Hi Dan. Now that autumn has arrived and the forest fires we've been enduring seem to have ended for this year, I will get back outside to paint. This always results in conversations with other folks, especially ones who aren't artists, which makes it exciting as each comment is a surprise. From the usual, where they say they "can't" draw, to others who let me know how my painting doesn't look exactly like the landscape before me...many times, I have to bite my tongue! The best comment (so far!) came from a special needs young man who looked at my painting and said about the mountain, "It's right THERE and you're RIGHT HERE painting it!" (I wish everyone could understand that artists are free to work outside a studio!)
Thank you for sharing the most important lesson with us from your Space Explorer...that once we play on the moon, it's time to come back to earth and continue to make magic.
Hi Sarah. It takes courage to literally put yourself in front of people and you may feel shy, but it's the best way to announce to the world (and yourself!) that we artists have joy to share. We see beauty when others walk by without noticing; we stare at the wonders around us--artists have the permission to daydream!!! All the best to you.
In response to your question, my friend and I started a local book club, and we met last night. It was our second meeting, and we had six attendees. The discussion centered around whether the book we read was written with the audience in mind. And I shared about what I've learned as a writer - how to be considerate and thoughtful when you write, how to keep in mind that your story isn't a story if there isn't a universality to it. The book we read was a chaos narrative, and even I (who read very jarring, sometimes disturbing, stories) felt so depleted and drained that, after each chapter, I had to set the book aside for a while so that I could breathe.
This is one way - through face to face conversation - that I talk about writing with others.
I love every word of this, Dan. I was at the UPS store yesterday getting passport photos and three ladies asked if I could witness a notary for them. They asked where I was traveling to which led to me telling them about my research for a novel. Fun!!
This post came at just the right time for me, Dan, as I was thinking maybe I was getting too personal writing about grief, sexuality and more. Instead, these are the topics that resonate and connect us so I shouldn’t let personal shyness or those little
"One tiny thing" -- great challenge! Makes me think I should start sharing with my readers interesting articles I run across ... instead of just sending them to my email inbox. 🙄😂
Thank you so much for this post. It totally resonates. I have to read it again. I was brave this week and hit publish. I am not a writer. I paint, but I want to write and paint. One of the ways I silence my creativity is by telling myself that I am not ready. I am never going to be ready, am I?
Leena I resonate with this because I am a writer who wants to paint. I always feel like "I'm not good enough yet" "My paintings aren't interesting" "My paintings are clumsy" -- but I think you're right. We'll never be "ready" so we might as well make the leap!
In August I started a weekly Substack newsletter and have it set up to publish in advance so it goes out on a schedule and reduces my stress level to avoid last minute hiccups. I’m having fun with it and some weeks I get engagement and others I don’t but I keep showing up. My number of subscribers and followers keeps going up. The numbers are small but heading in the right direction. It’s forcing me to think up topics each week but so far I’m not having trouble with running out of new themes and sample books from other authors. I write near future military political techno-thrillers, though my book samples are primarily science fiction.
I’m also participating in Dan’s weekly group exercises and they have been really helpful in defining who I am and how to talk about what I write. Participation is also driving me to write every day. I’m revising my novel to include beta reader and technical reader feedback. It’s a lot of work but I’m having a blast doing it. I’ve been writing a while and learned the key is to just never quit.
Hmmmmmm. I’m going to say that this is a good effort — something very positive. But it is kind of passive. Something you do alone in a room and hope it connects. What would be great is anything — even tiny — that is truly social. Thank you Christina!
This resonates so much. I used so many of the reasons to silence myself and turn down my volume. Since making greater efforts to share about my work, I've seen a huge change in my writing, my focus, and my creativity. But honestly, I'm still holding back. This was a great reminder to share more, to keep turning up the volume (even if only in small increments). Loved this.
I agree, Michelle. Also due to Dan's influence I'll tell almost anyone I'm working on a novel (when previously I'd been almost keeping it a secret). One upside to sharing about my work is now people (e.g., work colleagues) ask about it. I can tell them where I am, what will happen next, and what my timeline for me next steps are. It's helped me realize that even if I don't yet have a polished manuscript ready to query, I'm getting closer and I know a lot more about how it all works than just a few years ago. It's also nice to see that the coworkers don't see me as totally delusional when I talk about this (my intial fear of sharing). One even offered to beta read (whole different can of worms. . . ;) ) .
Thanks for the nudge. It’s high time I started sharing the big illustrated guidebook I have coming out on 1 October.
Natural reticence and being busy on the next book has kept me quiet. And a feeling that it’s not as ‘creative’ as fiction or narrative non-fiction that most here seem to be focused on.
Thanks, Dan! I’m completely guilty of silencing myself amid the current of busy life. Taking moments as I’m forced to be still while recovering from surgery to be reinspired and to share here on Substack and soon to my email list. Appreciate your encouragement for the journey!
Now that's what I call a plan, let's face it - it's always good to check the air. My plan: Absorb my editor's feedback on my latest WiP (I have to change the ending 180 degrees). Come up with a list of the moments that need to be 'smudged' and redrawn to facilitate new ending. Intersperse these stressful moments by accepting or rejecting her line by line edits (who doesn't love being corrected on grammar and homophone swaparounds?)... Head back to earth. :) Oh, and start my new job at a major UK writer's organisation. Whoop whoop. We have lift off. :)
OK, Dan. Pushing worked. I posted about my feelings about writing a novel and the group that helps me--Free-Expressions.com (Lorin Oberweger).
Last night Lorin began her Inner Circle 6-month confab. It's coaches, experts of technique, pods of fellow writers. All help you through the process. Gave me a head of steam.
For anyone reading and this is tickling the 'I'm interested' bone, she's got a few slots available or you can buy individual presentations. If individual is your cup of tea, I suggest Don Maass. He's a firehose. Listening to him several times is necessary.
Hi Dan. Now that autumn has arrived and the forest fires we've been enduring seem to have ended for this year, I will get back outside to paint. This always results in conversations with other folks, especially ones who aren't artists, which makes it exciting as each comment is a surprise. From the usual, where they say they "can't" draw, to others who let me know how my painting doesn't look exactly like the landscape before me...many times, I have to bite my tongue! The best comment (so far!) came from a special needs young man who looked at my painting and said about the mountain, "It's right THERE and you're RIGHT HERE painting it!" (I wish everyone could understand that artists are free to work outside a studio!)
Thank you for sharing the most important lesson with us from your Space Explorer...that once we play on the moon, it's time to come back to earth and continue to make magic.
Have a wonderful day Dan.
Oh, the idea to do the work in public, out and about...thank you for that! Taking it in...
Hi Sarah. It takes courage to literally put yourself in front of people and you may feel shy, but it's the best way to announce to the world (and yourself!) that we artists have joy to share. We see beauty when others walk by without noticing; we stare at the wonders around us--artists have the permission to daydream!!! All the best to you.
Love that! Thank you as always Lori.
Super cute photos of your youngest, Dan!
In response to your question, my friend and I started a local book club, and we met last night. It was our second meeting, and we had six attendees. The discussion centered around whether the book we read was written with the audience in mind. And I shared about what I've learned as a writer - how to be considerate and thoughtful when you write, how to keep in mind that your story isn't a story if there isn't a universality to it. The book we read was a chaos narrative, and even I (who read very jarring, sometimes disturbing, stories) felt so depleted and drained that, after each chapter, I had to set the book aside for a while so that I could breathe.
This is one way - through face to face conversation - that I talk about writing with others.
Thanks for the kind words! Yay for the book club!
I love every word of this, Dan. I was at the UPS store yesterday getting passport photos and three ladies asked if I could witness a notary for them. They asked where I was traveling to which led to me telling them about my research for a novel. Fun!!
Susan? Fellow BONI Grad. Great to be with you here.
Oooh — yay! Thanks Susan.
This post came at just the right time for me, Dan, as I was thinking maybe I was getting too personal writing about grief, sexuality and more. Instead, these are the topics that resonate and connect us so I shouldn’t let personal shyness or those little
voice of self doubt get in the way. THANK YOU
So happy to hear this Jim!
"One tiny thing" -- great challenge! Makes me think I should start sharing with my readers interesting articles I run across ... instead of just sending them to my email inbox. 🙄😂
Thanks Sarah!
Thank you so much for this post. It totally resonates. I have to read it again. I was brave this week and hit publish. I am not a writer. I paint, but I want to write and paint. One of the ways I silence my creativity is by telling myself that I am not ready. I am never going to be ready, am I?
Leena I resonate with this because I am a writer who wants to paint. I always feel like "I'm not good enough yet" "My paintings aren't interesting" "My paintings are clumsy" -- but I think you're right. We'll never be "ready" so we might as well make the leap!
Yes, you just need to start!!
Yay! Thank you Leena!
So inspiring, Dan. You hit the nail on the head for me! Or I just figured out what you've been saying all along. Love your son's play.
Thank you Mary Beth!
In August I started a weekly Substack newsletter and have it set up to publish in advance so it goes out on a schedule and reduces my stress level to avoid last minute hiccups. I’m having fun with it and some weeks I get engagement and others I don’t but I keep showing up. My number of subscribers and followers keeps going up. The numbers are small but heading in the right direction. It’s forcing me to think up topics each week but so far I’m not having trouble with running out of new themes and sample books from other authors. I write near future military political techno-thrillers, though my book samples are primarily science fiction.
I’m also participating in Dan’s weekly group exercises and they have been really helpful in defining who I am and how to talk about what I write. Participation is also driving me to write every day. I’m revising my novel to include beta reader and technical reader feedback. It’s a lot of work but I’m having a blast doing it. I’ve been writing a while and learned the key is to just never quit.
Great to hear all of this Bruce!
Love this! Thank you. Featuring your child and his spaceship brightened my day. I hope he knows he’s amazing. 😊
Thanks Christina!
I guess I didn’t answer your question though. Does adding my Substack to my personal email signature count?
Hmmmmmm. I’m going to say that this is a good effort — something very positive. But it is kind of passive. Something you do alone in a room and hope it connects. What would be great is anything — even tiny — that is truly social. Thank you Christina!
This resonates so much. I used so many of the reasons to silence myself and turn down my volume. Since making greater efforts to share about my work, I've seen a huge change in my writing, my focus, and my creativity. But honestly, I'm still holding back. This was a great reminder to share more, to keep turning up the volume (even if only in small increments). Loved this.
Thank you Michelle!
I agree, Michelle. Also due to Dan's influence I'll tell almost anyone I'm working on a novel (when previously I'd been almost keeping it a secret). One upside to sharing about my work is now people (e.g., work colleagues) ask about it. I can tell them where I am, what will happen next, and what my timeline for me next steps are. It's helped me realize that even if I don't yet have a polished manuscript ready to query, I'm getting closer and I know a lot more about how it all works than just a few years ago. It's also nice to see that the coworkers don't see me as totally delusional when I talk about this (my intial fear of sharing). One even offered to beta read (whole different can of worms. . . ;) ) .
Thanks for the nudge. It’s high time I started sharing the big illustrated guidebook I have coming out on 1 October.
Natural reticence and being busy on the next book has kept me quiet. And a feeling that it’s not as ‘creative’ as fiction or narrative non-fiction that most here seem to be focused on.
Thank you Felicity — and congrats!
You never know, Felicity, your guidebook might illustrate just the thing we're waiting on! Congratulations! Pitch us on your book!
Thanks, Dan! I’m completely guilty of silencing myself amid the current of busy life. Taking moments as I’m forced to be still while recovering from surgery to be reinspired and to share here on Substack and soon to my email list. Appreciate your encouragement for the journey!
Thank you Dawn!!!
Now that's what I call a plan, let's face it - it's always good to check the air. My plan: Absorb my editor's feedback on my latest WiP (I have to change the ending 180 degrees). Come up with a list of the moments that need to be 'smudged' and redrawn to facilitate new ending. Intersperse these stressful moments by accepting or rejecting her line by line edits (who doesn't love being corrected on grammar and homophone swaparounds?)... Head back to earth. :) Oh, and start my new job at a major UK writer's organisation. Whoop whoop. We have lift off. :)
Yay! Thank you Rachel.
OK, Dan. Pushing worked. I posted about my feelings about writing a novel and the group that helps me--Free-Expressions.com (Lorin Oberweger).
Last night Lorin began her Inner Circle 6-month confab. It's coaches, experts of technique, pods of fellow writers. All help you through the process. Gave me a head of steam.
For anyone reading and this is tickling the 'I'm interested' bone, she's got a few slots available or you can buy individual presentations. If individual is your cup of tea, I suggest Don Maass. He's a firehose. Listening to him several times is necessary.
You must be busting with pride. That little fella is creative. Especially loved the control board. What wonderful moments for you both to share.
Thanks Robin!
My heart…what a great project from your little fella!!!! I love his setup! Very fancy!
Thanks Megan!