I decided not to write one of those lofty artist's statements--long paragraphs that use big words and obscure phrases to sum up what an artist's body of work represents. That's just not me.
I write what comes. And at times, I have to work long and hard to uncover what my subconscious is trying to say through a story. Usually it's best if I stay out of the way.
My stories seem to grow out of anything. Sometimes I jump off a phrase that's bouncing around in my head. Often, a killer ending appears that needs a story built in front of it. Sometimes an exercise inspires me. Or a dare. An experience. A news story. A friend's comment. A dream. Or when I'm lucky, a door opens and sends a story pouring out so quickly and completely that I'd be a fool not to take it down.
I'm a huge fan of magical realism and stories that look at the realities we'd see if we opened our eyes a bit wider. Profound? Sometimes. Goofy? Sometimes. Strange? Usually. But I believe all of these realities are grounded in truth and have their own messages to share.
Recently, my eyes seem to be getting even wider, and the topics of my stories seem to be moving farther from center. But at their heart is a familiar sense of longing--for connection, for love, for independence, for recognition of who we really are. In short, the essence of what makes us human.
You can't ask for a better job than this.
I write what comes. And at times, I have to work long and hard to uncover what my subconscious is trying to say through a story. Usually it's best if I stay out of the way.
My stories seem to grow out of anything. Sometimes I jump off a phrase that's bouncing around in my head. Often, a killer ending appears that needs a story built in front of it. Sometimes an exercise inspires me. Or a dare. An experience. A news story. A friend's comment. A dream. Or when I'm lucky, a door opens and sends a story pouring out so quickly and completely that I'd be a fool not to take it down.
I'm a huge fan of magical realism and stories that look at the realities we'd see if we opened our eyes a bit wider. Profound? Sometimes. Goofy? Sometimes. Strange? Usually. But I believe all of these realities are grounded in truth and have their own messages to share.
Recently, my eyes seem to be getting even wider, and the topics of my stories seem to be moving farther from center. But at their heart is a familiar sense of longing--for connection, for love, for independence, for recognition of who we really are. In short, the essence of what makes us human.
You can't ask for a better job than this.
About Me
Backstory: I grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota. My first career was in banking, if you can believe it, and through that job I met my husband Bob, who I married in 1982. Shortly after that, I switched directions and got a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota. I did the corporate PR thing for a couple of years, but then escaped to start my own freelance writing and editing business.
Current life: Most of my days are devoted to my own writing now, and I couldn't ask for a more artistic, inspirational setting. Bob and I, along with our canine companions Cooper, Casey, and Annie, live on a dirt road near Santa Fe, New Mexico. We have a few humans for neighbors and an even larger number of hawks, owls, jack rabbits, and coyotes. Just the way we like it. At night--away from the lights of a city--we marvel at the stars.
What I do when not working: Is there such a thing? I read and watch movies as much as I can. I love spending time outdoors--walking, hiking, and just plain enjoying the view from my back yard. With two young Labrador retrievers in the house, I also spend a lot of time throwing balls, sticks, toys. And of course, retrieving socks, pillows, shoes.
Some of my favorite writers: Some big names: Alice Hoffman, Robert Boswell, Ursula Hegi, Gloria Naylor, Aimee Bender, Leif Engler, Linda Hogan, Louise Erdrich. Other names aren't perhaps as prominent, but should or will be: Mary Estrada, Tad Wojnicki, Lori Romero, Antonios Maltezos, Pam Wynn, Dave Clapper, Louisa Howerow, Ellen Meister, Karen Ackland, Utahna Faith.
Films I never get tired of watching: Fargo (I'm a Minnesota girl, ya' know), Whale Rider, What the Bleep, The Matrix, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, The Secret of Roan Inish, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Like Water for Chocolate, Stargate, The Seventh Sign (yeah, I don't care what the critics said about that last one)
Current life: Most of my days are devoted to my own writing now, and I couldn't ask for a more artistic, inspirational setting. Bob and I, along with our canine companions Cooper, Casey, and Annie, live on a dirt road near Santa Fe, New Mexico. We have a few humans for neighbors and an even larger number of hawks, owls, jack rabbits, and coyotes. Just the way we like it. At night--away from the lights of a city--we marvel at the stars.
What I do when not working: Is there such a thing? I read and watch movies as much as I can. I love spending time outdoors--walking, hiking, and just plain enjoying the view from my back yard. With two young Labrador retrievers in the house, I also spend a lot of time throwing balls, sticks, toys. And of course, retrieving socks, pillows, shoes.
Some of my favorite writers: Some big names: Alice Hoffman, Robert Boswell, Ursula Hegi, Gloria Naylor, Aimee Bender, Leif Engler, Linda Hogan, Louise Erdrich. Other names aren't perhaps as prominent, but should or will be: Mary Estrada, Tad Wojnicki, Lori Romero, Antonios Maltezos, Pam Wynn, Dave Clapper, Louisa Howerow, Ellen Meister, Karen Ackland, Utahna Faith.
Films I never get tired of watching: Fargo (I'm a Minnesota girl, ya' know), Whale Rider, What the Bleep, The Matrix, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, The Secret of Roan Inish, Lord of the Rings trilogy, Like Water for Chocolate, Stargate, The Seventh Sign (yeah, I don't care what the critics said about that last one)
Copyright 2005, Barbara Jacksha, All Rights Reserved
About My Work
