WOW, that's a helluva short story! I just read it this AM. Absolutely loved it.
Good call on focusing on practice and not projects (I'm a projects-that-keep-getting-derailed-by-other-projects person, myself, so I could use more of that too). Here's to more showing up in 2026!
Happy New Year and congrats on the new publications.
💯with you on this resolution. For me I have a single mantra to guide my year… ‘find the creativity’. What do I mean by this? Well, kind of like what you describe here, I’ve spent years laying down ‘rules’, failing to meet their exacting standards, beating myself up over it (rinse and repeat). So this year, instead of that, the idea is to discover creativity wherever I go and whatever I’m doing.
For example, if I’m taking a work break am I reading, or looking at some art or thinking about how I can make my lunch a little more interesting? or if I’m scrolling the internet, can I at least aim it at the filmmakers and the artists and the musicians rather than the snark and the doomscroll?
Or if I want to go out with friends can I suggest a play or a movie or an art gallery trip?
At the writing desk? Can I aim my attention on the creative action itself, and focus on the practice, not the outcome?
Brava on your creative gear shift! Count me in for lower stress and more centered vibes. I look forward to updates. PS - Congrats on the New Yorker pieces!
WOW, that's a helluva short story! I just read it this AM. Absolutely loved it.
Good call on focusing on practice and not projects (I'm a projects-that-keep-getting-derailed-by-other-projects person, myself, so I could use more of that too). Here's to more showing up in 2026!
Dana, thank you so much for reading my short story! Your creativity continues to motivate me. I love to see your work in any and all forms.
I love your new outlook! I need to adopt it too.
Marisa, thank you for your kind words!
Wow Bizzy! I feel so powerful-one mention from me and there’s a wonderful excitingnewsletter!!!It will be a successful 2026 no doubt!
Jane, without you, this would all fall apart!!! :)
Happy New Year and congrats on the new publications.
💯with you on this resolution. For me I have a single mantra to guide my year… ‘find the creativity’. What do I mean by this? Well, kind of like what you describe here, I’ve spent years laying down ‘rules’, failing to meet their exacting standards, beating myself up over it (rinse and repeat). So this year, instead of that, the idea is to discover creativity wherever I go and whatever I’m doing.
For example, if I’m taking a work break am I reading, or looking at some art or thinking about how I can make my lunch a little more interesting? or if I’m scrolling the internet, can I at least aim it at the filmmakers and the artists and the musicians rather than the snark and the doomscroll?
Or if I want to go out with friends can I suggest a play or a movie or an art gallery trip?
At the writing desk? Can I aim my attention on the creative action itself, and focus on the practice, not the outcome?
What a lovely mantra for the new year. It expands writing into a creative outlook and creative lifestyle. I’m inspired by you!!
Brava on your creative gear shift! Count me in for lower stress and more centered vibes. I look forward to updates. PS - Congrats on the New Yorker pieces!
Thanks for reading, Wendy! I agree — this year is all about lower stress and centered vibes. Cheers to 2026!