Hello, fellow creatives! Welcome to WordCraft and my very first post. It has taken a while to get here. Due to crippling perfectionist tendencies, I am somewhat of a procrastinator, particularly when it comes to writing. (This, unfortunately, is not the best thing to be as an author). However, I have decided to throw caution to the wind (see how I’m letting that cliché ride?) and am going to try my best not to obsess about how and what I’m writing for WordCraft.
Instead, I will focus on infusing some of the joy back into the creative process, as well as on being a resource for others by sharing my experiences as an author, former literary agent, freelance editor, writing coach, tarot reader*, and human being.
(*Even if you’re not a writer or all that interested in tarot, I hope you will still find value in these posts, which may also include observations on life and general musings.)
Humans were made for connecting and I hope to create a space here where we can do that.
I know firsthand that writing and creating is not easy, is not always sunshine and rainbows (even when you live in supposed paradise on a tropical island, as I do). More often it’s howling winds, raging seas, and being only a few breaths away from the waters rising above your head.
But, if you keep treading, eventually the waters will recede, the winds will die down, and the seas will calm. The sun will come out, birds will begin chirping, and you may even find a moment of peace in the aftermath of the storm.
For now, whether you write or sing or paint, or macramé, I challenge you to focus on the act of creating and not on the outcome. We cannot always control the outcome. So, breathe and keep treading, I’ll be right there along with you, cheering you on.
Tarot Card of the Week
The Chariot
Onward! The Chariot is all about movement, forward progression. Perhaps, you’ve been feeling stuck or at a standstill, not sure which way to turn. Now is the time to gather those reigns, cry “giddy up!” and boldly go in the direction of your dreams. Even if, after a while, you discover that perhaps this is not the right path, you can always retrace your steps, always turn around, always start off in another direction. What matters here is your determination, your focus. If you truly want something, then go for it, whether it involves taking a giant leap or baby steps. (Much like hitting “Post” on your first newsletter entry). If things were previously stalled on an important matter or decision, you’ll start to see some progress as things become unblocked and the wheels begin turning.
Writing Tidings
My debut board book, GIVE ME A SNICKLE! has won the inaugural Margaret Wise Brown Book Award for Excellence in Children’s Literature. This is a massive honour, as it underwent a rigorous in-depth selection process and was chosen by a prestigious jury out of hundreds of submissions. I am so very appreciative of this historic award and thank the Children’s Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education for this incredible recognition.
Recently I was able to attend the Ontario Library Association’s (OLA) Superconference and sign copies of the third book in my adventure series, THE ORACLE OF AVARIS. It was so lovely seeing all my writer friends in person after the conference was held virtually the past few years due to the pandemic.
What I’m Reading
The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Greater Creativity by Julia Cameron.
An oldie but a goodie! It’s been my personal experience that creativity and spirituality are deeply intertwined and I’m looking forward to exploring this text and following through with some of the exercises, some of which I’ll be sharing on WordCraft! Do you have any favourite books on writing or craft?
That’s it for this week, have a great one!
xoxo
Alisha
Yay!!!! I am so excited for your newsletter! 🥳
Hello 👋 from another perfectionist and procrastinator! There are so many of us! I’m looking forward to reading the post+tarot combination. It sounds really interesting.