Oh I loved this! I've recently started taking Journaling seriously but as I don't particularly like the idea of talking about myself to what feels like myself. (Kind of seems very vain and selfish, which is very much not me) I have been trying with the idea of writing in a way that's like a short story or blog or my favorite so far a fantasy. So this gave me even more ideas! Thank you!
I absolutely loved reading yet another letter from you – it’s always such a joy. It was also really special to get a glimpse into your creative writing process.
Sometimes I feel a bit like Victor Hugo myself – I long to write a book, but my family constantly interrupts me, no matter what the task might be. At the very least, the whole experience has given me an idea for a title: "Confessions of the Interrupted", or something along those lines. I just haven’t quite decided whether it’s a drama or a comedy yet!
Do let me know what you think of the title, Evanna – I’d truly value your opinion.
Well, that’s all for now. Wishing you a lovely weekend ahead.
Ooh interesting, couldn’t it be a dramedy? I was just reading an interview with Vince Gilligan where he talked about intending for Better Call Saul to be 75% comedy, 25% drama and how that turned around as they went on to write the (most incredible!) show.
Maybe just start writing and see which feeling comes out strongest? As for your title, I don’t think I’ve ever read a writer say they don’t have to fight tooth and nail to protect their writing hours! So don’t let that stop you! But also, come on family!! Can you train them to not interrupt you for one sacred writing hour a day? Half an hour? Lots of love! 💗
I truly loved your suggestion, Evanna — thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. Right now, it feels more like a comedy, with just a gentle hint of drama. Your encouragement means the world. I think I’ll try writing this book like the rain — one soft drop at a time, quietly gathering, until one day it becomes an ocean. That way, perhaps, I’ll slip beneath the radar and avoid too many interruptions.
I think we all feel this way at some point in our lives, even if it's for different reasons. In those moments, it's sometimes difficult to make the best decision. Trusting and being confident in yourself is essential.
You'll say I'm crazy but the mystique of writing raised this very odd question in me: does creation really exists? Do writers really create characters or is there an infinite number of other universes and they have just come into contact with people from the infinity of creation hence the fact that sometimes "something doesn't work with a character, it's just not him/her!" I know it's geeky/crazy stuff but that question really gives another perspective on writing synthesized into one question: is creation a encounter? ^_^
I don't think that's a crazy idea at all, Dolphe! I was just reading in the Paris Review about 'Vernadsky's cloud' which is a theory that there's a cloud above the earth that receives all of humanity's intelligence and sends the idea back to earth again, and that all art passes through this 'cloud', so we are just receiving what already exists. Very similar to what you're saying. I wonder is this where the idea for Apple's 'Cloud' originated?! xx
Ah yes I have integrated waiting for a wonderful and extensive letter by Evanna Lynch. I'm really enjoying reading these messages, even writing some myself. Here I think about and explore various ideas and topics which many can relate to, (as seen in all these comments and letters) something that's reawakening my past passion for writing and journaling.
And all the creativity routines and how to tackle these moments, I do feel the same indeed! Currently working on a project for making a videogame recently and a couple days ago a trailer for a completely new game was recommended to my feed and it aligned so similarly to the idea I had in mind. Working for a great reference for my future steps ;D
Happy to be here to witness and be apart of all these conversations and wish the best for productivity to you Evanna and EVERYONE who happens to read my message. 😊
Evanna, reading your post was like looking into a mirror of my own writing struggles. I once had a similar experience of retreating to write and ending up miserable. But like you, I learned so much from it. I’ve also started to value real - life experiences as a source of inspiration more, just like you mentioned about not cutting off from that channel. Looking forward to more of your sharing!
Thanks for sharing, Jonathan! I think every artist is different and you have to try soooo many different routines and methods before you find the one that fits your creative life. I’m glad to read you’re finding the balance with real life, I really believe it’s much healthier and more sustainable for creativity! Xx
I find the your creative writing process fascinating. It is most certainly unique and it's always interesting to see how people get inspired or even keep motivated.
But now, I do have a thought. Which is about words and the meanings that can be attached to them. Not only that, but also how story telling has shifted from passing down stories auraly to having stories accessible through many different formats.
Another thing that just entered my mind is about whether nowadays, the consuming of stories has become widespread and the community built around this love for stories can be seen. Not only that, but the communities expand like tribes may have done.
It is sort of like how humanity is esentialy a big tribe and are still bought together by stories and of course the news but, that's beside the point.
I don't know. However, it's certainly interesting to note that where stories and people are concerned, perhaps not much has changed. Simply the format in which we see the stories because the wander is still there. People can become so enthrawled and it's not surprising.
Apologies if this derailed a bit and hopefully I sound coherent.
Now the reason I said all of the above is because, I like to think and speculate and imagine and do my best to kind of I suppose have more insightful ideas and thoughts and well, I would say I'm certainly a deep thinker. Of course, sometimes too much thought can lead to indecisiveness but anyway, probably going to stop writing now it’s far too long of a comment.
All of this to say I thank you very much for writing your fascinating process.
There's something beyond the blank page, and you have to see it. 🤗
As you mentioned, for a dream to become a reality, you have to embrace it and not let go until you have it. You could say you're turning the intangible into the tangible. Obviously, the path is long and tedious, but having it comes with a great sense of satisfaction in achieving something that used to be called 'dreams.'
I share your style of speaking out loud until you achieve something more fluid. Sometimes it's necessary to connect with our inner selves. Talking to myself has often helped me understand many things when I'm lost.
And as you mentioned, completely isolating ourselves like Victor Hugo can be counterproductive. He had a way of life, and feeling his novels and capturing them in a book. Copying this method and not being him can lead to further loss and confusion. We have to be our own version of Victor Hugo.
As always, thank you Evanna for sharing your knowledge with us. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.❤️
I love reading your updates. I just feel somehow connected to the things you say and how you feel. I would like to ask, did you ever feel lost when acting and that you had become (or already were) Luna or were you able to maintain yourself throughout? As an added note, as a 15 year old dreaming of being Luna, I was so jealous of you 😂 but then I came to realise you ARE (or were back then anyhow) Luna (hence my question) and I couldn't be upset about it when you made the character from the book come to life!
Thanks Rebekah, that's so sweet and honest of you 😄 I understand - I would have fully despised another actress for getting that part!! I'm glad we were able to put any parasocial jealousy to rest and connect here!
Hm, that's a big question. At the time I felt pressure to be her to avoid disappointing fans. I felt that my mind was too dark to play such a pure character, and then in later teenage years felt confusion over my artistic identify and how to disentangle myself from her image. Nowadays, I don't think about it so much other than I try not to swear as much on IG as I know I have a lot of young followers 🙃
Evanna, this was o honestly evocative - thank you 💖. I especially loved the piece about Vision Keepers, which is something I still have to find for my novel - I have some great ones for my art and bigger vision but the *novel* almost feels more secret/sacred/close to my heart… Which brings me to my question. You mentioned your sensitivity - thanks for being so honest! - and I wonder if you have any really excellent tips for rejection sensitivity, as this is something for which my nervous system will frequently send me into solitary confinement when triggered! Thank you 🥰
That's a hard one, I don't know if I've gotten better at handling rejection, if anything the stakes get higher with each project 😅
However, I do think the vision carriers are key for helping cope with rejection, integrate any useful critique and bounce back quicker. Whenever I hear or read something that knocks my confidence creatively, I'll confide it to one of these people rather than let it percolate in my subconscious, and that releases its hold on me.
I think you have to learn who to take advice from and they need to be people who are good at delivering feedback that will not crush you. For example, my agent knows I'm hyper critical of my own work so they always validate and encourage my material first, and then comes a gentle paragraph about the practical problems that need addressing. I am just super specific about who I entrust with the privilege of rejecting me, and everyone else I tune out! That means not reading reviews and comments on things I'm feeling sensitive about, and sometimes I even tell my friends 'I do not want your feedback on this thing, thank you so much!'
Those are thoughts off the top of my head, but I'll think about it more.
I really hope you find your person for ushering in the novel! xxx
These are some amazing insights, thank you 🥰. The part about being super specific about who has the “privilege” of rejecting you - that’s so true (and yes, sometimes we get it wrong…!). It also sounds like you have the most excellent agent! I heard Elizabeth Day on her How to Fail podcast say almost exactly the same thing recently re feedback.
Hi Evanna, thank you for sharing. This really resonates with me because as visual artist, I'm trying to get noticed but I feel ignored or when there are times it feels it's not getting anywhere. I want give up but something tells me to keep going and it will be noticed by some in the unknown.
This has become my favorite newsletter! The writing is delightful and the result is always interesting, cozy, and welcoming.
I was wondering, if you are looking for questions, I remember your previous newletter when you mentioned being a people pleaser and having stopped to try to please everyone. I have the opposite problem, my parents taught me to advocate for myself but maybe I took that a bit far, and now I find myself distancing from other people and not pleasing them « enough »… if there a right middle approach to that?
Thank you Anne, I’m so glad it gives you this feeling! 🥰
That’s such an interesting question, but that’s hard if you are intentionally distancing yourself from people to avoid painful feelings. I’ll have a think about this one and come back to you when I have any insights to share xxx
Interesting question and way to word it, and yes, avoiding painful feelings (for both sides) probably plays a part in that!
I saw a french illustrator and vlogger solo travelling saying that people often ask if it is difficult to be alone, and that no, she didn’t think so, she thought that connecting with other people and building things with them was actually the hard part. And I completely relate to her feeling.
Oh I loved this! I've recently started taking Journaling seriously but as I don't particularly like the idea of talking about myself to what feels like myself. (Kind of seems very vain and selfish, which is very much not me) I have been trying with the idea of writing in a way that's like a short story or blog or my favorite so far a fantasy. So this gave me even more ideas! Thank you!
The way you reflect on yourself and how you deal with difficult situations is inspiring. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and emotions with us!
Thank you Patricia, I’m glad it resonated! ♥️
Hi, Evanna!
I absolutely loved reading yet another letter from you – it’s always such a joy. It was also really special to get a glimpse into your creative writing process.
Sometimes I feel a bit like Victor Hugo myself – I long to write a book, but my family constantly interrupts me, no matter what the task might be. At the very least, the whole experience has given me an idea for a title: "Confessions of the Interrupted", or something along those lines. I just haven’t quite decided whether it’s a drama or a comedy yet!
Do let me know what you think of the title, Evanna – I’d truly value your opinion.
Well, that’s all for now. Wishing you a lovely weekend ahead.
Warmest wishes,
Luiz
Thank you, Luiz, that means a lot! 💗
Ooh interesting, couldn’t it be a dramedy? I was just reading an interview with Vince Gilligan where he talked about intending for Better Call Saul to be 75% comedy, 25% drama and how that turned around as they went on to write the (most incredible!) show.
Maybe just start writing and see which feeling comes out strongest? As for your title, I don’t think I’ve ever read a writer say they don’t have to fight tooth and nail to protect their writing hours! So don’t let that stop you! But also, come on family!! Can you train them to not interrupt you for one sacred writing hour a day? Half an hour? Lots of love! 💗
I truly loved your suggestion, Evanna — thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart. Right now, it feels more like a comedy, with just a gentle hint of drama. Your encouragement means the world. I think I’ll try writing this book like the rain — one soft drop at a time, quietly gathering, until one day it becomes an ocean. That way, perhaps, I’ll slip beneath the radar and avoid too many interruptions.
Lots of love too!
I think we all feel this way at some point in our lives, even if it's for different reasons. In those moments, it's sometimes difficult to make the best decision. Trusting and being confident in yourself is essential.
We trust you 💛
A hug! Thank you.
Juan Francisco and Patricia.
You'll say I'm crazy but the mystique of writing raised this very odd question in me: does creation really exists? Do writers really create characters or is there an infinite number of other universes and they have just come into contact with people from the infinity of creation hence the fact that sometimes "something doesn't work with a character, it's just not him/her!" I know it's geeky/crazy stuff but that question really gives another perspective on writing synthesized into one question: is creation a encounter? ^_^
I don't think that's a crazy idea at all, Dolphe! I was just reading in the Paris Review about 'Vernadsky's cloud' which is a theory that there's a cloud above the earth that receives all of humanity's intelligence and sends the idea back to earth again, and that all art passes through this 'cloud', so we are just receiving what already exists. Very similar to what you're saying. I wonder is this where the idea for Apple's 'Cloud' originated?! xx
What a poetic idea, I like it! ^_^
Ah yes I have integrated waiting for a wonderful and extensive letter by Evanna Lynch. I'm really enjoying reading these messages, even writing some myself. Here I think about and explore various ideas and topics which many can relate to, (as seen in all these comments and letters) something that's reawakening my past passion for writing and journaling.
And all the creativity routines and how to tackle these moments, I do feel the same indeed! Currently working on a project for making a videogame recently and a couple days ago a trailer for a completely new game was recommended to my feed and it aligned so similarly to the idea I had in mind. Working for a great reference for my future steps ;D
Happy to be here to witness and be apart of all these conversations and wish the best for productivity to you Evanna and EVERYONE who happens to read my message. 😊
Evanna, reading your post was like looking into a mirror of my own writing struggles. I once had a similar experience of retreating to write and ending up miserable. But like you, I learned so much from it. I’ve also started to value real - life experiences as a source of inspiration more, just like you mentioned about not cutting off from that channel. Looking forward to more of your sharing!
Thanks for sharing, Jonathan! I think every artist is different and you have to try soooo many different routines and methods before you find the one that fits your creative life. I’m glad to read you’re finding the balance with real life, I really believe it’s much healthier and more sustainable for creativity! Xx
🩵
Thank you for your openness and your writing-tips. I look forward to hearing or reading from you again next week. See you next week ❤️
Thank you so much, Nicola ♥️🙏🏻
Hello.
I find the your creative writing process fascinating. It is most certainly unique and it's always interesting to see how people get inspired or even keep motivated.
But now, I do have a thought. Which is about words and the meanings that can be attached to them. Not only that, but also how story telling has shifted from passing down stories auraly to having stories accessible through many different formats.
Another thing that just entered my mind is about whether nowadays, the consuming of stories has become widespread and the community built around this love for stories can be seen. Not only that, but the communities expand like tribes may have done.
It is sort of like how humanity is esentialy a big tribe and are still bought together by stories and of course the news but, that's beside the point.
I don't know. However, it's certainly interesting to note that where stories and people are concerned, perhaps not much has changed. Simply the format in which we see the stories because the wander is still there. People can become so enthrawled and it's not surprising.
Apologies if this derailed a bit and hopefully I sound coherent.
Now the reason I said all of the above is because, I like to think and speculate and imagine and do my best to kind of I suppose have more insightful ideas and thoughts and well, I would say I'm certainly a deep thinker. Of course, sometimes too much thought can lead to indecisiveness but anyway, probably going to stop writing now it’s far too long of a comment.
All of this to say I thank you very much for writing your fascinating process.
I loved this quote:
"Embrace the blank page, stare into the abyss!"
There's something beyond the blank page, and you have to see it. 🤗
As you mentioned, for a dream to become a reality, you have to embrace it and not let go until you have it. You could say you're turning the intangible into the tangible. Obviously, the path is long and tedious, but having it comes with a great sense of satisfaction in achieving something that used to be called 'dreams.'
I share your style of speaking out loud until you achieve something more fluid. Sometimes it's necessary to connect with our inner selves. Talking to myself has often helped me understand many things when I'm lost.
And as you mentioned, completely isolating ourselves like Victor Hugo can be counterproductive. He had a way of life, and feeling his novels and capturing them in a book. Copying this method and not being him can lead to further loss and confusion. We have to be our own version of Victor Hugo.
As always, thank you Evanna for sharing your knowledge with us. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.❤️
I love reading your updates. I just feel somehow connected to the things you say and how you feel. I would like to ask, did you ever feel lost when acting and that you had become (or already were) Luna or were you able to maintain yourself throughout? As an added note, as a 15 year old dreaming of being Luna, I was so jealous of you 😂 but then I came to realise you ARE (or were back then anyhow) Luna (hence my question) and I couldn't be upset about it when you made the character from the book come to life!
Thanks Rebekah, that's so sweet and honest of you 😄 I understand - I would have fully despised another actress for getting that part!! I'm glad we were able to put any parasocial jealousy to rest and connect here!
Hm, that's a big question. At the time I felt pressure to be her to avoid disappointing fans. I felt that my mind was too dark to play such a pure character, and then in later teenage years felt confusion over my artistic identify and how to disentangle myself from her image. Nowadays, I don't think about it so much other than I try not to swear as much on IG as I know I have a lot of young followers 🙃
Evanna, this was o honestly evocative - thank you 💖. I especially loved the piece about Vision Keepers, which is something I still have to find for my novel - I have some great ones for my art and bigger vision but the *novel* almost feels more secret/sacred/close to my heart… Which brings me to my question. You mentioned your sensitivity - thanks for being so honest! - and I wonder if you have any really excellent tips for rejection sensitivity, as this is something for which my nervous system will frequently send me into solitary confinement when triggered! Thank you 🥰
Hi Zoë, thank you, I feel you!
That's a hard one, I don't know if I've gotten better at handling rejection, if anything the stakes get higher with each project 😅
However, I do think the vision carriers are key for helping cope with rejection, integrate any useful critique and bounce back quicker. Whenever I hear or read something that knocks my confidence creatively, I'll confide it to one of these people rather than let it percolate in my subconscious, and that releases its hold on me.
I think you have to learn who to take advice from and they need to be people who are good at delivering feedback that will not crush you. For example, my agent knows I'm hyper critical of my own work so they always validate and encourage my material first, and then comes a gentle paragraph about the practical problems that need addressing. I am just super specific about who I entrust with the privilege of rejecting me, and everyone else I tune out! That means not reading reviews and comments on things I'm feeling sensitive about, and sometimes I even tell my friends 'I do not want your feedback on this thing, thank you so much!'
Those are thoughts off the top of my head, but I'll think about it more.
I really hope you find your person for ushering in the novel! xxx
These are some amazing insights, thank you 🥰. The part about being super specific about who has the “privilege” of rejecting you - that’s so true (and yes, sometimes we get it wrong…!). It also sounds like you have the most excellent agent! I heard Elizabeth Day on her How to Fail podcast say almost exactly the same thing recently re feedback.
Off to find my vision keepers…
Massive creation energies for your book! 💖😘💖
Hi Evanna, thank you for sharing. This really resonates with me because as visual artist, I'm trying to get noticed but I feel ignored or when there are times it feels it's not getting anywhere. I want give up but something tells me to keep going and it will be noticed by some in the unknown.
🤗🤗🎩
I like the cozy corner where my art table is.
This has become my favorite newsletter! The writing is delightful and the result is always interesting, cozy, and welcoming.
I was wondering, if you are looking for questions, I remember your previous newletter when you mentioned being a people pleaser and having stopped to try to please everyone. I have the opposite problem, my parents taught me to advocate for myself but maybe I took that a bit far, and now I find myself distancing from other people and not pleasing them « enough »… if there a right middle approach to that?
Thanks Evanna!
Thank you Anne, I’m so glad it gives you this feeling! 🥰
That’s such an interesting question, but that’s hard if you are intentionally distancing yourself from people to avoid painful feelings. I’ll have a think about this one and come back to you when I have any insights to share xxx
Interesting question and way to word it, and yes, avoiding painful feelings (for both sides) probably plays a part in that!
I saw a french illustrator and vlogger solo travelling saying that people often ask if it is difficult to be alone, and that no, she didn’t think so, she thought that connecting with other people and building things with them was actually the hard part. And I completely relate to her feeling.
Keep writing and all the best!
I love how kind and sensitive everyone here is, right?
Saaaaame, Anna! Having the best conversations on here 💗