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The right to make your own world up if you want to.

Erin Hanson’s sky seems to be in motion. The grass and mountains, too. How does she do that? If you have thirty seconds to spare, you can watch her whipping up this world for passersby to walk into: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWOSo8gXWVw

—Voila, you and I are standing on the grassy plains in a world flaming with sunset.

At the beginning of the following little video interview, Erin offers viewers of her paintings the right to escape into the beauty of her world: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDgqEgzEYsM

We’ve always known we had the right to escape, didn’t we? True, some of the popular ways to do it are pretty dangerous and unhealthy. But Erin demonstrates one perfectly legal and healthful method, with no side effects: you can take a break in a painter’s world.

Better news yet: It’s only one of many ways.

Other methods include being in a writer’s world, or entering the world of some wonderful music. And then there’s making up your own world. Lots of options. We’re in luck!

Latest news:
I’m still having fun writing stories. The ones I’ve picked for a new story collection are now nearly ready; there are just a couple of hopefuls that are held up in the pipeline and will be available soon. I hope to show you the cover choices in next month’s newsletter.
Other news: I’m happy to say that from now on, the books of many authors, including mine, will be more available through more libraries as part of a worldwide program. More information and links in future newsletters.

Reader survey: Thanks for your answers to last month’s survey. They really helped!

It’s another great month for stories.
If it’s blustery and cold where you are, or if you’re in the southern hemisphere and the summer sun is getting to be too much, a story break is one idea. Here’s the beginning of one odd tale that you might like:

“The Vice President of Connectivity simpered at her. She was amused at this attempt to connect, but Serith threw a baleful look at him when he turned his eyes away to glance at the water… Around this curve the crocodile awaited, probably yawning in the sun and anticipating the promised snack…”
—from “Sister of a Crocodile,” in The Emperor’s Golden Carp and Other Stories