I am up to my eyeballs in book proposals. One complete and ready to ship tomorrow and another on the way. Ironically, this time of year has always been my most creative. It must have something to do with being hunkered down, the -25 degree temperatures, and the lack of sun. My right brain comes alive from lack of stimulation and creates it's own fun. Instead of hibernating, I find myself accomplishing rather daunting projects. It could also be that there is just not much else to do and so I play.
I wish so badly that I could share with you these new ideas, but they will have to wait. At times I feel so grateful to you who reads my words on a regular basis. Does it sound too negative to say that at times I feel undeserving of the praise? I am just plodding along like you, finding my way as I go. How many times have I felt completely unsure of my path, only to come home to an email from a stranger sharing their story and how I have served to enter into it in some small way. A message from the universe to keep going.
And so I write, counting the steps, documenting the changes. It is the changes that seem to stir up the most emotion and they are unending.
I find it fascinating that sometimes we know what changes are coming and so we are able prepare for them, plot the course. But many times it is the changes that we cannot predict that serve to shape us as humans. And shape we will, for better or worse.
Posted by kerismith at January 24, 2005 07:38 PMYou keep right on going Keri :). Give that change a big old hug and keep right on moving forward...so often it really is a blessing...a kiss from the divine (that can sometimes feel like a punch).
Posted by: Ali on January 27, 2005 03:03 PM I got your
It is so boring that in Finland i can't get books like your or SARK's from book stores. Not even from those big ones. So i had to order it from the Amazon.
I am Sooooo awfully glad that i have it now.
I can hide behind your book when life is trying to make little pixie tricks to me or just because i am in inspirational mood.
But anyway, without i start to ramble more ;).
I hope to you lots of inspiration and colorful days !!!
Until your next book i will read from your days in here :)
i totally agree, winter weather turns me into a making machine...but i would give anything to go lie in the grass with out my thirty pound boots.
may all your proposals find good homes, and become beautiful books.
muchos muchos keri
from
r
Keri,
For those of us aspiring, struggling writers, would you mind including in a future entry more of your process of putting together a book proposal? I know theres plenty of books out there on the subject, but more about how you specifically go about it. Are you sending it to agents? publishers? I'm so curious and inspired! Thank you.
Sometimes it's nice to know that we're all just plodding along.
Posted by: Anja on January 25, 2005 03:10 PMit's the whole hunkered down thing, i think:)
Posted by: kristen on January 25, 2005 01:38 PMHi Keri. Thank you for writing this. I felt this post was speaking directly to me. I have been going through a transition/change lately. And I'm still not sure if it's for better or worse. Best just wait and see I guess.
Posted by: penelope on January 25, 2005 08:52 AMHi Keri - I know exactly what you are talking about. Between January and April my mind is leaping with ideas and I can churn out volumes of work. It seems I have to force myself away from it at times and back into the rest of my life. Then April comes, with that hint of warm air and a daffodil or two and I'm toast. I always think I should be most creative when the earth is creating, but instead I work when she sleeps.
t
Posted by: Tracy on January 25, 2005 07:28 AMWhat a delightful post.
I love this sharing ~ this gentle reveal of your innards.
I understand about the reassurances from the universe that come through strangers. I feel the same way when I am shown that love.
Wishing you the most intriguing, wonderful year,
you creative spirit you!
love and laughter,
Leonie
Keri,
Congratulations, that is sooo awesome for you!! I can just imagine what it must be like. Similar for me at the moment with having tons of ideas swirling through my head that I have a tough time on deciding where to begin.
At times like these when we are so filled to the rim of our soul with creativity are a pure joy. That's what it is all about for us creative artists.
It is such a beautiful process, Keri. Enjoy it and don't be afraid. Trust in yourself and embrace it, run right into it with a big jump while screaming out loud!!
~tine.
Posted by: Tine on January 24, 2005 09:03 PM