News and Thoughts
Writing, Rest, and Renewal
In this time of COVID-19, some writers are finding enforced solitude to be a wellspring for their creative endeavors. Stuck at home for a year? Now’s the time to churn out that epic novel, right? But for others, the combination of worry, stress, and boredom acts on their creative impulses like rain on chalk.
Me? My editing work is going well. I’m enjoying living in the worlds my authors build. But I can’t write creatively right now. At first that frustrated me; I’ve had a writing project hanging fire for a while now, and all this summer I was kicking myself for not diving in to finish it. Since then, though, I’ve realized I need to let go of those expectations and navigate this difficult time in my own way. Sometimes this means trying new and different forms of expression, like needlework. (Turns out I'm good at embroidery but really bad at knitting.) Sometimes it means volunteering to help the housebound and others sidelined by the pandemic. Sometimes it means cuddling up on the couch and watching old movies with my husband, movies we've always wanted to see but never have. (Last week: the very funny and romantic Barbara Stanwyck vehicle "Christmas in Connecticut.")
And sometimes it just means emulating the "femme couchée dormant" of this 1899 Félix Vallotton painting.
If you’re writing up a storm, wonderful! We can’t wait to work with you on what you’re creating. But if you’re not? That’s okay too. Really. Give yourself permission for a season of rest and renewal. We'll be thrilled to help with your next project . . . whenever the time is right!
Sarah Jane