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Happy new year, creative soul! How has the year been treating you so far?
For myself, the last few weeks have been full of exciting plans and brainstorming and - the best part - taking action! I don't know if it's the new decade or what (I know 2021 is technically the start of the new decade, but I can't help thinking of it this way XD ), but I've already been able to make some changes in the new year that have been a long time coming.
A creative triumph
Professionally speaking, what I'm most proud of is the new blog post that went up recently: The Importance of First Lines for Storytellers.
Why is this such a big deal, you might ask?
Because I first promised this post nearly four years ago, after putting out a call for topic suggestions on Twitter.
When it comes to the Kingdom of Overthinking, I am the queen. Worse yet, it's often the ideas I'm most excited about that inspire the largest quantities of hand-wringing and thumb-twiddling and procrastination du jour.
The more time went by, the more I wanted to write the post and the more I wanted to bury it.
The thing is, it's just a blog post.
It's not going to replenish the ozone layer or fund a feast for everyone in the world who's hungry. It is just a blog post. There was absolutely no reason for it to feel so overwhelming.
And yet it did. To the degree where finishing it, and finishing it in a way I'm truly proud and excited about, feels like a major accomplishment worth celebrating. Phew.
There's really nothing like checking a 4-year-old task off your to-do list to make you feel like Wonder Woman!
One of my keys to success
Back in December, I felt overwhelmed by everything I want to accomplish and everything I need to do to take care of myself. I couldn't even imagine how to begin.
On the advice of one of my nearest and dearest ( ♥ thanks, Mum! ♥ ), I reached out to a local life coach and scheduled an introductory session just a few days later.
From the moment I started jotting down answers to the questions she asked me to consider ahead of time, through to excitedly sharing with Mum and Ciaran all the new insights and lightbulb moments that had come up during the introductory session, I was on fire.
Sparks flew, my creativity and motivation spiked, and - most importantly - the road ahead was clear for the first time in months.
It was after this introductory session with Jilly that I've:
- finished and published the 4-year-old blog post
- changed the colours on my website and newsletter to jewel-tones
- figured out what's most important to forge ahead with right now and what can safely go on the back of the stove
- decided how best to start incorporating my passion for history into the future of Something Delicious
And a few other delightful things!
You don't have to go it alone
All that to say that this really drove home the importance of reaching out and seeking help. While I'm no longer offering coaching services myself, there are some other wonderful writing coaches out there who might be the perfect fit if you're feeling stuck! There's also the option of a writing class if you prefer a group setting, online or off. If this isn't economically feasible at the moment, reaching out and building your community might look more like bravely stepping into an online writing forum or attending a writing group or joining a supportive Facebook group.
If you'd like even more suggestions and tips, the blog post How to Build a Creative Support Network will be right up your alley!
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A writing prompt just for you ...
A blizzard has blown into town, trapping your character for the evening with their least favourite food, least favourite person, and a sputtering heater. By the time the blizzard blows itself out and calm descends, both characters are either (a) crying, (b) laughing, or (c) brainstorming. How did they get to this point and how will it affect them going forward?
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Lately on Something Delicious ...
" The Importance of First Lines for Storytellers:" A detailed analysis of the first lines from The Time Traveler's Wife, Riverdale, Great Expectations, and Mass Effect 1, followed by an exercise to help you figure out which hat your first line should wear to be most effective (and ravishing)!
This post also has some interactive elements, something I've wanted to introduce for a while. I'd love to hear what you think!
" How to Build a Creative Support Network:" (from the archives) If you're not sure where to start when it comes to developing a sense of creative community, this is the post for you.
In the community ...
Your Write Dream - If a Facebook group for writers is up your alley, I'd highly recommend this one, which is run by Kristen Kieffer of Well Storied.
Jilly Hyndman - This is the life coach I met with back in December. If you're intrigued, I happen to know she does virtual sessions as well as in-person ones, so feel free to check out her website! I'm super excited to have some regular sessions with her later this year.
For inspiration ...
The Rise of Skywalker (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) - on Spotify. I've been a fan of all the Star Wars movies since I was little (I'm nearly 30 now) and the sequel trilogy is no exception. I love looping all the soundtracks, but this one has seen the most repeat plays lately.
Frozen II (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack/Deluxe Edition) - on Spotify. I went to see Frozen so many times in the theatre that I lost count, and I loved the sequel even more. There are a few songs in this playlist that make me cry (in a good way) because they remind me of the bond I share with my mum, and I'm so glad we're able to enjoy these movies together.
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I think that's enough waffling on, don't you? 😉 Just one last thing! If you've received these letters before, you might have noticed that my name is a little different. I actually went by 'Tori', not 'Victoria', for the first 20-ish years of my life! While I'll happily answer to either, the time felt right to return to the nickname I had growing up. ♥
Happy writing and happy new year!
~*~ Tori ~*~
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