Q: How long have you been writing?
A: I have always enjoyed writing and wrote in college for the Observer (Sr. Staff Reporter, SMC Day editor where I assigned stories once a week, and a copy editor). I forgot how much I enjoyed writing and while working as an artist and writing my own press releases and other marketing materials, my interest was renewed. I have only "officially" been a professional writer for a couple of years (since I came up with my first book idea and was signed my Schiffer Publishing to a three book deal).
Q: Where did you get the idea for your book?
A: I am a recycled glass artist and had been keeping logs on my kiln work (melting temperatures, differences between recycled glass-from windows and bottles and plate glass-and pretested fusible glass, etc). I began to wonder why there was not a book on the topic since there were so many other books on various art glass topics. So I began some online research and found there was no book on the topic and limited technical information on the Internet.
After a few months of telling myself that someone must have written a book on the topic already and being sure it would be released any day (and not seeing any such book), I thought why not write the book myself! I then researched all the publishers and felt that Schiffer Publishing was the best place to send my book proposal (I own some of their art books and they had a great reputation). Within a month, I was contacted by one of the Schiffers and was asked for a table of contents and a draft first chapter. A month later, I had my first book deal!
I felt it was really the right time for such a book also in terms of green issues and there was also a sufficient number of artists to profile in the book who had good art work with this material. Recycled glass in very difficult to work with and different types of this glass have to be pretested for kiln compatibility and it is a slow melting glass, it color shifts, etc.
I found the whole book process an interesting experience in that I really felt I had an unusually clear and detailed vision of this book before it was even written and knew what would be in it and what it would look like. I also photographed several of the “how to” projects and materials in the equipment section. I felt a responsibility, since since it was the first book on the topic, to not just do a coffee table book but to also discuss the technical issues, include “how to projects”, uses in craft and interior design, and explain the growing interest in this topic so everyone at all levels could enjoy the book (and not just artists).
Q. What will your next project be?
A. I have a three book deal so my second book will be a coffee-table type book on high quality 2D and 3D floral-themed art. It will be released in the fall of 2012. I am also doing a book on wildlife art for 2013. I also developed a unique power point presentation for a class I teach on "Becoming a Professional Artist." I teach this class for the Arlington County Adult Education Program. I try to “demystify” the professional artist process and discuss building a resume, juried art shows, where to find affordable classes, etc.
Q.Who are your favorite writers?
A. I have so many. I have always loved Edgar Allen Poe and Ray Bradbury. I also love anything by Victor Hugo or any French writer from around that time. I am also a big fan of the "Left Behind” series of books and am about 1/2 through the series. And of course, I have so many art and craft books and love the beautiful art books from Schiffer Books.
Q. Have you always lived in the Midwest?
A. I lived in South Bend from second grade (I also graduated from Marian High School in Mishawaka) until I was in my 20's. I have lived in Arlington, Virginia for more than 20 years. I am originally from Northern Kentucky.
Q. Do you have any good/funny memories of living in South Bend as a college student?
A. All my memories of South Bend have to do with snow , snow and more snow. But I will always remember the beautiful college campus and the overall serenity of Saint Mary's.
Q. Where can readers find you on the Internet?
My artist website is at http://artist-cindyann.tripod.com
My email is cacglass@aol.com
I also maintain a blog on recycled glass issues at http://myartgrant.blogspot.com
My book is for sale on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Overstock.com and in many more venues, including other countries as well.
Comments