The end of summer is already here in Minnesota and the State Fair has begun. The next two weeks will be full of new foods on a stick and a small break from event life. While my writing life may have been on hiatus, my art life has kept me busy. Yes, I’m still trying to figure out ways to balance both muses but I have come to the conclusion that life is always a work in progress. As long as I keep moving forward, I’m happy.
Being in the second year of my of quitting my 9 -5 has created a lot of new “firsts”, and I have managed to journal those in a new sketch book without margins or lines. These blank pages allow the freedom to journal, use stickers, or sketch. Having no restrictions has helped the pages turn.
I thought writing things down would unlock more creativity when it comes to ideas. Not limiting the kinds of materials I can use also took the pressure to fill empty pages and writer’s block. Sometimes my thoughts came out in bullets, other times it was in paragraphs. There were no rules when I started this journal. I just wanted to write it down, so that I could go over the memories later.
I’m happy to report that my summer included some record breaking months for events. That scary leap is no longer so scary. My life has opened up gallery showings, new events, and new experiences. I don’t think I could give up the flexibility and freedom of my schedule. The pace of working myself to death is gone. Some days I get a lot done and some days I only get a few things done but I’m no longer punishing myself for slower days.
In order to keep myself connected to the pen, I’ve kept a new journal. I’ve also been adding and editing new book ideas. Those still have a ways to go before I’ll be satisfied with them. I keep hitting speed bumps that stop my fingers. Something is missing. What will it take to get them done?
Well, lately, I’ve been looking at writing retreats because I think setting aside a block of time where I can focus would get me closer to the finish line. Maybe a class or group would help but that will have to wait after our big holiday shows.
The quiet of the cold, winter months will give me more time to focus on the stories I have turning in my mind. One thing that has changed, is that I write down an idea for my stories in my journal or in the notepad of my phone before I start over on entire chapters. No more 1,000 pages trash heaps. Well, I can’t make any promises but I’m trying.
The point of this post is to let you know that I’m still writing even if I haven’t posted in a while. I hope everyone is having a noteworthy summer, there’s still a few days left. May you be inspired this week because hearing good words may be left up to us, the writers, these days.
Imagine Inspire Create: 52 Weeks of action and gratitude is available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S6XCLFY/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_Q7MHM9CFBSASDG56YMJQ
Get closer to your writing goals with my Writer’s Journal filled with writing prompts and exercises. You can find a copy at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0931QRL7C/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VTHN0QSHXRYK6RJ1XSWQ.
Yoon Ju
Writer's Block Inc 