The June Edit

Affirmations for writers, a crud-less manifesto, and more

This one’s a little woo, but if you’re counting the weeks until September, when your kids go back to school, wondering how/if you’re going to make progress on your WIP…you might be ready for a little woo. Below I hope you’ll find an affirmation or two that will make your writing life feel a little lighter. It’s easy to talk yourself out of making progress, so next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or detached from your writing life, try copying these into your notebook and see what happens.

For the Writer on Draft 99,999

“I release the belief that I will get this perfect. I trust my storytelling abilities and I know my book will find an audience that appreciates my work just as it is. I finish my manuscripts with ease, share them with confidence, and receive enthusiastic reviews. I am overflowing with ideas and excited to move through them, knowing I’m growing and changing as an artist each time I start a new project.”

I am ready to share my work.

For the Writer Who Reads All the Craft Books and Doesn’t Write

“I’m a master at improvising and revising. Whatever I don’t know, I will figure out and learn along the way. I’m allowed to develop my own aesthetic and break the rules. I’m a creative, curious person who makes things up as I go. I trust my intuition and I know my book is in conversation with so many others that have come before. It’s easy for me to tap into the universe’s creativity and wisdom and write something only I can write.”

I am ready to write.

For the Writer Who Has No Time

“I release the belief that I need more time. I focus on what matters and I prioritize my own projects. I find opportunities to write and protect my time when I can. I am proud of the way I make room for my art even life is full. Energy flows from the universe through me into my creative projects. It’s easy for me to make progress. The time I spend on my creative projects is good for me and everyone around me. There is and always has been more than enough time and energy for me and my projects.”

I trust the timing of my life.

For the Writer Who Wants to Get it Right the First Time

“I am an artist. I am making magic out of nothing. There is no rulebook. There are no mistakes. I befriend the unknown and welcome mystery into my creative process. The less I resist, the faster I make progress. I love the version of me who keeps trying. I am so lucky to be in the messy middle. This is where I get to surprise myself. This is where I grow.”

I’m wildly creative.

For the Writer Who Is Burnt Out

“I’m open to inspiration. I’m a magnet for good ideas. I easily drop into my creative flow. The energy I give my project returns to me tenfold. Luck follows me everywhere. The universe constantly rearranges itself to help me achieve my dreams. As long as I feel the pull toward this dream, I know it is still meant for me. Magic is always happening, even when I can’t see it. One day, I will see all this work was worth it and I will be so glad I kept going.”

I am inspired.

For the Writer Who Is Filled with Self Doubt

“I believe in my work. There is room for me and my dreams. I will not hold myself back. I give myself the freedom to fail and succeed beyond my wildest dreams. My fear tells me I’m doing something right. I am open to this being easy. My readers embrace me. I am proud of my work. I know I am in the right place at the right time and this project is mine.”

I believe in myself.

For the Writer Who Is Never Done

“My book is going to turn out better than I ever dreamed. I’m already succeeding. I celebrate the small wins and know the big ones are just around the corner. Life has a way of exceeding my expectations when I do my part. My projects always lead to beautiful outcomes that I never expected. I trust myself to reach my goals. I’m proud of my work. It’s easy for me to succeed.”

I trust my inner wisdom.

For the Writer Who Rushes to the Finish Line

“I know good things take time. Growth requires rest, experimentation, mistakes, and surprises. I focus on what matters and enjoy the process. I trust myself to take my time. Revising is a portal to creativity, delight, and wonder. I enjoy the process knowing every day I am one day closer to finishing. I decide when I’m done. I know this project is mine to create.”

I am right on time.

For the Writer Who Feels Like a Failure

“I release the desire to control when my dreams come true. Just because it hasn’t happened yet, doesn’t mean it won’t. The only reason things haven’t worked out yet is because something better is on the way. When things aren’t working out in the short term, it means things are working out in the long term. My dreams are still unfolding. I’m a lucky writer. Life is ridiculously generous with me. Good things are constantly happening to me. I’m a magnet for people who can help me succeed. I can’t lose.”

I’m on the right path.

For the Writer Who Feels Alone…

“I am supported by the universe. I connect easily with other writers. The best opportunities find me even when I’m not looking. I share my doubts and celebrate my wins with the writers around me. I know we are all in this together. I’m surrounded by friends who inspire me. Today could be the most exciting day of my life. Tomorrow holds so much possibility. Magic and connection are always available to me.”

I’m never alone.

If you are longing for a more personalized reframe…

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I’m so honored to have my poem “An Elegy for Our Ideas” in Chanel Riggle’s new magazine about mental health and motherhood. I’ll share more when I get my copy! You can order your own copy and learn more about submitting your own work here👇

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This Month I’m…

• Writing with The 10 Minute Writing Club 🪩 (We set a timer, write for 10 minutes, chat for a tiny bit, and call that a win! It’s intimate, low pressure, and life giving if you need a little boost. I would love to see you there.)

• Appreciating this essay on autistic joy 💕

• Liking Anna Brones musings on “wonky and impractical art” 💡

• Playing around with this PDF-to-layout app and this Risograph app (Double thanks to Anna Brones) 👩‍💻

• Considering THIS manifesto from Rachel Bachman required reading for ALL picture-book writers ✏️

• Wishing I had the patience to make these tiny kokedamas out of tea bags 🌳

• Reading Nir Eyal’s new book on belief and then going right back fiction 📔

• Wanting to declare this trifle my personal song of the summer but wondering if it’s AI??? 🙃

• Enjoying this conversation about how life’s small pleasures can sustain us 🧀

• Hoping lots of kidlit writers donate stock to Reading Rainbow’s book drive 🌈

XO

PS

Want more support? I offer creative coaching at helloheidifiedler.com. My book Quickening: The Art of Being a Creative Mother will help you reconnect with your creative spark.