1. You’ve crawled into my cob-webby soul and shown me all the things that still live there, and it makes me feel seen in a way that feels both validating and shameful. Thank you… I think.
2. “A big project can definitely add some shape and meaning to our ordinary days.” – Yes! I remember when I was training for my first marathon and how it added shape and meaning to my days. I couldn’t run a mile but all I had to do was follow this 16-week calendar that made it doable. (OK, I never actually ran it, but let’s blame that on getting pregnant and living out a different kind of never-ending marathon.) But now that I think about this, I wonder, is there a similar calendar that exists for people who want to write a book? And because that thought is making me anxious, I also wonder if I could possibly write my first marathon-sized project with the same expectations I had for running, which was, Who cares how sloppy, painful, slow and messy it is? All you have to do is finish it. PERFECTIONISM. UGH.
3. But if you, award-winning novelist, feel the feelings I feel when I allow myself to feel them--this feels less than what I expected of life, myself, etc.--what hope is there for us plebes who've yet jumped into this journey? OK, as I re-read this, I’m feeling a little cringy inside but seriously—you? Creatively stuck? Is this where you tell me writers—they’re just like us?
Lots of thoughts come to mind as I read this.
1. You’ve crawled into my cob-webby soul and shown me all the things that still live there, and it makes me feel seen in a way that feels both validating and shameful. Thank you… I think.
2. “A big project can definitely add some shape and meaning to our ordinary days.” – Yes! I remember when I was training for my first marathon and how it added shape and meaning to my days. I couldn’t run a mile but all I had to do was follow this 16-week calendar that made it doable. (OK, I never actually ran it, but let’s blame that on getting pregnant and living out a different kind of never-ending marathon.) But now that I think about this, I wonder, is there a similar calendar that exists for people who want to write a book? And because that thought is making me anxious, I also wonder if I could possibly write my first marathon-sized project with the same expectations I had for running, which was, Who cares how sloppy, painful, slow and messy it is? All you have to do is finish it. PERFECTIONISM. UGH.
3. But if you, award-winning novelist, feel the feelings I feel when I allow myself to feel them--this feels less than what I expected of life, myself, etc.--what hope is there for us plebes who've yet jumped into this journey? OK, as I re-read this, I’m feeling a little cringy inside but seriously—you? Creatively stuck? Is this where you tell me writers—they’re just like us?
Exactly how I’m feeling this morning-creatively stuck. Thank you Amy. And thanks to Courtney Maum for the recommendation.