“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ― Maya Angelou
Have you ever wondered how many book titles there would be in circulation if everyone who ever dreamed about writing a book actually did write one? Are you dreaming about writing a book too? You’re not alone!
Since I was about 15, I have known that I have a book in me. Going by the amount of words I blog on a weekly basis, I have several. So how come I can’t seem to commit to writing one? I have a great first sentence for one book and am about a third way through three abandoned book projects over the past few years. Sigh.
Perhaps you can relate to this? Perhaps you’re struggling to get started or stay committed? Perhaps you prefer the dream of having written a Pulitzer prize winning New York Times best seller to the harsh reality of putting ink on paper (or pixels on a screen)?
I found some brilliant quotes in this article by Arielle Ford and though that I could turn a few of those into a Tarot Spread that could help me stay on track with the idea I have now for a book:
1. Release yourself from the expectation that they have to be a perfect, brilliant 500 words. Just show up each day and do your best for that day. ~ Spring
This one is about discipline and not getting caught in the trap of ‘perfection’ as there is no such thing anyway!
2. Our inspiration comes in the form of the deeply held belief that someone else, right now, is writing the same book, and they could beat us to market if we don’t hurry. ~ Jon
Are you meant to write this book? Are you the Universe’s first choice? Look for positive reinforcement here. Any expansive cards (especially The Wheel of Fortune), the Aces and any of your birth cards or court card significators would be confirmation.
3. Pretend it is like great sex! Writing and sex are both about being in the moment, being in the flow of energy. Also, pray to your personal muses. ~ Laurie
On how to get your spiritual mojo going, what deities / muses to call on and how to stay in a state of relaxed flow. Your creative mojo and your sex drive are totally made of the same stuff…
4. For me, when writing wanes, it is usually because a bigger/deeper/truer thought than the one I have in mind is trying to break through. So I hold that possibility and look for it. ~ Robin
Are you meant to be writing something else? One of the positive/expansive cards in this position could mean you are meant to write something else and need to sit tight until you know exactly what.
First you need to choose a significator for yourself – one that is in harmony with your ideal writer persona. For me it was a no-brainer: The Magician… However, it may be another card entirely for you. Maybe the The Queen of Swords? Use your intuition!
The second card crosses your significator and symbolises your main current block/challenge. Around this central cross, you place the other four cards:
Great spread thanks Lisa! Budding authors might want to check out “The Right to Write” by Julia Cameron. This was recently recommended to me and I’ve found found to be an inspiring & wonderful kick in the pants!
I wasn’t so much ‘blocked’ as ‘not even out of the starting blocks’ wistfully wishing to write but having no clue where to start. This is such a good book it’s a really snappy read crammed with ideas to get you started and keep up the momentum, each chapter ends with an exercise & plenty to think about. For example, she writes of learning to allow her first drafts to be bad: “Freed to be rough, my writing actually became smoother. Freed from the demand that it be instantly brilliant, perfect, and clever, my writing became not only smoother but also easier and more clear…If only we could give ourselves permission to write ‘badly,’ many of us would write very well indeed.” (note – I’ve no affiliation with the author by the way!). I feel sure Lisa you DO indeed have a book (or many!) inside you and given the quality of your blogs I’ve no doubt would be an amazing read. Don’t give up! Brightest blessings 🙂
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Great spread thanks Lisa! Budding authors might want to check out “The Right to Write” by Julia Cameron. This was recently recommended to me and I’ve found found to be an inspiring & wonderful kick in the pants!
I wasn’t so much ‘blocked’ as ‘not even out of the starting blocks’ wistfully wishing to write but having no clue where to start. This is such a good book it’s a really snappy read crammed with ideas to get you started and keep up the momentum, each chapter ends with an exercise & plenty to think about. For example, she writes of learning to allow her first drafts to be bad: “Freed to be rough, my writing actually became smoother. Freed from the demand that it be instantly brilliant, perfect, and clever, my writing became not only smoother but also easier and more clear…If only we could give ourselves permission to write ‘badly,’ many of us would write very well indeed.” (note – I’ve no affiliation with the author by the way!). I feel sure Lisa you DO indeed have a book (or many!) inside you and given the quality of your blogs I’ve no doubt would be an amazing read. Don’t give up! Brightest blessings 🙂
Author
Thanks, Laura! Fab book recommendation. I have read it but it was a long time ago, so thanks for the nudge. Will have to dig it out and re-read!! 🙂