I posted this today over on the Anam Cara Facebook page. Please join in the community there (or here!), and thanks in advance for your support!
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As I've mentioned before on this Facebook page, I'm currently writing a book on the intersections of spirituality & physicality, to be published by InterVarsity Press late 2012 or early 2013. (If you're interested, you can read the original announcements here). My deadline is June 1, which is rapidly approaching. And when I say rapidly, I mean that in the "runaway train gaining speed as it careens down an mountainside toward my struggling form tied to the tracks" kind of way.
As any of you who have attempted anything even remotely artistic know, there's a lot of fear wrapped up in the process of creating. And there's a lot of resistance. As a director, I recognize and acknowledge the gifts of both fear and resistance. As an author on a deadline, I need to push through the fear, and kick resistance to the curb.
But to be honest with y'all fear and resistance have been kicking my butt recently. Almost anything, including the Most Hated Household Chore (the Folding of Laundry), can distract me from my writing. Editing work! Dish washing! Pinterest! Castle re-runs! Dog-training! I'm like a chipmunk with ADHD.
So, to settle myself down, and to break through the creative road blocks I'm facing, I'm declaring afternoons at Anam Cara to be Artistic Afternoons. (If art really isn't your thing, be patient, we'll get back to normal after June 1.) To keep myself inspired and motivated, I'll be posting quotes from writing resouces like Steven Pressfield's "The War of Art" and Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird." I'll share writing prompts and ideas—which you're invited to respond to when you feel led.
And I'll also be posting prayer requests. More than anything else, knowing that I have the support of a wonderful community like you helps to keep me focused and creating. Writing can be a lonely process, and knowing that you're alongside of me (and, I'll shyly admit, keeping me accountable) helps immeasurably.
As I go, I'll be specific as I can in my requests for prayer. I invite you to pray, to post your prayers and to be part of this journey with me. In the end, we're going to write this book together. I can't do it without you.
Much grace & peace,
Tara
P.S. Don't worry, you'll still be seeing great quotes, contemplative exercises and midday meditations at Anam Cara, as well!