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2010: I was working on my first manuscript and I'd end each day with the same proclamation—"I think I'll finally finish my manuscript this week!" I'd say this to Kyle as we set the table for dinner, as I dried my hair from a shower, in the dark as we fell asleep. I didn't realize "I think I'll finally finish my manuscript this week," had become part of my daily routine until months had gone by and Kyle eventually replied, "No, you won't—and that's okay."
This winter, my creative practice has taken me out of my comfort zone. I recorded an audiobook, I waded through plotting the murky middle of The Myth of the West, I took stock of what needed to be done to publish my short story and essay collections—including mentally and emotionally preparing myself. These tasks have been challenging, requiring every project management tool I’ve got—including patience.
Patience isn’t often discussed in creative work. Even adding it to this zine’s subject line, I wondered how off-putting it would be. But patience is an important ingredient for creativity. We are turning ideas, emotions—ether, essentially—into matter. We are using our craft to negotiate with the laws of physics. Patience creates the space to explore, take risks, and make mistakes while showing up with discipline and consistency.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this lesson in patience from my first manuscript—and Kyle’s gentle response. At the time, I only heard the first part, No you can’t. I was dead set on proving him—and any other critic—wrong. It wasn’t until I started sharing my work through the story subscription program that I understood his words weren’t a doubtful rebuttal, but a reminder to be patient. To give your artwork the time and care it requires. It deserves it—and you do, too. xo.katie
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