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A Guide to Creating - A Book of Soul Wisdom
For years I wrote one unpublished novel after another. I knew about the struggle to create, all right. I had 5 children to support. I loved writing and the texture of a sentence.Yet I faced such doubts that at times I almost couldn’t carry on.
It was easier at the start, when I could still believe in the possibility of success.I wrote seven novels before one was published. How to keep going? I still didn’t know. I was stuck halfway through yet another novel and nervous about taking on a project to write a mythology textbook.
A writer friend, Bridget, and I came up with a plan ~ we would text each other two random words at night and in the morning, before dawn, we would make something out of them. In this way we would shortcut doubt and procrastination and begin each day already being writers.
On the third day, I started to write what seemed like lectures from a guide I called Godfrey. I thought I would photocopy them for Bridget. On the day I wrote there were fifty more lectures to come, I realized it was a book length project. I wrote almost every dawn over a winter, in my house beside the sea. I wrote a book I didn’t set out to write and I did it without thinking, without stopping, for twenty minutes a day. That was the first thing I learnt ~ that by simply doing it, something would grow.
I went on and wrote the myth book, finished the novel, published two more. The fear has mostly gone. Doubt still lives on and procrastination thrives in many guises. But after meeting Godfrey in these pages, I think I know enough now to carry on. Jillian Sullivan
Previously published by Steele Roberts as Fishing From the Boat Ramp.
It was easier at the start, when I could still believe in the possibility of success.I wrote seven novels before one was published. How to keep going? I still didn’t know. I was stuck halfway through yet another novel and nervous about taking on a project to write a mythology textbook.
A writer friend, Bridget, and I came up with a plan ~ we would text each other two random words at night and in the morning, before dawn, we would make something out of them. In this way we would shortcut doubt and procrastination and begin each day already being writers.
On the third day, I started to write what seemed like lectures from a guide I called Godfrey. I thought I would photocopy them for Bridget. On the day I wrote there were fifty more lectures to come, I realized it was a book length project. I wrote almost every dawn over a winter, in my house beside the sea. I wrote a book I didn’t set out to write and I did it without thinking, without stopping, for twenty minutes a day. That was the first thing I learnt ~ that by simply doing it, something would grow.
I went on and wrote the myth book, finished the novel, published two more. The fear has mostly gone. Doubt still lives on and procrastination thrives in many guises. But after meeting Godfrey in these pages, I think I know enough now to carry on. Jillian Sullivan
Previously published by Steele Roberts as Fishing From the Boat Ramp.
159 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
7 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Sullivan
26 books13 followersJillian Sullivan has published novels, collections of short stories, picture books, a book on mythology and a book on writing. Recently her first collection of poetry, parallel, was published.
Her awards include the Highlights Fiction Award in the United States, and the Kathleen Grattan Prize for poetry in New Zealand. In 2012 Jillian graduated with a Master of Creative Writing with Distinction.
Her latest book, A Way Home, a memoir of building a new life and a strawbale house in Central Otago, comes out in September 2016 with Potton and Burton
Jillian, who is a grandmother of eight, lives in the Ida Valley, Central Otago, New Zealand, where she looks out to the mountains. For more information about the author visit www.jilliansullivan.co.nz
Her awards include the Highlights Fiction Award in the United States, and the Kathleen Grattan Prize for poetry in New Zealand. In 2012 Jillian graduated with a Master of Creative Writing with Distinction.
Her latest book, A Way Home, a memoir of building a new life and a strawbale house in Central Otago, comes out in September 2016 with Potton and Burton
Jillian, who is a grandmother of eight, lives in the Ida Valley, Central Otago, New Zealand, where she looks out to the mountains. For more information about the author visit www.jilliansullivan.co.nz
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 21, 2016
This book is in short chapters, and so I read it in small bursts to savor the language as much as the advice. Jillian Sullivan is a poet on every page of prose.
A favorite quote:
"As soon as there was human form, there was the desire for story. Story explains to us the world we live in, the bodies we share, the time and space we inhabit and the integration of our hope and beliefs with one another."
But her sensory details are where Sullivan really shines.
The premise is so funny. She's a mom struggling to write when Godfrey--a God figure--comes to visit. Each day he visits, the writer and Godfrey tackle different aspects of writing. Instead of nuts and bolts it's about intention for writing practice--why we write, making time to write, overcoming fear, using sensory details in writing, paying attention to each and every moment in your life for yourself and for the page. My favorite chapter is "Hidden messages," and what it says about truth for both the reader and writer.
Definitely a good read for someone who wants permission to write and will appreciate writing as an art.
A favorite quote:
"As soon as there was human form, there was the desire for story. Story explains to us the world we live in, the bodies we share, the time and space we inhabit and the integration of our hope and beliefs with one another."
But her sensory details are where Sullivan really shines.
The premise is so funny. She's a mom struggling to write when Godfrey--a God figure--comes to visit. Each day he visits, the writer and Godfrey tackle different aspects of writing. Instead of nuts and bolts it's about intention for writing practice--why we write, making time to write, overcoming fear, using sensory details in writing, paying attention to each and every moment in your life for yourself and for the page. My favorite chapter is "Hidden messages," and what it says about truth for both the reader and writer.
Definitely a good read for someone who wants permission to write and will appreciate writing as an art.
December 11, 2013
Anyone who writes or pursues any artistic or creative process should read Jillian's book. She understands and beautifully portrays the the discipline and passion the is required to be a 'creative'. A book that can be revisited and savoured.
January 16, 2015
I recommend this book to anyone struggling with their craft - writers, artists, musicians or anyone who wishes to live creatively.
September 29, 2016
I read this on the way to a writing conference/retreat. What a great way to prepare for creative week! I highly recommend it to those who are ready for a little extra confidence to push themselves creatively.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews