The Time When Artists Go To Work

Hello CK Westbrook readers,

This is precisely the time when artists go to work.

The new year has been hard for those who care about justice, equity, kindness, wildlife, health, democracy, and nature. I’m sending virtual hugs to all my readers who feel the same way.

In response to my outpouring of anger and despair, a friend sent a quote by Toni Morrison that begins with, “This is precisely the time when artists go to work.” It made me feel better and inspired. I’m extremely grateful to this friend and reader.

I looked up the full quote and the context and it was perfect for this time. Toni Morrison was an artistic genius, and her gifts continue to touch people. I hope you also find it reassuring and heartening.

Morrison wrote:

Christmas, the day after, in 2004, following the presidential re-election of George W. Bush.

I am staring out of the window in an extremely dark mood, feeling helpless. Then a friend, a fellow artist, calls to wish me happy holidays. He asks, “How are you?” And instead of “Oh, fine — and you?”, I blurt out the truth: “Not well. Not only am I depressed, I can’t seem to work, to write; it’s as though I am paralyzed, unable to write anything more in the novel I’ve begun. I’ve never felt this way before, but the election…” I am about to explain with further detail when he interrupts, shouting: “No! No, no, no! This is precisely the time when artists go to work — not when everything is fine, but in times of dread. That’s our job!”

Morrison continued: I felt foolish the rest of the morning, especially when I recalled the artists who had done their work in gulags, prison cells, hospital beds; who did their work while hounded, exiled, reviled, pilloried. And those who were executed.

With an eye to the various brokenness of the world, past and present, Morrison wrote:

This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.

I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge — even wisdom. Like art.

I wrote two novels in 2024. They are prequels in “The Impact Series.” They explore events that led up to the July 2020 global mass shooting. They also explore how we got to where we are politically and environmentally. Many decisions and choices created the slippery slope that brought us to where we are now. The books have started the editing process, and I’m hopeful they will be published this year. I will keep you updated.

Book Review

I read a book by PC Nottingham, published by The Little Horsemen, part of 4 Horsemen Publications. I’ve read Nottingham before and enjoy his adult sci-fi, but this book, The Ghost in the Trees, is for young adult readers. I loved reading something that was not too heavy during these difficult times. It will be published on February 6, 2025. Here is the review I put on Goodreads.

I seldom read children’s books or YA, so I started The Ghost in the Trees by PC Nottingham with some trepidation. However, my apprehension was for nothing, as I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. As an animal lover, I adored the rodent characters. The dialogue and plot will appeal to readers of all ages because Nottingham is an excellent writer, and his attention to delightful details about his characters' looks, behaviors, and feelings makes the story pop. The twist at the end is intriguing and I’m eager to see how the characters fare, especially Risu, Itansha, and Marsvin, throughout the Gnaverworld: Ghosts and Iron series.

NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS

I agree with the experts who think we should focus on self-care. Many of us will be gut-punched several times this year so staying strong mentally and physically is key.

I will read more books and look at screens less. Reading books is healthy in many ways: it strengthens the brain; expands knowledge; enhances creativity and imagination; improves memory, concentration, focus, vocabulary, and communication skills; entertains; and most importantly, reduces stress and improves mental health. If you need another reason to read science fiction, it seems fiction is particularly good for the brain.

If You Read a Lot of Fiction, Scientists Have Very Good News About Your Brain

I usually read one book a month but since I will watch less news, and minimize scrolling, I plan to read two in 2025.

I also hope to achieve the goal of doing an un-assisted pull-up in 2025. I never have, but maybe this will be the year.

What are your resolutions? Let me know how you plan to handle this year. I appreciate all the helpful suggestions!

Current Events

Space debris is not only dangerous in space, now it’s another reason for flight delays and hazards. This recent explosion situation (which happened last week) is in “The Impact Series” prequels. Truth is stranger, or as strange, as fiction. Space X and its unregulated disasters provide so much fodder for sci-fi.

According to the FAA, Space X must investigate itself because of the Starship rocket explosion, which sent chunks of debris into the ocean (and possibly Turks & Caicos). The explosion forced air traffic controllers to divert dozens of commercial flights, including Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines, due to space debris and low fuel levels while holding in affected areas.

Oh – and Butch and Suni are still stuck in space.

Until next time, stay safe my friends.

I can’t express my deep gratitude to my readers enough. Thank you for sharing this fantastic adventure with me!

CK

To purchase books –

The Shooting | Universal Book Links Help You Find Books at Your Favorite Store! (books2read.com)

The Aftermath | Universal Book Links Help You Find Books at Your Favorite Store! (books2read.com)

CK Westbrook – 4 Horsemen Publications

Reviews

I need more reviews!

Reviews on Amazon - Amazon.com: The Shooting (Impact): 9781644504970: Westbrook, Ck: Books

Amazon.com: The Collision (Impact): 9781644506226: Westbrook, Ck: Books