So much happening, but not a lot of writing…

August has been a whirlwind! There’s so much happening in my personal life and my work life that my brain has just not wanted to focus on my writing.

• I got engaged
• Started a new line edit side gig
• Product launch and trade show season at work
• Manuscript sent to a developmental editor
• Venue visits because things book out a year and a half in advance

It’s been a lot. But, I haven’t given up that I can find time to do even a little bit of writing.

I’m part of a writing group called “Manageable Yet Meaningful.” MYM for short. The basic principle is that even 5 minutes is enough to get the creative brain working a little bit. Even if it’s only one sentence, one paragraph, or one page of brainstorming, every little bit counts.

There are so many things that can be considered working on a piece. Brainstorming, planning, moodboarding, rough drafting, even just thinking! Writing is not simply the act of putting words on a page. It is the development of stories, and that takes time.

I think once the dust settles a bit in my life I’m going to attempt to follow the book “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. This book was published over 30 years ago (yes, the same year I was born…) but still artists and authors alike sing its praises. I’ve heard some people say they’ve only gotten part of the way through and others completed the full course. Every person I’ve talked to about it has taken at least some practice from it and carried it through into their routine.

I’ve started reading the book already. It’s shaping itself to be an almost spiritual journey to creative healing. The thing I like about it so far is that Cameron acknowledges that none of us have time to do everything. She tells you to pick some of the weekly exercises, but the two unnegotiable for the entire journey are morning pages (3 handwritten pages of stream of consciousness journaling) and artist dates (taking yourself ALONE somewhere that your creativity is sparked).

I can already see this being a challenge with those two tasks alone. 1. I have a huge block in my brain when it comes to journalling. 2. I’m not a huge fan of going places alone.

BUT, I think that might be exactly the point of this. To step outside of my comfort zone to allow for my creativity to get a bit of a stretch and strengthening.

So, here’s to new challenges and a whole bunch of learning. I’m having a blast right now even if it is a bit stressful.

Happy writing!

Rachel