Maia, I loved meeting Viv after learning about her "outrageously accurate botanical illustrations" in chapter 1! And now I want to know what Evie is so disturbed about back at the house! As far as my future-self imaginings, I am not getting a clear picture yet, just small details like paint-flecked jeans and a deep connection to the wheel of the year(cycles of solstices and equinoxes).
Maia, reading this really brought up a wellspring of emotion for me. My life has been filled with uncertainty over the last month after my entire practice group was laid off and I've been scrambling to find a job, figure out if I need to relocate, and navigate a possibly-insurmountable jostling of my long-term relationship. I have not been able to focus on my memoir since late January. Some of this feels reasonable and inevitable, but I can start to hear this small but persistent voice calling me back to the pages now. Your words went straight to my heart - "can I work on this book without thinking about the future?" and the answer is a resounding YES. Much love to you in this time (for most everyone I know) of such massive destabilization and uncertainty.
Sarah, I'm so glad you chimed in with this. I know we've already spoken about said juggling and jostling but it fills my heart to see you in this space, bringing it forward with your signature wisdom and vulnerability. WELCOME!
Also...is anyone else reading about Viv and Evie and Evie and Viv and getting a tiny bit lost in the similarities of the names? Maia...you're a masterfully intentional writer so I'm sure there is a precise reason you chose those names but have you found other readers getting lost in the "Vivevie"???
The backstory: They are cousins and the first born got the family name-- Vivia (Viv). There was a little rivalry between the cousins moms over who would get the family name so Evie was intentionally chosen to be close.
AND if it doesn't make for good reading, I need to change it.
I just loved the questions surrounding a release of the future! "Can I work on this book without thinking about the future? Do I need to worry about what people will want to read in a world I can hardly envision? Can I fall in love with my characters and not worry about what my agent thinks, or if I’ll get a book deal?" I can feel the doors swinging open with this!
that question about falling in love with your characters is interesting. i've been questioning are my characters all different versions if myself (as in too much the same) and trying to get away from that! as a test i want to write in a character that i dont like 😏
also the outcome of being published is just too much of a surreal thought for me. i'm just really enjoying the play with words and my imagination. Would the weight of 'will It' or 'wont it' get published be too self-limiting or is that the idealistic newbie in me talking?
Maia, I loved meeting Viv after learning about her "outrageously accurate botanical illustrations" in chapter 1! And now I want to know what Evie is so disturbed about back at the house! As far as my future-self imaginings, I am not getting a clear picture yet, just small details like paint-flecked jeans and a deep connection to the wheel of the year(cycles of solstices and equinoxes).
Maia, reading this really brought up a wellspring of emotion for me. My life has been filled with uncertainty over the last month after my entire practice group was laid off and I've been scrambling to find a job, figure out if I need to relocate, and navigate a possibly-insurmountable jostling of my long-term relationship. I have not been able to focus on my memoir since late January. Some of this feels reasonable and inevitable, but I can start to hear this small but persistent voice calling me back to the pages now. Your words went straight to my heart - "can I work on this book without thinking about the future?" and the answer is a resounding YES. Much love to you in this time (for most everyone I know) of such massive destabilization and uncertainty.
Sarah, I'm so glad you chimed in with this. I know we've already spoken about said juggling and jostling but it fills my heart to see you in this space, bringing it forward with your signature wisdom and vulnerability. WELCOME!
I am so so glad this pulled you forward, Sarah! Sounds like you have an incredible amount to juggle right now.
I too am in huge transition so these questions are a reflection of my own deep uncertainty.
Also...is anyone else reading about Viv and Evie and Evie and Viv and getting a tiny bit lost in the similarities of the names? Maia...you're a masterfully intentional writer so I'm sure there is a precise reason you chose those names but have you found other readers getting lost in the "Vivevie"???
Please people, tell me how you feel about this!
The backstory: They are cousins and the first born got the family name-- Vivia (Viv). There was a little rivalry between the cousins moms over who would get the family name so Evie was intentionally chosen to be close.
AND if it doesn't make for good reading, I need to change it.
I just loved the questions surrounding a release of the future! "Can I work on this book without thinking about the future? Do I need to worry about what people will want to read in a world I can hardly envision? Can I fall in love with my characters and not worry about what my agent thinks, or if I’ll get a book deal?" I can feel the doors swinging open with this!
Those questions helped me as well!
that question about falling in love with your characters is interesting. i've been questioning are my characters all different versions if myself (as in too much the same) and trying to get away from that! as a test i want to write in a character that i dont like 😏
I think you can write a character you don't like or agree with... but still love.
ok i just got an idea! thanks Maia! ❤️
also the outcome of being published is just too much of a surreal thought for me. i'm just really enjoying the play with words and my imagination. Would the weight of 'will It' or 'wont it' get published be too self-limiting or is that the idealistic newbie in me talking?
I don't think it's idealistic not to consider it-- I think it's wise! Enjoy creating. :)
just so real Maia. i love it..both your future self perspective and your chapt 2 ❤️
thank you!