stoodio8 is pleased to feature fiction writer John Burnham.

 Here's what John had to say in response to our questions about him and his career as a writer.


1. Where are you from, and where do you live now?

I was born in Denver, Colorado. My late wife and I moved to Canada in the mid 70s. After spending time in Montreal, Edmonton and Ft.St. John BC, we settled in Dawson Creek BC where we spent 22 years. Our plan was to retire there, but she came down with cancer and required treatment available only in a larger centre. We moved to Red Deer in 2002 and she passed away in 2003. In 2005, I reconnected with my first sweetheart (then living in Denver) who was also a widow. We married and settled in Red Deer.

2. When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been doing some sort of writing my entire adult life. Before age 50, it was mostly technical material, newspaper columns or stuff for politicians I supported. I promised myself that I’d get serious about fiction writing when I turned 50. Via the Writer’s Digest Novel Writing Workshop, I produced a novel, but didn’t do anything with it. Although I wrote numerous short stories and a couple of novellas only one was ever published. After I lost my late wife, I got serious about writing, and produced “The Kitten Burglar” which was released to distribution in November of 2009. I’m currently working on a sequel.

3. Who or what influenced your writing over the years?

I love to read about astrophysics, palaeontology, comparative religion, mythology and mysticism. I’ve travelled widely and done many different things for a living. My writing is primarily influenced by this eclectic bent. People often remark about the number of things they are exposed to when reading my work.

4. What inspires you to write and why?

I wish I could take credit for saying "The only aim of writing is to help the reader better to enjoy life, or better to endure it," but that honor belongs to a Dr. Johnson. It expresses my entire reason for writing — to bring enjoyment to others. And, if the reviews of “The Kitten Burglar” which have appeared on the links above, are any indication, I’m a success.

5. What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Fiction, because I’m not trying to be informative or say anything, I just want to provide a few hours’ enjoyment.

6. Have you developed a specific writing style?

I try to adhere to the general principles of good writing such as telling the story through action instead of explanation, maintaining a good “beat,” and providing unexpected plot twists.

7. Have you ever had writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?

Nope, I relax, get calm, and stories unfold inside my head. It’s like they are there all the time, I simply need to “tune in.”

8. Which books have most influenced your life?

“One Cosmos Under God,” by Robert W. Godwin, “The Tao of Physics” by Fritjof Capra, the writings of Joseph Campbell and Tom Harpur for philosophical underpinnings.

Tom Clancy’s stuff for examples of unexpected and satisfying conclusions.

Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb in the “In Death” series for character development.

Herman Wouk’s “Winds of War” and “War And Remembrance” for an inspiring example of historical fiction.

9. What are your current writing projects now?

A sequel to “The Kitten Burglar.”

The Red Deer Public Library is putting together a series of programs called “The Time of Your Life.” I was featured in the pilot program and I’ll be participating in the production of future programs. If you are not familiar with this effort, I can supply details.

I’m putting together a website that will be a continuation of “The Time of Your Life” series.

10. Do you have any advice for writers?

Avoid being inspired by your own genius. Publishers go to great lengths to avoid prima donnas. Much of your initial exchange with a potential agent or publisher will involve their trying to determine how flexible you will be about your work. This intent may not be obvious at first, but that’s what they are doing.

Read your work aloud to other writers. If it sounds as good when you read it as it did when you were writing it, you’re fooling yourself. Listen carefully to critique offered by other writers. They may not be right, but the exercise of weighing their opinion has intrinsic value.

12. What is your most recent work?

The Kitten Burglar

13. Where can we find some of your work?

Chapters, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, the Red Deer Public Library.

14. Do you have any specific last thoughts that you want to say to your readers?

Our society tends to characterize old age as a time of decline and loss. I disagree. I’m finding the years since I left the workforce to be time of my life. I sincerely think this is the way it is supposed to be.

Stompin' Tom

I was around 8 years old when for my birthday I was given a little record player and a my first album.  The artist....  STOMPIN' TOM CONNORS.  And I was a city girl!  But he did have a couple of fun songs that were easy to sing to.
Never thought about ol' Tom or about that little pink and white record player for a very long time.  Until now, when I had the opportunity to go see Tom in concert. 
WOW.  At 75 his voice is still strong and he really is quite entertaining.  I was blown away at the ages of his audience!  There were a lot of young adults there, which was so cool to see.  Tom truly is a Canadian Icon, and I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to see him.
It's neat how memories of the past can come back and bring a smile.

Lookout!

A little fur ball in a really big place.

Looking out from Sulphur Mountain high above Banff.

It was nice to relax after walking up Sulphur Mountain!

Lake Louise Swimmers

Lake Louise Swimmers!


This summer has been a busy one to say the least!

One of my highlights so far has been our camping trip to Banff and Jasper, Alberta with our new friends from Germany. I will share some pictures of our adventures with you, starting with this one. Everyone has seen several pictures of beautiful world renowned Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada; but how many have you seen of this glacier-fed lake with people swimming?! Most of our group went swimming and had a blast! Some stayed in the water for 20 to 30 minutes! I did not go in myself, because someone had to stay dry and take pictures. It had nothing to do with not wanting to freeze my butt off of course...(Although I did go in a few years back with a Brazilian friend we toured through the mountains)

There was nobody in the water when we arrived, and several people took pictures of this rare event. Interestingly enough, a few other brave people ventured in once they saw our group stay in for a bit, but nobody else stayed in for long.

I love this picture of everyone smiling and having fun, it's the epitome of cooling off in the summers heat!

Enjoy your summer! 
Maritta Renz

stoodio8 is working on some serious changes

stoodio8 is working on some serious changes as a result of some fantastic feedback from members and visitors to the site! As promised, we are evolving the site based on user feedback. Watch for it soon, we know you're going to love the new format! 

The Kitten Burglar

The Kitten Burglar
      By John A. Burnham

When both the mob and the law discover her identity as a thief, Kitten must team up with one or the other.  Will she continue a life of crime or reform her ways and finally do some good?

Buy your copy from Strategic Publishing Group today!

Kayaking...Sunet...Alberta

Kayaking during a Beautiful Alberta Sunset!

There is nothing like relaxing!  Especially when it involves relaxing in a kayak on a calm night under a beautiful Alberta sky!

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

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.

WEAR RED

It's WEAR RED FOR TROOPS FRIDAY today.

Are you wearing your red today?

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

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Edmonton Art Walk

It's been one week since I went to the Edmonton Art Walk and spoke with some fantastic artists!

It was nice to get out and meet local talent, and people watch as art lovers stopped to admire and speak with artists.

I have had some positive feedback and responses from artists about stoodio8 and look forward to hearing from even more of you!

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

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Tammy Taylor's Passion

Tammy Taylor, of Taylor'd Creations, is a self taught artist with a passion for wildlife.

Tammy was born and raised just six miles from where she lives now in Rich Valley, Alberta.  She farms with her husband and home schools their four children. Tammy is a self taught artist who attributes her talent and passion for art to time spent with her grandmother growing up.  She recalls sitting on her grandmother's lap and doodling while they waited for the bread to rise.  During twenty years as a recognized artist, she has also passed along creative talents to her children.  Her son enjoys drawing "boy things" such as bikes, barns, and heavy equipment, while the girls enjoy nature and draw "girly things" like animals and flowers.

Tammy enjoys painting animals and landscapes and uses oils to help set the mood she is capturing. Tammy prefers the oil or pencil mediums, but sometimes uses pen and ink or watercolours.  Tammy finds that when she draws images such as kids or men on machinery she tends to use pencil to tell their story. Tammy also likes wood working and wood burning (pyrography), gardening, walking and family activities.  "Family is extremely important to me." When asked what subject matter she prefers, Tammy stated "I just love the beauty of God's creations." As a child, she found inspiration in the drawing books of Gene Franks and, while she loves all art and all of the old masters, her current role models include Robert Bateman and Carl Brenders.

Artistic inspirations come from the familiar.  For example, the  idea for the piece "Inquisitive Calves"  currently highlighted on stoodio8 came to Tammy as she was doing chores one morning.  It was a late snow fall in April with large snowflakes, and Tammy went to check on the calves while she waited for the tractor to warm up.  She saw the calves huddled near the feeder and her picture was born right there.  She has painted friends' horses and the team of horses they have ridden.  Tammy also paints from the memory of nostalgic moments or after seeing animals in the wild or taken in well composed pictures with a mood or emotion that needs to be depicted.

As I write this article, Tammy has two pieces in the advanced category for judging at the Red Deer and District Museum in an Alberta-wide competition sponsored by the Alberta Community Arts Clubs Association (ACACA).  "Anticipation" is done in oil, and "Cowboy Conversation" is pencil drawn composition and they passed the first round of competition early this spring.  The winners at this level will have their work displayed throughout June to September in Red Deer and after the next round, winners will be displayed in the Alberta Art Museum from October to November.  Last year Tammy submitted three pieces and won a People's Choice Award.

You can find Tammy showing and selling her work  at the Sangudo art show and sale scheduled for November 6, 2010.  Tammy is a member of the ACACA, as well as the Barrhead Art Club.  Tammy will participate in the Barrhead Art Club show and sale to he held October 22 and 23. She teaches art classes at the Sangudo, and the Barrhead Art Clubs and may soon be teaching at the Rich Valley Library as well.

If you are interested in having a piece of art created that tells the story of nature or rural Alberta, then Tammy is the one to call. She has done many commissioned pieces and has generated a following of Taylor'd Creations. The stoodio8 store and gallery are excellent ways to view Tammy's art and to learn more about her art.

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

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Songwriting contest

Mark October in your calender if you are a fan of Canadian music!

David Suzuki Foundation Songwriting Contest

This year is a notable for the David Suzuki Foundation: September 2010 marks our 20th anniversary. To celebrate this occasion, we are launching a project that will bring together some of Canada’s finest songwriters and performers in a compilation album titled Playlist for the Planet/Un air pour la Terre.
Imagine Canadian artists from every genre of music – from heavy metal and hip hop, to classical and jazz — creating original music that depicts the rich diversity of Canadian thoughts, feelings and ideas about how we can connect with nature. In October 2010, a downloadable bilingual album will be released by a major label – at this time we hope to emerge with an anthem that we can all sing along to!

http://wreckhouse.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/david-suzuki-foundation-songwriting-contest/

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

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Personality of a Rock!

Let's FACE it,    even river rocks can appear to have personality. 

Checking it out!

Here's a sight you don't see very often, a watch dog looking after a herd of sheep.

Check out the dog on duty, checking me out to make sure I am not going to bother the sheep, and the sheep checking the dog out to make sure he's doing his job.

window cat

Window to the world!

Even black cats love to find a great place to curl up and enjoy the view of the world!

peek-a-boo horse revised

Peekaboo horse

NOW YOU SEE ME..........

                                                       NOW YOU DON'T..........

Gavin Berg's recent additions

Gavin Berg is a rookie photographer, concentrating on landscape and nature photography.

Check out his latest work...

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

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Dominik Modlinski's painting journeys. http://paintingjourneys.com/

(exclusive to stoodio8, Maritta Renz) Dominik Modlinski's website http://paintingjourneys.com/  has a very appropriate name that accurately reflects years of painting his experiences and journeys through life. 

Dominik Modlinski, originally from Warsaw, Poland, knew at the age of 4 that he was destined to be an artist and between the ages of 5 - 16 studied printmaking with a master printmaker.   He also studied jewellery making and metal smithing in high school.  At 16, Dominik moved to Ontario, Canada where he later studied fine arts and graduated with honours from the Ontario College of Art and Design.   Finding a passion for landscape painting, and experiencing the Canadian wilderness, Dominik moved to the Algoma district, east of Lake Superior, to continue his independent studies at the Algoma School of Landscape Art.

  

In 1995, after receiving a grant from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Dominik embarked a 4-month cycling-painting trip from Whitehorse Yukon, to Vancouver. While in the Yukon, Dominik ventured into Atlin, BC.  Accepting an offer to teach at the Atlin Art Centre, this became his new home.  Atlin, with a population of around 412 is not an easy place to call home, but is a fantastic gateway to the uninhabited great white north, perfect for a landscape artist who is up to the challenge that comes with exploring its glory.

  

In 2001, having established himself as a professional landscape artist, Dominik moved to Calgary to further his career.  He was represented, first, by the Masters Gallery in Calgary and now by Canada House in Banff where he has sold many paintings.  Alberta has been great for him, he says.  Other representations include, John A. Libby Fine Art- Toronto Ontario, Elliott Louis Gallery- Vancouver, BC, Mountain Galleries - Whistler, BC, and of course, his website http://paintingjourneys.com/. Dominik has found his greatest inspirations throughout Alaska and northern British Columbia.  This year's expedition is in the Mackenzie Mountain range between the Laird and Peet rivers and St. Elias Mountains in Yukon and Alaska.

  

Over the past sixteen years, Dominik found himself exploring and capturing the raw wilderness in watercolour and oils.  He has worked in very remote locations that are inaccessible to most.  Enduring extreme environmental conditions, whether in Greenland, Yukon, Alaska, across Canada and beyond, the “wilderness” is his studio.  Dominik paints on location, difficult and challenging in many ways.  Consider his encounters with over a hundred grizzly bears; cold temperatures and extreme weather conditions; and how about losing three paintings due to high winds after rolling his kayak in the cold northern ocean and spending forty-five minutes swimming to shore while worrying about preserving other paintings floating in plastic nearby. He has produced great pieces while on a Russian ice breaker in Antarctica, in the high Arctic and across to Greenland. Some other expeditions included traveling into the Chilean Andes from Patagonia in Argentina, and earlier this year, a four week excursion in Japan.  His upcoming show in North Vancouver at Biltons Art Centre, is organized by his long time publisher and agent: Nature’s Scene - http://www.naturesscene.com/ and includes twenty four pieces painted on location in Japan and two more large studio works painted upon his return.

  

Dominik enjoys the personal contact and the visiting that goes along with his showings.  In my conversation with him, I felt his intriguing and invaluable presence.  If you are fortunate enough to own one of his pieces, you surely understand that beyond the artistic talent, the art speaks of the experience and a story.  As Dominik offered insight into his art through his experiences and adventures, I recalled examples of what he was saying in the images he has tastefully displayed on his website http://paintingjourneys.com/ His passion for telling the story is shown best in his art and starts from understanding Dominik is a landscape artist who paints on location – he goes out and finds the story and brings it back to us. http://www.youtube.com/user/dmodlinski

  

His trips in the rugged, remote country have made him intensely aware of the environment and he passes his understanding through his paintings.  He captures moments in time that will never be the same in some part due to changes in the environment.  Dominik does not take issues like global warming lightly. He has seen and experienced how the environment has changed and how the changes affect life.  He has donated work for environmental causes to assure more people understand the effects of humans on the wilderness.  Preservation of our environment is an issue of concern for him.

  

"My work is simply a reflection of what I love to do most, to be able to live on the land, to better my creative vision and to bring people joy and understanding of the environment through art" (Dominik Modlinski)

  

More information about Dominik Modlinski

http://paintingjourneys.com/

  

Belongs to the Alberta Society of Artists and

Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour

Works in both watercolour and oils. Likes to use and teach oils in the “alla prima method” a useful technique when you paint on location.

Has painted professionally for 20 years.

Established his own web site in 1998 (even before he owned his own computer) http://paintingjourneys.com/ In 2004, the website was updated but restricted Dominik's creative side. In 2009, he designed his own site his way and is able to artistically design and manage it himself. Disadvantages of having his own website include the time it takes to maintain it and the fact that people still cannot see his actual piece in person. Advantages include increased exposure and contact with his current collectors who can make a repeat purchase based on seeing a piece on line, as well as the exposure to new followers, oh, and getting that one email you have been waiting for. Advantage of the internet in general includes the global exposure. He feels the digital era is good however it makes it harder for people to gauge good, average and bad art. Dominik blogged his Antarctica excursion, check it out and watch for more blogs on his upcoming trip. http://paintingjourneys.blogspot.com/

Has met many great artists over the years, but not many who are willing to endure harsh conditions such as being isolated, wet, dirty, dusty, cold, exposed to wild life, hail, storms...

Likes to tease the photographers that he has traveled with because they can get up with him at 4:30 am, take some sunrise shots and call it a day while Dominik stays all day and paints.

With 24 years of Martial Arts, has earned a fifth degree black belt with title of Shihan.  Takes his uniform with him on his travels and was fortunate enough to train while in Japan.

Maritta Renz

President

stoodio8

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fishing...

fishing...

Sometimes you just have to take a break from work,  take off your boots, and just go fishing!

Sail away!

Nothing like looking out the window into the cold, cloudy, windy horizon, but  feeling tropical because  you've cranked up the stereo and gotten lost in Enya's Orinoco Flow!

Some songs are just so perfect you can't help but stop what you're doing and really enjoy it.  For me Orinoco Flow is just such a song.

What's your song?