From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Writing's Beautiful Chaos
5 things I want to share with you
A friend was talking with the group of us about her entrepreneurial business.
“You know how a caterpillar goes into the cocoon before emerging as a butterfly?” she began. “And how, while in the cocoon, they dissolve into goo?”
We all nodded, noses crinkled at the imagery.
“I’m in the goo!” she blurted.
We all nodded again, because each one of us knew what she meant.
Are you feeling like you’re in the goo? Take heart, dear friend. Trust that it is part of the process. The Messy Middle, if you will.
It sucks to be in the goo. It’s confusing and overwhelming and you will probably want to give up.
But it will end. And you and your story will emerge as the butterflies that you are.
This week I have five things to share with you! But first:
On the first Saturday of every month, I teach a First Draft Craft webinar for paid subscribers to this newsletter. A replay will be available, and those who attend live have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A!
Why? Because while many things can be fixed in revision, there are some things that it’s helpful to consider before and/or while writing the first draft.
A replay will be available, and those who attend live have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A!
Without further ado, here are five things I want to share with you this week.
📖 What I'm reading:
Still Life, by Sarah Winman. This is a slow, savory piece of literature. It’s taking me twice as long as usual to read it because every sentence is so delectable. If you are interested in art history, this may be especially interesting to you. (I personally am not, but I’m still absorbed by it.)
I’m also reading Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. If you, like me, think there is a “right” way to manage your time if only you could figure it out, then this book is for you. (Spoiler: there isn’t a “right” way.)
📺 What I'm watching:
Paradise (Hulu) - a near-future dystopian thriller, not deep but entertaining
Yellowjackets, season 3 (Showtime/Paramount+) - My daughter said “None of them are okay, Mom.” It’s true.
White Lotus, season 3 (HBO) - incredible writing, beautiful locations
The Traitors, season 3 (Peacock) - Just pure delight and maximum Alan Cumming.
Abbott Elementary (ABC) - because sometimes I need a happy palate cleanser!
Also, if you haven’t watched the movie Conclave yet, I highly recommend it.
🎧 What I'm listening to:
Finlay Donovan is Killing It, by Elle Cosimano, narrated by Angela Dawe
Also, this white noise playlist on Spotify is my go-to while writing these days. (I’m listening to it right now, as a matter of fact!)
What are you reading, watching, or listening to? Let me know!
✍️ Great resources for writers:
These are the newsletters I’m recommending this month:
Darien Gee’s Writer-ish. Darien offers weekly prompts and inspirational quotes, as well as 10-minute Micro Writing Sessions. Amazing resources in bite-sized pieces!
Nicole Meier’s Steps to Story. This is the companion to the podcast hosted by Nicole Meier. Nicole has a generous spirit and a wealth of knowledge for writers at all levels!
Julie Artz’s Julie’s Wyrd Words. Julie weaves her depth of industry and craft knowledge with personal stories, and it is a delight to read.
🐶 Pet pic of the month:
Finally, from me to you: 💗
It occurred to me that over the course of a life, we end up in the goo many times. We are constantly evolving. And as writers, every time we start a new writing project we metamorphosize alongside it.
It’s hard, indeed.
But you’ve waited long enough to become the writer you’ve always wanted to be.
Trust the process. You will live to see the other side, and emerge with your big, beautiful wings.
Have a lovely week!
Warmly,
Stephanie
P.S. I’ll be here when you’re ready.
P.S.S. Love this newsletter? Please forward it to a friend!
