I look at the date — Nov. 28 — and think I should recall that there is something special about it. But, I cannot. It’s just another day. A day to write, create, care for, clean up, get cookin’, run around, breathe the air, notice, observe, and tell the story.
Well, my dear fellow writers, it’s time to begin Chapter 9 of The Artist’s Way — A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity. I think it’s appropriate that given the fact that we’re entering the holiday season, that we’re exploring “Recovering a Sense of Compassion.” What do you think?
This week finds us facing the internal blocks to creativity. It may be tempting to abandon ship at this point. Don’t! We will explore and acknowledge the emotional difficulties that beset us in the past as we made creative efforts. We will undertake healing the shame of past failures. We will gain in compassion as we re-parent the frightened artist child who years for creative accomplishment. We will learn tools to dismantle emotional blocks and support renewed risk. T
This is the chapter that we kill our FEAR; this is the chapter where we do NOT curb our enthusiasm. This is the chapter where we block that creative u-turn that stops us in our tracks (mostly due to fear) and make it happen. This is the chapter where we ask for help if we need it. This is the chapter where we Hulk-smash through blocks.
Here’s your tasks to accomplish:
1. List any resentments(anger) you have in connection with (your) project. It does not matter how petty, picky, or irrational these resentments may appear to your adult self. To your inner artist child they are real big deals: grudges.
Some examples: I resent being the second artist asked, not the first. (I am too the best.)…I resent this editor, she just nitpicks. She never says anything nice. I resent doing work for this idiot; he never pays me on time.
2. Ask your artist to list any and all fears about the projected piece of work and/or anyone connected to it. Again, these fears can be as dumb as any two-year old’s. It does not matter that they are groundless to your adult’s eye. What matters is that thy are big scary monsters to your artist.
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Now get back to writing.
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For those participating in NaNoWriMo — Thank Goodness It’s Over Party — Dec. 6th — The Black Dog beginning at 5:30 p.m. They start a jazz ensemble playing at 7 p.m. This is a social occasion and there will be no formal program. I will likely go around and recognize people’s special accomplishments So if you did something particularly notable (wrote the most words, finished first, drank the most coffee…) please let me know so I can be sure to throw it in the mix. Same goes for if you know if someone else made a hard charge for their NaNo efforts — let me know. There is a special NaNo Sticker for all those who attend the TGIO party. So be sure to RSVP either via Email to me or on the forums on the NaNo site under the Snoqualmie Valley region.
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Dec. 9th’s Writing Work Session will be a field trip. As I said in my previous Email, I can’t carpool, because I’ll already be in Seattle for another unrelated event earlier in the day. But, hopefully, I’ll see you all there. Our next work session won’t be until January and then we begin switching to a weeknight routine. More on that later. Here’s the details for the Dec. 9th gig:
‘THE JESUS INJECTION’ – BOOK LAUNCH AND READING WITH AUTHOR ERIC ANDREWS-KATZ
On Sunday, December 9, doors at 4 p.m., book launch from 5-7 p.m., at Vermillion Gallery and Bar (1508 11th Ave.), join author, Eric Andrews-Katz, for a book launch read-ing and Q&A session. ‘Murderous statues, demented drag queens, political bombings, ex-Gay ministries, espionage and romance & all in a day’s work for Agent Buck 98. But the gloves are off when he comes up against The Jesus Injection.’ Purchase your copy at www.BoldStrokesBooks.com or at your favorite book store.www.EricAndrewsKatz.com.
On Sunday, December 9, doors at 4 p.m., book launch from 5-7 p.m., at Vermillion Gallery and Bar (1508 11th Ave.), join author, Eric Andrews-Katz, for a book launch read-ing and Q&A session. ‘Murderous statues, demented drag queens, political bombings, ex-Gay ministries, espionage and romance & all in a day’s work for Agent Buck 98. But the gloves are off when he comes up against The Jesus Injection.’ Purchase your copy at www.BoldStrokesBooks.com or at your favorite book store.www.EricAndrewsKatz.com.
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And now your Moment of Writing Zen:
“Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out your horn.” ~Charlie Parker.
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What did you Write today?
~Casz
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What did you Write today?
~Casz
Casondra Brewster
Moderator/Founder
Sno Valley Writes!
Helping Writers Reach New Literary Peaks Since 2008
http://www.snovalleywrites.org
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“But words are things, and a small drop of ink,
Falling, like dew upon a thought, produces
That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.” ~ Lord Byron