Around the Writer’s Table

Creativity Quest: Inviting Authentic Existence Pt 2 (Ep. 32)

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!

The New Era of SERIALS for Authors (Ep. 31)

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!

The New Era of Subscriptions for Authors (Ep. 30)

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/

Creativity Quest: Inviting Authentic Existence (ep. 29)

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!
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Visit our website for resources mentioned in this episode, as well as a downloadables and a full transcript!
 

Embracing Your Creative Authority (ep. 28)

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!
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Visit our website for resources mentioned in this episode, as well as a downloadables and a full transcript!

Creativity Quest: Taking Ownership (ep. 27)

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!
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Visit our website for resources mentioned in this episode, as well as a downloadables and a full transcript!

Critiquing Your Inner Critic: Healthy Self Assessment (ep. 26)

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!

Creativity Quest: Assessing and Acknowledging (ep. 25)

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. 

When it’s All Just So Much (Ep. 24)

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. 

Mirroring to Find Our Own Author Voice (Ep. 23)

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.