Month: April 2015

Unstopping the Block

As of this Sunday, I will have completed my second time through The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. Once again I feel my creative blocks falling away. I believe it is much easier to write than to not write. I have realized the amount of time and energy I put into not writing becomes productive and fulfilling when I use it to write.

It sounds simple when I write it out but aren’t the simplest ideas often the most profound? Mind blown.

If you want to know more about The Artist’s Way, here’s the link to Julia Cameron’s website: http://juliacameronlive.com

Must All Artists Be Mad?

Let’s begin deconstructing the stigmas and stereotypes about artists. Here’s one – not all artists write all night. Many sleep instead.

Nor are most people able to write a novel while on their lunch break at their 9-5 job. In fact, most artists are better off working hours that are not 9-5.

To back me up I direct your attention to the article below, “Why Creative People Shouldn’t Work 9 to 5”

http://www.mnn.com/money/green-workplace/blogs/why-creative-people-shouldnt-work-9-to-5

*Please note, I do not agree with this article’s use of the term ‘creative people’. I firmly believe that everyone is creative. This article, however, is talking about the artist, a specific kind of creative person.*

When The Internet Seems Unhelpful

I haven’t been on my schedule lately because, as with most people, a holiday, even one you only sorta celebrate, brings a whole lot.  A whole lot of people, food, board games, social outings, talking, hiking, and drinking.

This is just a pop in to say that when the internet seems unhelpful or unfriendly or full of terrible comments and ads, I like to read the Chicago Writer’s Conference Facebook page.  Whoever they have running it is a beautiful curator of writing and reading related information.  I am so glad I found their conference by chance and continue to be apart of their goings on.

https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoWritersConference

Proud Beginner

I was talking with some people recently about being a beginner. I have always been a champion of the idea that you can start anything at any age. There’s a quote I love that says:

Question: Do you know how old I’ll be by the time I learn to play the piano?

Answer: The same age you will be if you don’t.

However, I do believe the single hardest thing to be a beginner at is running. Every time I begin running (once every six months or so), it is the most uncomfortable and physically painful experience of my life. Inevitably I pick the wrong clothes – my shirt rides up, my pants fall down. My lungs feel like they’re about to give out at any moment and I think my heart may explode. I feel like everyone who drives by is gawking at me like “whoa, check out that chick with the bright red face who’s somehow tangled her headphones in her ponytail.” I can never breath when I done and I always develop a week long, hacking cough. Yet I still keep trying, every six months, because I really do want to be a runner.  So despite the horrendous wardrobe malfunctions and physical trauma, I am a proud beginner.