Too long and too remote, but not forgotten. I have been away, and not attentive to our weekly gathering for a few weeks, dear writerly friends. It has been good to rest and renew and to grow the creative spirit that abides and resides within me – truly, within all of us. There are times when we must stop, catch our breath, listen and rejoice in the opportunity to nurture our creative energy.
Today my virtual coach, Julia Cameron, has sent words of wisdom that have touched my heart. I hope they will inspire your reflection and motivate your writing as well.
In The Artist’s Way, Cameron quotes the ancient book of Jewish law, The Talmud when she offers these words of wisdom:
Every blade of grass has its Angel that bends over it and whispers, “Grow, grow.”
As writers, we must be self-motivated through developing goals and disciplining our skills of focus and attention. Staying the path and following our vision for our creation is a structured and linear task. Yet, without creative inspiration, we would not pursue our craft. For many the intangible evolution of creative expression involves prayer and meditation – moments and times to reflect, rejoice and renew.
Meditative moments also mean that we must listen. That Angel voice speaks to us . . . but do we listen? Do we surround ourselves with life, love and people who will encourage and nurture our creativity? Do we avoid the negativeity and excuses that prevent us from being all we can be in our creative lives? Yes, of course we want constructive criticism and to know where we need to improve, learn and excel. Suggestions provide opportunities to help us to be our best.
Yet, we must never forget to seek:
our personal ANGEL and COACH
to LISTEN
to allow ourselves to “GROW, GROW”
Welcome back and happy writing.
Please let me know you have stopped by to “SPIN A GOOD YARN” with me today!
When we last gathered to Spin a Good Yarn, we talked about the consequences of new beginnings and what we leave behind. We also considered the transition part that bridges the gap between what was and what is. In the reality of it all, if we do not BEGIN, where is the joy? Consider the words of Italian writer, Cesare Pavese:
“The only joy in the world is to begin.”
About four months ago I embarked upon an idea that has been surfing my thoughts for a long time. I dove in and put pen to paper – actually fingers to keyboard – and BEGAN to write my novel. I used Michael Stackpoole’s book, Write Your Novel in Twenty-One Days. More than twenty-one days have elapsed now, and I am not finished – yet! However, I have written over 30,000 words and took the leap to share my first chapter with my writer’s support/critique group and a few family members and friends.
I have begun the process and I feel a JOY in taking that initiative. Do the gremlins of doubt struggle to sabotage me: No, you can’t do it! OR You won’t be successful! OR You are wasting your time! Yes, Yes, and Yes! These negativisms will always be taping at our walls, begging to enter and destroy the JOY of beginning…and, successful completion.
How has this been true for you? Think of times when you embraced the “joy of beginning” and write about it today. Use this opportunity to bask in the joy of your successes. Delight in your great accomplishment(s) because, dear writerly friend, you did take that first step to BEGIN.
See you soon when meet again in the cozy corner and Spin a Good Yarn or two together.
We are usually threatened by change. Whether the change is in our work place, residence or some other personal situation/encounter/relationship. Our stability and confidence – even our level of trust – is tweaked upon meeting a newness in our life. The comfort of knowing the ground rules and the expectations of the status quo is unsettling, to say the least. Experiencing a sense of loss of the familiar and the way it was is very normal.
In his book, Managing Transitions, William Bridges (author) discusses the importance and value of the often forgotten zone of the transition state. The transition state is the bridge part in and of itself between leaving the way it was and embracing the new way. We plan for the change and look forward to how we will implement the change, but we often forget the most critical bridge that connects the two. Not attending to transition can make or break success with the forthcoming change.
The transition period begs the question of honoring what has preceded the change – respecting the history and status of what was. Additionally, providing ongoing support and communicaiton as the change unfolds also plays a key role in the successful implementation of a change. Bridges challenges our consciousness as he draws from the words of French poet Paul Valery.
“Every beginning is a consequence. Every beginning ends something.”
How have you met new beginnings in your work place, professional or personal life? What support systems have been instituted by your own efforts, or that of others, to insure a smooth flow from what was to what is? What difference has a smooth transition – or not – made in your life? As a writer, what does Valery’s words mean to you? What steps must you take to be aware of your transitory place, honor the past and give yourself support for the future change(s) you may encounter?
I have been away for a couple of weeks visiting my family and honoring my roots. Bridges’s book offers a freshness of thought on the importance of what writers do each time they sit at a computer or uncap a pen.
Thank you, dear writer friend, for stopping by the cozy corner and taking a few moments to Spin a Good Yarn with me.
See you next week ~ Happy Writing and Happy Memorial Day Weekend~
At a recent writing workshop a thoughtful writer said, “I am afraid if we follow too many required formulas for our writing we will lose our uniqueness and individuality.” Provoking an elaboration, someone said, “What is authentic writing?” Our focused task of supportive critiquing did not allow much time for further discussion of the thought. Yet as writers, it seems such a consideration is worthy of reflection. It might offer some peace of mind to have personal resolution with such a fine-line question.How far do we follow the rules and still preserve the words and expressions that are uniquely our own?
In the words of contemporary American novelist, Don Delillo, “Writing is a form of personal freedom … it frees us from the mass identity we see in the making of all around us. In the end, writers will write … to save themselves and survive as individuals.”
When you write, are you fighting for freedom – escaping a burdoned mind, pleading for a listening ear, exploding with joy and gratitude, offering a legacy of story that cannot be contained within the confines of your finite existence? Are you writing to “survive” as Delillo suggests in his observation of the writing life? Does the act of putting your words on paper “complete you” (Tom Cruise, Top Gun, 1986)? Are these considerations the basis of your writing authenticity? Is this important to you?
On the other hand, when we expose our writing to public eye view, do we have certain responsibilities that require us to adhere to rules, follow guidelines, meet the parameters of age-old structures? What is our responsibility to our reader? Most would agree that certain structures involving writing mechanics (spelling, punctuation, syntax, grammar) must be in place. Yet what about style and the manner in which we deliver our expressions? Do we have free reign or do we have responsibilities?
Perhaps the words of Terry Southern, American author, essayist, screenwriter and lecturer, will add another dimension to conversation about authenticity, personal freedom, public view and the eye of the reader:
“The important thing in writing is the capacity to astonish. Not to shock – shock is a worn-out word, but astonish.”
As you ease into a cozy corner with your journal in hand, dear friend, consider the questions in this entry. I hope it will give you some clarity of thought, direction of purpose and success in your written expressions.
Hope you will join me next week as we SPIN A GOOD YARN in our cozy corner.
Gift giving during this special time of holiday celebration is a tradition of many cultures. Reflecting upon what is good and fulfilling in our lives, especially at this time of the year, we intentionally direct our attention upon THE PRESENT.
“Be in the Present. Learn from the Past. Plan for the future.” ~ Spencer Johnson, M.D., author and medical professional who takes complex subjects and presents simple solutions that work.
This week, give yourself THE PRESENT by focusing on THE PRESENT moment. What do you notice when you put yourself in the aura and energy of the moment? What is different? What does it do for you? For your relationships with others? Did your focus on THE PRESENT help you during the hustle and bustle of the Season?
HAPPY JOURNALING ~ Thanks for stopping by the cozy corner and I will see you next week . . . .
Keep Spinning Your Yarn – Won’t you consider sharing your PRESENT moment joy this week? If so, drop by the COMMENT section and say “hello!”