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Gwen Tuinman

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creative life

How Gratitude Journaling Enhances A Writing Life

Writing is a lot like running long distances. If we think we can, we can. Our minds and emotions are called upon, and sometimes cajoled, to jettison us across real and self-imposed deadlines. Even when we give it our all, the road can stretch long before us.

Between start and finish lines are magical effortless days anchored by disappointing ones when getting the story down feels like bench-pressing a Buick. And there are mediocre days, at the end of which, we forget the progress made in a manuscript. That’s the nature of art and creativity—knowing it’s so should silence the nattering critic in our heads. Well, at least it should.

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Choosing Well

In 2011, I watched a TEDTalk entitled Stories Cut from Paper in which renowned paper artist Béatrice Coron discussed process and inspiration. Projected on the screen behind her was “Hells and Heavens”, an intricate and sprawling piece that had been exhibited at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City. I marvelled at the individual yet connected stories she’d envisioned and brought to life. How did she lay her vision on the paper without losing sight of perspective and skewing the images?

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Getting Things Done

As a creative person, I’ve historically found administrative to-do lists terrifying. I’d start off gung-ho, then turn into a morose Hamlet-type. “To get it done, or not to get it done. That is the question.” All those unticked boxes came to symbolize shame and guilt. They mounded up so heavily I couldn’t lift them. Why try?

In retrospect, each administrative task I listed was made of a subset of smaller tasks that could have comfortably been completed had I tackled them over a realistic timeline. But that would have been too kind.

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The Wild Nellies Online Meet-up for Womxn Creatives

Dear womxn creatives, whatever you’re doing—actively creating, reflecting, or resting in stillness—we’re your people. If you’re passionate about your art–or want to be–please join us for an inspiring discussion about creativity.

Conversations with other artists replenish my soul and my imagination which is why I love this event. Hang out with us online at The Wild Nellies Meet-up for Womxn Creatives and enjoy inspiring insights from our creativity panel featuring:

Sacha Visagie, Canadian Country Artist and philanthropist
Helen Leach-Edwards, visual artist
Premika Leo, dancer, circus aerialist, actor, activist
FJ Doucet, poet and fiction writer
Gwen Tuinman, novelist and creator of The Wild Nellies Continue reading “The Wild Nellies Online Meet-up for Womxn Creatives”

One Writer’s Room

Virginia Woolf said that a woman needs a room of her own if she’s to write fiction. I’m privileged to have such a room. It’s a snug space that accommodates a desk and chair, a book shelf, and a sofa table. There’s enough space along the centre of the room to roll out a yoga mat and meditate in front an antique stand made by my great grandfather. Through the window this morning, I see espaliered plum trees growing alongside a sprawling elderberry bush. Continue reading “One Writer’s Room”