One of my favorite American painters, Andrew Wyeth, once said, “Solitude is a lost art.” I’ve always loved that quote because it’s so simple and true. For most of my life, I’ve been noted for my natural talents in the visual arts. However, since writing the Jevic novels, I consider myself someone who paints with written words.

During this first month of Spring, we have all been asked to isolate ourselves to slow the spread of COVID-19. While most people struggle with this challenge, I’ve taken the time to revisit my former self to see if that natural talent has abandoned me.

I used to be pretty good with oil paint, but I’ve always loved sculpting. So I decided to transform a ten-pound block of grey clay into the magical creature Jevic’s readers know as Mimick, an interesting character in Jevic and The Sword. When Jevic first met Mimick, I immediately fell in love with his innocence, humor and loyalty. So, of course I was thrilled when he seemed to touch my readers as well.

It took me a couple days to work that cold, grey block into the gargoyle whose image was so vivid inside my head. I’m thankful to share that I had no trouble tapping into my former self. I hope my readers are not disappointed in my portrayal. If the Mimick in your own head is more to your liking, please hold on to him instead. After all, that’s what makes reading so incredible. We open a book in solitude, but the words we find within can stay with us forever.