Overcoming Decision Paralysis

Simple Productivity Hacks to Help You Take Action

Do you ever feel like your brain has become a glitchy video game that refuses to load? Overheated, overwhelmed, and completely stuck? If you’ve experienced decision paralysis, you know the struggle of being unable to make even the smallest of decisions. It’s like you’re standing still while the world moves around you.

As someone who deals with decision paralysis on a regular basis, I’ve had to come up with a few creative ways to push through it and take action.

Below are some productivity hacks that have helped me when I find myself frozen with indecision.

1. Random Draw

Sometimes, the hardest part of a task is simply choosing what to tackle first.

When my to-do list is overwhelming, I’ve learned to trick my brain by giving up control over the decision-making process. I’ve adopted a strategy I like to call the Random Draw.

Here’s how it works: I make a list of all my priority tasks, write each one on a separate piece of paper, and fold them up like little paper fortunes. Then, I place them in a jar. When I feel paralyzed by indecision, I randomly pick one slip of paper and commit to it—no excuses.

The simplicity of this process takes the pressure off and forces me to take action, rather than sitting in a cycle of analysis paralysis.

Why it works: Research shows that decision paralysis often stems from the fear of making the wrong choice, which can trigger stress and indecision. The Random Draw takes away the need for perfect decision-making, reducing cognitive load and helping you focus on just doing the work.

According to productivity expert Cal Newport, creating a system that minimizes the friction between you and your tasks can drastically boost productivity (Newport, 2016).

2. Task Bundling: Pair the Unpleasant with the Enjoyable

Another hack I use is bundling tasks—combining something I really don't want to do with something I truly enjoy.

This helps make the dreaded tasks feel more manageable and less intimidating. For example, I’ll pair a task like editing my manuscript (which I dread) with something I love, like listening to a new album. Or, if I’m stuck going for a walk in the cold, I’ll listen to a podcast or audiobook that I’ve been dying to catch up on.

Why it works: This strategy is based on the concept of temptation bundling, a technique introduced by behavioural economist Katherine Milkman. In her research, Milkman found that bundling an enjoyable activity with a necessary but unenjoyable task can increase motivation and productivity (Milkman et al., 2014).

By combining something fun with something you don’t want to do, you’re more likely to follow through on both tasks.

3. Set Clear Boundaries: Embrace the “Two-Minute Rule”

If decision paralysis is your constant companion, setting small, clear boundaries for yourself can be a game-changer.

Another effective strategy I’ve found is the Two-Minute Rule.

The rule is simple: If a task will take two minutes or less to complete, just do it now. This prevents procrastination from building up and helps eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed by an ever-growing list of tasks.

Why it works: According to David Allen, the productivity expert behind Getting Things Done, the Two-Minute Rule works because it stops you from overthinking and turning simple tasks into mountains of stress. The key is to reduce the number of decisions you need to make, which in turn helps reduce the anxiety that often leads to paralysis (Allen, 2001).

4. Work in Sprints: The Pomodoro Technique

Sometimes, just getting started is the hardest part. Once I begin, I often find that I can keep going—so I use a timer to encourage me to focus without distractions.

The Pomodoro Technique is one of my go-to methods for overcoming decision paralysis and staying productive.

With this technique, you work in short bursts—typically 25 minutes—followed by a 5-minute break. After four sprints, you take a longer break. This approach works well for tackling larger tasks because it breaks them down into bite-sized pieces, which makes them feel less intimidating.

Why it works: Studies have shown that working in focused intervals improves concentration and reduces mental fatigue (Cirillo, 2006). By giving yourself permission to take regular breaks, you avoid burnout and keep your energy levels high throughout the day.

5. Limit Your Choices: Narrow Down Your Options

One of the best ways to combat decision paralysis is to limit your choices.

When there are too many options, it can be overwhelming, which can make it harder to take action. For example, instead of trying to decide which of 20 tasks to do, narrow it down to the top 3. Give yourself a set period of time to work on each one and commit to it.

Why it works: Research in cognitive science shows that too many options can lead to decision fatigue, which results in poorer decisions or a complete inability to choose (Schwartz, 2004).

By limiting your options, you reduce the cognitive load on your brain, making it easier to take action.

Taking Action Is the Key to Breaking Free from Decision Paralysis

In the end, the best way to overcome decision paralysis is simply to take action. It’s not about finding the perfect solution but about finding ways to break the cycle of inaction. Whether you draw randomly from a jar, pair tasks together, use a timer, or limit your choices, these productivity hacks can help you get unstuck and moving forward—even when you feel frozen in place.


Sources

  • Allen, D. (2001). Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Penguin Books.

  • Cirillo, F. (2006). The Pomodoro Technique: The Life-Changing Time-Management System. Penguin.

  • Milkman, K. L., Minson, J. A., & Volpp, K. G. (2014). "Planning Prompts as a Means of Increasing Preventive Screening." Preventive Medicine, 68, 32-38.

  • Newport, C. (2016). Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. Grand Central Publishing.

  • Schwartz, B. (2004). The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less. HarperCollins.

AI and the Future of Work


The future of work is here, and it’s being shaped by AI. But is it the utopia some are promising? Recently, I listened to a podcast featuring a former OpenAI employee who painted a rosy picture of the “Great Awakening”—a world where rote work is automated, leaving us with endless hours for passion projects, leisure, and entrepreneurial ventures. Sounds dreamy, right? But as a creative, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is this vision realistic, or just another techno-utopian fantasy? 

The Gig Economy: Freedom or Fragility?  

The gig economy has already shown us the double-edged sword of independence. As freelancers, consultants, and solopreneurs, we trade job security for flexibility. No micromanagement, no office politics—just the freedom to create on our own terms. But let’s be real: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.  

The Upside: Creative freedom, flexible schedules, and the ability to choose projects that align with your passions.  

The Downside: No healthcare, no pensions, and the constant hustle to secure contracts, chase payments, and renew gigs.  

For many, the gig economy isn’t a choice—it’s a necessity. And while AI promises to automate repetitive tasks, it doesn’t solve the systemic issues that make freelancing so precarious.  

The Privilege of Optimism  

The podcast guest’s optimism felt... privileged. Not everyone has seed capital, investors, or a safety net to fall back on. For most creatives, launching a business means juggling rent, childcare, and medical expenses while trying to stay afloat. Cash flow problems, not lack of talent or intelligence, are the leading cause of failure for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs.  

This isn’t just a competency issue—the playing field is tilted, and no amount of hustle can level it.  

The Creative’s Edge in the Age of AI  

So, where does that leave us? How do we thrive in a world where AI is reshaping the future of work? Here’s the good news: creativity is inherently human. While AI can mimic, it can’t replicate the authenticity, emotion, and unique perspective that you bring to your work.  

1. Build Community: Collaboration and connection are your superpowers. Network, share resources, and support fellow creatives.  

2. Embrace Your Voice: Your perspective is irreplaceable. Lean into what makes your work uniquely you.  

3. Speak Directly to People: Whether through public speaking, video content, or live interactions, human connection is your competitive edge.  

The Bigger Picture: AI, Regulation, and the Creative Economy  
As AI continues to evolve, so do the questions around ethics, copyright, and compensation. Generative AI is already disrupting creative fields, raising concerns about authorship and fair use.  
- EU: The AI Act aims to ensure transparency and respect for fundamental rights, while the Copyright Directive balances AI development with creators’ rights.  

- UK: Proposed reforms allowing AI to use copyrighted works without permission have sparked backlash from artists like Jimmy Page and Elton John.  

- US: The Fair Use Doctrine is under scrutiny as legal battles, like Thomson Reuters v. Ross Intelligence, test the boundaries of AI and copyright.  

These debates are critical for creatives. If AI-generated works aren’t eligible for copyright, how do we protect our intellectual property? And if companies can automate creative tasks, what happens to our livelihoods?  

The future of work is uncertain, but one thing is clear: we need to shape it. Whether through advocacy, innovation, or community-building, creatives have the power to ensure that AI serves us—not the other way around.  

There are some hard questions ahead. Will Universal Basic Income become a necessity in a jobless economy?  Can we create platforms and networks that prioritize human connection over exploitation? How do we ensure that AI amplifies, rather than replaces, human creativity?  The answers won’t come easy, but one thing’s for sure: the future belongs to those who create it.  

What are your thoughts on AI and the future of work? How are you preparing for the changes ahead?

Submissions, Silence, and Ghosting…


This week, I’ve found myself in limbo, waiting for responses to finalize work projects. Meetings postponed, emails unanswered—it’s a frustrating state of suspension. It’s reminded me of a reality that many writers face during the querying process: ghosting.

Querying agents and editors can already feel like a daunting process. Writers put their hearts on the page, crafting the perfect pitch, only to send their work out into the void. The silence that follows can be deafening.

We all understand that everyone has busy schedules and backlogs to manage. But how long does it really take to send a simple “no, thank you”? Choosing not to respond is, in itself, a decision—a decision that leaves writers questioning everything.

When a query goes unanswered, it can feel like your work isn’t just rejected, but irrelevant. Writers are left to wonder:

- Was my work so bad it didn’t deserve a reply?

- Did my email get lost in the shuffle?

- Am I completely invisible?

The truth is, ghosting often stems from discomfort. Many people fear confrontation or don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings, so they choose silence. Ironically, this can hurt more than an honest rejection. Writers are resilient; we can handle a polite “no.” What’s harder to endure is the endless waiting, the not knowing.

Simple Solutions to End the Silence

There are ways to address this. If time or emotional bandwidth is an issue, here are a few suggestions:

1. Auto-Responses: Create a standard rejection email. It can be short and polite—something like, “Thank you for your submission, but this project isn’t the right fit for me at this time. Best of luck!”

2. Set Expectations: If you have a policy of only replying to submissions you’re interested in, state it clearly on your website or submission guidelines. That transparency helps writers manage their expectations and time.

3. Provide Timelines: If you need more time to consider a project, let the writer know with a simple acknowledgment or update.

These small gestures can make a big difference. Writers aren’t asking for personalized feedback on every submission—just clarity and respect for their time and effort.

The Long Wait

I’ve heard stories of writers who received responses years after sending a query. Others have had promising initial interactions only to be met with silence when following up. While no reply might be the standard for some, it’s important for agents and editors to recognize the emotional toll this takes. If the policy is “no response means no,” make it explicit. Writers will respect the boundary if they know it exists.

At the end of the day, we’re all short on time. Ghosting wastes everyone’s time—not just the writer’s, but also the agent’s or editor’s, as the system becomes clogged with follow-ups and uncertainties. A simple “no” can free up a writer to move forward, to query someone who might say “yes,” and to focus on their work.

Art, Philosophy, and the Age of Noise

To hold a pen is to be at war.

- Voltaire


Just a short drive from where I live lies Ferney-Voltaire, a quaint village in France where the philosopher and writer Voltaire spent several years in exile during the 18th century. Voltaire wasn’t just a philosopher; he was also a poet, playwright, and critic of the intolerance, religious dogma, and violence of his time. His thoughts were so central to the Enlightenment that historian Will Durant named the period between 1715 and 1756 The Age of Voltaire.

Today, we find ourselves in another turbulent era. Intolerance, dogmatic beliefs, and polarizing rhetoric seem to dominate. Even accessing factual information feels like wading through an overwhelming sea of punditry, fragmented news sources, and subscription-based journalism. Former mainstream media journalists like Paul Krugman, Carol Cadwaladr, and Anand Giridharadas have turned to platforms like Substack to continue their work independently.

Is this the new normal? Paying for multiple subscriptions, sifting through countless sources, and privately subsidizing journalists to ensure they can report on the issues that matter?

Many of us, overwhelmed, have opted to tune out. I’ve done so myself at times, as have many of my friends. Yet, ignoring the political, economic, and geopolitical shifts of our time feels like a privilege we cannot afford. Art can provide solace, but can we simply focus on creating and keeping our heads down while the world around us burns?

Art as Resistance

Art is more than beauty or craft; it is inherently political and subversive. Art can challenge systems of power, dismantle intolerance, and inspire change. I truly believe this.

"Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do."

– Voltaire

Art, stories, and creativity open minds to new perspectives and experiences. Music soothes our anxieties. Poetry articulates truths we dare not speak. Dance reflects the fragile, vibrant human condition. These forms of expression are essential in times of despair, anger, and confusion.

But the challenges we face are compounded by a global system that conflates price with value.

The Trap of Capitalist Realism

British theorist Mark Fisher coined the term Capitalist Realism, describing the pervasive belief that there is no alternative to capitalism. Fisher famously observed, “It’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism.”

This mindset has seeped into every facet of modern life, reducing value to what can be bought or sold. As Sarah Chayes argues in her book Everyone Knows: Corruption in America, materialism has infiltrated society, benefiting an elite few at the expense of true value—natural resources, human labor, and even life itself.

Social media further exacerbates these issues. Platforms like YouTube, designed to maximize engagement, often lead users down rabbit holes of biased, intolerant, or extreme content. Caleb Cain’s series My Descent into the Alt-Right Pipeline chronicles how he was lured into increasingly radical ideologies while initially searching for self-help content.

Social media’s unchecked funneling of extreme viewpoints underscores the urgent need for action. We can no longer afford to laugh off or ignore the growing platform of toxic ideologues; doing so risks leaving the desperate and disenfranchised at the mercy of those who incite hate and violence.

The Role of Artists and Thinkers

The Enlightenment was shaped by thinkers, writers, and artists who refused to remain silent. Voltaire, Rousseau, and others challenged the intolerance and injustice of their time, paving the way for seismic political and ideological shifts.

Today, we must ask ourselves: do we wait for another calamity, revolution, or war before we act?

Can we afford to let things spiral further into despair before speaking up?

As I read Voltaire’s Traité sur l’Intolérance and the dystopian Silo series, I grapple with these questions daily. The stories we tell and the art we create must do more than offer an escape; they must ignite the desire to make the world better.

Finding Balance

In the face of fear, confusion, and anxiety, we often have two instincts. One seeks solace in humor, art, and brightness to ease the mind and soul. The other demands action, asking: *How bad could this get, and what can we do to stop it?*

The answer lies in finding balance. We must create art that resists, challenges, and inspires. We must think critically, share stories, and speak truths that open minds and combat intolerance. If the thinkers and artists of the Enlightenment had stayed silent, the world would not have known the seismic changes that defined their age.

Art, philosophy, and action remain our most powerful tools. It’s time to wield them.

Vulnerability Hangover: Why Sharing Your Art Matters

In her now-famous TED talk, researcher Brené Brown redefined courage, challenging the widespread belief that bravery means suppressing vulnerability. Instead, she argued, true courage is found in allowing ourselves to be seen, despite our fears of judgment. Vulnerability requires dismantling the protective walls we build to shield our hearts, and that can feel deeply uncomfortable.

But in today’s world, being vulnerable feels more essential than ever. It takes courage to share your art, ideas, and voice, especially in an environment saturated with negativity, bigotry, and fear-mongering rhetoric. Yet, sharing something authentic can contribute to a more positive and inclusive discourse—one that fosters understanding, connection, and growth.

Imagine a world without music, literature, or art. Without the creative expression of the human heart and mind, what would we even be creating technology for? Algorithms, AI, and robotics are all tools, but they’re meaningless without the beauty and depth of human creativity to bring them to life. Art and culture are at their best when they reflect our vulnerabilities, building bridges between people and creating shared experiences.

For the past few months, I’ve been challenging myself to show up more openly. As a natural introvert, this hasn’t been easy. Every time I post a blog or a video, that nagging, self-critical voice in my head kicks in: What if this goes badly? I cringe at the thought of being judged, and sometimes the discomfort lingers long after I’ve hit “publish.”

But I’m learning. Slowly, I’m ignoring that voice and taking small, deliberate steps toward sharing more of myself. It’s still a work in progress. I marvel at people who can effortlessly speak into a camera and share their stories online. For me, it’s a process of overcoming mental hurdles one by one. Even so, I’m committed to continuing on this path, curious to see where it leads.

The world is overflowing with dissonance and division right now. My hope is that by sharing my perspective, I can spark a little more kindness and inspire others to share their hearts as well. Vulnerability can feel like a risk, but it’s also an invitation—to connect, to create, and to find the courage to be yourself.

E.E. Cummings said it best:

“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, day and night, to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.”

It’s a battle worth fighting. Vulnerability builds courage, fosters connection, and ultimately leads to a more peaceful and fulfilling life—one lived on your own terms.

So, take the risk. Share your heart. It’s worth it.

Productivity, Process, and Progress

Overcoming the Creative Roadblocks

In recent years, the non-fiction aisle has been flooded with books promising to unlock greater productivity, efficiency, and mastery over your time. The message is clear: we’re obsessed with doing more, better, and in less time. Yet, modern work often feels like an endless juggling act. Remote meetings blend into Slack conversations, toggling between twenty open browser tabs, replying to emails while searching for attachments that seem to have vanished into the ether. Amidst all this chaos, we schedule carpools, pay bills, and handle life’s demands.

We know context switching is a productivity killer, yet most of us do it all day, every day. Is there a better way? Can we allow ourselves to focus on just one task at a time?

The Mental Overload of Modern Life

Did you know we have up to 60,000 thoughts per day? Astonishingly, 95% of them are repeats from the day before, and up to 80% can be negative. The mental chatter is relentless:

• “I don’t want to sit through this boring meeting.”

• “Why can’t I remember my password?”

• “What’s wrong with me? I’ll never finish this project.”

It’s no surprise we feel drained. Research suggests that multitasking can double the time it takes to finish a task and increase error rates by up to 50%. Yet we still do it. Why? Often, it’s a form of procrastination.

The Procrastination Trap

When faced with a big, daunting task, we tend to start with smaller, less important ones. The logic? Crossing a few things off our to-do list will give us the momentum to tackle the big one. But those smaller tasks often snowball, leaving the real priorities untouched.

Strangely, the tasks we procrastinate on are often the ones we care about the most. They’re the big-ticket items:

• “Finish novel.”

• “Record podcast.”

• “Launch business idea.”

Why do these tasks linger on our to-do lists, haunting us year after year? The fear of failure, inadequacy, or unmet expectations often paralyzes us. We avoid starting because starting means committing.

Decision Paralysis: The Creative Killer

At the heart of procrastination lies decision paralysis—the overwhelming anxiety of choosing a path when the outcome is uncertain. Creative work, in particular, requires countless micro-decisions, each one stacking atop the last. It’s exhausting, especially when you don’t have all the information or can’t see the full picture.

In the past week alone, I’ve felt this paralysis:

• Trying to design the weapons and landscape for a futuristic battle scene.

• Deciding on a side character’s name and backstory.

• Figuring out how to cancel a mysterious streaming subscription no one in my family seems to use.

• Connecting a Roland synthesizer to my computer.

Each of these required more steps than anticipated. What I thought would take two steps ballooned into five—or seven. Frustration mounted, inertia set in, and progress ground to a halt.

Overcoming the Roadblocks

The solution is both simple and maddeningly slow: focus on one task at a time.

• Commit fully to solving one problem.

• Resist the urge to think about what else you “should” be doing.

• Accept that progress will take time and energy.

It’s not glamorous, but it works. The real win is learning to celebrate the small victories along the way. Solving a major roadblock—whether it’s figuring out a plot point, finishing a sketch, or debugging code—is just as important as crossing the finish line.

Step-by-Step, Detail by Detail

Creative work isn’t about monumental leaps forward; it’s about methodically tackling each step, each detail. The key is to fight the temptation to judge yourself for “not making progress” and instead focus on what’s in front of you.

This is advice I need as much as anyone else. Finishing creative projects always takes more time, energy, and mental effort than expected. But every step forward—no matter how small—is still progress.

So, to anyone feeling stuck on a creative project this week: hang in there. Celebrate your wins, however minor they seem, and trust that every detail you solve brings you closer to the finish line.

You’ve got this.

https://www.instagram.com/art4_marax/reel/DFQ24Q1oKVL/

My Creative Journey so far ...

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to find a wonderful group of creatives to collaborate and commiserate with over the highs and lows of the creative process over the past several years. I’ve co-authored an adult fantasy novel with my friend Sara Lilley and the talented designer Lorenzo G Lorenzo Gaggiotti, aka Stockholm17. Together, we successfully delivered a limited edition of our book through Kickstarter to over 750 backers—a milestone that still feels surreal!

Beyond that project, I’ve connected with amazing critique partners in the Middle Grade, YA, and adult writing spaces. These connections came through platforms and programs like WriteMentor, Curtis Brown Creative, Faber Academy, and various writing events here in Geneva, Switzerland, where I’m based.

The past few years have brought some exciting moments:

- In 2020, one of my Middle Grade projects was selected for the Author Mentor Match program.

- In 2024 one of my YA projects was shortlisted for the Guppy Books Award 2024— which was amazing.

My journey started back in 2016, when I hesitantly submitted an extract of an epic fantasy novel to Faber Academy. I was thrilled when I was accepted onto their selective year-long novel-writing course. That experience gave me the confidence to start sharing my stories, though balancing work, life, and family commitments has sometimes caused my motivation to waver.

As we step into 2025, I’m determined to complete a number of projects I have been working on for several years now.

But reaching creative goals isn’t always easy, especially when procrastination and perfectionism are constant companions. That’s why I’ve created this space—to hold myself accountable, share the ups and downs of my journey, and connect with a community of writers and creators who can support and inspire one another.

I’m hoping to branch out and develop this blog into more of an online presence this year that will focus on:

- Weekly updates on my progress

- Honest reflections on the creative process

- Tips and inspiration to keep you (and me!) motivated

So this week … here’s what I’ve been working on.

Painting

I started an oil painting class last week. Having only used acrylic before, I’m learning how much more forgiving oil paint can be. It’s a relief not to worry about paint drying too quickly—it allows for changes and adjustments even after the paint is on the canvas. So far, I’ve spent two sessions painting the sky, and it’s been incredibly therapeutic to focus on matching the colors and enjoying the meditative quality of the process.

Adult Dystopian WIP

On the writing front, I’m currently at 15,000 words in an adult dystopian WIP. It’s basically a project where I can pour all my anxieties about life, and humanity and the planet. I’m aiming for 25,000 words by the end of the week - which may be overly optimistic—or just plain delusional. But it’s a messy dumpster fire draft so I think it’s doable.

Video Editing

I’ve also been diving into video recording and editing, with plans to release some content around the Eye of the Ocean Kickstarter campaign in the coming week. It’s a steep learning curve, but I’m excited to explore this new medium.

That’s it for now! Remember, whatever your creative pursuit, it’s important and worth the effort. Keep creating, and don’t be afraid to embrace the journey—even the messy parts.

Until next time,

Stay inspired and keep going!

P.S. below is my progress on the sky. It’s slow work but very calming …

week 1

week 2

🎯 2025 Creative Goals ✍️🎨

As we step into 2025, I’m hoping for a year filled with creativity and completed projects.

Reaching my objectives requires a disciplined approach, meaning I need to work consistently while simultaneously combating my tendencies toward procrastination and perfectionism, which often slow my progress. Juggling a full-time job, two kids, a seriously ill parent, and possibly ADHD will be a challenge. What’s my plan? I’ll use this space for weekly accountability updates. Beginning today!

Here’s what I’m working toward:

🎨 Daily Drawing Practice

• Devoting 1 hour every day to drawing.

• Completing 1 full illustration every week.

📚 Writing & Editing Goals

• Writing and editing 25,000 words per week.

📖 Projects to Complete & Share

1. These Bubbles Are Forever

• Illustrate all 35 images for this picture book.

• Submit the manuscript and illustrations to agents/publishers.

2. Madi and the Moon

• Finalize this MG fantasy (65-70k words).

• Query agents and publishers.

3. Mirror Quartet (Adult Epic Fantasy Series)

• Complete and self-publish the first two books (200k-250k words combined).

It’s an ambitious plan, but one fueled by passion and purpose. Each of these projects represents a piece of my heart, and I’m determined to bring them into the world.

What are your creative goals for 2025? Let’s dream big together! ✨

The Neverending Story - Michael Ende

Book Recommendation: It's Better Than the Movie (Spoilers)

Most of us remember the 1980s movie with what looked like a giant flying dog when we think of The Neverending Story. I vaguely remember seeing the film as a kid and cataloging it away in the 80s memorabilia of my mind. 

I only discovered the book in 2014 and learned that the author, Michael Ende, was inspired by his father, Edgar Ende's Surrealist paintings. I was intrigued by the paintings depicting dream-like scenes with angels, faceless men, corpses surrounded by umbrellas, and giant bird wings emerging from hills of sand. 

In one, a line of naked, faceless men wait, hammers in hand, as if to drive nails into a distant figure at the end of a hall mounted on a crucifix. 

The paintings have that terror-wonder quality of dreams where the mundane meets the horrific or the wondrous. We are swimming on the surface and plunging to the depths of our minds.

Mainly out of fascination for the paintings, I ordered the book. 

I expected a more fleshed-out version of the film I remembered seeing as a child. A boy discovers a book, The Never Ending Story; he is pulled into the book to help the hero of the story save the land and the child princess that rules it. To save the world, the boy must confirm his beliefs and say the princess's name. 

The story I discovered was much better and quite different. 

On the surface, it is a children's story where, yes, a boy, Bastian, an overweight, lonely, heartbroken boy, steals a book and hides himself away in the school's attic to lose himself in the book. 

The story he discovers is lovely and horrific, just like the stuff of dreams - a magical land with wonderous creatures, myths, and legends disappearing into nothingness. 

The nothingness appears in patches. Places and creatures slowly vanish; worse, those around it are drawn to it and even start to march toward the void, drawn to it and their unmaking in some perverse way.

It takes a child to save the world. Two children, really. A hero and the boy who entered the story. The two need to believe in the world and reimagine it to stop it from disappearing. 

Along the way, Bastian rides the heady wave of being the story's creator, reimagining himself as a handsome prince, the strongest and the fastest in all the land. He discovers that with each wish he makes, the world changes according to his whim, but with each wish, he travels further from his true self and loses his memories of the real world. 

By the end, Bastian only remembers his name, a precious piece of information he must hold onto to return home. He must remember someone from the world he wants to return to but has lost all his memories. He struggles to remember his father while unearthing delicate paintings in an underground mine, each so fragile that the slightest touch will disintegrate it.

I found this book when I was extremely sleep-deprived and going through post-partum depression. It made more sense to me than the real world at the time. I highly recommend it to anyone going through a difficult time who believes in the healing power of stories and the imagination. 

Art4Accountability / September 2023

Focusing on the Making

The Fall is a tough time for me. 

It's the anniversary of my brother's death, and always brings back difficult memories.

At the end of August, there was another sudden death of a young person in our family which has had me very depressed. 

There are no words for losing a child or young person. It is not in the natural order of things. 

Creating has provided me with hope when I thought there was none. At some fundamental level, it is all we have in the face of loss, despair, and grief. 

Emily Dickinson wrote that depression is 'a funeral in the brain', and it does feel like that. 

Art, and I know the word is problematic, is shorthand. The word is overloaded. It conjures up too many disparate notions - most associated with 'works of art' - a Picasso painting, a Victor Hugo novel. Behind it is a snobbish assumption that something must be 'good enough' to be considered 'art'. 

But, for me, art is simply creating, making the intangible tangible. It is a process, not a product. Art, for me, is about the making itself. 

For many, this might sound like nonsense. 

We live in a performative culture; the assumption is that if we're creating anything, it must be, at some level, for others. The first thing that happens when you sit down and draw is, invariably, that someone comes and stands over your shoulder and says, 'That's so pretty.' or 'What is it?' or 'That's ugly.' 

People judge, they can't help it. 

In A History of Six Ideas (1980), Polish philosopher and art historian Wladyslaw Tatarkiewicz pointed out that there was no distinction between artist and artisan initially. Those who made art were people who worked with their hands. They were laborers. The Latin ars and Greek techne evoked the skill needed to create an object. 

This changed in the 19th century, according to Tatarkiewicz, when art, notably paintings, became a store of value, objects worthy of investment. At this point, the 'artist' needed to be delineated from the artisan; high 'art' required separating 'mere' labor, i.e., artisanal work, and 'Art' with a capital A. 

Today, it's easy to forget that when you create anything, it is fundamentally a process. You are transforming the abstract - a thought, feeling, memory, or idea - into a concrete object that can exist outside your mind. 

It is a process that demands skill, patience, hope, and, sometimes, blind obsession. 

Judgment kills that. The analytical mind can shred a kernel of inspiration to nothing.

It's too easy to forget the enormity of the act of creation. It is too easy to get caught up in whether whatever we've made is 'of value' or 'good enough.' 

Over the past four years, I've put a lot of time and energy into external validation, into making sure what I was creating was 'good enough', which I now realize has nothing to do with why I create and is essentially out of my hands. 

I know I would write stories, draw, and play music regardless if anyone else ever knew. Sometimes, I imagine I'll die with a drawer full of stories, and the thought doesn't scare me. 

Stories are how I make sense of the world. Drawing calms me down when my mind won't stop. Music soothes me when I'm too sad to speak and don't have any words to say. 

My focus for the last quarter of this year will be getting back to focusing on the making, on the process of creating, rather than the result. 

Art4Accountability Update: 

I'm glad my work project is coming to an end this week. 

While I've learned a lot over the past month, I admit I'm exhausted and depressed. While I did get through Fairy Tale, and the EoE draft this month, I still have to finish the YA Horror WIP and the five illustrations - which I'm pushing to Q4. 

I plan to take more time over the next quarter to focus on writing and (hopefully) drawing and reconnecting with what's truly important to me. 

I wish you all the best over the next month. 

Take care of yourselves. Life is short. 

Art4Accountability / August 2023

Seeing the Forest for the Trees

It's already September; where did the summer go?!

So, August…yeah, I wandered into the forest, got lost, and am now trying to find my way back.

A few excuses - I started a new job, got distracted by two books not on my TBR, and got bogged down in editing hell. All to say, I haven't exactly progressed as much as I'd hoped towards my Q3 goals this month.

Staying focused and on task is one of my biggest challenges, so these Art4 Accountability posts will hopefully help me to get back on track when I wander into the woods.

In August, my attention was a bit all over the place - work, editing, music, family responsibilities and new books. On the positive side, there were a number of (unplanned) things I learned over the past month, which I'm planning on posting about over the next few weeks. On the other hand, I realise I probably won't complete everything I’d hoped to by the end of Q3.

I’m aiming to prioritise writing over the next month, then the TBR, so I think the illustration goal will get pushed into Q4. Perhaps that makes more sense and I should really give it the time and energy it deserves rather than trying to squeeze it into 15 minute sessions at the end of a long day.

I think positive momentum is key to growing, so, I’m focusing on what I learned and accomplished this month. These include:

  • Drafting and editing the last section of EoE book 2. Now the exciting final big edit starts with my co-author Sara, where we can draw all the threads together. We aim to have the book done and edited by November for a Kickstarter launch in December. 

  • Drafting about 35k of YA Horror. It's not quite where I'd hoped I'd be by the end of the summer, but it's a start. I aim to write and edit another 35k this month (ambitious, I know). I think this will mean I'm going to have to push the illustration goals to next quarter, but, hey, sometimes things just take longer than expected. 

  • Reading two books I enjoyed, (even if they were not on my TBR). Lightbringer, a doorstop of a book (and the latest in the Red Rising Series), and Yellowface, which I'm reading with my lovely group of writerly book club friends. 

  • Learning new skills in: Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, formatting, Prologic, Video editing, as well as stumbling on a number of useful tools for creatives.

Still hoping to make a dent in my Q3 goals this month, so in September, I'm hoping to:

  • Read She is a Haunting

  • Read When Women Were Dragons

  • Finish the YA horror MS (draft another 35k + edits on full 70k). 

  • Write up what I learned in August (above) as blog posts 

  • Maintain a better work-life balance and find more time for writing  

  • Walk daily 

  • Sleep more

  • Reduce caffeine and sugar

There we go, that's it!

August was a productive month in its way, just not in any way I'd planned. 

A few great stories and series I've enjoyed over the past month:

  • Lightbringer - Pierce Brown

  • Yellowface - R.F. Kuang

  • Foundation (Apple TV) (still watching)

  • Invasion (Apple TV) (still watching)

  • Good Omens 2 (Amazon Prime) (still watching)

  • Witcher Season 3 (Netflix) - I was pleasantly surprised! 

For those of you, like me, who hope to get back to a regular writing routine in September, I recommend the following music to get you in the mood to write epic battle scenes, tragic love stories, or eerie gothic mysteries. Enjoy!

July 2023 / Art4Accountability

July 2023 Art4Accountability

July was a great month for me - lots of relaxation, family time, my birthday and some slow plodding progress on my Art4Accountability checklist.

I was lucky enough to get away to Corsica for ten days with the family. We were near Bastia on the east coast which is absolutely beautiful.

We were there for July 14th so got to see fireworks on the beach and enjoyed lots of great seafood and amazing croissants every morning.

Here’s my July ART4ACCOUNTABILITY Update:

  • Read Ghost Girl Banana

  • Read Salem’s Lot

  • Drafted and Edited up to 40k of EoE book 2**

  • Sleep More Habit (Good)

  • Reducing Caffeine (Fair)

  • Reducing Sugar (Fair)

** Where most of my time / attention has gone.

A little disappointed with my progress on the caffeine / sugar front and that I didn’t get any drawing done, but hopefully will make some headway in August.

Will aim to post an update mid-month and at the end of August. In the meantime, wishing you all the best with your creative work my friends!

EoE Book 2

Starting work on the second instalment of the Eye of the Ocean featuring underground temples, ancient mazes, and monsters of stone.

Solveig is alive but her bid to rescue Laurie lead to her mother’s capture. Her efforts to save her mother from Norfolk’s clutches and escape the island only draw her further into the ancient secrets locked in the heart of the Eye of the Ocean, secrets Norfolk and his Order of Ravens would gladly kill for.

YA Horror WIP

Hoping to finish my YA Horror WIP this summer.

Featuring an ancient mirror, a dark book of fairy tales and a man who slips through time and shadow to stalk and disappear members of the same family.

Archive 81 meets Lost Stars set in Geneva (Switzerland) in 2008.