June Updates
Last chance to see my work in the View Finder Exhibit at ArtsWorcester & other news
Hello friends!
June has arrived, my school year has ended, and I for one am ready for some summer rejuvenation! Today is the first official day of summer break, which I kicked off with a lovely walk with friends, a big breakfast cooked by my hubby, and a plein air painting session at The Cascades in Worcester. Fair to say my summer is off to a great start!
This is the last week to view my painting, “Snowshoeing at Donker Farm,” as part of the View Finder Exhibit at ArtsWorcester. If you’re in Central Mass, check it out!
On View Now
On June 1, I participated in Paint North Attleborough Beautiful, a plein air festival in North Attleborough, Massachusetts. All works from the festival, including my “Poppies,” are on view now at the Churchwood Gallery at 31 N. Washington Street, North Attleborough, MA 02760.
My inspiration that day was a garden I stumbled upon outside the Woodcock Garrison House. The poppies were in full bloom in dappled sunlight and I just couldn’t resist. This image shows the completed painting before I popped it in its frame to display at the end of the festival.
Upcoming Exhibit
I will have a painting on display at ArtsWorcester again in from July 11 to August 18 as part their annual member exhibit called The One. This one is called “Nick’s Woods” and depicts an early summer view of an old mill damn at a Greater Worcester Land Trust property. My goal with this one was to capture the contrast between the gray boulders and the vibrant, almost glowing green of the swamp beyond the dam.
Writing News
I’m happy to announce that I’ll be running a three-part series at the Morse Institute Library in Natick, MA in the fall, so mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details!
"Plan, Write, Revise: A Three-Part Workshop Series for NaNoWriMo Success"
Are you ready to take on the challenge of writing a novel or memoir in just 30 days? This three-part workshop series is designed to equip writers with the tools and strategies they need to tackle National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) with confidence. Led by novelist Diane V. Mulligan, whose award-winning second novel, The Latecomers Fan Club, began as a NaNoWriMo novel way back in 2009, this series will guide participants through the process of preparing and writing their novels and will culminate in a plan for post-NaNoWriMo revisions. While the three workshop sessions are designed to build upon one another, each workshop does stand alone so that writers can join us for one, two, or all three. Whether you're a seasoned writer or embarking on your first novel-writing adventure, this workshop series will provide you with the support and guidance you need to succeed in NaNoWriMo and beyond.
Workshop 1: Preparation and Planning
October 3, 2024
In the first workshop, participants will learn essential strategies for preparing to write a novel during NaNoWriMo. Topics covered will include:
Generating and refining novel ideas
Developing compelling characters and settings
Outlining and plotting your novel
Setting realistic writing goals and creating a writing schedule
By the end of this workshop, participants will have a solid plan in place for starting their NaNoWriMo journey.
Workshop 2: "Writing Sprint: NaNoWriMo Kickoff"
November 7, 2024
In the second workshop, participants will dive into the challenge of NaNoWriMo. Through a series of writing sprints, participants will have the opportunity to make significant progress on their novels in a supportive and motivating environment. Workshop activities will include:
Timed writing sprints to boost word count
Tips and tricks for overcoming writer's block and staying motivated
Peer feedback and encouragement
By the end of this workshop, participants will be well on their way to reaching their NaNoWriMo goals.
Workshop 3: "Revision Strategies and Beyond"
December 3, 2024
In the final workshop, participants will shift their focus from drafting to revising as they prepare to transition from NaNoWriMo to the next phase of their writing journey. Topics covered will include:
Strategies for revising and polishing a first draft
Seeking feedback from beta readers and critique partners
Developing a revision plan and timeline
Exploring options for publication and next steps
By the end of this workshop, participants will have a clear roadmap for revising their NaNoWriMo novels and taking their writing to the next level.