make sales calls to big craft stores like Michael's, JoAnn's, etc.  She said that because I didn't use materials that were commonly found at these stores, she wasn't sure that North Light could count on the sales from these stores.  Since this was ten days before Christmas, Tonia said it might take her a few days to get back to me because people were on vacation.  In about a week she was emailing me that the "trade guys" said, "Go forth, young padawan." Well, not exactly in those words, but you know what I mean.  Of course, I wasn't nearly over the hurdle.  That didn't come until March 5 at a North Light meeting when Tonia presented the book idea and got approval.  I don't remember having many days as exciting as that!  It was unreal.

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My first days in the studio were overwhelming.  It was like I had stage fright.  I was frozen.  I thought, "I'm going to have to call them and tell them I can't do it. What made me ever think I could do it?"  I would have backed out if I hadn't gone on so much about "the book deal." I thought, "I'll never be able to show my face again if I don't go through with this.  I'll have to move to Siberia."

In the meantime, I had just started teaching workshops.  I had become a Diamond Tech distributor for torches and I bought beads wholesale for use by the students at the workshop.  I also sold the torches and beads at the workshop.  The students loved the new enameling technique, but at the end of the workshop they said, "What?  No Enamels?"  I thought, "Okay, I need to become a Thompson Enamel distributor."  My husband called Thompson Enamel.  It was very carefully explained to him that Thompson was particular about who they gave distributorships to ... you could not be strictly an online store because we would be competitors with Thompson.  Jim explained that we would be generating sales through the workshops I'd be teaching. "Great, that's the type of business we're looking for," they said.  We got the enamels just in time for my Northern Virginia workshop sponsored by Jeanette Ryan and Cindy Wimmer, which was a success, btw.

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Sarah MacLachlin's song echoes in my ears ... fumbling, stumbling ... but at least moving forward.  More workshops, more needs by students for more enamel colors, more learning on my part, more writing the book. Nearly everything I'd done was in response to a need or request by students or customers.  It's not like I sat down and made this grand plan and said, "I'm going to do this, and that, and this." I am constantly asking for guidance from those around me.  My daughter is a business major finishing up her degree.  A year of 4.0's in some of the hardest finance and accounting classes gives me confidence to ask her for advice.  She has a wonderful mind but comes from a mother with a learning disability in math!  Go figure!

Along the way I've had to make mental adjustments about how I viewed myself. The tape that had been  previously recorded in another's voice and played in my head had to be put on pause.  Changes appear to have taken place by leaps and bounds, but in reality it was a series of baby steps put together. 

Today, I write to tell you that I'll be doing my first book signing at Bead Fest Philadelphia!  It's really happening.  It's here!  I hope you feel as though you can share in this success because you certainly have been a part of it. If you're at Bead Fest Philadelphia on Friday, August 19, come by Booth 848 and say hello. On Saturday and Sunday, since I'll be teaching, I'll be at the booth from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and from 5 to 6 p.m.   If you want a book, they'll be there and I can sign it!  It's still unreal!