Tag Archives: life

Jan15

From Ideas to Action: Your Writing Revival Checklist

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Semper deinceps! (SEM-purr dee-IN-keps) That’s Latin for “Ever forward.” It means you continuously strive for progress. You experience growth through consistent effort. But what if instead of “semper deinceps,” you/I feel more like “whimper deinceps”? If you/I want to stomp away from stagnation to gain ground, it will require a smidge of strategy. (Not to worry. It’s simple. Sorta.)

Let’s hatch a plan

It helps to have something to look forward to, so let’s whip up a plan. It doesn’t need to be fancy-schmancy, but the more curlicues (as in details) you can add, the more “ever forward” you’re going to feel.

You’re making a list & checking it thrice

How about this? On your phone, or better yet, using a pen and a piece of actual paper (because you know what’ll happen if you pick up that phone), make a list of three things. (You know how writers like things in threes.)

Photo by Vicky Lorencen

Fair enough, my little shiny yellow No. 2 pencils, I’ll start:

  1. “Audit” my old writing files in search of stories worthy of resuscitation.
  2. Go on a weekend-long spring writing retreat with friends for feedback on my revived stories.
  3. Spend three Saturdays in a row at my favorite branch of my local library with my most beloved, yet most neglected writing project. (I don’t know how they feel, but I miss my characters!)

No longer feeling list-less

Looking at my list, I must say, I already feel less schlumpy. The idea of sifting through my old stuff sounds fun. For one thing, it will (gosh, I sure hope) prove to me that I’ve made progress. And for another, who knows what germs of ideas or gems of inspiration may be tucked in there? Spending time with writer friends is always good for the soul and encourages accountability. And devoting time to a novel that is nearest to my heart will feel like a family reunion (and I won’t have to bring potato salad!)

To be fair, jotting down a list isn’t technically progress. BUT devising a detailed plan to move “ever forward” is a start. In the coming days, I will embellish my list with curlicues like adding specific names, blocking calendar dates and collecting files. Dare I admit it? I feel some semper simmering!

Did you make a new plan, Stan?

How about you, my little fountain pen of creativity? Care to share what’s on your list? I’d love to see it and cheer you on. Together, we WILL move ever forward. Semper deinceps!

You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence. ~  Octavia E. Butler

Oct18

Why Showing Up Matters in Creativity and Life

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There’s a big difference between showing off and showing up. Showing off is rarely productive or inspiring. But showing up? That’s where the power is. You see those brilliant red leaves, right? Okay, sure, maybe they do appear to be showing off, but they don’t do that every day. We count on that spectacular color to show up each autumn in Michigan. When those colors show up, it signals the start of an all-too-short cozy season. Knowing I can depend on the trees to do their “thing” is a comfort, especially when the world feels unpredictable and chaotic.

Showing up may not seem like much, but you’d be surprised what a difference it can make in your creative pursuits, your professional goals, and in your personal relationships. Consistency, even when we don’t feel like showing up, is what chips away at complacency and creates subtle, but persistent progress. I find it’s often best not to make showing up a decision. Will I? Won’t I? It’s best to view it as a foregone conclusion.

Will you join me in challenging ourselves to show up:

  • At your desk/computer/workspace — I guarantee you’ll make more progress.
    • When I was working on the manuscript for my children’s book, I had to show up–even on vacation–because I was determined to meet every deadline set by my editor. Did I do it? Yes. (Sometimes I didn’t send a revision until 4:59 p.m., but I got it there.)
  • For creative friends who need encouragement, a nudge or a lovingly worded challenge to help them get unstuck (so they can then show up, too).
    • I’ve found offering an open invitation to review a friend’s work or offer feedback can give them the motivation they need. Writing can be lonely work. Knowing someone is willing to show up for you can make other want to show up for themselves.
  • For book launches or author talks to show fellow creatives our support. You don’t have to bring a gift. You don’t need to stay for hours. Just show up. Let them see your sweet, shiny face in the crowd.
    • I love cheering on friends at their events whenever I can. Plus, I find I almost always come away with an idea I can incorporate in my future presentations.
  • For learning opportunities like workshops, virtual events, seminars, retreats, critique groups and classes. Get at least one on your calendar each season (and for those of you who live in a seasonless climate, let’s call it four times a year!)
    • I don’t have time to travel to far away events, so I often look for virtual opportunities — I’m still showing up!
  • For yourself — for your health (both mental and physical), for your goals and ambitions, your rejuvenation. Get “you” on your calendar for annual check up, dental appointments, counseling sessions, and dates with friends who recharge your batteries.
    • I find this one can be the most challenging, but it’s what makes it possible to show up for all the others.

My little apple cinnamon tarts, of course, you can’t show up for everything and everyone all the time. No one can. Just be intentional and consistent with your choices and feel the satisfaction of your own forward momentum. I’m rooting for you. Ever forward. Ever forward.

(And yes, always show up for cider and donuts!)

Care to share your progress?

 The advice I like to give young artists, or really anybody who’ll listen to me, is not to wait around for inspiration. Inspiration is for amateurs; the rest of us just show up and get to work. ~ Chuck Close