One of my favorite movie scenes of all time is the one in “The Princess Bride” in which three of the main characters are planning to storm the castle and save the titular princess inside. They begin by describing all the reasons why it will be difficult to do — the castle is heavily guarded, etc. etc. — and going over their short list of assets. Strength, sword, brains…and a little less than half an hour.
“If only we had a wheelbarrow!” The Man in Black, the group’s recently-resurrected mastermind, laments. But ah, they do — his friends just didn’t realize this was in any way relevant to mention to him, nor do they understand until the wheelbarrow becomes the linchpin in their (successful) campaign to save Buttercup.
What I’m saying here is that I love thinking about the creative process as one in which there are always constraints, and often impossible odds. Rather than impeding the flow of the story, they shape it in ways that make it uniquely resonant and unforgettable.
This week, my creative constraint is that we are dealing with COVID. (Womp.) A whole post just isn’t gonna happen. But a discussion thread *about* the ways in which our constraints shape our journeys? What a perfect way to kick off the new year on Initiation Writes.
So, I’d love it if you’d share below:
What is one castle are you hoping to storm this year? (Are you planning to plant a garden, start online dating, spend more time with your loved ones or creative pursuits?)
What are the non-negotiable creative constraints you face? (Are you working with a shoestring budget, a dearth of discretionary time, or a lack of reliable childcare?)
What do you imagine will make this possible and/or worth doing anyway?
Ooof, sorry about the Covid! I want to get back into a creative rhythm with the tiny agent of anarchy. I was hoping to write tonight, and the puppy / universe heard me, and vomited on my feet. But I made mediocre brownies and ate the batter. 2024 theme: accept the anarchy, eat the batter.
Oof what good timing! I’m on the couch with an infected tooth and the ensuing agony so my creative dreams for 2024 feel very far away. But my priority this year is to deepen and expand my writing in the hope that it will reach readers in a way that moves them. And that I will be healthier in 2024 - 2023 was a rough one for my poor, exhausted body. Thanks for asking (& sharing!)
First off, so sorry COVID has struck your family! I know so many people who've been struck but RSV or COVID, or Norovirus: a tough season indeed.
Second, I love The Princess Bride. This scene is a perfect metaphor for thinking through these impossible circumstances and the reminder that unseen support may be closer than you think. I've got a story that wants my time. Barriers include: launching my nonprofit which requires more hours in any day than I have; the trauma at the base of the story (or poem) requires some willingness to open it up and the known downside is the recovery time after. The calls and emails from tour guests (my bread and butter). etc.
Ooof, sorry about the Covid! I want to get back into a creative rhythm with the tiny agent of anarchy. I was hoping to write tonight, and the puppy / universe heard me, and vomited on my feet. But I made mediocre brownies and ate the batter. 2024 theme: accept the anarchy, eat the batter.
Best recovery wishes to you and your family with COVID, Ryan Rose!
Oof what good timing! I’m on the couch with an infected tooth and the ensuing agony so my creative dreams for 2024 feel very far away. But my priority this year is to deepen and expand my writing in the hope that it will reach readers in a way that moves them. And that I will be healthier in 2024 - 2023 was a rough one for my poor, exhausted body. Thanks for asking (& sharing!)
First off, so sorry COVID has struck your family! I know so many people who've been struck but RSV or COVID, or Norovirus: a tough season indeed.
Second, I love The Princess Bride. This scene is a perfect metaphor for thinking through these impossible circumstances and the reminder that unseen support may be closer than you think. I've got a story that wants my time. Barriers include: launching my nonprofit which requires more hours in any day than I have; the trauma at the base of the story (or poem) requires some willingness to open it up and the known downside is the recovery time after. The calls and emails from tour guests (my bread and butter). etc.