Thank you Mary for this article. You reminded me of a couple of things. How rich is the reading good literature. I'm enjoying your latest," Last Bets", right now. And I have a stack on my night stand that I want to get to. I've been so busy these last months with my own publishing that I've not been getting the input I crave. Your post also reminds me of how much Julia Cameron's "The Artists Way""has influenced me and my writing. Artists dates and the spiritual influence is powerful for me. And my mentors I'm holding close are fewer but gigantic in powering my writing. Thank you for being one of them. <3
Timely post for me. I realized just yesterday that a group I’m a part of has dramatically changed because of a few strong personalities in it. I can’t leave the group, as I started it. What I need to do is refresh the original focus of a welcoming space of creativity and sharing. That means I need to work harder to be a source of inspiration that I wish to see and to recognize and emphasize those who bring joy and positive energy to the group. With that, I’m sure it will change again. Good energy is contagious.
I’ve learned a lot here on Substack from the writer Junot Diaz. He has unique advice on the craft of writing fiction, with his own terminology that gets me to see things in a new way.
Interesting challenge, Ada--to have the group morph and you can't leave--but it sounds like it's brought you to some good things too. Good energy is indeed contagious. And Junot Diaz is an amazing inspiration, so true. Thanks for posting!
Thank you for this motivating piece. I had an experience of a writer reader who discouraged me so much by his remarks in writing that it took a few months to get back to writing.
Ouch, and yes, I've been there too. Sad but it happens. It actually got me to take a closer look at my own strengths, though, after I recovered. Thank you for posting here!
My writing space is perfect, so I have no excuses for not writing, yet it happens. The clutter of the average person's average day is ever present. But I do write daily, at least for an hour, sometimes all day. I have the freedom and flexibility of being retired. I'm most productive, however, when motivation from various mentors strikes. Who are those mentors? People like you, for one, and others who write about writing. Showing the "how" of writing helps me believe anything is possible. Other writers also inspire me when their books show me what good writing looks like. Another major source of inspiration is listening to writing and author podcasts. For some reason hearing other people's stories not only makes the act of writing less lonely, it makes me feel like I can do it too!
This is a lovely reminder of the fact that only we know what we need in the moment. This January I realized I feel alone creatively and miss the champions (real life and ones from books) who made me feel the dreams are possible. So I made a stack of cards with pictures of their faces and either something they wrote that was inspiring, or helpful or personally encouraging to me. Now I feel like I have my posse and I pick a card and read it each day. I don't want a big hairy goal that's scary and gets the adrenaline going. I want fun and play and joyful juxtaposition that makes life sing.
Thank you Mary for this article. You reminded me of a couple of things. How rich is the reading good literature. I'm enjoying your latest," Last Bets", right now. And I have a stack on my night stand that I want to get to. I've been so busy these last months with my own publishing that I've not been getting the input I crave. Your post also reminds me of how much Julia Cameron's "The Artists Way""has influenced me and my writing. Artists dates and the spiritual influence is powerful for me. And my mentors I'm holding close are fewer but gigantic in powering my writing. Thank you for being one of them. <3
Always a pleasure! Enjoy the story and happy new year, MB.
I also love The Artist's Way... what a great guide for writers!
Same!
Timely post for me. I realized just yesterday that a group I’m a part of has dramatically changed because of a few strong personalities in it. I can’t leave the group, as I started it. What I need to do is refresh the original focus of a welcoming space of creativity and sharing. That means I need to work harder to be a source of inspiration that I wish to see and to recognize and emphasize those who bring joy and positive energy to the group. With that, I’m sure it will change again. Good energy is contagious.
I’ve learned a lot here on Substack from the writer Junot Diaz. He has unique advice on the craft of writing fiction, with his own terminology that gets me to see things in a new way.
Thank you for the post.
Interesting challenge, Ada--to have the group morph and you can't leave--but it sounds like it's brought you to some good things too. Good energy is indeed contagious. And Junot Diaz is an amazing inspiration, so true. Thanks for posting!
Thank you for this motivating piece. I had an experience of a writer reader who discouraged me so much by his remarks in writing that it took a few months to get back to writing.
Ouch, and yes, I've been there too. Sad but it happens. It actually got me to take a closer look at my own strengths, though, after I recovered. Thank you for posting here!
My writing space is perfect, so I have no excuses for not writing, yet it happens. The clutter of the average person's average day is ever present. But I do write daily, at least for an hour, sometimes all day. I have the freedom and flexibility of being retired. I'm most productive, however, when motivation from various mentors strikes. Who are those mentors? People like you, for one, and others who write about writing. Showing the "how" of writing helps me believe anything is possible. Other writers also inspire me when their books show me what good writing looks like. Another major source of inspiration is listening to writing and author podcasts. For some reason hearing other people's stories not only makes the act of writing less lonely, it makes me feel like I can do it too!
Great "list" of what inspires us, Nancy. Thank you for sharing this. It does make writing less of a lonely activity.
Congrats on renovating your artistic spaces! That’s exciting!
Thanks, Lila. It's made all the difference.
"Whatever is around me creates my view of the world..." wow and wow. I will keep this post to reread as often as I need to. Thank you.
So glad it resonated, Sandra. Thanks for commenting here!
This is a lovely reminder of the fact that only we know what we need in the moment. This January I realized I feel alone creatively and miss the champions (real life and ones from books) who made me feel the dreams are possible. So I made a stack of cards with pictures of their faces and either something they wrote that was inspiring, or helpful or personally encouraging to me. Now I feel like I have my posse and I pick a card and read it each day. I don't want a big hairy goal that's scary and gets the adrenaline going. I want fun and play and joyful juxtaposition that makes life sing.
Andrea, I love this idea--how cool! Your own set of inspiration cards. Wow. Thank you for sharing with us. I'm inspired!