This week’s questions have been answered by Melissa Gorzelanczyk. I would consider her a good friend, an acomplished writer, an amazing supporter of the gallery, and a thoughtful fellow introvert.
Melissa Gorzelanczyk is a writer and magazine editor who believes in abundance. Her young adult novel Arrows is out now from Delacorte Press. She loves nature, owls, solitude, Shinrin-yoku, artists, lavender and the word “tamarack.” She lives with her husband in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
1. What are 1-3 books that have influenced your life?
Anything by L. M. Montgomery ("Anne of Green Gables" series). "The Science of Getting Rich" by Wallace D. Wattles. Not a book, but I have to add the blog Zen Habits by Leo Babauta. https://zenhabits.net/
2.What are you currently working on?
An adult novel that fuses Door County folklore (a bootlegger love story) with modern-day dark net gang activity. I swear, it's going to be awesome! On March 26th, I'm reading from the first chapter at the Green Room in De Pere (6:30 p.m.) as part of Untitledtown. https://www.facebook.com/events/181029595994989/
3. How has failure set you up for later success? What was your favorite failure?
Oh man, as an artist, failure comes so frequently -- and in so many subjective forms. I try not to focus on it. If I have to pick a "favorite", I'd say that when my debut novel wasn't a smash hit, for a while, I felt disenfranchised. Now that novel is a big reason I've been accepted into the MFA program at the Vermont College of Fine Arts without any prior college experience. Once again I've been reminded that whatever I create moves me closer to my ultimate goals of winning awards and being on the bestsellers list.
4.What is your most unusual habit?
Pattern drawing with my finger. When lost in thought, I find myself tracing triangles or other shapes wherever my fingers are rested.
5. If you could have any painter, living or dead paint your portrait who would it be and why?
I'm going to go with my husband Shea. He sees something in me that I don't always see myself. I'd love to see myself through his eyes.
6. What is the most indispensible item in your studio/workspace/office?
My yoga mat. I can always go there to center myself. It's where I go to feel like myself again. I never travel without it.
7. When you feel overwhelmed or uninspired what do you do? What do you do to get out of a funk? What questions do you ask yourself?
My friend Genevieve is a personality wizard. I've learned so much about what I need to be healthy and happy thanks to her. As an INTJ personality, https://www.16personalities.com/intj-strengths-and-weaknesses, I turn to sensory things to pull myself out of a funk. Things like baths, walks in nature, tea, soft fabrics, music (Lord Huron!) and dark chocolate.
8.What is the most life-changing thing you have bought for under 100 dollars in the last year?
A yoga package to Jenstar in De Pere. https://jenstaryoga.com/ I'm renewed physically, mentally and spiritually after her class.
9. Do you collect anything?
1. Hardcover books. 2. Signed books.
10.What words of advice would you give to your younger self?
Growing up, I always felt inadequate. I still feel that way all of the time, and I'm 37! I'd go with an affirmation: You are brilliant, bright and beautiful.
11. In the last five years what new belief, or habit has most improved your life or studio practice?
Meditation -- connecting to source energy. I meditate every morning, and sometimes at night, too.
12.Share an inspiring image.
