I'm with you. I feel down a rabbit hole this weekend, reading Sarah Fay's informative Substack advice -which is fantastic, don't get me wrong-but I could feel myself tensing up, thinking about all the branding I don't do and how I'm not sticking to a topic and everything else. And now, this week, I'm completely blocked every time I sit down to write. Thanks for reminding me the anecdote is to read some Julia Cameron.
Ugh, I'm sorry it caused a block. And yep, maybe we all need to stick a post-it note to our computer monitor that says, "Shoulders feeling tight? Take a deep breath and go read some Julia Cameron." :)
This really struck a chord. I definitely lean more toward Monica too, but I've been trying to channel my inner Phoebe for the last few years (wow, maybe 7??). It's actually what drove me to the BFA community, because I knew I needed to stop listening to the "shoulds" and learn what works for me. But, while it helped, that still wasn't enough to bring back the full joy of writing. Some of my enjoyment probably came from learning about writing and the industry (#1 Learner, ahem), and finally letting myself put words on paper, so it'll never be the same. I get that.
Still, I've recently decided to dial way back on the business aspects of writing and try to write for fun again. (I realize not everyone is in a position to do that.) I'm going so far as trying to reenter the traditional workforce so I can get back to the technical work I loved, and hopefully enjoy my creative endeavors more if they're a hobby.
It feels like with changes in the industry and the world over the last 10-15 years, we're all struggling to maintain the spark. I think we need to become Phoebes now more than ever. Also, now I have "Smelly Cat" stuck in my head, so thanks for that. ;-)
*fist bump to fellow #1 Learner* I can relate to the learning about writing making it more fun. And yes, I think we need the Phoebe-ness of it all. The last few years have really chased off a lot of the fun parts. Also, I've talked and coached a number of writers lately who are going back to some type of day job or part-time work to take the pressure off the writing. I've seen it help re-spark creativity for a number of them because writing then becomes the thing to escape TO for fun again instead of escape FROM because the business pressure is too much. Elizabeth Gilbert talks about that in Big Magic too, how day jobs can actually help the creativity. I hope you can find some inner Phoebe!
I need to do the saaaaame thing! I've also cut way back on author social media (the stuff that never or barely moved the needle for me.) I need to also get back to the "fun" and automate/reduce as much business stuff as I can.
I’m now in week eight of redoing The Artist’s Way & it’s been such a transformative experience! I read it years ago but didn’t bother with the exercises at the end of each chapter (nor the weekly dates). I am this time around & it’s been so helpful. And I’m sticking to the 3 pages each morning too.
I hope you find your groove again! But I understand the drag of it all (especially with social media & the state of the world right now).
Oh, I love that you're doing the program full out! I really think there is so much to be gained from her stuff. And each book she does she has new exercises that make me think.
Yes. This! also I love Julia Cameron. I imagine her throwing open her curtains every morning and gazing over the landscape of Santa Fe. It must be magical. This is a very inspiring post. Because I've been experiencing people trying to beat the Phoebe Buffay out of me my whole life. Including teachers when I went to art school! I think it all stems back to that primal need of survival. It makes the Phoebe-ness in us seem trivial and indulgent until you realize that IS the point and joy of living. Shame is another thing that keeps us from expressing our Buffay. The fear of rejection, judgement, and even hostility are are things that keep out inner Phoebe from bursting out. Thanks for this Roni! Just the reminder I needed. xoxoxo
Aww, I hate that people tried to scare off your inner Phoebe. RUDE. My natural state is a high-strung Monica, lol, so I have to actively cultivate my Phoebe. And you're right, we live in a society that dismisses the Phoebe-ness. Human-made art of all kinds, especially with all the tech changes of the last few decades, has been categorically devalued and it's only getting worse with A.I. I feel like we have to fight back by leaning into the Phoebe of it all.
Brilliant as always. And timely. If you want an artist date partner hit me up anytime!
Thanks! And yes, we need to do that!
I'm with you. I feel down a rabbit hole this weekend, reading Sarah Fay's informative Substack advice -which is fantastic, don't get me wrong-but I could feel myself tensing up, thinking about all the branding I don't do and how I'm not sticking to a topic and everything else. And now, this week, I'm completely blocked every time I sit down to write. Thanks for reminding me the anecdote is to read some Julia Cameron.
Ugh, I'm sorry it caused a block. And yep, maybe we all need to stick a post-it note to our computer monitor that says, "Shoulders feeling tight? Take a deep breath and go read some Julia Cameron." :)
This really struck a chord. I definitely lean more toward Monica too, but I've been trying to channel my inner Phoebe for the last few years (wow, maybe 7??). It's actually what drove me to the BFA community, because I knew I needed to stop listening to the "shoulds" and learn what works for me. But, while it helped, that still wasn't enough to bring back the full joy of writing. Some of my enjoyment probably came from learning about writing and the industry (#1 Learner, ahem), and finally letting myself put words on paper, so it'll never be the same. I get that.
Still, I've recently decided to dial way back on the business aspects of writing and try to write for fun again. (I realize not everyone is in a position to do that.) I'm going so far as trying to reenter the traditional workforce so I can get back to the technical work I loved, and hopefully enjoy my creative endeavors more if they're a hobby.
It feels like with changes in the industry and the world over the last 10-15 years, we're all struggling to maintain the spark. I think we need to become Phoebes now more than ever. Also, now I have "Smelly Cat" stuck in my head, so thanks for that. ;-)
*fist bump to fellow #1 Learner* I can relate to the learning about writing making it more fun. And yes, I think we need the Phoebe-ness of it all. The last few years have really chased off a lot of the fun parts. Also, I've talked and coached a number of writers lately who are going back to some type of day job or part-time work to take the pressure off the writing. I've seen it help re-spark creativity for a number of them because writing then becomes the thing to escape TO for fun again instead of escape FROM because the business pressure is too much. Elizabeth Gilbert talks about that in Big Magic too, how day jobs can actually help the creativity. I hope you can find some inner Phoebe!
I need some inspiration.
I need to do the saaaaame thing! I've also cut way back on author social media (the stuff that never or barely moved the needle for me.) I need to also get back to the "fun" and automate/reduce as much business stuff as I can.
I think so many of us need a big dose of this. Welcome to the Phoebe cult! ;)
I’m now in week eight of redoing The Artist’s Way & it’s been such a transformative experience! I read it years ago but didn’t bother with the exercises at the end of each chapter (nor the weekly dates). I am this time around & it’s been so helpful. And I’m sticking to the 3 pages each morning too.
I hope you find your groove again! But I understand the drag of it all (especially with social media & the state of the world right now).
Oh, I love that you're doing the program full out! I really think there is so much to be gained from her stuff. And each book she does she has new exercises that make me think.
Yes. This! also I love Julia Cameron. I imagine her throwing open her curtains every morning and gazing over the landscape of Santa Fe. It must be magical. This is a very inspiring post. Because I've been experiencing people trying to beat the Phoebe Buffay out of me my whole life. Including teachers when I went to art school! I think it all stems back to that primal need of survival. It makes the Phoebe-ness in us seem trivial and indulgent until you realize that IS the point and joy of living. Shame is another thing that keeps us from expressing our Buffay. The fear of rejection, judgement, and even hostility are are things that keep out inner Phoebe from bursting out. Thanks for this Roni! Just the reminder I needed. xoxoxo
Aww, I hate that people tried to scare off your inner Phoebe. RUDE. My natural state is a high-strung Monica, lol, so I have to actively cultivate my Phoebe. And you're right, we live in a society that dismisses the Phoebe-ness. Human-made art of all kinds, especially with all the tech changes of the last few decades, has been categorically devalued and it's only getting worse with A.I. I feel like we have to fight back by leaning into the Phoebe of it all.