Repulsive-Lab-3224

"professional creatives can sometimes wrap their identities up with their art form" Yes! So very true! And, we are encouraged to do that by an entire received mythos about what it mean to be a creative artist. (Some of that mythos is truly destructive and toxic.)

Quick question - what are these different options under your comments? Like "give award"?

We both studied creativity in our grad schools and work in creative professions. It's stuff I think all creatives should get during training. It would save us all a lot of grief from the get-go. The worst message- and, sadly, one that can be true all too often- is the "back-up skill" for a "real job" while things don't work out. A lot of us spend a lot of time spinning our wheels instead of working. Granted - in 2022 - most writers do have day jobs, even seemingly successful writers, but that day job really doesn't have to be a "back up in case things don't work out". One can make an honest living writing and editing, or something related, (even really commercial writing like copy) and still do the creative work, too. We are all multi-faceted people and we have lots of talents, so maybe that day job is structural engineer or math teacher or chef and not sell one's soul to live well. It's all about keeping that balance and not buying into the toxic mythos.

We are in complete agreement. Being a creative artist is a profession. We train for it and we work hard at our craft. It wasn't free, that training, either. We are good at it like a structural engineer is good at building bridges. I do love to write, but it isn't my identity. It's part of who I am. That balance is so important to keep in mind.

I have a notion that "blank paper syndrome" that the writers here may have experienced (and who hasn't when hands touch the keys?) is akin to the performance anxiety you describe. It's not a performance, as one writes alone or collaborates with another writer, but not generally with an audience. However, if one writes professionally, it will have an audience and your readers are there somewhere in the shadows, waiting. What are your thoughts?

Hi Diana! I am a little sleepy this morning, was checking in on the City Council until late. (aarrgghhhh) Any advice on "blank paper syndrome?