Between Books
- a creative void or time to refuel?
Dear EarthAum Friend,
I hope this moment finds you in harmony with your surrounds, gently tending to your signature song that naturally weaves your threads of gold to see you grow into your finest self.
Much has arisen for me to address since my return to Australia, not least an integration process from my adventures to Mount Shasta in California and the lakes of Canada. In between writing, letting go of the remainder of my journals and attending to several tasks, I have enjoyed playing with a piece of artwork, being quiet, sometimes still and at other times, silent… listening to discern my next steps in preparation to move to a new home and time-space coordinate.
I finished my piece of artwork today… the writing, however, is in progress and attuned to cosmic order.
Drawing has been one of my go-to’s between books since I lived in Karratha, Western Australia. The year was likely 2003, sometime after I received initial feedback from an editor about my first book that sent me spiralling… I promptly decided that my writing must not be good enough. Yet what to do instead? Return to crafts and needle work? No, I’d already done that. It was a friend who suggested I draw my way back to writing. So I gave it a go. Since then, I have found the quiet space and freedom to explore using symbolism helpful and is a great salve to shift the senses where there is no thinking, unlike when I write. Gratefully, after much perseverance and commitment to my craft, and five publications later, writing is still how I make sense of my world.
How this post came about…
A little while ago, a friend wrote: ‘I’m in the in between books low ebb and I don’t feel terribly motivated…. do you experience the between books transition?’
I feel everyone experiences this and that it is quite natural. When I consider nature, that we are a part of, I note a tree is not always flourishing, there is a process of full maturation before the leaves change - sometimes in colour, sometimes shrivelling to fall and decay. The absorption of nutrients must then return the plant itself.
Some plants do this daily, so I learned in Canada, and reach their peak sap near the top of their stem, only to have the sap return to their roots before the day is over. Imagine writing a book in a day and navigating the entire process from birth of an idea to reaching its climatic potential and then rounding it off with a, ‘Thank you very much… it’s done!’
I neither see the ‘between books’ stage of a writer’s life as a creative void or a time to refuel, because other creative tasks naturally call for my attention, such as cooking, gardening and dreaming - there’s always an opportunity to change something up, move any stagnant energy in and around the home and feel good about it afterwards.
Living life means change. Change offers new opportunities to create more meaning. Having meaning fuels a purpose… and having a purpose fulfills and satisfies, equating to a life well lived.
Of course, we do need to refuel, only this needs to be incorporated into our daily living and not at an appointed time.
It seems I like to begin new books when in Canada. I began writing intrepid Soul in 2016/2017 when living at my friend, Peggy’s house. Coincidentally or not, I felt inspired to pen some fresh words at the same friend’s house, this time by the water and as mentioned at the beginning of this post the words have vied for my attention since returning home. I’ll get there…
Between books is also an opportune time for reflection, introspection and integration. Has our view changed since we wrote and published a book? Have we unravelled more of what had previously remained hidden from us? How do we feel about sharing ourselves and what we have written - not for approval or recognition - because we believe in ourselves and value what we have expressed?
A writer never really knows if there will be another book, yet they never give up their craft because that’s who they are.
In the traditional publishing industry, author’s are strongly encouraged to deliver their next book by a certain date… and instead of a natural birth may need a cesarean section to extract it before its maturity. While others are prolific in their storytelling, I prefer aligning myself with nature’s time. Such is the nature of our unique personalities and what we feel guided is best for us to do.
Nature renews and we do too.
If you are a writer, what has been your experience between books? And please share what you writing at the moment.
If you aspire to write or would like to hear about my skillset as a Writerly Guide, let’s connect…
Thank you so much for sharing! May the last month of 2024 uplift and inspire you to do more of what you love as you feel ever deeper into your fluidity. To purchase any of my books for Christmas gifts or the summer holidays visit my website. Paperbacks and eBooks are available from the author, and all good bookstores. Thank you sincerely.
Love’s harmonies,
Leanda Michelle ✍🏼
Hi Leanda,
I wonder who’s motivationally helpful words they were 😊 🌼😊 I’m glad they were helpful in finding your way through “ between books” I am sewing and enjoying allowing myself to explore but also flow with what comes. It’s all connecting and formative.
Keep up the good work as they say.
🌿🦋🌿
I enjoyed reading these thoughts and pictures, Leanda. Thank you. I love the idea of drawing yourself back to writing. And what a beautiful drawing you've just created and shared here, in this post. For me, every book and "in-between-time" are different. Now that my next novel is (essentially) finished and with a publisher, I'm writing poetry again. Maybe that's what my "drawing" is these days. And actually, when I look back at the process of writing fiction over the years, I realize how necessary it's always been, at certain times, to shift into that other medium of poetry. Each one of us finds our own way.