Right now my heart is shattering and I want to take those prismic shards and focus on the vibrant colours of it instead.. well just instead of. It just seems like this is the right place to be right now. I know this is what I need to kickstart myself back in to the fun of my writing and listen once again to those unseen but often heard promptings! so Thank you!!
Margie, we're so happy you're here! As per our welcome video, we don't actually know how to write novels (ha!) and therefore won't be teaching anything. What we will be doing is attempting to write our own, and we hope folks will join us on that journey. For more details and info on the subscription levels, you can head to our About Page - https://stephandmaia.substack.com/about
This is amazing! And so relatable! I started my writing journey (Creative Writing major, undergraduate) in poetry and fiction! I’ve wanted to write a book my whole life. Wrote a novel in my twenties and experienced imposter syndrome. Gave up completely. Became a winemaker, then an herbalist/grower, and at 50 published my first book - nonfiction. I, too, long to write fiction. I’m working on a science fiction book simultaneously while working on my second non-fiction book. Feels bipolar?!?! Let’s do this!!!!
Oh goodness! Squeeeee! I have the idea of a novel. A couple of scenes, a definite set of characters and the message, maybe. But a whole story? A narrative arch? Solid character development? Nope. I think I'm supposed to have those, right?
Angie...if it makes you feel better, I have NONE of those things. Just an idea and a feeling in my body. I'm so happy you're here to play with us in this way. xo Steph
If I understand your goal here, it's to be an online critique/support group for healing and transformation. Lofty!
Have you considered trying NaNoWriMo? It happens in November, but you can do it for 30 days. You write 1667 words a day (to arrive at 50K at the end of 30 days) without looking back at anything from the previous days. Just crash it out, then you can go through it and see if there is anything there.
NaNoWriMo isn't my writing style. After 7 1/2 published books (the 1/2 is a guided journal with very low word count), I can confidently say I don't do messy first drafts. I don't crash it out. That way of writing makes me miserable. I know it helps many, so I stand on the sidelines and cheer those whose style is messy first draft.
Meanwhile, thanks for being here. We are definitely keen on transformation-- that's what has always appealed to both Steph and me.
Am I allowed to comment on my own post?🤣 I was just so excited when I got the alert that this had published. This new Substack feels like spring to me and, after a particularly difficult winter, I’m ready for sunlight and a stretch.
Writing is a tough gig, but so much fun when we do it together! Steph and I have been writing together for years… we’re looking forward to bringing the joy of it to readers and are so grateful you (and your lyrical words) are here to join in!
I can feel your joy coming through the video. I just finished reading Letting Magin In and I love it! Now that I have seen your personality here I think I need to read it again with this new perspective on who you are.
Maia Toll cannot get rid of me. And apparently I cannot hide from my soul’s work of storytelling. Happy to be in the room. ❤️❤️❤️
Can't wait to see you there!
Right now my heart is shattering and I want to take those prismic shards and focus on the vibrant colours of it instead.. well just instead of. It just seems like this is the right place to be right now. I know this is what I need to kickstart myself back in to the fun of my writing and listen once again to those unseen but often heard promptings! so Thank you!!
Do I have to subscribe to paid to work on the novel writing/lesrning?
Margie, we're so happy you're here! As per our welcome video, we don't actually know how to write novels (ha!) and therefore won't be teaching anything. What we will be doing is attempting to write our own, and we hope folks will join us on that journey. For more details and info on the subscription levels, you can head to our About Page - https://stephandmaia.substack.com/about
This is amazing! And so relatable! I started my writing journey (Creative Writing major, undergraduate) in poetry and fiction! I’ve wanted to write a book my whole life. Wrote a novel in my twenties and experienced imposter syndrome. Gave up completely. Became a winemaker, then an herbalist/grower, and at 50 published my first book - nonfiction. I, too, long to write fiction. I’m working on a science fiction book simultaneously while working on my second non-fiction book. Feels bipolar?!?! Let’s do this!!!!
Leah, we are so honored and happy you are here! To the initiations within all of our creative cycles! xo
Oh goodness! Squeeeee! I have the idea of a novel. A couple of scenes, a definite set of characters and the message, maybe. But a whole story? A narrative arch? Solid character development? Nope. I think I'm supposed to have those, right?
Angie...if it makes you feel better, I have NONE of those things. Just an idea and a feeling in my body. I'm so happy you're here to play with us in this way. xo Steph
That DOES make me feel better.
If I understand your goal here, it's to be an online critique/support group for healing and transformation. Lofty!
Have you considered trying NaNoWriMo? It happens in November, but you can do it for 30 days. You write 1667 words a day (to arrive at 50K at the end of 30 days) without looking back at anything from the previous days. Just crash it out, then you can go through it and see if there is anything there.
NaNoWriMo isn't my writing style. After 7 1/2 published books (the 1/2 is a guided journal with very low word count), I can confidently say I don't do messy first drafts. I don't crash it out. That way of writing makes me miserable. I know it helps many, so I stand on the sidelines and cheer those whose style is messy first draft.
Meanwhile, thanks for being here. We are definitely keen on transformation-- that's what has always appealed to both Steph and me.
Am I allowed to comment on my own post?🤣 I was just so excited when I got the alert that this had published. This new Substack feels like spring to me and, after a particularly difficult winter, I’m ready for sunlight and a stretch.
Welcome, everyone!
Thank you, Luisa!
Writing is a tough gig, but so much fun when we do it together! Steph and I have been writing together for years… we’re looking forward to bringing the joy of it to readers and are so grateful you (and your lyrical words) are here to join in!
I can feel your joy coming through the video. I just finished reading Letting Magin In and I love it! Now that I have seen your personality here I think I need to read it again with this new perspective on who you are.
🙏💗
I’m so glad it spoke to you! Let me know if it holds up to a reread.🤣
It definitely does! Just bought 2 more of your books.