Comments on: What Writers Want vs. What Writers Control

By: Cindie

Cindie — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 07:03:59 +0000

I definitely agree there are near endless similarities among the experiences of creative professionals! One of my favorite “writing” books is by Twyla Tharp. No, it’s not about writing. It’s about dance, but her advice about dance really connected with me even though I can’t dance a lick.

I like your blog series here. Especially Don’t Jump. Oh, I’ve definitely been there! Have you seen this? It makes me laugh. A lot. http://www.27bslash6.com/p2p2.html

By: Pasadena Adjacent

Pasadena Adjacent — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:28:27 +0000

Maybe it's a stretch but in the plethora of 12 step programs, most work from the original text referred to as the big /blue/book of AA. You probably know this already but maybe not. Substituting nicotine for alcohol or as in this case “Art” for “Literature”. Process wise, it's the idea of similarity between fields when it comes to self promotion, fighting for an idea, processing criticism and not getting lost in the process. Spiritually it's about coming to grips with disappointment and accepting what you can change and what you can't etc. I did a small series of blog posts (in near real time) on the process of a Fire Station public art project I finished last October. It shows part of my process when you get a chance Don't Jump Channeling Sekhmet Grand Unveiling

By: Cindie

Cindie — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 22:51:21 +0000

I’m really intrigued by the comparison to 12 step programs but I think I’m just missing the point (though I know I am powerless over my art). Would you mind expanding a bit?

By: Pasadena Adjacent

Pasadena Adjacent — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 19:43:23 +0000

This may strike you as a strange comparison but I feel like I’ve walked into a 12 step meeting and the leader has handed me the book of Alcoholics Anonymous and told me to substitute “Art” for “Literature”. Such similar struggles and disappointments.

In many ways I feel most comfortable in your space because so much of what I read, although a storyline is present I find a lack of insight. For me they’re is a difference.

here
“the fear that once I commit something to the mail I’ve lost any hope of bridging that awful space between the story in my mind and the story on the page”

here
” I started this book, but it fell apart down under the weight of my inability. “

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:44:20 +0000

I love this, as usual. Even your title (Beach Bitches) makes me look twice. Like you, I have to do major revamps, but I’m inspired by you. Three–>ten submissions a week. Great! I should probably set up a goal friend like you.

By: Des

Des — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:55:51 +0000

Great timely post! Thanks for the reminder!

By: Cindie

Cindie — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:22:29 +0000

Great goal!

By: Wolf

Wolf — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:52:00 +0000

Indeed!

A really important point you brought up is how we we make the goals of things we can’t control. And really a lot of people do. I find that goals need to be set more like steps than goals. Like Step 1: Work out Step 2: Eat right. Step 3: Continue this.

The term goal to me feels so dreamy that I doubt I’ll ever accomplish anything goal I give myself that is practical enough to become a task.

So for this year I have given myself a goal that goes with the ideology of goals: My goal for 2010 is abundance. I am going to have a year in which I will strive not to let anything be meager. I am going to do everything I can for myself with as much verve as I can. I’m going to enjoy every last minute of it.

By: Mikalee

Mikalee — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 23:05:46 +0000

Personally, I’d read your book just for the character that changes gender half-way through. Sounds intriguing…

I admire your commitment, Cindie. Seems I need to take a big ol’ swig of the Kool-Aid and get committed myself. Thanks for the inspiration!