This is what “filling the well” means to me.

This is what “filling the well” looks like to me. Sometimes I don’t realize I have been taking it all in until I look at my camera roll (which has more on it than necessary at the moment, lol). 😅

For anyone who doesn’t know, I adore street art and will stop mid-stroll to snap a picture to “use later” which I don’t always do. So here is my obligatory street art post along with images of the stories/thoughts that were born from the inspiration. The covers were designed by my amazing sis who understood the assignment. 💕

The Goddesses In Love Collection has been a year-long project during which I took stories I thought I had completed and found ways to improve them. Then gave them to my designer sis and challenged her to find a way to put them all together in one image. She surpassed my expectations with both the cover art and the interior, which brought tears to my eyes. It was just what I imagined… but better.

Writing takes something out of you while simultaneously putting it back. At least that’s the case for me. And with each new word, something changes inside you… something is trimmed off. Sometimes the changes are so substantial that the piece no longer fits back into the neat little space you used to store it. Much like the images in my camera roll, some are stretched to focus in on what is important, some are discarded, and some are bedazzled into something entirely new. That is the creative process to me in a nutshell and when I go too long without immersing myself in something new and exciting… it gets ugly. I mean… some of you have lived to tell the tale. 🧟‍♀️

Happily I will be starting something new shortly which will save us all a little heartache. In full disclosure, I can’t guarantee the same for my characters. Ssshh! Don’t tell them, I want it to be a surprise! Well actually it technically will be for us both since I am not a Plotter, per se. 🤷🏻‍♀️

So here’s to the creative process… saver of sanity and provider of sanctuary for those weary of reality. And to the people who chip off a piece of themselves every time they add their unique beauty to the world… I see and appreciate you. Keep doing what you do, we need it now more than ever. 📚