I'm Lots of Things . . .

but published, I ain't!
After reading these posts you're probably saying, "It's easy to see why," but your casting of aspersions won't deter me. The creativity that awakened last year after two decades of dormancy has taken on a life of its own.
Last year was one filled with milestones. I moved past fear of failure and the negative judgement associated with it and sat down to explore creative writing again. My first novel was created in 67 days and I submitted it to an agent within 60days of completion. Another less memorable milestone is that of my first rejection. However, I've got to let you in on a secret. The rejection didn't end my world. I didn't drop dead when the email hit my inbox. In a past life, i.e. prior to my new found commitment to writing, I would have been devastated by the rejection, nearly to the point of suicidal tendencies.
What was the difference with this rejection than those of the past? Me. Before I sat down at the computer the day I renewed my dedication to my art, I chose to write solely for myself. I'd be lying if I told you I don't want to earn income from creative writing; my wallet is as flat as yours. The decision to write solely for self-edification was the most liberating decision I ever made. It freed me from self-doubt. It didn't matter if my mother, a writer whose opinion I highly value, liked a piece or not. Or my husband. Or a literary agent's assistant, let alone the agent. It mattered that I put my ideas on paper. It mattered that creativity flowed from me again. It mattered that I told fear to 'fuck off.' It mattered that I succeeded in my own right. - Bethany Moran

Creative Endeavors By . . .

WELCOME one and all!

This is a blog dedicated to creativity. Have you ever heard someone say, 'I've got a great idea for a book (movie) (play) (website) (and on and on and on).'? Maybe they've said it for years on end. It's the same storyline, the same characters the same plot. But it's not a book. It will never be a book until they sit down and write it. This is my message to you. SIT DOWN AND WRITE THAT BOOK YOU KEEP TALKING ABOUT! It sounds trite. It sounds corny but you're not going to write that book (or take whatever creative step your heart desires) by talking about it for the next twenty years. So, sit down at the computer, at the easel, the potter's wheel, whatever your mode of expression and just do it. Type one letter, one number. Then type the next. Then the next. It isn't as hard as you think. I did it in 2008. If I can sit my raggedy, short attention spanned ass down and write a book I think anyone can. If I get a publishing contract in 2009 I think I'll be living the high life. If not, then there's always 2010 (which has a certain ring to it after all.)

So, welcome one and all. Pour a cup of coffee, tea, wine, whatever your poison is and relax in front of this blog for a few. Then stand up, give yourself a good feline stretch all over and get back to work. The muse is with you always. Let her speak. If you can't get it out right at the moment let it all out here.

Sit down and . . .

Take care! - Bethany Moran