Around the Writer’s Table Around the Writer’s Table Collective

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!
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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!
 
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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.
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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!