Speaking of mug shots…

a book cover

Do you ever google people from your past?

Hmmm?

Well, okay. So.

I set my novel in 1985 because that’s when I was a teen and because I didn’t want to deal with cell phones and google.

I used my hometown as a starting point for my novel. But then my fictional town of Lake Belle became something more than where I grew up. The connections between the two are now almost nonexistent.

The novel isn’t autobiographical, but writing a particular scene did bring my former step-sister to mind. So, I googled her name. It was late and I haven’t seen her in 25 years. My dad ran into once while she was working as a cashier. He didn’t recognize her. My dad is like that.

Anyway. I google this girl of my past. She is forever that girl in my head. That young teenager who hit be with a baton and protected me from an aggressive boy. She’s the girl who when I found a way out of the crazy house we were living in said, “How can you leave me here?”

Saving myself.

She was such a tough girl. She could fight and shout, while I just sat quietly with my head down. I thought–she is so strong. She’ll take care of herself.

Googling her, I found her mug shot. For battery. It was a random search and I didn’t expect to find anything. But there you go.

I’m not entirely sure how I feel about learning this information. Seems wrong for people’s mug shots to be online, doesn’t it? Feels wrong to search for people too–but also tempting. I’m as curious as anyone else, especially when I’m putting off the really hard work of editing my novel.

She isn’t in my novel, but some of her spirit is in an odd roundabout way.

So. Have you/would you google someone form your past? I don’t know if I’d recommend it.

Publishing My Way

cover of for a handmade book

I’ve stopped participating in online conversations about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing.

another handmade book cover

Every person has to follow their own way, as we know, so I don’t see the point in even having those conversations. I mean, who cares anyway?

and one more handmade book cover

But I love the idea of making my own books. I’ve made a few in the past.

my novel

And now I’ve got another show coming up in January, and I’ve decided that instead of my usual framed art, I shall show books.

another copy of my novel

I did actually sell my novel as a handmade book once. I don’t know who bought it, but I will love the buyer forever.

So, not a practical choice. I’ll lose money, since I can’t sell enough at a price that will cover the costs. But that’s not why I make things. If I made things just for the money, I’d have to make very different things.

Anyway, I’m very excited about the next show.

And in your future? What are you looking forward to?