Saturday Summary, April 30, 2011

Every Saturday, The Creative will feature a brief post about my current creative efforts and how they are progressing. If this doesn't interest you, read no further -- not only will I not be offended, I'll never know.

It was a good creative week for me, for a change. There was nothing earth-shattering, but it was the sort of week I can look back on and say, "Yes, I did my work this week." It may not be the stuff of legends, but it is the stuff of a creative career.

Music -- I spent the lion's share of this week working on an entry for a composing contest.  I won't say anything about the piece just now, just that it's larger than most of the handbell pieces I work on -- 3 to 7 octaves.  I've just about gotten to the place where I can reliably wrap my head around 3 to 6 octaves, but adding on that extra octave is a bit harder to do.  I think I've got a handle on it, though.  I should have that piece finished up before the weekend's out.

Writing -- After some small problems, I finally got CreateSpace to accept the files for The Coming of the Heroes.  My proof copy is rushing toward me even as I type this (right now it's sitting in a warehouse somewhere in Indianapolis, and will be delivered to me on Monday), and at that point, I'll need to check it over and, if necessary, make corrections.  I'm really hopeful I won't have to do that, since it will add another week and a half to the release date, but I do want this thing done right, so if I have to delay, then I delay.  I suppose there are worse things in the world. 

Once I get this all squared away (and get some composing done on some looming projects), I plan to turn my attention to editing the second book in the Sadonian Chronicles series.  I'll keep you posted on how that's going.

Publishing -- Not much here this week (though after the flurry of pieces and recordings coming out the past few weeks, I'm not surprised).  My Two Carols for Christmas is out from Alfred (though no recording yet), and both it and Faith, Hope, and Love from Lorenz are J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice pieces for 2011. 

I did also sign a contract with Latham Music for Three Intermediate Carols for Violin, which will make my first instrumental solo piece in print.  Fun and exciting times.


That's all from here for now.  I've got a busy composing day ahead of me, so I'd best get to it.  Until then, have a great weekend, and we'll see you next week.