Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month, as a writing prompt for IWSG members. Answering it is optional. For November, the question is: “How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor JQ Rose Ann V. Friend and Elizabeth Seckman. Feel free to swing by their sites and see what they’re up to.
My answer to the question (How has your creativity in life evolved since you began writing?)
I see writing as my only creative outlet. I’m writing creative non-fiction, after all. Yes, I take hundreds of photos a week as well, traveling full-time, but that’s to document my memories and share my experiences. Writing is different… It’s in my head at all times. When I don’t write my diary, emails, blogs, articles or book chapters, I come up with ideas, jot down notes, or scribble on my iPad. Writing consumes me and even when I hike, drive or relax, my thoughts venture towards how I could say this or that, express my feelings or activities in words. If that’s called creativity, then my life has always been full of it! 😊
Book progress
The first Wednesday of the month being this late gave me a bonus week to make up for not doing anything with my work in progress (WIP) in October. Yet, I couldn’t take advantage of it, because of our alternative lifestyle. Like the previous four months (gasp!), my memoir has been put on the back burner in October. Mark and I have been driving, sightseeing, hiking, catching up on internet stuff, and meeting friends along the way constantly. More about that in future posts. But, in the middle of November this is about to change, as we will temporarily settle ourselves somewhere in Southern California, so I can focus on my book again. This book process requires full-time commitment and attention, something that has been impossible since Mark and I moved into our camper van Zesty, the end of July
Anyway, I look forward, not backward, and that means excitement about the editing process. I will merge all the Word documents my beta readers sent back and go through their changes and suggestions during this first editing round. Once I have a couple of chapters “finished to satisfaction”, I can focus on a non-fiction book proposal to generate potential interest from agents and publishers.
One of my writer friends in Oregon showed me how to easily create a book cover with Canva, other friends encouraged me to get back into the memoir project as soon as possible and my husband is determined to have me finish the thing within the next six months. And then there are the reassuring words of you, my readers and my beta readers.
One of them wrote this on his blog: “I’ve had the great pleasure of helping a friend by beta reading her memoir. Man, she can write (quality and quantity), and at times I don’t feel up to the task, but I’m loving the sneak peek into her truly unique life. The hard part is focusing on the writing and not getting absorbed in the stories.” Another reader mentioned in one of her blog posts: “…I also beta read a fascinating sailing memoir. Can’t wait to see this one published.” And a third wonderful beta reader sent me these words privately: “Reading your experiences is like tuning into a good movie without commercials. There can never be too much.” If that doesn’t help me to get going again, what would? 🙂
What is your creative outlet?
November 8, 2018 at 01:49
Wow, those are some great comments, Liesbet, you must have gained more confidence. Keep going. And don’t worry about the breaks sometimes. It only feeds back into the writing and makes it richer! 🙂
November 8, 2018 at 02:48
Liesbet, I can totally relate and understand your inability to write while you are on the road. I know for me, that my most creative outlet, which is painting, can only be done when there are no other things competing for attention. Even making meals is annoying to me if I am in the middle of working/creating. Having space in one’s heads for the creative process is of course just the most important thing that can happen in order for the creative juices to flow.
Good for you for setting aside time to make it happen. Six months? In the big picture of things of course that is not a lot of time.. but yeah Mark has his goals for you which will either motivate you to get cracking or be an unrealistic “imposed schedule”. But of course only time will tell.
Good luck!!
Peta
November 8, 2018 at 06:11
Maybe you can’t write while traveling, but you do see some incredible places in the process.
I know a lot of people who format and do covers and edit and such who’d be glad to help you when you’re ready.
November 11, 2018 at 22:32
Thanks for the help and suggestion, Alex. I’ll be sure to reach out when I am in need of something. And, one day, I’ll succeed in combining writing and traveling. I just need some practice. 🙂
November 8, 2018 at 06:38
You guys have such a full on life, no wonder you haven’t got time to write! I’ve looked at Cavna previously i can just never find the right pictures (haha)
Hope all is well
x
November 11, 2018 at 22:34
Yep… going through archives with thousands of photos could be tricky! I have one particular photo in mind for my cover, but I’m sure I’ll change my mind about that at some point, and then the search for something better shall begin.
All is well here! Just finished a humongous translation project that took seven full days. Time to travel again. I’m thinking, if I can translate and live on the road, why can’t I do the same with memoir writing?
November 14, 2018 at 11:46
I always manage to find time to do things when I am doing 100 other things… I guess you can always make time for other stuff 🙂
November 15, 2018 at 11:52
I guess YOU can always make time for other stuff. 🙂 No, I hear you. The pressure of a few projects and focuses at the same time could be encouraging. It gets the adrenaline going. I guess you are good at multi-tasking and are not too single-focused!
November 8, 2018 at 06:51
Great comments, Liesbet! Taking a break can be a good thing…otherwise you’ll end up with elevated blood pressure, like me. 🙁
November 11, 2018 at 22:36
Sorry to hear about your blood pressure, Jill. Is there any way you can take a little break now that you’ve released your latest book? I hope so. Sending you some peaceful vibes! As far as my “break” goes, it has been way too long. 🙂
November 8, 2018 at 07:26
Hi, Liesbet – Those are truly awesome comments from your beta readers. I can’t wait to read your story.
I am so sad that you and Mark will not be in Southern California until the middle of November. That’s the exact time that Richard and I leave!
November 11, 2018 at 22:38
I can’t believe it’s almost the middle of November and you are leaving already! Remember when your trip was about to start? I hope you had an amazing time in the desert, warming your bodies, and I’m sure we will meet again somewhere, some day!
Oh, tell Richard that Mark and I biked to Pebble Beach (from Monterey) last Friday. Impressive. I’m surprised they let us on the grounds. 🙂
November 8, 2018 at 08:09
Lucky woman, you have so much support. Your success is just around the corner. 🙂
November 11, 2018 at 22:39
Haha! If it were only that easy. Maybe if I had your knowledge and experience! 🙂
November 8, 2018 at 12:07
Fascinated with your life on the road. I hope you find time to finish the book! You’ve had some excellent feedback, so keep moving forward.
November 11, 2018 at 22:40
Thanks, Sharon. The good thing is that I, truly, have memories for a lifetime, as in enough material already to write ten books. Yet, I don’t mind collecting even more experiences. 🙂
November 8, 2018 at 14:31
Looking forward to your memoir. I can’t imagine writing a book. It is hard enough for me to just write blog posts. It feels like most of my writing lives in my head and seems to evaporate by the time I try to write it down.
Hope you enjoy your settled time in Southern California and that you have a relaxing place to make more progress on your book.
November 11, 2018 at 22:43
Haha, Duwan. I love your reference to the writing in your head evaporating. That’s how I feel most of the time. Even though I have tons of notebooks, whenever I have the most fascinating thoughts and compelling ideas, there seems to be no possibility to write anything down, like in bed or on the toilet. 🙂
Thanks for the well wishes. Let’s hope Southern California delivers. It’s only for six weeks in total, and I bet some translation work will show up. That always seems to happen when I’m ready to start editing my memoir.
November 8, 2018 at 14:39
Good feedback on your progress so far has to be satisfying! I have written only in fits and starts for many months now, so I know how frustrating the delay can feel. You’ll get back to it soon, and I wish you lots of luck getting it done!
November 11, 2018 at 22:45
Thanks, Lexie. I guess there’s a time for anything. So, let’s hope the time has come for you to sit and write a bunch this winter as well. I’m looking forward to checking out your latest blog and read about your experiences in the dunes. What a magical place, huh?
November 12, 2018 at 07:11
Loved it!
November 12, 2018 at 14:35
🙂
November 8, 2018 at 23:16
To me photography as you pursue it is creative – just looking at some shots…WOW. I write but I’m also a retired photographer that was part of my work as a journalist.
November 12, 2018 at 14:27
Taking photos as part of a job sounds exciting, Roland. The combination writing and photo taking is one of the best if it can emerge from a hobby into making some money. When I was sailing, I managed to sell articles – text and photos – to magazines and make some pocket money. I hope to get back to that again, once I have more time. Right now, the money comes in from translations… way more boring than freelance writing.
November 12, 2018 at 16:36
I hope you get back into freelance writing – and get inspired,
November 12, 2018 at 19:50
Thanks, Roland. I’ll have to after the memoir is finished, since we will need money by then. 🙂
November 10, 2018 at 02:11
Great beta comments, sounds like you’re going in the right direction with your story. Not surprised you struggle to write on the road, it’s tough isn’t it? Great photos too, really good.
November 12, 2018 at 14:30
Thanks, Jonno. It is nearly impossible for me to write (seriously) when I’m on the road. I can manage daily diary entries, emails, and blogs, but working on a book is a different matter. I hope to combine travel writing with life on the road one day, though. I’ll get there, once this memoir is finished. 🙂
November 10, 2018 at 03:44
I’m so glad you’ll have some time to stay in one place for a while and focus on the memoir cause I really can’t wait to see it published 🙂
I love Canva. I’ve used it for my covers and marketing images. So easy to use.
November 12, 2018 at 14:32
If I decide to go the self-publishing route, Canva will come in really handy. We have six weeks of house sits planned, and not all in the same place, so I hope that’s enough to make good progress with the memoir. It would be nice if we could add the month of January as a house sit as well.
November 10, 2018 at 18:40
I join with other readers here: Take care of yourself. You actually have more time to accomplish what you need to do than you imagine right now.
Once a friend at the college told me, “You are exactly where you need to be right now.” That wisdom has stuck with me. I remember it when I think I’m going to hyperventilate – hahaha!
November 12, 2018 at 14:34
That’s a good quote, Marian and it gets rid of the “regret” sensation, which, luckily, I don’t often have. And, you are right about my time allotment. It’s all about prioritizing that precious time. I should treat my writing and memoir as I treat my translations, for which I drop everything. The money and the deadline do help with that decision, though. 🙂
November 10, 2018 at 18:42
I have to add this. You are in Monterey, CA. WOW! Wonderful place: we’ve been there twice – sea and mountains in view.
November 12, 2018 at 14:47
You are quite the traveler as well, Marian! There are few places in this world, and in this country, that own a piece of my heart. Monterey is one of them! I fell in love with this town the first time we arrived here (under VERY different circumstances, worthy of a chapter in my memoir) and really enjoyed revisiting these last few days.
November 11, 2018 at 01:52
That’s definitely some great feedback. I wish you good luck in getting settled and finishing your book!
November 12, 2018 at 14:47
Thanks, Shannon. We will see what happens the rest of this year. 🙂
November 12, 2018 at 18:01
You are doing just fine Liesbet. As creatives we do find our hands in so many pots. You are taking in life right now with your travels with Zesty, that’s a part of your life too and it gives your creative writing outlet something to write about too. You will get there when the time is right, for now enjoy and don’t sweat it! <3
November 12, 2018 at 19:53
You are such an amazing person, Debby. I really love your encouraging words. Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves? I guess being overwhelmed by all the possibilities in life (whether it is traveling, writing, photographing or other pursuits) has to do with being a creative? I guess that could make sense.
You made me happy tonight with your comments, and that rum and juice drink helped as well. Celebrating the end of seven days of full-time translating and making real money for that (which will last us a month and a half)! Yay. 🙂
November 13, 2018 at 08:26
Well real life comes first. Trust me, most authors could barely survive on book sales, so you are doing the best of both worlds. Never regret! You are where you need to be. 🙂 x
November 15, 2018 at 11:44
Well said! And, another big project just arrived, so I’ll be making more money and postponing my book progress again. Maybe I should stop providing updates about my memoir… 🙂
November 16, 2018 at 08:55
Lol, so funny! Take it it all in my friend, and maybe update monthly instead LOL 🙂
November 16, 2018 at 19:09
Haha. Good idea, except, I’m already doing the monthly update about my memoir. 🙂 But, I promise, I’m getting back to it later this month. Once this next translation job is done.
November 13, 2018 at 12:47
As always, I love the photos you included with this post. I also think it’s exciting, just you and Mark and Zesty, seeing the world. Bravo for all the great acclaim from beta readers. Your sailing story is truly unique and worth telling for sure. It seems like you’ve got great help here, preparing a cover and moving forward. I wish you all the best, my dear.
November 15, 2018 at 11:48
Thanks, Victoria. I’m eager to get started again after over five months of inactivity with this project. Being settled in a house for a few weeks surely should help! I’m ready for a little break from the road again. Time to write about those adventures instead of constantly living them. 🙂
November 13, 2018 at 14:26
I always believe a long break in leisure will fan the flames of new inspiration, Liesbet! We can be so hard on ourselves with our creative processes–all those “shoulds!” But you have interesting and engaging stories to tell which are only richer by you living your life. Congrats on the kudos from others–those are inspiring words! You know me, I take pics like you, everywhere I go, to tell that story! I do love writing, but visual arts works best for me now!
November 15, 2018 at 11:51
You are the expert in regards to leisure, Terri! 🙂 I think taking photos and writing might be addictive, or at least important passions to some of us. But, I think it’s impossible to focus on both at the same time, to dig in and become an “expert” that is. So many things to do and so little time, right?
I hope you are doing well up in Sacramento and that you’re safe from the fires and its consequences… We had a lot of smoke in Monterey, but further south seems to be OK for now.
November 14, 2018 at 20:25
Hi Liesbet
I’m excited for you. Your beta readers sure had some wonderful things to say about your memoir. Good luck this fall and winter in Southern California. If you get toward Monterey let me know. I’d love to meet you and Mark.
Enjoy the journey
Laura
November 15, 2018 at 11:54
Thanks, Laura! We actually just passed through Monterey, but I had a massive translation project to work on, so was locked into our van half of the day and in the public library the other half of the day for a week. We managed to explore town and the waterfront briefly. I love that city!! If I’m ever back, I’ll make sure to get in touch.
November 22, 2018 at 00:37
What great, supportive comments from your beta readers! I just came from my writers’ group monthly meeting today. It is so helpful to talk with other writers, and with thoughtful readers.
Jude
November 23, 2018 at 11:40
I love my online writing community, but I wish I could be in an “on the ground” writers’ group as well, like you and others who live somewhere permanently. Valuable indeed!
November 27, 2018 at 17:24
Those are amazing compliments! And, whether it’s for a purpose or not, I feel photography and blogging definitely count as creative expression.
I know that living minimally and simply is key, but I highly suggest hiring a cover artist for your memoir. A lot of great designers aren’t that expensive, and the cover can make or break your book. An amateur cover won’t do your work justice. Canva is great for teaser ads and blog posts, etc., but I’d never use it for a book cover.
If you need some referrals, please let me know.
November 30, 2018 at 12:53
Thanks for the tip about professional cover artists, JH. I believe you, based on the amazing covers your books have. I might take you up on those referrals in a few months!