If I could make sound effects that match my current creative energy, it would be something out of a Batman comic…BAM! ARRGH! SWACK!! EEK!
Seriously…I am completely and utterly creatively constipated, and I am not sure what remedies can free me from my current diagnosis.
For me and many others, this is the thing: being creative sets you free and ignites your soul, but it also drowns you in defeat and self-loathing.
When I started this newsletter, I wanted to be vulnerable and honest about my experience as I write a book while navigating all of life’s fuckerys, of which there are plenty.
I can only imagine it is irritating to read about my procrastination, especially if you are more of a “get things done” kind of personality. Sorry…not sorry? I am who I am!!!
Also, when it gets dark at 5 pm, it is tough to feel awake and alive, let alone inspired. Lucy is currently sleeping on the couch with all four paws in the air, living her best dog life; my husband just got home from work and is going through his process of letting go of the work day and transitioning into home and chill mode. It takes him some time…and so I have been thinking…
I have an idea that will benefit both of us, dear readers.
There is a big difference between the first draft of a book and the finished product. The first draft is an explosion of ideas that have been tossed into the air to see where they land. Sometimes they are eloquently presented, and sometimes they are like quiet gas…they are sneaky and stinky!! The final draft may be your second one, but sometimes it is several drafts in before that even happens.
This is the thing, though….
I am most productive when I am accountable to someone.
If no one is waiting for me to deliver the goods, it is easier for me to put it off and watch a movie or drink a pot of tea than to find the motivation to create.
So here is what I am selling, and I hope you are in the market.
I will write my first draft as a serial novel on this platform.
Each week, on Sunday, you will receive a new chapter or a few chapters; I figure you guys are here for a reason; you are interested in what I am up to, so why not share the literal messy process?
I will warn you, though, the first draft is NEVER as good as the final. But since I have never written either, I say, let’s not worry about it, and let’s see what happens.
What do you think? Life is too short, right??
Astrid - The first draft - (working title) - will be a separate newsletter, so you can choose to subscribe, but you don’t have to !!
I will continue with this newsletter, as usual, one or two newsletters per week that are more of what I have been doing…my general life observations and grievances, coated with some love and hope, so that those who are not inspired to read my horror rubbish are still on board, and enjoying Planet Maybe with a tea and biscuit, minus the trauma.
I would also remind you that I am writing a horror novel…so there may be things in the book that you find icky or disturbing, and I can’t afford to pay for your therapy, so it is best to assume that it may get uncomfortable sometimes.
OK… you see? Now I am feeling inspired!!!
I will introduce the new newsletter in January, so I will give you a heads-up and offer a link for you to subscribe. I will also be taking my next writing course through UCLA at that time, so I can create for you and my class ( two birds stoned at once)
And…
I will be writing four newsletters for Planet Maybe in December that will all be Christmas-themed, so that should be a jolly good time!!!
I am so excited about this new adventure!!
See you in December,
xo
Michelle Lee Stuart
Go for it! I can totally relate - my creativity has always come in hurricane-sized bursts and then...NADA. At age 68 I have learned to go with the flow of it. The words "accountable" and "deadline" literally make me anxious and I avoid anxiety like the plague these days. So, I have just banished them from my life. I'm supposed to be writing a book - I was given a book title during a meditation in 2015. I never wanted to write a book. Needless to say, I'm dragging my heels. Anyway, good luck with your plan! I love your writing. :)
This sounds great!