When It's No Longer New
Welcome back to another Sunday at The Writer’s Block Party. I’m so happy to see you here.
A couple weeks ago, I attended a weeklong intensive writing workshop in Lake Tahoe. For fourteen hours a day, I immersed myself in craft talks, workshop sessions, readings, networking, and other programming, all focused on writing. It was transformative to be surrounded by people who care about the craft as much as I do.
And in the quiet moments between classes and critiques, I felt perfectly at peace, beautifully in my element, happy, hopeful, and fulfilled.
But there were also times that left me drained, distracted, and disillusioned.
Most sobering was having to accept that the notion of being a writer is no longer new.
When something is new, be it a job, a relationship, a hobby, or anything else, there’s fresh energy around it. With so much to learn, it all feels motivating, captivating, like it’s calling you in.
But some time later, you settle in, learn more, see success, deal with disappointments, and converse with others on the same road. And as reality sets in, your perspective shifts.
As I encountered people who had been working on the same projects for as long as I’ve been alive and heard from authors who described the long, grueling path toward publication, I was forced to confront the reality of the rest of my life as a writer.
And it hit me pretty hard.
Having experienced a range of emotions, conversed with brilliant creatives and professionals, bore my soul by sharing my work, learned to accept and offer meaningful feedback, and sat in self-doubt, I’m back and better than ever. And it’s got me thinking about how we adjust, adapt, and accept our realities and continue to chase our dreams when the pursuit is no longer new.
The most important realization for me has been that if you go where you’re led, you’ll get exactly what you need.
Beyond my writing workshop, it’s true in every element of my life right now. From a powerful session with a group of writers earlier today to the unbelieveable communities where I’ve found deep connection lately, I’m affirmed. And as I’ve used my voice in ways that seemed impossible less than a year ago, I’ve found more support, encouragement, and comradery than I ever could have imagined.
And it feels good, even on difficult days.
So, I’d encourage you to heed the guidance of your inner voice and go where you feel led.
Beyond that, I’d offer a few other insights to those of you, like me, who may be in the messy middle on a path that’s longer, different, or more difficult than you thought it would be. Just as we’re told in a writing workshop, take what resonates and discard what doesn’t.
Your Journey Is Your Own
Run your race. If you’re not grounded in your experience, it’s easy to hear of others’ paths, struggles, and circumstances and unconsciously give them too much power to determine your fate. Remember: Your journey is yours and yours alone. And I found peace in understanding that meeting writers with thirty-year projects had no more bearing on my path to publication than did dinner with the overnight success who crafted his book on the back of a napkin and got a deal without trying. It’s helpful context, but that’s the end of the analysis. And the comparison game will keep you from understanding what your unique journey demands.
There’s Value in Discomfort
The workshop was also a reminder that there’s value in continued disruption to our comfort zones, to familiar places and spaces, and to the elements of our lives that have shifted from new to “normal.” It was amidst the most uncomfortable situations that I felt most alive, most energized, and closest to the core of why I started this journey in the first place. So, don’t be afraid to shake things up and step into the unknown, again and again.
Community Makes Everything Better
I met some of the most amazing, talented, brilliant people I’ve encountered thus far. And the more I’ve nurtured my circle, the more connected I’ve felt. Community matters as much to career transitions as it does to everyday life, especially now. Make time to pour into yours.
How You Continue Counts…A Lot!
Perhaps the newness has worn off a bit, but it’s what I do next that will determine whether the last two years represent an isolated sidestep or a long-term lifestyle change. Having completed a draft of one novel, I’m knee deep in my second, a project that has brought me to life and helped me fall deeper in love with writing. I cannot wait to share it with you! But, right now, it’s time for me to put my head down, focus on the less glamourous part of the process, and see this through, even when it feels far-off and farfetched.
Having re-found my footing post-return, I’m clearer about the path forward than ever before. I hope you’ll stick with me as we continue to unearth the courage to persist and push forward toward lives that set our souls on fire.
I’m ready. Are you?
Your turn. In what areas of your life have you settled into a staleness now that the newness has worn off? What goals would benefit from your recommitment to conquering the messy middle? How can you adjust your energy to ensure an approach that will carry you through sustained periods of uncertainty?
I’m so thankful for your presence here. The best is yet to come.
Until next week…
Mentally centering for the battle and need a piece that packs a punch? Got you. Take a look at Dear Columbia Law School or Still Short of Breath: On George Floyd, Memorial Day & Continued Dream Seeking.
Looking for something a little softer that hits on a more personal level? Give The Dichotomy of Dads & I (Still) Have a Brain Injury at try.
And if you’re new to The Writer’s Block Party, Welcome to the Party & An Unforgiving Minute give great context on who I am and what we’re building.
I’m so happy you’re here!