June 07, 2004
I’m no longer going to pursue writing; I’ve outgrown it, I don’t find joy in it and I want to move on. I used to think writing was the entire dream, now I see it as a stepping stone to something larger. It got me to live creatively, which I’m going to continue to do, just in another form.
This has been a long time coming. It started when I was trying to write a book based on the Another Girl site. I was writing it because people kept telling me I should and I thought ok, I’m a writer, I’ll go along with it. But my heart was never in it and several months ago, I just decided to let it go. I didn’t want to write about creativity anymore, I didn’t want to be a poster child or just talk and teach. I wanted to live for me and if I happen to inspire someone that way, well, OK. I just didnt want to set out to do it anymore. I figure people are grown-up’s – they can get their own life. I don’t want to tell someone how to do it. That’s never been my goal. My goal was just to be a creative girl and share what happens along the way.
So, exactly how I’ll move forward into a new creative path I’m not sure. I’m not sure at all. I’m starting all over again – just like I did in April 2001. There’s still no manual, especially for people who seemed to have it made then started over again.
While I’m wrapping my head around all the new bits, wants, ideas and pursuits, things will most likely be quiet around here. I’m not sure how to transition or how to fit it in with the site(s) so patience is greatly appreciated.
May 24, 2004
Something happened over the weekend that really got me thinking hard about what I want for the future. There were a series of events that just happened so quickly and unplanned but it has changed a lot of things already – it might change even more. I’m still processing it and I’m afraid I’m just not brave enough to talk about it right now. Maybe one day, but not now.
So, while I’m wrapping my ahead around the new (and unexpected) movements, I won’t be taking on any new work for the next month. Also, I’ll be taking a communications break until June so there won’t be any updates/email until then.
Before I leave, however, I wanted to share a quote I discovered today:
“Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work.” Rita Mae Brown
April 05, 2004
The Hip Traveller launched today, a fabulous travel web site with an article from my portfolio in it.
I believe in the cycle of support and not in the worry of competition. I believe if I want to continue to have a career in writing and in art, I must support it with either time, donations, work or purchases.
April 02, 2004
I’m anxiously awaiting my copy of Small Spiral Notebook’s first print edition to arrive in my mailbox. One of the reasons, besides loving their on-line versions and being inspired by Felicia Sullivan’s spirit, is that this was the first time I had ever done commissioned artwork for not only a magazine, but for a cover.
I wrote about the experience and how it changed things for me. It made me realise that I’m not just Alex the Writer but Alex the Creator. And that just gives me so many more possibilities.
February 04, 2004
The last time I went back to Europe was a turning point in my life; it’s when I discovered that I wanted to write for a living.
On the ten hour flight back to Seattle I did nothing but literally talk about how I was going to write when I got back. And although it would take me three months to work up the courage to do so, I did it. That trip reminds me of why I travel; to become inspired, to see things from a different point of view and to relax away from home worries.
Now, I am returning once again to France for many different reasons; to look for a home, relax, do some travel writing, celebrate my 30th birthday on the 17th. But mostly I am returning because I’m ready to once again find inspiration.
I’ll be gone until February 25th and then I’ll be in Dallas from February 26-29 to speak at a Writing Conference so I will see you in March.
Have a fabulous February!
Pursuing your Dream WorkShop
I will be giving a work shop at the 2004 National Association of Women Writers Conference in Arlington Texas (Just outside of Dallas) on February 28th 2004.
Titled, “Creativity, Writing and the Art of Pursuing your Dream and Making it Real” this workshop, for writers and artists, will be fun, useful and completely encouraging. It’ll also be very different than most “workshops” (after all, it is based on Girl at Play) so plan a trip to Texas for one terrific conference!
For more information, please visit the NAWW Web site.