2021 is a weird writing period for me. I am awaiting presales of my new poetry book in May (release is scheduled for September 2022). I have sent out my memoir to see what happens to it. That will probably take a long time. Then I have 3 essays that are taking forever to be published–in fact, one of them, I don’t know if it will be published or not as I’ve lost contact with the journal’s editor. Maybe I should send the piece out again. I’ve been waiting on a few poem publications. And I stopped writing. That doesn’t usually happen to me.
I think it has to do with waiting on these books. I feel disoriented and unfocused.
Luckily, my creativity group is working on two books by Eric Maisel that I think will help. We are reading Unleashing the Artist and doing exercises in The Creative Workbook for Coaches and Creatives. For the first exercise, we listed all the creative projects that we have going on–either in process or imagined. Then we had to assign values as to how important they were. That was eye-opening. Give it a try!
I wrote a book review of a new poetry book this weekend and sent it off to a journal. And I have one more review I committed to for December. Then I have to say NO for awhile. I do not know how anybody can tackle NaNoWriMo in November because of the holidays. That blows my mind to even think about it! If you are doing it, you are probably not reading this right now.
Make it a good week, everyone!
Sounds like you’ve been super busy. Maybe you need this break. I don’t know how you keep up with all that. This new novel I’m writing takes up all my time. Im very stingy giving time to anything else. And yet I’m writing more poetry than normal. I don’t make time for it, it barges right in and won’t let go till its done. But taking time to find it a home in a journal is beyond me. So I just put it up on my blog. Its the publishing part that seems too time consuming and unreliable to take time away from the writing itself. I wish I had an agent for the poetry! Wouldn’t that be nice! So I really admire your tenacity.
I love how the poetry barges right in!!! How fabulous is that! So interesting how the mind works to create the poetry in the middle of the novel. Like little mini-vacations hahaha! You know, I’ve heard you can hire people or a service to do your submissions for you. I don’t know anybody who has done that. Wouldn’t that make for an interesting article to read?
Having embarked on the whole publishing odyssey, I can understand the step back from producing new work for a bit. I’m trying to re-energize as well. Enjoy your break and your creativity exercises!
Re-energize. I definitely need to do that. Good luck with your process, Eilene. Do you want to share more about your publishing odyssey? Or have you shared something I missed?
I’ve done some agent querying, had a couple peer reviews, and a publisher has a book proposal now. But after a consultation, and watching some Author’s Guild webinars, I can see my proposal and query need more work. I expect I’ll be back to looking for agents come January. In the meantime, I’m working on my bibliography, magazine articles, and my next book project. Very slowly!!
The process is so difficult. Especially the realizing you need to work even harder :/.
Every time you write about what you’re not doing, you end up listing all the things you are doing! 😀 You always sound super busy to me. Good luck with your upcoming publications.
This is a busy month!
This actually cracked me up. Yes, super busy, but not writing. So dumb. But then I was thinking after I hit “publish” on the post that my kitty tragedies have had something to do with it, as well as my shoulder/arm pain. Ugh, can’t wait for a new year!!!! I hope to only wait for NYE, not Rosh Hashanah next year haha.
I think the last couple of years has thrown all of off, and then when something happens on top of that, it just disables us in some fashion.
You are so right. It’s been almost two years of c**p!!!
Hi Luanne, You are so creative and productive…not writing, perhaps, but tilling the creative soil and enriching it for future projects. I have two pub dates in early 22, for my novel and another for From Calcutta’s re-issue. These days spending a lot of time in nature- hiking and walking.
Here’s to a good week for us both!
I hope I am tilling the soil. Feels more like a lot of manure being spread against my wishes. Congrats on your TWO pub dates, as well as the wonderful time spent in nature! XOXO
Luanne, how wonderful to have such a supportive and encouraging creative group – the list of creative projects sounds an inspired exercise and I can well imagine it will give extra and unexpected insight into one’s work. I might well give it a go. It’s great that you’re so busy and good luck with all your submissions!
I wish you could join us. We are limited to locals because when we leave zoom and go back to in-person, we have to actually be in person! The group started as a The Artists’ Way discussion group, but we’ve moved on to other books and beyond. Thank you so much, Annika. Have a wonderful week, please!
Hi, Luanne. I’m feeling a bit discombobulated in the writing department myself. I’m working on getting a good schedule to fit it all in. If it were only the writing I needed to concern myself with, I’d be sitting in the catbird seat–it’s fitting in reading, writing reviews, publishing tasks, promotion, etc., etc. In my planning, I’ll be sure to use the creative projects prioritizing strategy you’ve suggested!
I am not surprised, Liz. You are extremely active on social media and blogging. So you are doing a lot of support for others. Please remember yourself in the meantime!!! Sending you lots of hugs!!!
Thank you for the advice and hugs, Luanne! I appreciate both!!
I often feel disoriented, unfocused and discombobulated, Luanne. I think it comes with the territory. Good luck with your submissions!
LOL! You sure don’t seem like you feel that way, Jill! You always have books and stories coming out! Good front ;). Thank you so much, too!
Ask Derek…I’m a mess. 🙂
Derek!!! I’m calling him, but he’s not answering!
I’ve discovered the same conundrum. But 4-year-old granddaughter’s doll named Laura needs a small quilt. Her favorite purple and pink? She declares that Laura likes “rainbow colors.” Oh, how I wish I’d been in on that conversation. Well, hey, I’m doing something creative!
Oh yes, please! That is wonderful! I love seeing artists working in other arts! I hope I get to see the rainbow colors doll quilt! It sounds like your granddaughter knows Laura quite well ;)!!!! Have fun with it, Joy.
Well first, congrats on all the upcoming publications! That’s exciting and yes, very inspiring. I know I always say that, but it’s the truth. I don’t know how you do what you do. I was in a weird writing space for a long time. I had an aha! moment a couple of weeks ago and was able to pinpoint a cause (besides pandemic, politics, etc). Since then I’ve been reworking an essay that I really hope to find a home for. It’s an important one to me. Maybe some of your publishing mojo will spread to me?
Cheryl, i so hope you find just the right home for the essay. Haha, I don’t think I have actual publishing mojo. More like sticktuitiveness? Is that a word? It should be, if it’s not. Weird writing spaces are so uncomfortable, aren’t they? Sending you ginormous creative vibes!!!!!
Thanks, Luanne. x
Luanne, 2021 has been a tough year for you, so my best advice is write when you feel like it. Oops! That’s not the greatest plan for everybody.
Probably.
I’m in your corner.
I do get what you’re saying. The only reason for writing is for my creative happiness, but if it’s a struggle to get there right now, is it that important if I can do other stuff? Very interesting that in this week’s chapter of the Eric Maisel book he talks about doing other things that relate to the art that are not the art (when you feel like this). To-do list stuff. That does help, I must say. But I am missing my furries so much, of course. I guess time will help with that. Thanks, Sheila. xo
If I could, I would ship Carport Kitty to you. She so longs to come inside, but of course impossible for my allergies and three dogs that would be very unhappy – alarmingly so. You are strong, Luanne. You will rise – but let it be on your terms. Take care, my friend.
Poor Carport Kitty. She has shelter in there, though, right?
Yes, Neighbor John keeps a warm place for her and other cats on his carport every night. She seems ok with her routines.
That’s good that she has somewhere safe and warm at night.
You are woman, hear you roar…yes, I am wise, but it’s wisdom born of pain…
Yes, I have a little of that wisdom. I wish I had enough to match the rest though.
Sometimes we pile on too much and it’s good to take a step back and just breathe.
The second exercise in the Maisel exercise book is about 4, 7, 8 breathing, coincidentally. Put your hands on your belly. Breathe in to a count of 4 seconds with the stomach pushing out. Holds it for 7 seconds. Then exhale for 8 seconds. 🙂
Good to know!
I have always wondered by they do the writing challenges around the holidays! Getting discombobulated is part of life. You have a lot going on.
Yes, why November? How did anybody think that would be a good time? All those little details of planning for the holidays that take up head space and time! Just finding a top to wear for Thanksgiving is driving me nuts.
People do it and are successful though. I keep thinking they don’t do much in the way of holidays.
Even when I’m not doing much for the holidays there is so much time spent on little piddly stuff, am I right?
You are. I long for a life without piddly stuff.
Me too.
I hope all that you have sent out come back with the word “Published” on them. Best wishes, Luanne.
Ah, if only it were that simple, right? Thanks, John. Happy New Week!!!!
It is a wish. Yes if it were that simple it would be great.
Wishing you blessings this week! You are a very creative person, but sometimes even very creative people need an interlude of rest, a time to recharge.
Thank you, Linda. Yes, you are right, of course!!!
I think you have plenty going on for the moment, maybe you need to accept this as a necessary writing break before you come back again renewed – autumn is the season for renewal!
Acceptance yes, but not acquiescence!
You have plenty of irons in the fire. If they all come through at once and you are deep in publicity you’ll wonder what hit you. So savour this time and reassure yourself your subconscious is ticking away there. Sound like an expert, don’t I? Hah! I wish. One manuscript sitting in front of a publisher and still no word. Another I’m working on in fits and starts.
I think you can’t underestimate how much you are missing your kitties. Maybe a poem in their voice is mashing in that subconscious even now.
I guess we are all in similar situations with the writing and publishing stuff :/. You are probably right about the kitties. I had an idea about a poem about them but it’s probably dumb. I might pursue it anyway. Thank you, Gwen.
Egad. You know you shouldn’t censor yourself. Write it and see what develops xx
It’s easier to do NaNo in Canada because we had our Thanksgiving last month. 🙂
It’s so smart having it farther away from Christmas like that!!!!!
Maybe just allow yourself to have a breather, Luanne. Just… breathe. It can be restorative.
Also, re NaNoWriMo, I’ve wondered that too! My theory (which others will probably knock down) is that only single people with a dearth of other stuff going on in their lives can manage to carve out the time. But to those who can do it, I say more power to you!
Yes, a breather!
More power to them, but I just don’t get it. From my experience people are either overwhelmed at the holidays or having a nervous breakdown or both.
Well then… I guess I’m lucky in a way. No tradition of holidays. Not religious. Thankful re not having to buy gifts, make special meals, have apartment invaded by people other than my loved one and me. That said, we do have a few events we were invited to. Must bring wine! 😄🥳
You are getting off so easy. You’ll probably drink it yourself anyway. 😉
LOL maybeee! 😂😜
Wonderful news, Luanne! I can understand why you feel disoriented- waiting is harder than writing.
Thank you, Jennie. You get it! Yes, waiting is so hard! Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes! You’re welcome, Luanne. Happy Thanksgiving to you.
Thank you!
You’re welcome!
I totally get the part about being disoriented, especially creatively. But you seem like you have a lot on your plate, and I’m sure you’ll get through this. It’s been a month since this post, and I hope things have improved? Here’s to a rocking 2022!
Thank you, Stuart. A rocking 2022 sounds great!