Around the Writer’s Table: Recent Episodes
Around the Writer’s Table Collective
Conversations on Craft, Creativity, and Conscious Living!
The advice is universal: if you want to write, just sit your butt in a chair and start writing! Creativity isn’t always “on call,” though, and the act of writing tugs on all parts of your life: energy, time, focus, dedication, endurance, resilience…the list goes on.
Around the Writer’s Table is a podcast that explores the crossroads of creativity, craft, and conscious living for writers of all ages and backgrounds. Join Gina, Melody, and KimBoo around the writer’s table as they bring their unique perspectives to the trials, tribulations, and joys of writing!
In this episode, host Gina Hogan Edwards welcomes Jennifer Schomburg Kanke, a poet and writer whose work beautifully intertwines personal history and storytelling. Jennifer shares insights into her creative process, discussing how her Appalachian roots and family narratives shape her poetry. She reads from her latest collection, "The Swellest Wife Anyone Ever Had," which explores themes of identity and resilience through the lens of her grandmother's experiences during the floods in Ohio.
The conversation delves into the importance of clear narratives in poetry and the balance between research and creative expression. Jennifer also highlights her journey as a writer, emphasizing the value of practice and immersion in literature. Join us for an inspiring discussion that celebrates the art of storytelling and the power of poetry to connect us to our past and present. Tune in for a rich exploration of creativity and craft!
In this episode we reflect on our creative journeys over 2024, sharing insights and lessons learned (some learned the hard way!). We dive into the importance of community support, discussing how our writing friendships have helped us navigate challenges and maintain momentum. We explore key themes like authenticity and mastery, emphasizing the need to trust our unique creative processes, through the lens of Gina's "Creativity Quest" paradigm.
You'll hear about the transformative power of storytelling, including the metaphor of being "three feet from gold," which reminds us to persevere even when success feels just out of reach. We also touch on the significance of inviting authenticity into our writing, encouraging each other to delve deeper into our characters and narratives.
Join us as we celebrate our growth, share our intentions for the coming year, and inspire one another to embrace our creative identities fully. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, everyone is welcome to the table!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
In this episode, we delve into a heartfelt conversation about creativity, personal growth, and the importance of rest in the writing process. Melody shares insights from her book, Soul of the Seasons, emphasizing the significance of embracing different life phases. The discussion highlights how pushing through fatigue can diminish the quality of creative work, and the importance of listening to one's body. We also explore the journey of writing historical fiction, touching on themes of resilience and self-discovery as characters navigate societal challenges.
The episode serves as a reminder that honoring our creative rhythms and understanding our personal journeys can lead to deeper connections with our work and ourselves. Join KimBoo and Melody as we celebrate the art of writing and the wisdom gained through life's seasons!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
In this episode we dive into the art of worldbuilding, a critical aspect not just for fantasy and sci-fi authors, but for all genres, including historical and contemporary fiction. We explore how worldbuilding is the foundation that brings settings to life, creating believability and plausibility for readers, and discuss the challenges of balancing facts with imagination in historical fiction, using Gina’s work on 1960s America and Melody’s early 1900s novel as examples.
We also touch on the reader's role in engaging with fantasy worlds and how authors can manage the level of detail needed without overwhelming their audience. With references to familiar authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and Patrick O'Brien, we highlight the similarities in storytelling across genres, emphasizing the interconnectedness of story, characters, and the worlds they inhabit. Tune in as we analyze how these elements enhance (or hinder!) the narratives we create, leaving us all with a lot to ponder about our writing processes.
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
In this episode of Around the Writer's Table, Melody dives into the fascinating world of historical fiction with the talented Trish MacEnulty. Join them as they explore her journey from a casual interest in history to becoming an award-winning author. Trish shares her insights on the importance of research, emphasizing how it enriches her storytelling and connects past events to contemporary issues.
They discuss the challenges writers face, from balancing life responsibilities to the intricacies of self-promotion. Trish highlights the value of writing groups, where constructive feedback can help refine one's craft. From her wealth of experience, Trish encourages aspiring writers to persevere and embrace their unique voices. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to fuel your writing journey. Tune in for an engaging conversation that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the joy of storytelling!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
In this episode of Around the Writers Table, we delve into the complex relationship between trauma and writing. Gina, Melody, and KimBoo, share our insights on how trauma influences our storytelling, emphasizing the importance of focusing on recovery rather than the trauma itself.
We discuss the nuances of writing about personal experiences, the difference between cathartic writing and memoir, and the significance of creating a supportive environment for writers tackling difficult subjects. The conversation also touched on the societal tendency to romanticize trauma and the need for writers to be aware of their emotional states while engaging with such sensitive material. Join us as we explore the healing power of storytelling and the ways writers can navigate their emotional landscapes while crafting their narratives!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
Gina Hogan Edwards interviews Pat Spears, an author of three novels and numerous short stories. Spears is a wonderful storyteller, and discusses her writing journey, influenced by her family's storytelling tradition and her experiences at Florida State University. She shares insights on her new novel, Hotel Impala, which explores themes of mental illness, homelessness, and the lies people tell themselves. The book, told from multiple perspectives, follows the story of Grace, an 11-year-old girl navigating her mother's mental health struggles. Spears emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's story and the challenges of writing and revising.
Hotel Impala was released on September 16, 2024!
- Connect to Author Pat Spears
- Pat's new novel, Hotel Impala
- All of Pat's books
- Pat's short fiction
----more----
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
Explore the power of intuition in this discussion where we examine how intuition blends experience and imagination to fuel the discovery writing process. We share personal stories of characters taking on a life of their own, and learn techniques to quiet the mind and trust the creative flow.
Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, intuition can guide your writing. Discover how to hold story ideas gently, release expectations, and let the unexpected unfold. Tap into the inspiration that comes from following your intuition, and find joy in the writing journey. We've got tips on studying the craft to embracing "worst-case scenario" writing exercises to encourage you to let your intuition lead the way. Unlock the confidence and curiosity to write intuitively!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
https: // aroundthewriterstable. com/ep-48
Join us as we dive into the writing process and creative journey of author Gina Hogan Edwards. We explore how Gina overcame comparison and imposter syndrome at a transformative writing workshop, and learn about the inspiration and themes behind her historical fiction novel "Dancing at the Orange Peel." Gina shares insights on the challenges of writing authentic voices in historical fiction, as well as the value of writing practice and experimentation. We also discuss Gina's bold decision to serialize early chapters of her novel, facing fears to share her work in progress.
Throughout, Gina's passion for world-building, research, and building supportive writing communities shines through! Whether you're a seasoned author or aspiring writer, there's much to glean from Gina's creative journey. Tune in to be inspired and gain practical tips to elevate your own writing practice.
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
https: // aroundthewriterstable. com/ep-47/
As writers, your intrepid hosts here at Around the Writer's Table have all grappled with comparison itis throughout our creative journeys. It's a common issue that plagues many writers, stemming from imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the fear of missing out on the success of others.Listen in as we discuss how we've learned to approach these feelings with mindfulness and actively countering them with self-trust. We also caution against seeking external validation to make up for our own insecurities and doubts. Instead, we talk about how to celebrate your own writing accomplishments and lean on supportive friends and communities. Navigating comparison itis is an ongoing process, but one that has ultimately strengthened our craft and resilience as writers.
Top 5 Takeaways:
1. Comparisonitis is linked to imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and FOMO.
2. Mindfulness and self-awareness are crucial for processing these emotions.
3. Learn how to trust your own experiences, not external validation.
4. Be cautious of reviews and critique groups as sources for writer improvement.
5. Celebrate your own writing accomplishments and lean on supportive communities.
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
https: // aroundthewriterstable. com/ep-46
In this episode, we're excited to have Melody interviewing Karla Refojo, a plant spirit medicine colleague and creator of the Tulku Oracle deck! Karla shares the inspiration behind her talismanic jewelry and Oracle deck, which blend elements of Nepali and Tibetan culture with animistic perspectives. She discusses her creative process, including the challenges of writing and the importance of quality editing. Karla also reveals her current project: an ancestral Oracle deck that draws on indigenous wisdom and her connection to nature.
The conversation touches on personal growth through creative work, overcoming self-doubt, and finding one's authentic voice. Karla offers advice for new writers, emphasizing the importance of commitment and allowing creativity to flow. The episode concludes with a brief Oracle reading, highlighting themes of liberation and lightening one's burdens. Listeners will gain insights into the intersection of spirituality, creativity, and personal development.
Karla Refojo's links:
https://tulkujewels.com
https://tulkuoracle.com
https://paintedream.com
https://tulkujewels.com/tulku-oracle
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
In this episode, we wrap up our journey through the Creativity Quest, a framework developed by our own Gina Hogan Edwards to help writers navigate their creative journey. We discuss the origins of this 10-stage process and how it can serve as a personal coach for writers. Melody and KimBoo share our experiences with the quest, highlighting stages that resonated with us most. We explore the non-linear nature of the creative process and how the quest can help writers orient themselves in their journey. Gina opens up about her struggles in writing about the quest, reminding us all that even experienced writers face challenges.
We also touch on upcoming episodes, including one-on-one interviews with Gina and Melody, and an exciting interview between Melody and author Karla Refogo. Join us for this insightful discussion on creativity, writing, and personal growth!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
https://aroundthewriterstable.com/ep-44/
This week on Around the Writers Table, we dove deep into the concept of yielding to mastery in writing. Gina kicked us off with a reminder of where we left off in the Creativity Quest stages, then explains that mastery is personal and subjective, emphasizing the importance of defining what success means to each individual. Melody connects this stage to the seasons of writing, highlighting how each season contributes to the creative cycle. We explore how major projects reflect our essence and recurring themes in our work. We also discussed our personal writing themes — I talked about trauma recovery stories, while Gina explored family dynamics.
The conversation got really insightful as we connected writing mastery to understanding our essence. Melody made some great points about feeling "at home" in our work and we also discussed the importance of putting pen to paper and encouraging writers to immerse themselves in their craft, letting their characters and stories reveal deeper truths about their essence and mastery.
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
Welcome to episode 42 of the Around the Writer’s Table podcast where we discuss the 10th and final stage of Gina’s Creativity Quest guideposts for writers: Yielding to Mastery.
What does mastery look like for writers? It’s not about perfection, or even publication, but about defining success for yourself. We discuss the importance of setting your own goals and defining what mastery means to you.
The episode explores the idea of writing as a lifelong journey, where mastery is not a destination, but an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery. We also touch on the relationship between mastery and confidence, and how both can be cultivated through consistent practice and self-awareness. Join us as we share our personal experiences and insights on this final stage of the creative quest, and encourage you to embrace your own unique path to mastery!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
In this episode—the first in our interview series—Gina talks with author Rhett DeVane about the inspiration for her books, writing in multiple genres, and what her writing process is like. We explore the theme of intragenerational relationships and how it shows up in her upcoming novel Ditch Weed, as well as other books she’s written. Rhett also shares the meaning behind the book’s title. You don’t want to miss it!
Watch for the upcoming release of Ditch Weed in June 2024, as well as publication of Rhett’s middle-grade fantasy The Dragon Box this fall!
Rhett DeVaneRhett DeVane is the author of seven published mainstream fiction novels, two coauthored novels, short stories, flash fiction, middle grade chapter books, and poetry. Her short fiction pieces have appeared in five anthologies. She has won numerous awards for her fiction from the Tallahassee Writers Association, Florida Authors and Publishers Association, and the Florida Writers Association. For the past forty-plus years, Rhett has made her home in Tallahassee, located in Florida’s Big Bend area, where she splits her time between writing and thinking about writing. She is currently working on the next novel in line, as well as a series of middle grade and young adult fiction, because her muses refuse to contain her in a single box.
Connect with Rhett through her website or on Facebook.
We had another great discussion around the writers table about trusting the creative process. I shared my own struggles with perfectionism and procrastination, and how learning to trust my process as a pantser has helped me push through to completion. We also talked about the importance of balance between structure and spontaneity. Melody brought up some great points about planning versus pantsing styles and the potential for burnout if we get too rigid. Gina offered helpful insights into examining our plans and why things may not be going as expected.
Overall, it was encouraging to discuss the challenges of this stage and how accountability, revisiting our purpose, and embracing fallow periods can help us stay motivated. Be sure to listen for more tips on overcoming self-doubt and advice from our upcoming author interview. As always, thanks for tuning in!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
On this episode of Around the Writers Table, Melody and I are solo (duo?) while Gina is out on the road. We dove deep into the always-fascinating topic of character development. From navigating the mindsets of characters from different time periods to having breakthrough conversations with our creations, we explored all aspects of bringing multidimensional personalities to life. We geeked out over our writing craft and surprised ourselves with some interesting, unexpected insights!
Check our website for resources on exercises like "Where I'm From" that can help you get to know your characters on a deeper level. As always, thanks for listening and joining the conversation!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
In this episode, Gina, Melody, and KimBoo explore a pivotal stage in Gina's "Creativity Quest" approach to writing, focusing on the theme of "Trusting the Process."
This stage challenges writers to decide whether to persevere or give up when faced with obstacles. Gina shares the apocryphal story of R.U. Darby and his quest for gold, illustrating the importance of resilience and persistence in creative endeavors. KimBoo reflects on her own experiences of trusting the process, emphasizing the value of realizing that storytelling itself is her ultimate goal. Melody adds insights about taking breaks and reevaluating goals during challenging times.
Together, they delve into the deeper meaning of success in writing beyond tangible outcomes, highlighting the journey of self-discovery and growth that accompanies the creative process. Tune in to the next episode for a discussion on the seasons of writing and their connection to this critical stage in the creative journey.
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
This week on Around the Writers Table, we dove deeper into the topic of integrating creative identity and how it relates to the seasons of writing. We shared personal stories about when others first recognized our creativity and how that shaped our development. I reflected on my mother's support despite differences in taste, and struggles claiming my identity while being told I was creative. Gina and Melody also shared childhood memories where their creativity was acknowledged. We discussed challenges with claiming identity and trusting the process beyond word count. Next time we'll focus on trusting the process fully as we near the end of Gina's creativity quest guide. Be sure to follow along on our journey!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
Hey everyone, we're here with our latest episode of Around the Writers Table! Today we dove into the next phase of Gina's Creativity Quest model: Integrating and Dedicating. This stage is all about bringing your creative identity out into the open and committing fully to your work.
Gina led us in a discussion about what this stage demands, including honesty, self-review, and resilience in the face of potential criticism. We also connected it to concepts like Steven Pressfield's Resistance and Caroline Myss's advice on growth patterns. Melody and I shared our own experiences with claiming our identities as writers publicly. We hope you find it insightful for your own creative journey. Thanks so much for listening!
This episode delves further into Gina's Creativity Quest stage of verifying and testing. We explored how this process of testing our creative boundaries and sharing our work with others relates to the natural seasons of writing and plant spirit medicine. Melody provided insights on using these paradigms to stay aligned with our creative vision during challenging periods of revision and maturation. For many of us, the fall season of letting go and accepting feedback is when doubts can creep in. But having clarity on our purpose and maintaining community support can help us through.
We also discussed our clients' struggles to see the forest for the trees and lose sight of their goals. Productivity coaching aims to help them build confidence by establishing clear plans. Whether your strength lies in ideation or revision, we hope we offered perspectives on maintaining balance and harmony on your creative journey. Join us next time as we enter the stage of fully integrating and dedicating ourselves to our craft.
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
In this episode, we continue their exploration of the Creativity Quest, focusing on "Verifying and Testing." As we delve into this stage of the creative journey, we discuss the challenges and opportunities it presents for creative individuals.
Verifying and Testing is a crucial phase where creators begin to test their skills and share their work more openly with the world. It's a time when validation and feedback become essential, but it can also be a period filled with skepticism and criticism from others. We share our personal experiences handling criticism and discerning when (and from whom) to seek feedback.
We highlight the importance of self-awareness, emphasizing the need to understand one's own reactions to feedback, whether positive or negative. Recognizing trustworthy sources and the right timing for feedback is a valuable skill during this stage.
Listeners are invited to join the conversation as we navigate the external challenges that come with sharing creative work. This episode offers insights and strategies for maintaining resilience and boundaries while embracing the creative journey's external aspects. It's an exploration that reveals much about the creative process and how individuals can thrive throughout it!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
RESOURCES* An Overview of The Creativity Quest: * An episode focused on boundaries * Previous guideposts we mentioned: Assessing and Acknowledging and Carrying Inner Disquiet * 1 Million Words Club writer’s membership community * Gina’s blog: Gina’s Quill * KimBoo’s blog: KimBoo’s Scriptorium
Questions on the Five Seasons and Verifying & Testing* Spring: Do I verify and test the work I am currently involved with against my vision for my project? In other words, does the work I am currently doing fit my intended vision? * Summer: Does the process of maturation of my WIP (revisions, editing, development) hold up to my vision? Do I invite my writing community to give me support and encouragement? * Harvest: Do I take occasions to celebrate my work at whatever stage it is in? Do I feed myself emotionally, spiritually, physically, intellectually in balanced ways? * Fall: How do I verify and test my work against feedback provided by editors, beta readers, and critique groups? Do their comments and suggestions fit into my vision and what I know to be true regarding my project, characters, and story line? * Winter: How do I provide myself with appropriate moments of rest in each phase of my work? Do I allow myself time to "sleep on it" when considering important revisions/changes to my WIP?
This episode focuses on the relationship between authenticity and the seasons of writing! Your lovely hosts Gina, Melody, and KimBoo discuss how inviting authentic existence, one of the guideposts in Gina's Creativity Quest cycle of creativity, applies to all five seasons since authenticity is integral to fully expressing each stage of growth and change.
Melody explains how each season influences authenticity, and we share our experiences finding our authentic voices over time through recognizing recurring themes and having a positive physical response when we engage in writing sincerely. Reading work aloud can also reveal authenticity that is otherwise hidden during the editing process. While the process is gradual, realizing that she had written over one million words helped KimBoo develop a richer, more authentic style and is one reason why she started the 1 Million Words membership community for writers.
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
Welcome back, writers! We're here with another episode of Around the Writers' Table. Today, we're picking up where we left off a couple of episodes ago after a side-jaunt where Gina and I talked about subscriptions and serials. But now, let's get back to the heart of the Creativity Quest!
In case you missed it, or you're just joining us, we're delving into the Creativity Quest guideposts, a series of stages that every creative person goes through. To catch you up, we've already explored carrying inner disquiet, releasing, emulating and mirroring, assessing and acknowledging, and taking ownership.
Today, we're shining a spotlight on "inviting authentic existence." This is where things start to get real because it's all about externalizing the inner work we've done. It's like stepping into a new world: We start showing our work to others, inviting feedback, and that can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.
Here's the thing; this stage can manifest in two ways. First, if you've been keeping your creative work close to your chest, the act of revealing it to the world might make you seem different to others, even though you're just being yourself. Second, you might uncover parts of yourself through your creative work that you never knew existed. Sharing these newfound aspects with the world can be a transformative experience, making you feel different to both yourself and others.
We'll explore this transition between the inner work of taking ownership and the outer work of inviting authentic existence. So, stay tuned as we dig deep into these guideposts and uncover more about our creative journeys!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
In this episode, Gina and KimBoo discuss the concept of serials and subscriptions for authors. We provide updates on their own writing projects and discuss the differences between serials and serialized novel and explore the history of serials and how the internet and technology have made them more accessible. We emphasize the creative freedom that serials offer to authors and why they should consider exploring this format!
Takeaways:
- Serials are a form of storytelling that involve sharing installments of a long, complex story with nested story arcs.
- The internet and technology have made serials more accessible and popular, with platforms like Wattpad and Reem Stories providing opportunities for authors to share their work.
- Serials offer creative freedom to authors who want to explore expansive storytelling and break free from the constraints of traditional publishing formats.
- Authors should consider serials if they have a story that can be told over a longer period of time and want to engage readers in an ongoing narrative.
- The Around the Writer's Table podcast will be returning in January with episodes focused on the Creativity Quest and the seasons of writing!
In this "extra" episode, we delve into the world of subscription models for authors and their impact on creativity and community building!
KimBoo and Gina share their journeys into the world of subscription-based writing, highlighting its transformative power. KimBoo reflects on her earlier exposure to subscription models in fanfiction communities and how it inspired her creative vision. She emphasizes the appeal of building a community and fostering deeper connections with readers.
Gina reveals her initial skepticism about subscriptions and traditional publishing's limitations. Still, her curiosity and desire for creative freedom led her to explore this new frontier. Together, they shed light on the diversity of subscription models and the creative possibilities they offer authors. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of author-reader relationships through subscriptions.
Tune in to discover how subscriptions can redefine your creative journey and build a supportive community around your work!
Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
https://aroundthewriterstable.com/ep-30/
Welcome to another episode of Around the Writer's Table! While Melody is off dealing with a big move (ack!) Gina and I are diving back into the world of the Creativity Quest, a paradigm Gina has been shaping and exploring together with us. As always, this journey isn't linear; it's more like a dance, sometimes two steps forward, one step back.
In this episode, we're focusing on the guidepost, "Inviting Authentic Existence," which is the 'I' in the CREATIVITY acronym. If you're new to this concept, you only need to know that each of the guideposts represent key aspects of our creative journey.
The "Inviting Authentic Existence" guidepost signifies a shift from inner exploration to a more outward engagement with our creative process. It's about embracing your values, beliefs, and autonomy as a creator. Think of it as extending invitations to new ways of being creative, even if it feels like unfamiliar territory.
We'll explore how reactions from others and self-reflection play a role in this stage, and what it means to feel "sovernty" in your authorial voice. So, stay tuned as we venture deeper into the Creativity Quest!
Visit our website for resources mentioned in this episode, as well as a downloadables and a full transcript!
Welcome back to Around the Writer's Table, where we are on a creative journey through the seasons. In this episode, we delve into the heart of summer, both in nature and creativity, to explore the theme of "Taking Ownership."
Melody shares insights from her book, "Soul of the Seasons," linking the seasons of life to the writing process. Summer signifies a time of heightened productivity and maturation, emphasizing leadership grounded in integrity and authenticity. We discuss the importance of self-guidance while seeking mentorship and maintaining our unique vision.
This season, it's all about embracing your creative authority and leading with a compassionate heart. Join us in discovering how the summer of ownership can empower your Creativity Quest!
Visit our website for resources mentioned in this episode, as well as a downloadables and a full transcript!
Welcome to the next step of our creative journey! In this episode, we're diving into the stage of the Creativity Quest called "Taking Ownership." This is where our creative adventure starts to get really interesting!
So, what is this "Taking Ownership" guidepost all about? Well, it's the stage where our authentic selves get to shine. It's when we step into our creative power and start to truly own our creative identity. At this point, we're moving away from relying heavily on mentors or teachers and stepping into our unique creative selves.
But, and this is a big but, it can be a tricky stage. It's easy to get caught up in our own egos. We might start thinking we know it all and get a bit carried away. That's where the importance of balance comes in. We have to find the sweet spot between claiming our creative truth and staying humble. After all, humility keeps our creativity grounded and prevents us from spiraling back into old phases.
Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of the "Taking Ownership" guidepost. This stage is where we do some deep inner work. Just like in the previous stages, it requires profound self-honesty. We discuss how "Taking Ownership" has shown up in our creative journeys and how we've navigated its twists and turns. It's all part of the quest to become the best creative versions of ourselves!
Visit our website for resources mentioned in this episode, as well as a downloadables and a full transcript!
In our last episode, we delved into one of the crucial phases of the creative journey, assessing and acknowledging. This stage involves not only evaluating specific pieces of our creative work, but also reflecting on ourselves and our creative lives as a whole. It's about understanding our growth, recognizing areas for improvement, and acknowledging the progress we've made so far. As we explore the different phases of the Creativity Quest, we draw parallels to the five seasons, examining how each stage aligns with the changing landscapes of our creative experiences.
In this episode, we return to the topic of assessing and acknowledging, focusing on its connection to the season of fall.
In the season of fall, things start to quiet down. It's a time of reflection and assessment, a period to discern what holds value and what's ready to be released. Just as trees shed leaves to prepare for new growth, we too must let go of what no longer serves us. It's a challenging process, entailing honesty and, at times, grief.
As we dive into the conversation, Melody highlights the significance of healthy assessment and its importance to both personal growth and creative work. KimBoo underscores the value of self-awareness, which helps break the cycle of insecurities and self-doubt. Gina emphasizes the connection between assessment, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. She emphasizes the practice of self-compassion and treating oneself with the same kindness as a trusted friend.
As we explore the assessing and acknowledging phase in our creative journey, we invite you to reflect on your own growth and creative process. Join us as we navigate this essential stage with self-compassion and insight, bringing enlightenment to your creative path.
Visit our website for resources mentioned in this episode, as well as a downloadables and a full transcript!
In this insightful episode, we journey further into the Creativity Quest with Gina Hogan Edwards, diving into the critical stage of assessing and acknowledging. We explore this often-overlooked phase, where the true voices of creative individuals begin to show up and discuss how the Creativity Quest isn't linear and how the stages of assessing and acknowledging lead to a deeper understanding of oneself as a writer. We reflect on our personal experiences with self-coaching, the importance of honesty, and the struggle with being performative in our work. Join us for this illuminating conversation and gain insights into recognizing your growth, embracing self-compassion, and finding your authentic voice in the creative process.
Enhance your creative journey by visiting our website to download the accompanying worksheet on assessing and acknowledging. We also have a full transcript of the episode available.
In this ad hoc episode, KimBoo and Melody hold down the fort while Gina is dealing with some unplanned traveling up north (well, "north" for Florida, which in this case means her homeland of North Carolina). Circumstances being what they are, we go into a deep dive on grief, trauma, stress, and (you guessed it!) creativity. We talk about ways of being compassionate to ourselves while also being true to our creative nature. When Melody tells you "be like a wolf!" it might surprise you what she actually means by it!
We cover heavy topics but our goal is always to do so in a way that brings enlightenment to your creative journey. Thanks for joining us!
Check out our website for downloads mentioned in the podcast, as well as a full transcript.
In this episode we dive into the essence of the creative quest - from emulating and mirroring your favorite authors to eventually finding your unique voice as a writer. We discuss how learning from the masters and those we admire is not about copying their work but about absorbing skills and identifying the qualities we desire in our own writing. We also touch on the potential pitfalls of comparison, the fear of never being able to write as well as those we admire, and how this could potentially stagnate our growth as writers. We explore how this process can sometimes be non-linear, looping back on itself or skipping stages, making the creative process more of a quest than a cycle.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about our experiences with this, and to gain insights that might help you navigate your own creativity quest. Make sure you download the accompanying worksheet to further delve into this stage of the creative journey.
In our latest episode titled "The Creativity Quest: Emulating and Mirroring," we dive into the intricacies of the creative journey. This process is far from linear. As artists, we move through various stages, sometimes repeating or skipping others, based on our unique challenges and successes. Our focus for today is the stage of emulating and mirroring.
Have you ever been so profoundly moved by a book that you thought, "I want to write like that?" We all have authors whose work stirs something deep within us, igniting a desire to emulate their craft in our own unique way. This is not about copying but learning from mentors, building our skills and strengths. It's about identifying aspects of others' work that resonate with us, and then questioning, "How did they do that?" and "How can I do that in my way?"
Interestingly, while other art forms commonly practice emulating and mirroring, writers often shy away from this exercise. We explore this phenomena and much more. Tune in for an enriching conversation, and don't forget to download our accompanying worksheet to support you on your creative quest. Let's continue this journey together.
In this episode, we dived deeper into the season of fall, which represents a vital stage in the Creative Cycle, in the form of Release (ref. ep 20!) and its significance in both the natural and creative world. The fascinating correlation lies in the necessity of letting go, both in nature's fall, as plants shed their leaves, and in the writing process, as we release unnecessary clutter to allow new ideas to flow. Like trees letting go of their leaves to survive harsh winters, we need to learn to release our attachment to the unnecessary and make room for what's crucial.
A primary emotion tied to the 'letting go' process is grief, which is why this process can be challenging. It's especially difficult when this grief is tied to our creative outputs or our personal spaces. But remember, decluttering isn't just physical. It's an internal process of dealing with grief, parting ways with the old, and making space for the new.
We talk about our different approaches and experiences with the lessons of "Release" during the Creative Cycle. Whether it's a stage in your writing or a physical space, learning to let go is a universal principle that can unclutter your life and make room for new growth. Stay tuned for more insights into the fascinating journey of the creative process!
Visit our website for transcripts of episodes and all downloadable worksheets!
In this episode, we deep-dive into the topic of the creative process and the challenges it poses for writers like us. We expand on Gina's Creativity Cycle, introducting the next step in the process: the concept of "Releasing," and its impact on our writing journeys.
Gina kicks off the discussion with a description of how the former step, "Carrying Inner Disquiet" (see episode 19) directly leads to "Releasing" in a healthy creative process.
One of the critical things we discuss is the struggle of releasing control, in particular, whether manifested as perfectionism or procrastination. As a discovery writer, I usually don't work with a detailed plot outline for my stories. Instead, I thrive in exploring and unveiling the story as it unfolds. I tend to get over-excited about knowing the outcome in advance, but I've learned the hard way that it's not the most successful approach for me. Instead, I've learned to trust my instincts as a writer and go with the flow.
Melody talks about a similar struggle. She often finds herself trying to force the storyline or character development, but midway through, she realizes her initial ideas don't work. She has to step back, be flexible, and allow her story to evolve naturally.
We also touched upon the importance of scheduling our time. I’ve realized I need to let go of spontaneity to ensure I get enough writing time. While spontaneity is fantastic, it can be a hindrance when there's a need for dedicated writing time. Melody echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for scheduling downtime. Amid her demanding landscape design business, she emphasized the need to create space for relaxation and self-care to fuel creativity.
Finally, Gina brings up the ever-topical book "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield, a book that deals extensively with the concept of resistance. We all agree that it's a powerful resource for anyone facing resistance in their creative journeys.
Please remember to visit our website, www.aroundthewriterstable.com, to download the worksheet mentioned in this episode, as well as access a full transcript.
On this insightful episode, we delve into the first stage of the Creative Cycle: the stage of 'Inner Disquiet'. This phase, although not necessarily the first one you experience, is marked by an uncomfortable longing for self-expression, which can sometimes last for years. Gina shares her personal experiences with this phase both as a writer and as a creativity coach working with other writers, and discusses her time in the corporate world when she felt an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction stemming from her unfulfilled desire to write.
Melody and KimBoo share how they experience 'Inner Disquiet', leading to an enlightening discussion on recognizing this stage as a crucial precursor to creative growth. Melody likens it to the germination stage of a seed - a quiet but vital phase where the real magic happens below the surface, and how it relates to the season of Winter in traditional five-season medicine. Tune in to explore this vital aspect of the creative journey and gain insights that can help you navigate your own path!
We are launching a new series as we enter the second year of the podcast! We're so glad to have all our listeners on this journey with us as we explore new ways to help writers embrace their creativity and conscious living.
Gina does most of the heavy lifting in this episode. She introduces her Creativity Cycle framework by providing an overview of how it is designed to help writers plan, unplan, and get unstuck throughout the writing process. Future episodes will have us digging into each step in the cycle in depth. Melody brings in how the different stages of the Creativity Cycle relate to the Seasons for Writers and ways that we can use both perspectives to become clearer about how we engage with our work. KimBoo, meanwhile, complains about all the ideas she has for stories she wants to write!
Please visit the Around the Writer's Table website to access the downloadable guide to the Creativity Cycle and the transcript for this episode.
In this episode of Around the Writer's Table, my co-hosts Gina, Melody, and I discuss planning versus pantsing in the new-project creation process. We explore how different writers approach their work, whether by meticulously outlining and planning or by writing spontaneously and "flying by the seat of their pants." We emphasize the importance of discovering one's own writing style and being open to experimentation.
Gina shares her experience of transitioning from a planner to a pantser and how it helped her embrace her creative freedom. She also highlights the importance of balancing planning and spontaneity in the writing process, mentioning, "There are so many ways to approach it, and the best thing you can do is to be willing to experiment and find what works best for you."
I discuss the obstacles I faced when trying to plan my stories and how I eventually discovered that planning can be both a friend and a hindrance. I underscore the importance of planning on one's own terms rather than following someone else's instructions.
Melody talks about the role of a writing coach in helping writers find the right balance in their creative process, noting the value of pushing one's boundaries and trying new approaches to writing.
We also touch on the topic of our next episode, which will delve into Gina's creative cycle and its connection to the seasons of the writing process. We encourage listeners to join us as we continue exploring the different stages of creativity and finding a balance between planning and pantsing in their writing journey.
Overall, this episode serves as a valuable resource for writers seeking insights and guidance on finding their own unique writing process and striking the right balance between planning and spontaneity.
On this episode, Melody, Gina, and KimBoo discuss the importance of editing in writing. Whether you're a professional writer or a hobbyist, working with an editor can help elevate your work to the next level. Gina breaks down the four different stages of editing - developmental editing, content editing, line editing, and copy editing - and explain what each one entails. We also give tips on how to clarify what kind of editing services an editor provides before hiring them, and why proofreading is crucial for any polished final product. KimBoo explains why traditional publishers may not be providing the same level of editing services as before, and Melody talks about her long journey through different editors until finally working with Gina to produce her book, Soul of the Seasons.
Winter is coming to an end here in North Florida where the three of us live, but it is a season that can affect writers any time of the year! This second part on winter in our Seasons of Writing series we dive deep into the imbalances that can happen in this part of the cycle, including immobilization, detachment, hyper-criticism, and impulsivity. Gina talks about how immobilization has affected her ability to progress with her author career, while KimBoo recounts how impulsivity and impatience ruined one of her first published books (which has since been pulled, rewritten, and republished!). Melody explains how the element of water is associated with winter and how that relationship of elements can help you balance your own writing life!
Remember to stop by our website to download the worksheet for the season of winter, and please leave us a comment or question while you are there!
Welcome to Around the Writer's Table 1st Year Anniversary Episode! We started this podcast in February of last year, and the airing of this episode marks a full turn of the seasons! We started with spring and slowly worked our way through the five seasons as explained in Melody's book, Soul of the Seasons, in ways that relate to writers and the creative process.
Rounding out the year, we start with part one of "Winter," a time quiet "underground" creation, conservation, contemplation, and sometimes even grief. We talk about putting stories "under the mattress" and what it means to trust your intuition. Join us for this very special series!
Please visit our website to get access to the downloadable worksheet mentioned in the podcast!
The daring trio continue our discussion about critique as an important tool in a writer's toolbox! Once you've gone as far as you can with a manuscript, what do you do next?In this episode we discuss the next step in the process, when you've moved past alpha readers and early critique groups and are ready for beta readers and professional editors.
If you are wondering how to find and vet beta readers, how to set expectations, and what to do with the feedback you get, then this is the episode for you! This carries on from part 2 in episode 12, which recommend listening to as well.
Please visit our website at www.aroundthewriterstable.com to access the free download we are offering with this episode as well as a full transcript.
It often feels dangerous to offer our work up to others for critique and feedback. It requires a lot of vulnerability, but is a crucial part of the writing process as it is required to improve our work. In this episode, Gina, Melody, and KimBoo talk about letting go at a lot of levels: letting go of attachments to what we write, letting go of words, letting go of expectations, letting go of the creation process, and more. Sometimes that means "kill your darlings," sometimes (if you are KimBoo!) it is about adding and embellishing the story and letting go of impatience. The important part of critiquing is knowing where you are at as a writer, knowing how to take a break, and finding the balance of what works for you.
This episode goes in depth on how to find a supportive critique group, what an alpha reader is, and how to find the right people to help you critique your writing. It is the first part of a series of episodes focused on editing and critiquing, and we start with a look at the early stage of editing, either when a draft is freshly done (or not even quite done yet!).
Visit our website at https://www.aroundthewriterstable.com in order to access the downloadable worksheet(s) referenced in this episode!
We're back with part two of our overview of Fall (autumn) as a season for writers. It's a challenging time because even though we're at the point of completion of a project, there is grief to deal with (listen to ep.10 for more on that!) and the mental mindset needed to deal with getting ready to receive. Receive what, you ask? Criticism, feedback, and even new ideas to start spring with!
In this part of our series, we discuss how to declutter your brain and your ego so you can clarify the discernment you need to for the tasks ahead. You will need to be ready to decide what to keep and what to let go off, and learn to value your own authority over your stories. It's a challenging time but the Writer's Table Collective is here to help you out!
Welcome to Fall! Here where we live in Florida it's just barely dipping down below 70°F degrees, but that's cool enough for us! In this episode we start to talk about Fall as a "season for writers," symbolic of the emotions, triumphs and hurdles we experience working on our stories.
This is the first of a two-part series where we cover the balances and imbalances of the Fall season (see our worksheet on our website for a full list!) and discuss the core emotion of this season: grief. It usually manifests in the writing process as we let go of our work, either for editing or publishing, and not just the story itself but the process of creating it. It's not all grim and terrible, in fact it is necessary as you move into a place of finding and nurturing the "seeds" for your next story project!
In this episode, Melody, Gina, and KimBoo really dig deep into what it means to be in the writing season of "Harvest." Coming off of several episodes focusing on burnout, this time we talk about the feelings that rise to surface when we have "harvested" all of our hard work. It's a time of rough drafts, beta readers, early feedback and...insecurities!
What does a balanced harvest season for writers look like? How can we practice self-care when our worries are driving the bus? Can we share our excitement without slamming the door on our creativity?
Join us as we talk about "writers who aren't writing," healthy ways to rest from writing, and ways to nurture the creativity we both love and, sometimes, fear!
Be sure to visit our website to download a helpful worksheet that provides more information and an empowering creative exercise!
The second part of our exploration of burnout covers a lot of ground, but is focused on ways to find balance in your creative life in order to combat (or simply avoid!) burnout. Melody, A Scout continues her exploration of the season of Summer as a metaphor and spiritual tool for finding that balance, while Gina Hogan Edwards delves into how such things as perfectionism and imposter syndrome contribute to creative burnout. KimBoo talks about the importance of community as she has experienced it in fanfiction circles.
Whatever your current situation is, we hope this episode will give you some guidance or at least will help you feel less alone in your creative journey!
Please visit our website to find the downloadable worksheets mentioned in the podcast.
Burnout turned out to be such a huge topic that we had to break it into two parts! This podcast is focused on what burnout is and is not, how we recognize it, and how it affects our lives.
Gina is back from a social media “diet” and self-styled retreat she gifted herself in July, and talks with Melody about how this fits into the “summer” modality of the Five Seasons of Writing (based on Melody’s book about five element theory, Soul of the Seasons). Meanwhile KimBoo grapples with not being able to write, and how that can lead to shame and frustration.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and are having trouble connecting with your creativity, we invite you to listen to this episode! We go deep but laugh at our own follies and hopefully can make you feel less alone!
Please visit out website for the downloadable worksheet mentioned in the podcast!
Resources mention:
Sketchbook Skool
Melody, Gina, and KimBoo return to the Five Spirit Medicine paradigm from Melody's book, Soul of the Seasons, with an look at what it means for writers and other creatives to be feeling the heat of summer! (We live in Florida, we're allowed to make jokes about how hot it is!)
Summer as a creative experience can happen anytime during the calendrical year, and represents a specific time in the cycle of creation. In summer, visions are brought to fruition, we work on developing and maturing projects we've started, we prune here and feed there as we commit to finishing what we are working on. It is a time of revision and reaching out to our community for support and encouragement.
We cover a lot of ground in this episode, and invite you to join us in exploring what it means to come up against what KimBoo has labeled "The Two Chapter Problem."
Links and Resources: Hot Mic with Houston and Hogan podcast (Spotify link) Summer Worksheet (downloadable at our podcast website)
Transcripts available at our website.
Writers (and other creatives) often think of boundaries as negative things — restrictions that hold us back from actualizing our creative visions! But that is not always true, and in fact is often the opposite of true.
In this episode, Gina, Melody, and KimBoo talk about the good and the bad of setting boundaries, and the different kinds of boundaries a writer sets sometimes without even realizing it! Is an outline a boundary? Yes! Is setting aside writing time and telling your family not to disturb you a boundary? Yes! Is using specific writing tools a boundary? YES!
You will be surprised to discover the boundaries you already use as a writer, and might even find some new ones that help you explore your creativity in new ways!
Thanks for joining us Around the Writer's Table!
Please visit this podcast's page at our website and leave us a comment, ask a question, or suggest ideas for future podcasts!
This episode starts our new series, Seasons of Writing! We will be exploring the writing process through the lens of the Five Seasons matrix as taught by Melody, A Scout in her book, Soul of the Seasons.
Our first stop is spring, a time to find or remember our visions, define healthy boundaries, and make quality decisions about moving forward with our writing projects!
More than just a simple metaphor, the five seasons teach us about the value of attuning to our own natural rhythms and life cycles as well as the world around us:
“The seasons of the earth are a matrix that connects every living thing on our planet. These seasons reveal to us the story of true community, where each element and living being shares an intimate connection to each other and, in turn, is our connection with the world. Time and time again, evidence reveals that changing just one element of a system, even a tiny one, changes the entire system. So, this is the essence of community: That which affects one, affects all."
Visit the Around the Writer's Table website for downloadable worksheets that you can use to help illuminate your own writing process!
This episode is the final entry in our "meet your hosts!" triptych, featuring an interview with Melody, a Scout, who is the author of the book, Soul of the Seasons: Creating Balance, Resilience, and Connection by Tapping the Wisdom of the Natural World. She took nine years to write and edit this book, which she started during her time training with her plant spirit teacher, Eliot Cowan.
Melody shares with us a bit of her journey to becoming a published author and a lot about how the concepts of the five seasons and plant medicine intertwine with learning to live a creative live.
"Expectations are premeditated resentments." ~ Robert Ohotto
[Transcript available on our website, Around the Writer's Table]
Welcome to the SECOND(!!!) episode of Around the Writer’s Table: Conversations on Craft, Creativity, and Conscious Living!
Next up in our journey of interviews with the hosts of the podcast, Gina and Melody put the screws to KimBoo York aka the Author Alchemist (you can tell that KimBoo is the one writing this description!) and find out more than they ever knew to ask about motivation, inspiration, fanfiction, writing while traumatized, neuroatypical brains, and more! Join the fun and listen in as KimBoo rambles on a lot about seeing Star Wars: A New Hope in the theater when she was a kid.
As discussed (at length!) in this episode, here is the link to Archive of Our Own (AO3), the fanfiction archive built and run by fans!
Welcome to the first episode of Around the Writer's Table: Conversations on Craft, Creativity, and Conscious Living! We're really excited to kick this off.
We're starting with an interview with one of our own: Gina Hogan Edwards! Writer, editor, creativity coach, and WomanSpeak Leader! We cover a lot of ground in this episode, jumping off from talking about Gina's long career as a professional writer and editor to issues such as dealing with your inner editor and how to approach long-term writing projects. Join us!
~ Melody, Gina, and KimBoo