After our first *amazing* community gathering, we've made some changes you will want to know about. Listen in for all the goodness as well as info about our monthly creative challenge.
Love this! I've been launching my little community and running creative coworking calls and coffee chats over there this past month and it's gone well so far so my intention for this month is to grow into that a little bit more and let myself dream and imagine what it could become! I've also got to get back on writing my own book, but I've been mapping it out and that's been a lot of fun, too :)
We love a map. Map it, baby. And then get that butt in the driver's seat and go - July and August are such good months for that (astrologically)...so long as you're also having fun as you do it!
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
I belong to a few book clubs, but one is for adults who love Young Adult books. These two recommendations are considered YA romances. What I love about YA is the complex simplicity / simplified complexity of the stories. What I get a little frustrated with is we often start with the first book in a series….. and my reading list grows exponentially 😊 However, these two are stand alone books. While they are definitely not the bodice-ripping, long-locked, brooding pirate hero inspired romances – they are adult romance adjacent stories that might offer a little creative salt to the stew.
I am working on a prose style writing project. Being vulnerable is sometimes just admitting that I am writing and sometimes sharing what I write. I can show up for others – that part has always been easy. I am learning how to show up for myself. So, over the next month, I am focusing on stepping into the habit of consistent writing, just setting aside the time and space. Am also committing to enjoying the inspiration found in being, while I watch all the doings I am surrounded by - from my husband, who literally wakes up with a to do list running in his brain (after 30 years, he has learned never to ask me what I have done today…and asks me just how was your day) to the hummingbirds flying to the feeder and the dogs chasing squirrels and each other.
So excited for the upgrade options - I just purchased the midlife car! It will definitely be the only Maserati I ever own.
WELCOME to the car, Amy! We're so excited you're here. First off, thank you for these romance recommendations. But mainly, thank you for sharing what you're leaning into. It sounds like you've reached a new threshold of offering yourself to you, to the page, to the world around you. I find that so inspiring!
Congrats on your new Maserati!😂 And welcome. Sorry we were slow to say those words-- Steph has been visiting her bestie and I have been apartment hunting in Edinburgh. This was a lovely notes to return home to.
It's funny with being a writer... I think it is so romanticized in our culture that it feels like you're stepping into a stereotype you can never quite live up to. I am still slightly embarrassed when people ask what I do for work and I tell them I'm an author.
How's the consistent writing working/not working for you so far?
I am discovering that consistency is a tricky thing.... but it is working so far - even if it is just for ten minutes, pausing, taking a moment to write. Ten sometimes leads to twenty and sometimes to more. Sometimes I am distracted after two though and well, I try again the next day :) What works best is limiting distractions and thinking of my writing time as self-care - a necessary part of filling up the well. When I think of it that way - as important as my sleep, food choices and time on my yoga mat, it changes everything.
This month I'm making physical, mental and calendar space to soak in the creativity vortex. Mostly working on a memoir (that Steph dev edited almost two years ago!!) but also for getting magic moments from recent mountain adventures on paper. Also setting intention for meeting writing and sharing pages partner/s.
I love the image of soaking in the creative vortex! It feels physical which is very grounding for a mental activity. And I am intrigued by what we can do here to help with finding writing/sharing partners.... Steph and I have been discussing this.
I have to admit Im confused. I'm a paid subscriber to something (approx 12.00/month canadian) but given this video, I'm not sure what I'm paying for :) Can someone clarify? Thank you!
Deb, I just sent you an email and I'm hoping that clears things up. But if you have other questions, I'm happy to answer them. And....you can check out the ABOUT page (I'll include the link below) for all the info on subscriptions levels and what's included. The most important thing to know is that we've added more to each level so it's a win-win!
Deborah! We're so excited about the monthly chats and are so happy that you'll be in that group with us. What fun! And...I'll speak for Maia and myself when I say, "I can't WAIT to hear more about your historical fantasy novel...and your mid-life." xoxoS
Tammy! THANK YOU! I'm going to look Poston up right away. I so appreciate the insight. I hope your retreat is everything you're hoping it will be and more. And...know that our monthly calls are available for you if you're feeling called to upgrade. It's a lovely little group of beautiful souls so far!
Love this! I've been launching my little community and running creative coworking calls and coffee chats over there this past month and it's gone well so far so my intention for this month is to grow into that a little bit more and let myself dream and imagine what it could become! I've also got to get back on writing my own book, but I've been mapping it out and that's been a lot of fun, too :)
We love a map. Map it, baby. And then get that butt in the driver's seat and go - July and August are such good months for that (astrologically)...so long as you're also having fun as you do it!
Romance Suggestions
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
I belong to a few book clubs, but one is for adults who love Young Adult books. These two recommendations are considered YA romances. What I love about YA is the complex simplicity / simplified complexity of the stories. What I get a little frustrated with is we often start with the first book in a series….. and my reading list grows exponentially 😊 However, these two are stand alone books. While they are definitely not the bodice-ripping, long-locked, brooding pirate hero inspired romances – they are adult romance adjacent stories that might offer a little creative salt to the stew.
I am working on a prose style writing project. Being vulnerable is sometimes just admitting that I am writing and sometimes sharing what I write. I can show up for others – that part has always been easy. I am learning how to show up for myself. So, over the next month, I am focusing on stepping into the habit of consistent writing, just setting aside the time and space. Am also committing to enjoying the inspiration found in being, while I watch all the doings I am surrounded by - from my husband, who literally wakes up with a to do list running in his brain (after 30 years, he has learned never to ask me what I have done today…and asks me just how was your day) to the hummingbirds flying to the feeder and the dogs chasing squirrels and each other.
So excited for the upgrade options - I just purchased the midlife car! It will definitely be the only Maserati I ever own.
WELCOME to the car, Amy! We're so excited you're here. First off, thank you for these romance recommendations. But mainly, thank you for sharing what you're leaning into. It sounds like you've reached a new threshold of offering yourself to you, to the page, to the world around you. I find that so inspiring!
Congrats on your new Maserati!😂 And welcome. Sorry we were slow to say those words-- Steph has been visiting her bestie and I have been apartment hunting in Edinburgh. This was a lovely notes to return home to.
It's funny with being a writer... I think it is so romanticized in our culture that it feels like you're stepping into a stereotype you can never quite live up to. I am still slightly embarrassed when people ask what I do for work and I tell them I'm an author.
How's the consistent writing working/not working for you so far?
I am discovering that consistency is a tricky thing.... but it is working so far - even if it is just for ten minutes, pausing, taking a moment to write. Ten sometimes leads to twenty and sometimes to more. Sometimes I am distracted after two though and well, I try again the next day :) What works best is limiting distractions and thinking of my writing time as self-care - a necessary part of filling up the well. When I think of it that way - as important as my sleep, food choices and time on my yoga mat, it changes everything.
LOVE this!
This month I'm making physical, mental and calendar space to soak in the creativity vortex. Mostly working on a memoir (that Steph dev edited almost two years ago!!) but also for getting magic moments from recent mountain adventures on paper. Also setting intention for meeting writing and sharing pages partner/s.
I love the image of soaking in the creative vortex! It feels physical which is very grounding for a mental activity. And I am intrigued by what we can do here to help with finding writing/sharing partners.... Steph and I have been discussing this.
We sure have. Not to worry, Hannah. Your "version of Maia" is just around the corner, I can feel it.
Maia, Hannah and I were just talking about how she was calling in "her version of Maia" just as I did all those years ago!
Intriguing! I'm not sure I follow but I am intrigued!
I have to admit Im confused. I'm a paid subscriber to something (approx 12.00/month canadian) but given this video, I'm not sure what I'm paying for :) Can someone clarify? Thank you!
Here's the link to the ABOUT page. It outlines everything we've added/upgraded in the subscription levels: https://stephandmaia.substack.com/about
Deb, I just sent you an email and I'm hoping that clears things up. But if you have other questions, I'm happy to answer them. And....you can check out the ABOUT page (I'll include the link below) for all the info on subscriptions levels and what's included. The most important thing to know is that we've added more to each level so it's a win-win!
Thank you Steph and Maia! I love the idea of monthly calls and a chat group!
Over the next month, I will be creating space to work on my historical fantasy novel.
You know I love hearing that particular goal!
Deborah! We're so excited about the monthly chats and are so happy that you'll be in that group with us. What fun! And...I'll speak for Maia and myself when I say, "I can't WAIT to hear more about your historical fantasy novel...and your mid-life." xoxoS
I love Ashley Poston's novels for romance. Highly recommend Seven Year Slip and The Dead Romantics.
I'm working on a long form project. I need to spend some time playing with the structure of it. I have a solo writing retreat at the end of the month.
Tammy! THANK YOU! I'm going to look Poston up right away. I so appreciate the insight. I hope your retreat is everything you're hoping it will be and more. And...know that our monthly calls are available for you if you're feeling called to upgrade. It's a lovely little group of beautiful souls so far!