This was such an apt metaphor and a reminder that we need to follow our own path, however long it may take. I especially loved "My particular way of seeing the world isn’t for everyone, since my curiosity takes me to some odd places." That feels true for me as well. I'm still working on figuring out how to work collaboratively as a writer.
I’ve been working on my novel for a little more than five years and I’m still tweaking it. I thought it was procrastination etc. but I’ve come to believe there is a process of unfolding and the Muse is definitely in charge.
It was great to see the different ways you express yourself. I loved the chakra meditation art. Could you share a link to where it is available? Thanks!
Hi, Priya. Thanks for reading. For now, we are sold out of those cards. I took the website down b/c my friend has moved on to other projects. We might revisit producing another edition, though - depending on interest.
This is a perfect metaphor and I relate deeply. I’ve been working on (and not working on, and abandoning, and picking up again) a novel for nearly six years. I even built myself a talismanic house made of cardboard that I keep in my writing area both to represent my protagonist’s childhood home and to remind me, visually, what it is to build an literary edifice like this. I have no idea if I’ll ever make it and I have no idea if I’ll ever stop trying. I might stop and I might go on.
We need to learn your methods to expand time because I think you must have a few tricks up your sleeve😉 Just the stunning artwork in this post are enough to keep one busy for ages and then add in the written article, your other job, various degrees and are also writing a novel! Holy smokes that's awesome.
I love the comparisons of the buildings with the writing, especially Sparks and Walmart!
Thanks for reading and sharing. The MFA was a decision prompted by the pandemic shutdown. Something I’d been thinking about to work with one particular teacher but in that “if not now, when?” moment, it became more real to me. Low-residency became *very* low, due to the pandemic so my cohort only met in person at our graduation! Now, five of us have a monthly workshop where each of us can submit every other month. It’s working well so far. As Sarah says, the MFAs tend to teach you to teach writing, rather than be a pro writer. I wouldn’t disagree but I benefitted from the craft lessons, deadlines, intensity, peers, and other mentors. Can def talk more about pros and cons.
Oh man, I imagine the pandemic was such a wrench in your plans. I am always having "if not now, when?" moments. That feels like an apt description for my entire life. I think I'm also looking to find the right teacher, someone to help me really develop and refine my stories into the books I want to manifest in the world. I think I'd benefit from all the same aspects you did, and Sarah and I have talked about a low-residency MFA program as a intense apprenticeship to become the writer I want to be. I'd love to talk more about if you're willing.
I strongly identify with your wide, ranging interests and courageous spirit to try everything. I also like the comparison between Nicholas sparks novels, and a Walmart. 😜
What a beautifully written piece. Have been wracking my brain for a book written over a long time. The only one that comes to mind is I think it took Dante 12 years to write the Divine Comedy but given the amount of research that went into it, the new rhyme and meter he pioneered, and the symmetry of the whole, I’m amazed he did it so quickly!
Totally! I just finished the epic masterpiece that is Barbara Kingsolver's new novel, Demon Copperhead, and thought maybe that one took a long time. But her previous book was published a mere 5 years ago.
This was such an apt metaphor and a reminder that we need to follow our own path, however long it may take. I especially loved "My particular way of seeing the world isn’t for everyone, since my curiosity takes me to some odd places." That feels true for me as well. I'm still working on figuring out how to work collaboratively as a writer.
I’ve been working on my novel for a little more than five years and I’m still tweaking it. I thought it was procrastination etc. but I’ve come to believe there is a process of unfolding and the Muse is definitely in charge.
It was great to see the different ways you express yourself. I loved the chakra meditation art. Could you share a link to where it is available? Thanks!
Hi, Priya. Thanks for reading. For now, we are sold out of those cards. I took the website down b/c my friend has moved on to other projects. We might revisit producing another edition, though - depending on interest.
I always appreciate analogies like these, and I find myself writing with more and more of them in my own work.
This is a perfect metaphor and I relate deeply. I’ve been working on (and not working on, and abandoning, and picking up again) a novel for nearly six years. I even built myself a talismanic house made of cardboard that I keep in my writing area both to represent my protagonist’s childhood home and to remind me, visually, what it is to build an literary edifice like this. I have no idea if I’ll ever make it and I have no idea if I’ll ever stop trying. I might stop and I might go on.
Thank you, Julie. This is beautifully written.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing this. I would love to see that talismanic house someday. What a cool idea!
We need to learn your methods to expand time because I think you must have a few tricks up your sleeve😉 Just the stunning artwork in this post are enough to keep one busy for ages and then add in the written article, your other job, various degrees and are also writing a novel! Holy smokes that's awesome.
I love the comparisons of the buildings with the writing, especially Sparks and Walmart!
Hahahaaaa! I’ve just been obsessing today about not having enough time for everything I want to do lately. 😂 Thanks for the vote of confidence.
I read your mind!
OK we both need lessons on time expansion. Maybe once we get it figured we can do a collaborative post💗
You’re on!
Also, I'd love to hear more about your MFA. It's a path I'm debating whether to take myself.
Thanks for reading and sharing. The MFA was a decision prompted by the pandemic shutdown. Something I’d been thinking about to work with one particular teacher but in that “if not now, when?” moment, it became more real to me. Low-residency became *very* low, due to the pandemic so my cohort only met in person at our graduation! Now, five of us have a monthly workshop where each of us can submit every other month. It’s working well so far. As Sarah says, the MFAs tend to teach you to teach writing, rather than be a pro writer. I wouldn’t disagree but I benefitted from the craft lessons, deadlines, intensity, peers, and other mentors. Can def talk more about pros and cons.
Oh man, I imagine the pandemic was such a wrench in your plans. I am always having "if not now, when?" moments. That feels like an apt description for my entire life. I think I'm also looking to find the right teacher, someone to help me really develop and refine my stories into the books I want to manifest in the world. I think I'd benefit from all the same aspects you did, and Sarah and I have talked about a low-residency MFA program as a intense apprenticeship to become the writer I want to be. I'd love to talk more about if you're willing.
Happy to! Maybe we could switch to email and/or set up a zoom sometime?
I’d love that. I’m not really sure how to email you, but I’m lhturner06@gmail.com
I strongly identify with your wide, ranging interests and courageous spirit to try everything. I also like the comparison between Nicholas sparks novels, and a Walmart. 😜
Thanks, Ben. Likewise. That Nicholas Sparks comparison just came outta nowhere. 😂
What a beautifully written piece. Have been wracking my brain for a book written over a long time. The only one that comes to mind is I think it took Dante 12 years to write the Divine Comedy but given the amount of research that went into it, the new rhyme and meter he pioneered, and the symmetry of the whole, I’m amazed he did it so quickly!
Totally! I just finished the epic masterpiece that is Barbara Kingsolver's new novel, Demon Copperhead, and thought maybe that one took a long time. But her previous book was published a mere 5 years ago.