If you are a writer it is inevitable that at some point you will be asked “Why Do You Write?” I’ll bet you’ve even asked that of yourself when the writing stops flowing, your trash bin is littered with rough drafts, and you’d really rather be doing something, ANYTHING but sitting at your desk.
“Why am I doing this!” you scream in silent (or not so silent) agony.
Can you answer this question? If not, you need a list. Something you can post by your writing desk to keep you going or pull out when that celebrity podcaster wants to interview you. I promise you, it will make your life as a writer so much easier.
During a recent meeting with my critique group the why do we write question arose. We threw around some thoughts, all of us agreeing that it’s not for fame and money (though admitting that we harbor those secret thoughts). But I realized I didn’t have a good answer. After giving this some thought, I’ve come up with 5 REASONS WHY I WRITE
As the weather turns cooler, even in Arizona, I think about layers of soft fabric.
“The experience of creative living argures that hobbies are in fact essential to the joyful life. There is the hidden benefit that they are also creatively useful. Many hobbies involve a form of artist-brain mulling that leads to enormous creative breakthroughs. …Sewing has a nice way of mending up plots.” -Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way
SEAMS Like a Story
My sewing/writing studio is designed to accomodate my creative impulses when they strike.
If you’re new to my blog, you might be wondering about the name. Why “seams”? Shouldn’t it be “seems?” In fact, when my son-in-law helped me secure the domain, he suggested I acquire both names.
When I first retired from teaching, I wanted to pursue my two passions/hobbies: sewing and writing, and my blog Seams Like a Story was born. I find my two passions to be compatable, both contributing to my creative process.
For this project I chose a pumpkin-colored flannel fabric to make up the simple Dress #2 from 100 Acts of Sewing
Both writing and sewing begin with a plan, an idea, a spark of inspiration. Where writing pieces together words to create stories, the act of sewing involves the extra senses of touch and sight, colors, and textures as I piece together a garment.
Problem Solving
Rushed through this seam on the neck facing. Sewed it at 1/2 inch instead of 1/4 inch. Fortunately, I caught it in time. Thank goodness for seam rippers!
I’m halfway through a story or a sewing project and something’s not working. Time to rip out seams, sentences, words. Edit, revise. Take time to make it better. Try it on for size.
Unblock Your Creativity
It happens. Somedays the words don’t flow or I just can’t face the blank page. The act of sewing activates a different part of my brain and gives me a fresh perspective. Often, getting the creative juices flowing while sewing will jump start my writing. “Creative breakthroughs” Julia Cameron calls them. (for more ideas on overcoming writer’s block see http://seamslikeastory.com/4-ways-to-move-through-writers-block )
My new flannel dress is comfy and cozy , perfect for a writing day, critique group meeting, or lunch out with friends.
Threads of Thought
Activities like sewing, painting, gardening, quilting, woodworking, writing, photography, interior decorating, cooking,….. contribute to living a joyful, creative life.
I recently had the opportunity to participate in the Society of Southwest Authors book signing event in Green Valley AZ. Maybe you have attend such events as an author or as a customer. This is only my second book signing, so I’m still a novice but here are my tips from the SSA event this year:
Why Book Signings are Important for Authors
Whether you are a traditionally published author or self-published like me, this is your chance to meet your audience (readers) face to face. You get to make contacts with fellow authors, see what they are writing, and how they are marketing their books. For me, it is a way to become part of the literary community of writers and readers. Plus…you might sell some books!
How to Prepare for a Book Signing
Here are some basic items you will need:
Copies of your book (obviously)
Printed description of your book and a few published reviews
(sometimes)
I am turquoise
confident, creative
shining brilliant,
reflecting
sonoran sky
caribbean sea
(sometimes)
I am gray
silent, solitary
suspended in space
between
black and white
gathering thoughts
for turquoise days
What is Writer’s Block
Some call it “writers block,” for me it’s more of a lack of inspiration, low energy, self-doubts I call them my gray days. Whatever it is, these dry spells are concerning for me. Negative thoughts creep in and that internal nagging voice seizes the opportunity to taunt me: you are a bad speller, no one will think your writing is interesting, there are better uses for your time, it’s too much work…
Moving Through Writer’s Block
What do you do when you experience a block to your creativity? First of all, don’t panic. It happens to all writers and other artists. Here are 4 things I’ve found to be helpful during gray days.
A reader finds a quiet spot at the Tucson Festival of Books.
Imagine a Disneyworld for authors and book lovers! Every spring, thousands descend on the campus of the University of Arizona for a weekend of workshops, author meet and greets, books sales, food , music, and fun. The Tucson Festival of Books has been virtual for the past few years, but took place in person this year, though plexiglass dividers and facemasks (for the most part.) Here are my take-aways from this year’s event:
