When You Don’t Know What To Say…

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When you don’t know what to say..

Listen.

Watch.

Think.

Pray.

Read.

Sleep.

Live.

Then write.

Shipping

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In my last post, I had some issues working on a current writing project.  In case you wondered how it went, this is all I know- I shipped. Yes, I shipped. (I am very grateful to say that.)  I wish I would have had more time to work on it, but when isn’t that the case? When is a creative project EVER really done? I could edit and tweak an item forever if given the opportunity. I can let perfectionism stop me from creating anything, which it has done before in the past.

How did I get to the point of being able to ship? Three words: GRIND IT OUT! (Was there really a championship game of some sort on last night?) Is the work okay, good or even great? That’s not for me to say. Some may say it is a failure. I’m actually okay with that (as okay as you can be). I challenged myself and refused to stop no matter what.

I EASILY could have given in and made excuses.

To ship, you PUSH on.

You MOVE FORWARD.

The resistance is only powerful if you let it win.

 

“Real artists ship.” Steve Jobs

Things Are Not Clicking

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I have a writing project due tomorrow but have nothing substantial written down. The creative juices are simply not flowing. I’ve even thought to myself, “if I can’t do this project well, I’m not really a writer.”  The voices have also told me I have nothing new to say; the work I started feels like a cheap imitation. Think Godfather part 3 versus the original Godfather.

What should I do? Should I just let someone else take the lead instead? Should I push forward and submit something I don’t really like?

The more I think about it, I know I have to go with the second option. Writers write. I need to finish this work, even if I think it stinks. Who am I to judge? There is a chance that the work is actually good. I refuse to believe the voices, fears and doubts  in my head. The resistance will not beat me.

Excuse me, I have to get back to work.

Past Exhaustion

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As an artist, I often do not know my own limits.

Today, everything got kind of hazy.

It took much more energy than normal to do simple tasks.

I tried to focus, but had minimal success.

My body felt as if my batteries had been drained.

Then toward the end of the day, it dawned on me that I had eaten poorly over the past few days and slept only 5-6 hours a night.

Ding ding ding! I now know why I have felt like Keith Richards looks.

Whenever things aren’t adding up and you just can’t put your finger on it, slow down for a minute and look around. The answer is probably right in front of you. 

Excuse me, it’s time for bed.

What I’m Doing in 2012

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With every new year, come new challenges.  I want to be more creative in 2012. I want to share more of my work. I want to do more, to continue to stretch myself as an artist. I know this is a tall order. How will I accomplish these feats? By focusing on each of these five areas.

I will spend more quality time with God.

It is sad that I have spent more time focusing on creativity yet often don’t have the right attitude toward the Creator of the universe. This is why my first specific goal is to spend time quality with God. This will look different over time-whether it be a scripture passage, an mp3, or a journal entry.

I will publish my first children’s book, The Shiny Red Guitar.

The book is written, and now it is time for the illustration and the publishing process. I have NEVER been down this road before. I have been unable to decide if I will self-publish or send out inquiries for this book. I need to learn more about self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. I know I need the help of others; I can’t do this alone. If you have any experience in this area, please shoot me an email, tweet at me or leave a comment. I appreciate it!

 I will record my original songs and share them with others. 

I have some songs that have been a continuous work-in-progress. It’s time to let go of my fears and just finish the work. A low-quality demo is worth much, much more than a great idea that is never put into action or shared with others.

I will continue to stretch myself as a writer. 

I will go through all of the “practice” exercises I can possibly do on the Write Practice. I know this will help me develop as a writer and the community there will give me honest feedback. I will also continue to work diligently on this blog, my guitar blog and guest posting for other blogs.

I will help others in their own creative journey. 

A few months ago, I started a creative group comprised of musicians to provide feedback, encouragement and support. In 2012, I would like to start another group just for writers in Nashville.

What are you doing in 2012? Please share your goals and plans in the comments. Thanks!

I’m Scared

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I’m scared I’m not really a writer.

I’m scared I’m not really a musician.

I’m scared I’m not really creative.

I’m scared I am really a fraud.

I’m scared I can’t make a living being creative.

I’m scared I’m not really a leader.

I’m scared I’m not smart or clever enough.

I’m scared I will be attacked by pain.

I’m scared I CAN actually change the world.

A Writer’s Toolkit – Useful Resources from 2011

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2011 is almost over. What a year it has been! After a panic attack in July, I came to the realization that I am a writer. I suppressed my creativity because of  fear, doubt, perfectionism, laziness and uncertainty.

Here are some amazing resources that have been invaluable to me over the last year.

Do the Work  by Steven Pressfield is a fantastic book that will help you find traction in the creative process. This book is kind of a sequel to the book The War of Art also by Steven Pressfield, which I highly recommend as well.

Jeff Goins’ The Writer’s Manifesto is a very inspiring e-book that will give you a needed kick in the seat. It motivated me to write for the right reasons.

Seth Godin’s Poke the Box is a fun manifesto about starting that will entertain and inspire you. It’s a really good bargain at only $5.00.

Joe Bunting’s new e-book titled 14 Prompts is by far one of the most useful resources available for writers. It is only $7.00 and is worth much more than that.  I found this e-book to be a boot camp for writers. It made me do things I didn’t know I could do. It made me hurt. It made me frustrated. It made me grow. If you are serious about being a creative individual, at some point you have to jump in the pool.  It’s time to sink or swim. This e-book will give you that opportunity.

I also recommend the website The Write Practice where you can get honest, helpful feedback on the work you do with the 14 Prompts e-book.  I’ll be honest-it is pretty scary to share work with others. I have had water go up my nose and felt my lungs tighten as I gasp for air.  It has not been a graceful process, but it has been worth the pain and discomfort for a few seconds of doggy-paddling on my own.

I hope these tools can assist you in your creative journey. I would like to sincerely thank Steven Pressfield, Jeff Goins, Seth Godin and Joe Bunting for their work. If there are any resources or tools that have aided you in 2011, please share them in the comments.

Beat the Post-Christmas Blues

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It is common to get the blues during this time of the year. The Christmas festivities have come to an end. Families say good bye and begin to travel home.  The Christmas lights will soon come down and stores begin to put up Valentine’s Day decorations. It is alright to be sad for a little while, but try not to let this feeling last for more than a day or two.

2012 is almost here. With a new year come MANY new possibilities. I can’t help but smile when I think of the coming year.  2011 was a very pivotal year in my life. I am extremely thankful for God, family, friends, creativity and the many opportunities in my life.

Make the most of everyday. If you are feeling sad or down, don’t ignore it. Acknowledge it, get it out of your system, and move on. Don’t stretch out the Post-Christmas blues into 2012.

Merry Christmas

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Let us all rejoice as the greatest gift has come. 

Have a very Merry Christmas! 

Let’s Get Coffee Sometime…

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In the last year, I have been very intentional about meeting with others for coffee: writers, friends, acquaintances,  and musicians. This has led to many interesting conversations about life, technology, music, and writing.

A few individuals were a bit shocked that I followed up with them. I think they were surprised that I meant what I said. Please do not tell  “nice” lies to appear friendly or outgoing. If you want to have coffee with someone, great. Write a date on your calendar and then meet them for coffee. You will most likely have a great conversation about life and might even learn something new in the process.

I have learned SO MUCH from others in the last year. Here are a few highlights with my thoughts in parentheses.

Art is everywhere. (A little reminder that has helped me grow as an artist.)

You are a writer when you say you are a writer. (A  Steven Pressfield quote that was given to me at a pivotal time.)

Don’t overthink music. (Specifically talking about songwriting.)

Go get to work or I will kick your butt. (Don’t you love how some friends are so straightforward!)

Life is absolutely crazy. (An understatement sometimes isn’t it!)

Shift your perspective; think from a completely different place. ( Advice for a project I am working on.)

Those are just some highlights that jump at me. I encourage you to meet with others intentionally. Do it now; don’t even wait until the new year. Resolutions fade by February. Call up a friend right now and schedule a time to get together. It will help you grow in more ways than you can imagine.