Shows how to be an artist .. of ANY kind! And, the value of persistence!

I’ve read hundreds of books, scoured countless blogs, and read lord know how many articles about career development and the lives of artists, writers, and other creatives.

Do you fit firmly on the Artistic corner of John Holland’s career model? Artistic types are also called Creators, because we take IDEAS and INFORMATION and create something new and orginal from them. We are described as, “Non-conforming, original, independent, chaotic, creative“, people who occupy careers as writers, painters, sculptors, and the like. The total opposite of the folks like Bankers, Accountants, and Police officers who live on the total opposite side of the Holland Code Hexagon.

People like YOU and me.

People who don’t fit in a round hole cause we is star shaped! We have multiple talents and draw inspiration from eclectic sources.

Way back in 2006 my favorite career coach, Barbra Sher, wrote her groundbreaking book for eclectic creatives, called “Refuse to Choose”. She coined the term “Scanners” to describe people, like herself, who didn’t do sequential, one off, careers.

While I loved the book and it’s advice, I didn’t like the term SCANNER.

Then inspiration struck.

I’ve long been a fan of Diana Gabaldon, author of the outstanding Outlander series. Diana writes looooong, descriptive novels that are really stories. Delicious stories!

Anyone who has read Gabaldon will know that books stores and some people struggled to categorize her first book, Outlander, and many of the followup novels. What Genre were they? Were they Romance novels. Well, yes, but more than that: after all Claire Beauchamp, the novel’s chief protagonist was a Time Traveller, so maybe they were SciFi? Or, were they historical, because after all, Claire traveled back in time and wed a young Scot, James Fraser. Oh, and naughty lady that she is (as seen by some), she was married to Frank Randall, scholar and descendant of Jonathan Randall, Jamie’s nemesis.

What’s even funnier, at least to me, is that in England her novel was retitled and given the punny name, Cross Stitch, to play on the idea of a stitch in time. And, there in jolly old England some of the bookstores placed the book in the Sewing section!

As I thought about Diana’s books the phrase Genre Buster popped into my head. Yep, Diana is  a Genre Buster(TM), no question. And, a very wonderful writer too.

So, I began using the term Genre Busters(TM) to describe the eclectic creatives I coached and trained.

So, are you a Genre Buster?

If you are, then join me every 2nd Friday for Genre Busters(TM) interviews on BlogTalk Radio … soon to be every Friday at 11:00 a.m. Mountain time.

It’s only taken me, like 6 years, to  figure out how to successfully blog about the several parts of me, and my business.

This is my first attempt to share that part of me that is a Journal Writer. I have been keeping a Journal since 1984. And, have amassed thousands of pages of stuff: lots of whining, whimpering, deeply black thoughts, manic riffs, and occasional fucking brilliance — well, at least in my opinion.

So, from time to time I will share some of these private thoughts, to give you a bit of a window into the workings of the mind of a writer. LOOK FOR the words “A Writer’s Journal” in the post title.

WARNING: It may not be pretty. It could be deeply disturbing. It may be exceedling raw. And, it will contain lots of  ’swears’, from time to time. But, it will always be “the real thing, unedited, unexpurgated”

Here’s today’s entry:

MorningPages: February, 3, 2010

The ice fog is slowly thinning, the ldldlldldldlldldldldlldldl

FUCK!

Why are the words not flowing?

It’s not the pain … or the fog in my brain … or the distractions. Why does my writing flow and ebb? Mostly ebb these days.

I am aware of all the sensations in my body. The pressure of my feet on the window sill. The weight of the laptop in my … well, lap. The knives of pain in my hips. The ache in my balls.
Oh … goody … more distractions! The garbage truck just pulled up below; now I can watch them empty the blue bins.

I feel sleepy.

My neck snaps to the side once again. I bet if peoples were watching me they’d figure I had Tourettes’.

Why the fuck did I come here anyway. Oh yeah: to write something. But, something meaningful, something meaty, something useful, not this useless shit, crap, whiny, sniveling, mewling.

Enough of this shit.

Time for a soak in the Jacuzzi, or maybe a nap.

Copyright 2010 Lyle T. Lachmuth, All Rights Reserved

This week I rebooted the interview series, with a particular focus on writers and authors, over at BlogTalk Radio. My plan is to offer these interviews three times a month. Sign up for notifications here.

Yesterday’s interview was with James Palmer, professional writer, science fiction novelist, and Dadpreneur! James and I talked a bit about his career and what it takes to succeed as a working writer. Our interview focused on some key ideas form his NEW ebook: Social Media for Writers: How to Market Yourself and Your Book Using Facebook, MySpace, Blogs, Podcasting, and Other Social Networks and Media.

Simply click on the player button in the visual following, LISTEN with pleasure, and learn. Listen for James’ special offer, near the end of the radio show.

Thanks for listening. And, remember to SIGN UP for updates here.

At 1 level it is very hard to believe that we are reaching the end of the 1st decade of the 21st century!

WOW! Where did the Tempus Fugit? (Latin 4 “Time Flees“)

It has been a challenging and rewarding 10 years for me. When this decade began:I didn’t have Fibromyalgia. My coaching business had a different name  (“Turning Point Strategies”) and somewhat different client base. And, I was debt free.

Since then the world has changed markedly (Think 9/11!) and so has my life: I’ve suffered from Fibromyalgia for 8 years. I made a good living but often hated what I did to earn the money.

Now: I’ have a 1-year old grandson. I KNOW my true mission but in the course of that journey I’ve acquired a huge debt load. And, I’ve ended my marriage. But, enough whinging.

I’m a bit anal about words … but then so are most of my writer clients, colleagues, and friends! So, before I enumerate my Top 5 List, I want to riff about the word: Learning.

Since 1971, I’ve educated, coached, counselled, and trained thousands of professionals (and others) in my various professional and personal roles (Church Elder, IT professional, Corporate Training Manager, Change Management Consultant, HRD Training Consultant, and Unsticking(TM) Coach.

For me, Learning is only and truly demonstrated by changed behaviour. The problem with our Education system is that we acquire tons of information — much of it useless! And …

I’ve experienced many painful Life Lessons this decade. I could probably write a book about them. WAIT A MINUTE! I am writing a book (watch for the announcement of the release of my newest book, “Beyond The Pain”). So, finally, rant over: Here are my (current) 5 Most Important Lessons Learned This Decade!

1. Wellness Is EVERYTHING I’ve spent 14 of the last 24 months in bed, in excruciating pain, yearning to die. I’ve had several visits to the ER due to Kidney stones. And, I’ve had 1 Near Death Experience thanks to a Morphine Overdose. It sure hasn’t been boring! Extreme, Chronic pain Sucketh … but, when I ‘listen’ to it I learn lots. I’ve LEARNED: When you and I are ill, DISeased, and unwell life is hard. But, ill health and pain can be great mentors. It IS true “That which does not kill you, makes you stronger!” I am currently busy writing about all that I have learned from experiencing 3 different chronic ‘illnesses’. My goal is to publish my book “Beyond The Pain”, which will detail these Life Lessons, in February 2010.

• Relationships Are Mirrors I have a handful of real close friends, 2 ex-wives, 2 children, 1 grandson, 1 son-in-law, 2 siblings, and many, many ‘friends’ on the Net. As I ponder the relationships that have brought me joy vs. those that have gifted me with pain I’ve come to realize that my relationships act as mirrors that reflect what’s going on inside me. My friends, real and virtual, by and large bring me pleasure and joy. My family the same, especially my grand baby, brings me immense joy — i.e. when they don’t annoy me But, my 2 marriages have brought both immense joy and immense pain. Why? I’ve LEARNED: that these closest of all relationships have most mirrored the inner conflict I have experienced all my adult life. I’ve never been what you might call a content person. I’m driven, moody, creative, loving and BiPolar! Trust me, it ain’t easy being me — or, living with me! And, as I’ve struggled with my own identity and moods; I”ve also struggled in my intimate relationships. My dislike of parts of myself, have been mirrored back to me by my lovers. And, my good parts have also been reflected back to me — those parts that Carl Jung called “The Gold in our Shadow”. But, it is the not-so-nice parts that, when reflected back, have hurt the most. And, even though I have flaws it not just my flaws that have destroyed my intimate relationships … I have learned that it ain’t all my fault.

• Money Isn’t Important … But it is NECESSARY!   Ever since my first divorce, when I learned (painfully) that all my hours of late work and stress at my job, translated into a pittance of a settlement — money and it’s pursuit has been an extremely low priority. I’ve said, millions of times, that “money isn’t important to me!” And, it hasn’t been. I’ve LEARNED: that damn, it sure comes in handy when y’all want to travel, buy books, or pay the rent. SO, in 2010 I’m changing my mantra. Not sure today what the money mantra will be, but it will be much more balanced approach.

• Sex Is Vital to Health   Years ago I developed a 4-factor model of Stress Management. I helped my clients learn to better manage stress by employing strategies that focused on changes in the Physical, Emotional, Intellectual, and Spiritual aspects of their lives; to pursue healing in each and all of these arenas. It has only been in the last 10-years, as I’ve undergone intensive therapy for childhood sexual abuse, that I’ve become convinced that Sexual Healing (Thanks Marvin Gaye) is just as vital a part of our Holistic Wellness. I’ve LEARNED: that Freeing your sexual energy and expression is vital to freeing your creativity! To that end, I am learning Tantra from a Tantric Coach. Watch your Inbox for details of you can buy her CD.

• I’m OK With Quirks    In the 80s, Transactional Analysis, or TA as it was called, was the way of explaining human interaction. In fact, even in the corporation I worked in, it was used to help Supervisor better understand and communicate with their peers and employees. One of the most famous books about TA was called I’m Ok, You’re OK! One of the things the author taught was that we all have ‘warts” and he used to say, “I’m OK, You’re OK with Warts!’ Well, I kinda prefer the word Quirks. I’ve LEARNED: I’m OK with my Quirks. I’m OK with You’re Quirks. And, I don’t really care whether or not you’re OK with my Quirks

SO, that’s it!  The Big 5!!

What Lessons did You learn?? Please share your big lessons by commenting on this post.

And, Do have a great 2010!!!

Time for Top 1o Lists and such. So, here goes with my list (for what it’s worth), in NO particular order:

1. Who’s Got Your Back by Keith Ferrazzi — This is Keith’s sequel to his 1st NYT Bestseller, “Never Eat Alone”. In this book Keith suggests strategies for creating “Life-Line Relationships” and “tribes” that will support you in your UP and DOWN times. I haven’t finished this book, cause I loaned it  to a new friend. Hope she gives it back before I fly home.
2. In the Land of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Mate, MD — Gabor is a physician in Vancouver, BC and, among other things, treats addicts in E. Van. I’ve long wanted to understand addiction — because of the massive addictions in my FOO and because of mine own addictive personality. Gabor suggests that many hard-core addicts suffer from ADD or ADHD and that it is these underlying conditions that create and sustain the persistence of the addictions. Mate suggests, also, that the “best cure” for persistent addiction is participation in a 12-step program.
3. Conquering Fear by Harold S. Kushner — Just picked this book up at Fry’s Superstore in Mesa, AZ on Christmas Eve. It called to me! And, I read 2 chapters before bed on Christmas Day. I love Kushner’s balanced look at strategies for dealing with FEAR. FEAR has driven my life as a Recovering Victim of Childhood Sexual Abuse … and I’m deeply moved and encourage by Kushner’s words. By the way, Kushner is a Rabbi and is most famous for his 1st book, “Why Bad Things Happen to Good People!”
4. What Color is Your Parachute 2009 by Richard Nelson Bolles — I buy and read this annual every year. In past year’s I’ve reviewed this book here at this blog. I’m not going to do that this year because I’m busy writing mine own book on Creative Careers. BUT, I do recommend that IF you are searching for WORK, BUY, READ, and MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, USE this book’s ideas.
5. Anything by Julia Cameron – Julia is my Thought Leader when it comes to freeing up writers. In 2010, I will be offering a number of workshops FOR WRITERS based, in part, on the strategies taught by Cameron. WATCH for news in your INBOX!

5 MORE books in a nonce! g

Paris in The Spring Time!

Well, IT is here before THAT other holiday — X mas!

And, as a person who has S.A.D., Solstice is a freaking big deal!

I had a client (M) who had bad S.A.D.  (hey I rhyme) and he and a buddy (who also had bad S.A.D.), used to celebrate the Solstices. At Christmas M’s s buddy would come dressed as “The Light Bearer”.

Then in June, M would arrive at Buddy’s door, dressed as “The Bearer of Darkness” — which if you knew my client, fit like a glove!

So, welcome the Bearers of Light!

AND THANKS for all your comments.

I may or may not reply to each BUT I do really appreciate your reading this stuff.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanuka! Have a Killer Kwanza! And, to my Persian and Arabian friends: “Live Long and Prosper!”

Try Imagini!