What's The Buzz?
- maddiedeejones
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
I've been quite busy this springtime. Not only have I been spring cleaning, I've been finishing off old creative projects. It feels delightful to set new things in motion. It makes room for more. So, what's going on for me?:
I published two books!
I published my old manuscript of, "The Children of Petra," after years of it being trapped in my computer, only allowing very few people to read it. I was intending on waiting for a publisher, but without a large social media following, I was facing the responses of publishers/literary agents saying in short, "It's intriguing. Keep writing. We don't have room for you right now."
The other experience that set this in motion was a new friend who said, "So you have stories. Why aren't you taking it upon yourself more to get your work out there. Are you afraid?"
In all honesty, I have been learning how to hold my public perception. It has often kept my dreams small in reality, although expansive and imaginative in humorous fantasy. I can't wait for a deus ex machina moment of space. It was time to take the reins of my life and make room for myself.
In publishing my first book, I also completed my second book, which I wrote for my aunt who was sick and then passed away. I also want to be very clear that even though I took it upon myself to get my creative worlds into the public, it still takes a village. My friends were my editors as well as my biggest fans.
"The Children of Petra," is an experimental, space opera filled with complicated world building and characters wanting to do the right thing when the universe is wracked by wars and greed. This book's audience is likely best for late teens to late 20's based on the themes, grammatical liberties, and high vocabulary level.
"Barbara, The Dinosaur, and the Water Horse," is a quick read, a silly romp, based on childhood chaotic sagas filled with wildness, weirdness, sisterhood, and youthful, yet brutal imaginations of something that once was. Follow the story of a paleontologist met with loss, wanting to be seen beyond her image, destined for new love and mystical, aquatic adventures. This book's audience is likely best for early teens to late 20's based on the themes and medium vocabulary level.
I Started Play Readings at the Artists Hand
As some of you readers may know, I was quite prolific last year in this category and wrote 8 plays within the last 12 months, with 6 other play structures on the back burner as well. In order to help me process all this info, I've started a play reading group on Wednesdays from 6-8PM until I return to New York mid-April.
You can find my plays listed on "The New Play Exchange."
So far it's been really lovely. Every session also has a theme or question for you to also write from, because this isn't just about my stories. Your voice matters. All are welcome!
I Started an Educational Youtube Channel
I've been dreaming of building a theatre classroom online for a while. This is my first step! We're starting slow (and with the theater basics), but join in! The target age is 10-14, but theater joy is truly for all ages.
Subscribe, Like, and Comment! <3
Those are the biggest things I got going on. Sending so much love your way! <3
Sincerely,
Maddie Jones
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