For years, I’ve been Duckie.
I’ve danced and twirled and written stories about the stuffed animals living on my bed and about all the adventures in my head.
But lately, I’ve been twitchy.
For three years, I’ve been straddling two worlds. After I quit my job as a reporter for Hearst, I’ve been freelancing and writing fiction. First, I wanted to get a book published. In the next two weeks, my novel the Butterfly Dress will be released by Girl E Books Press. In April 2013, my novel Deep Blue Mermaid will be released by Turquoise Morning Press.
When I started painting, something clicked.
I loved it. I craved it. I needed it.
Then when I started going to Barnes and Nobles in the mornings to write my cookbook, I started writing essays every morning. I figured I’d put them into a book. My buddy Angela said, “Forget the book, start a blog.”
And because Angela is brilliant, it clicked. I needed to stop straddling two worlds and create my own. A life as an artist and writer. Writing things that make people happy and bring joy.
All my Invisible Friends are squawking, “But Duckie, you do this anyway!” And I do. But I also keep the Pond a place of joy and love. My blog is my heart and soul. It is utterly and completely me. It’s not a job or a profession–it’s more like a living breathing journal.
My goal with Words and Whimsy is to make my love of making you smile every morning into a “profession”. I don’t think I’m ever going to be the next J.K. Rowling. But I do know that living a creative life is the only life I’m ever going to live. And instead of nagging you to buy my books and paintings (Etsy shop in the future), I want to go a different way. I’m never going to be a marketing queen or social media guru. I don’t want to be a ‘brand’ or another mom out there using her blog as a part-time job to pay rent. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that! But I made a D in the only business class I ever took. Enough said.)
I’ve always said if I had millions of dollars and never had to work, I’d open up a rescue facility and sell books to support animals. I’ve also always had a passion for women, for helping people be creative and follow their dreams.
So at Words N’ Whimsy, that’s what we’re going to do. The Pond is the Pond, while Words N’ Whimsy will be its own set of shenanigans.
I hope you visit both–they’re my heart and soul.
Stick around, Invisible Friends–there’s a lot more whimsy coming.
{Kathy} I am so proud to see someone following their dream! Being in the creative world is so rewarding. God has definitely given you a gift to be shared, on multiple levels. Go, go, go!
A new blog…what an exciting adventure! I would love to hear more about what it took to get published. It sounds so daunting, but you seem to have successfully maneuvered it – don’t discount your business skills; I’m sure it took some to accomplish that!
Hi Miranda
I am DELIGHTED to meet you and want to wish you much joy and success on this exciting journey on which you are now embarking!
I LOVE your new blog and am so very excited for you!
I look forward to getting to know you and invite you to stop by Create With Joy and join us for Inspire Me Monday, Wordless Wednesday, and Friendship Friday!
Have the most fabulous of weekends!
Congrats on new site and your pubs! What lovely news to read
Love the new site! Great look, great vibe and I can feel your joy in this new project!
I do love your new site and the name is awesome! Congratulations Miranda! (I like that I can call you by your real name, heh)
Thank you so much for the support on my new blog!!!
I was so scared people would hate it.
This was really a fun and interesting read. I feel like I learned so much about you in just this one post. It sounds like you’ve accomplished a lot in life so far. Congratulations on the new blog as well! You seem very excited about it.
Miranda, you’re so creative. I’m sure your writing dreams will take on new heights!
Congrats! I can’t wait to follow you on your journey.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today. Congrats on everything you’ve got going on!
This is great Miranda! I can’t wait to see what you’re up to!
Just so exciting! You will love having this space to call your own, your big girl space, so to speak!
Congrats! It’s fresh, inspiring and beautiful, just like you!
Congratulations on your new bloggy home and best wishes on your impending publications!
I’m so happy for you Miranda! Your paintings are beautiful and a true reflection of your spirit. I can’t wait to see more! <3 you!
Great news about your books being published! And your paintings are gorgeous.
Congrats on your upcoming publications!!!
And love this new blog. You know me–I’m all about new beginnings.
Thank you so much for your comment love on my SITS Day!
Popping over to say howdy. The boots are from an online shoe-site called justfab.com (monthly shoe shopping club) and I believe they were bought last season. I hope you have a fab week!
(PS..I tried replying to your comment, but your email address is not connected to your Blogger account).
So excited for you!
Love the new blog, congrats on following your dreams. After reading your post I feel suddenly energized and ready to conquer the world
You sound like someone I’d totally hang out with!!
Love your paintings, they’re beautiful!! And I love how you painted out your dreams in this entry! I’m glad you ran into my blog from SITS 
{and to answer your question, yes, I crocheted those Mickey ears and sell ‘em at my shop}
Happy to meet you & best of luck in all the exciting things going on for you!
I think it’s wonderful that you can express all the parts of you now through dual blogs! Yay!
How wonderful! I love stopping by the Pond and now I will enjoy coming here. What a great goal, and I can’t wait to read more. Good luck!
Congratulations on your books being published! I didn’t know. Did you tell us? Did I miss the announcement? I’m so excited for you! I’m doing a happy dance. I love your new site too!
Hello lovely friend! I’m so proud of you! You can do so many things in life and you have so much talent!
Miranda! I am SO excited for you!! Congrats on both of the books and on the upcoming cookbook! I hadn’t heard about your publishing deal yet. I love the new site too. I’ll be sure to visit both!
I will never be rich. Like you my blog is my history my canvas.
I am so thrilled for you! With you creative mind, one blog cannot possibly be enough. I’m excited for this new venture!
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Oh, this is just lovely. I absolutely LOVE your new home. Your new blog is a wonderful reflection of the other side of you, but you still retain the courageous, beautiful, creative spirit I have grown to love over the years.
I wish you much success in the road ahead. And can’t wait to add this to my reader. Also, I know what you mean. I’ve never been great at marketing myself either. Oh well. My dream is to open a sanctuary too someday. We need to win the lottery! XOXO
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Wow! Congrats, Miranda! (I love your real name, especially after only being acquainted with Duckie since we “met” on SITS Girls). I’m SO thrilled you’re pursuing your dreams. This is going to be an amazing space, a launching pad for your many skills and talents. Bravo!
– Stopping by from The Work at Home Weekend