Just writing to say I so much connected with the creative feelings written about beautifully here- lately, I've not felt very interested in writing, then double arrowing myself with major guilt and panic about it. So glad you're committing to your intuition through it all.
Got my book today. Although I’m seem to be in a creative hole currently I do appreciate your well written posting and being able to put to words what I currently cannot 😞. So I’m looking forward to connect with outdoors and reading this amazing book without pressure.
Love this… and totally understand that need for low responsibility… I have to say I felt like I didn’t have capacity to join you when you shared the post on the book club… but now you have put it this way it feels way more do-able! I am so grateful for you always sharing so honestly… it’s refreshing and inspiring. Xx
Well that is fabulous to hear Lauren. Think I went 'traditional launch mode' for the first book club post (which is probably why it did well)...and then had a hissy fit with myself and realised it wasn't quite right, for...well, anyone! Now we can all simply enjoy reading 8 wonderful books over the next year. Ah. Much better ;) x x
Sounds so much more nourishing! And it’s a wonderful demonstration of how we can totally change our mind or pivot to make sure our own needs are honoured. Xxx
I had the moderately crazy idea a while back of starting a movement for every-other-month work schedules. I could imagine myself really giving my all for 30 days, working all kinds of hours, if I knew I'd have 30 days to follow my heart after that. But then I realized I'd never want to give up the heart-following months, so I'd best figure out how to weave it into the interstices.
A funny side note: I read 👆 "balancing capacity" as balancing captivity. When the brain has a mic drop moment.
Taking care of you is non-negotiable, Luisa. We're here no matter what that needs to look like.
I'm sure it's still going to be everything it needs to be. Just not the dominating factor I could *allow* it to be, given the time/energy/headspace. Also figure those drawn to hanging out here feel kinda similarly discombobulated and scattered...so... ;) x
I have my own book club (me) and at this point can't join any others but want to add a couple FYI that I think merit your consideration. One that I am finishing up now is Naomi Klein's "Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World" and another from years ago on a wholly different topic is Mae Sarton's "Journal of a Solitude." Two quite different and for me, rich with meaning and purpose. Appreciating you going gently, softly and with great care. Thanks much, Luisa!
I didn't comment originally because I too am tired to the bone. I "launched" my substack with work that had been rejected by journals for years. And not I'm stagnant again. But I never stop reading. So I'm up for your list -- whatever it is. I recommend you include at least one contemporary African America or British woman, Latina, Asian because I love "reading around the world." I'm a fan of Booker Prize nominees and winners; I'm always challenged in a good way and inspired by them. That's it. Off to request Weathering from the library. oxox
Absolutely Ilene. I shall be curating our choices as globally as possible, within my knowledge. Totally agree. Thank you for being here, even though you're tired 🖤
Luisa I applaud your honesty and understand your feeling of being bone weary. I myself feel I am crawling out of hibernation after months of dealing with a virus and completely lost my will to read anything let alone write.
I belong to another online book club and that has grown from a handful of readers to thousands. It is a wonderful place to be… but its creator would tell you it needs a lot more than book recommendations and beta readers and Arcs it needs a team to make it appear to be a fluid, ever evolving ‘thing’. Therefore I think you must know yourself when the time is right because a book group is a responsibility that cares for its readers and for the printed pages it shares with the world.
The other book group has rules about when we can and cannot promote our own work.
So may I be allowed to promote my own here for discussion?
A Stony Silence. Alison Young
The life of my former mother in law born in Ireland in 1913. Became totally deaf as a child
Her life ruled by prejudice for her disability and for her family growing up in the early Irish Troubles.
Serendipity Dip A.M.Young
A collection of short stories and poems
A bit Roald Dahl.. tales of the unexpected
and just a very random selection reflecting all things re life and all things from my crazy imagination. Both are available on Amazon as paperback and ebook.
We are heading into Spring and signs of new life are pushing up from the soil. May you feel refreshed and when it’s right for you, your ideas will fly in the form of printed pages being shared with the world. Take care and know that we understand.
Wonderful thoughts, carefully considered and admired boundaries. What every creative could use a sprinkling of!
This essay is very spring like to me; the gentle unfurling of a tight bud; the sepia tones of the sun starting to emerge through the clouds; a slow meandering walk after a Sunday roast. There’s nothing rushed about spring or nature, she’ll be there to guide us on this little pilgrimage we are all about to embark on together. I look forward to sharing my books and my nooks in photos and notes!
Dear Luisa, this is so relatable. My creativity has thoroughly rebelled against schedules and deadlines, obligations and responsibilities too. And suffered a mild terror/excitement each time I post something the becomes more popular that I’d expected 💛
Barrie. A dream to have your encouragement, as always. Thank you. And for the suggestions (both of which are on my own list! Tanya's I've read and enjoyed. Kerri's I've still to enjoy).
At least I haven't upped and run for the hills at the first sniff, this time. I'll take that as progress 😊
Shout up if you need more ... encouragement is what we do. And I bet both Tan and Kerri would be active participants and encouragers of your gorgeous idea too.
This is so beautiful Luisa. I can sense that you are leaning into your intuition and for that very reason this book club will be everything it’s meant to be. A gift graciously received by myself and many others. Thank you 🙏
I knew I'd lost a little intuition listening since the new year, everything (in all areas!) has been so hectic. Trying to take a step back, even just in my mindset, and get back in touch again.
Great lesson, isn't it. Hopefully comes across with the intent it was meant - to listen to your own wishes and act accordingly - rather than bend to external happenings that you can't control. Sometimes it's easy to lose that in the excitement 😊 but that's where I've gone wrong before and ended up burning everything to the ground, too late to rescue. Different, this time.
That tiredness…all part of the beautiful process. Congratulations on the book club. Your rules are sensibly meaningful. I hope to have he time and courage to join someday.
Just writing to say I so much connected with the creative feelings written about beautifully here- lately, I've not felt very interested in writing, then double arrowing myself with major guilt and panic about it. So glad you're committing to your intuition through it all.
Thank you for being here Nicole! 📚🤎
Perfectly planned, my friend. Here’s to hoping you can remain in the slow, gentle vibe as you “guide” us through the year. ❤️
Suggestion...anything by Mary Oliver, maybe one of her last books Devotion or Upstream?
Thank you for creating a spacious space for us - and I love the term “edge writer”, it sums up exactly how my writing life is right now.
Oh it so is Monique! Here's to all the nooks and crannies for writing 🖤
Got my book today. Although I’m seem to be in a creative hole currently I do appreciate your well written posting and being able to put to words what I currently cannot 😞. So I’m looking forward to connect with outdoors and reading this amazing book without pressure.
Tammie, thank you, that means a lot. I feel like I can join you in simply enjoying the reading now, too! 🖤
Love this… and totally understand that need for low responsibility… I have to say I felt like I didn’t have capacity to join you when you shared the post on the book club… but now you have put it this way it feels way more do-able! I am so grateful for you always sharing so honestly… it’s refreshing and inspiring. Xx
Well that is fabulous to hear Lauren. Think I went 'traditional launch mode' for the first book club post (which is probably why it did well)...and then had a hissy fit with myself and realised it wasn't quite right, for...well, anyone! Now we can all simply enjoy reading 8 wonderful books over the next year. Ah. Much better ;) x x
Sounds so much more nourishing! And it’s a wonderful demonstration of how we can totally change our mind or pivot to make sure our own needs are honoured. Xxx
I had the moderately crazy idea a while back of starting a movement for every-other-month work schedules. I could imagine myself really giving my all for 30 days, working all kinds of hours, if I knew I'd have 30 days to follow my heart after that. But then I realized I'd never want to give up the heart-following months, so I'd best figure out how to weave it into the interstices.
A funny side note: I read 👆 "balancing capacity" as balancing captivity. When the brain has a mic drop moment.
Taking care of you is non-negotiable, Luisa. We're here no matter what that needs to look like.
Good mic drop brain! 🤣👏👏👏
I'm sure it's still going to be everything it needs to be. Just not the dominating factor I could *allow* it to be, given the time/energy/headspace. Also figure those drawn to hanging out here feel kinda similarly discombobulated and scattered...so... ;) x
Me, discombobulated? HAHAHAHAhahahah!
I have my own book club (me) and at this point can't join any others but want to add a couple FYI that I think merit your consideration. One that I am finishing up now is Naomi Klein's "Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World" and another from years ago on a wholly different topic is Mae Sarton's "Journal of a Solitude." Two quite different and for me, rich with meaning and purpose. Appreciating you going gently, softly and with great care. Thanks much, Luisa!
Wonderful suggestions Gary. Thank you, and for your kindness 🖤
I didn't comment originally because I too am tired to the bone. I "launched" my substack with work that had been rejected by journals for years. And not I'm stagnant again. But I never stop reading. So I'm up for your list -- whatever it is. I recommend you include at least one contemporary African America or British woman, Latina, Asian because I love "reading around the world." I'm a fan of Booker Prize nominees and winners; I'm always challenged in a good way and inspired by them. That's it. Off to request Weathering from the library. oxox
Absolutely Ilene. I shall be curating our choices as globally as possible, within my knowledge. Totally agree. Thank you for being here, even though you're tired 🖤
Luisa I applaud your honesty and understand your feeling of being bone weary. I myself feel I am crawling out of hibernation after months of dealing with a virus and completely lost my will to read anything let alone write.
I belong to another online book club and that has grown from a handful of readers to thousands. It is a wonderful place to be… but its creator would tell you it needs a lot more than book recommendations and beta readers and Arcs it needs a team to make it appear to be a fluid, ever evolving ‘thing’. Therefore I think you must know yourself when the time is right because a book group is a responsibility that cares for its readers and for the printed pages it shares with the world.
The other book group has rules about when we can and cannot promote our own work.
So may I be allowed to promote my own here for discussion?
A Stony Silence. Alison Young
The life of my former mother in law born in Ireland in 1913. Became totally deaf as a child
Her life ruled by prejudice for her disability and for her family growing up in the early Irish Troubles.
Serendipity Dip A.M.Young
A collection of short stories and poems
A bit Roald Dahl.. tales of the unexpected
and just a very random selection reflecting all things re life and all things from my crazy imagination. Both are available on Amazon as paperback and ebook.
We are heading into Spring and signs of new life are pushing up from the soil. May you feel refreshed and when it’s right for you, your ideas will fly in the form of printed pages being shared with the world. Take care and know that we understand.
Thank you Alison. Wise words. Thank you for putting your own books forward to! What a wonderful list I'm gathering 🖤
Wonderful thoughts, carefully considered and admired boundaries. What every creative could use a sprinkling of!
This essay is very spring like to me; the gentle unfurling of a tight bud; the sepia tones of the sun starting to emerge through the clouds; a slow meandering walk after a Sunday roast. There’s nothing rushed about spring or nature, she’ll be there to guide us on this little pilgrimage we are all about to embark on together. I look forward to sharing my books and my nooks in photos and notes!
Phew. Thank you my lovely 🖤
Dear Luisa, this is so relatable. My creativity has thoroughly rebelled against schedules and deadlines, obligations and responsibilities too. And suffered a mild terror/excitement each time I post something the becomes more popular that I’d expected 💛
I know you get it better than many Emily! Our brains must work very similarly I think. Thank you 🖤
Very wise … generously unlocking a ‘something’ for so many folk, and letting it gently unfold without overwhelming you. Smart move.
Putting in votes for ‘The Cure for Sleep’ and ‘Cacophony of Bone’.
Love your ideas and intentions, Luisa.
Go easy on yourself.
Barrie. A dream to have your encouragement, as always. Thank you. And for the suggestions (both of which are on my own list! Tanya's I've read and enjoyed. Kerri's I've still to enjoy).
At least I haven't upped and run for the hills at the first sniff, this time. I'll take that as progress 😊
Shout up if you need more ... encouragement is what we do. And I bet both Tan and Kerri would be active participants and encouragers of your gorgeous idea too.
This is so beautiful Luisa. I can sense that you are leaning into your intuition and for that very reason this book club will be everything it’s meant to be. A gift graciously received by myself and many others. Thank you 🙏
I knew I'd lost a little intuition listening since the new year, everything (in all areas!) has been so hectic. Trying to take a step back, even just in my mindset, and get back in touch again.
Very happy that you're happy! 📖🤓🖤
I’m loving ALL of this! Especially the gentleness for yourself along with all your gentle-seeking followers. ♥️
Great lesson, isn't it. Hopefully comes across with the intent it was meant - to listen to your own wishes and act accordingly - rather than bend to external happenings that you can't control. Sometimes it's easy to lose that in the excitement 😊 but that's where I've gone wrong before and ended up burning everything to the ground, too late to rescue. Different, this time.
Thank you Nicole, for being here. 🖤
That tiredness…all part of the beautiful process. Congratulations on the book club. Your rules are sensibly meaningful. I hope to have he time and courage to join someday.
Thank you my love! 🖤📖