In this episode, Gina and KimBoo discuss the concept of serials and subscriptions for authors. We provide updates on their own writing projects and discuss the differences between serials and serialized novel and explore the history of serials and how the internet and technology have made them more accessible. We emphasize the creative freedom that serials offer to authors and why they should consider exploring this format! Takeaways: Serials are a form of storytelling that involve sharing installments of a long, complex story with nested story arcs. The internet and technology have made serials more accessible and popular, with platforms like Wattpad and Reem Stories providing opportunities for authors to share their work. Serials offer creative freedom to authors who want to explore expansive storytelling and break free from the constraints of traditional publishing formats. Authors should consider serials if they have a story that can be told over a longer period of time and want to engage readers in an ongoing narrative. The Around the Writer's Table podcast will be returning in January with episodes focused on the Creativity Quest and the seasons of writing!

Happiness comes from learning to navigate the inevitable challenges and obstacles while still finding joy along the way.

‟Hope cannot be said to exist, nor can it be said not to exist. It is just like roads across the earth. For actually the earth had no roads to begin with, but when many men pass one way, a road is made.” ~ Lu Xun

In this "extra" episode, we delve into the world of subscription models for authors and their impact on creativity and community building! KimBoo and Gina share their journeys into the world of subscription-based writing, highlighting its transformative power. KimBoo reflects on her earlier exposure to subscription models in fanfiction communities and how it inspired her creative vision. She emphasizes the appeal of building a community and fostering deeper connections with readers. Gina reveals her initial skepticism about subscriptions and traditional publishing's limitations. Still, her curiosity and desire for creative freedom led her to explore this new frontier. Together, they shed light on the diversity of subscription models and the creative possibilities they offer authors. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of author-reader relationships through subscriptions. Tune in to discover how subscriptions can redefine your creative journey and build a supportive community around your work! ----------------Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode! https://aroundthewriterstable.com/ep-30/

This episode focuses on the relationship between authenticity and the seasons of writing! Your lovely hosts Gina, Melody, and KimBoo discuss how inviting authentic existence, one of the guideposts in Gina's Creativity Quest cycle of creativity, applies to all five seasons since authenticity is integral to fully expressing each stage of growth and change. Melody explains how each season influences authenticity, and we share our experiences finding our authentic voices over time through recognizing recurring themes and having a positive physical response when we engage in writing sincerely. Reading work aloud can also reveal authenticity that is otherwise hidden during the editing process. While the process is gradual, realizing that she had written over one million words helped KimBoo develop a richer, more authentic style and is one reason why she started the 1 Million Words membership community for writers. ----------------Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

Living compassionately is one of the most meaningful ways we can exist in relationship to others and to ourselves.

Small, consistent efforts ripple out, creating meaningful change.

Neglecting relationships in pursuit of external success often leads to regret.

Welcome back, writers! We're here with another episode of Around the Writers' Table. Today, we're picking up where we left off a couple of episodes ago after a side-jaunt where Gina and I talked about subscriptions and serials. But now, let's get back to the heart of the Creativity Quest! In case you missed it, or you're just joining us, we're delving into the Creativity Quest guideposts, a series of stages that every creative person goes through. To catch you up, we've already explored carrying inner disquiet, releasing, emulating and mirroring, assessing and acknowledging, and taking ownership. Today, we're shining a spotlight on "inviting authentic existence." This is where things start to get real because it's all about externalizing the inner work we've done. It's like stepping into a new world: We start showing our work to others, inviting feedback, and that can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Here's the thing; this stage can manifest in two ways. First, if you've been keeping your creative work close to your chest, the act of revealing it to the world might make you seem different to others, even though you're just being yourself. Second, you might uncover parts of yourself through your creative work that you never knew existed. Sharing these newfound aspects with the world can be a transformative experience, making you feel different to both yourself and others. We'll explore this transition between the inner work of taking ownership and the outer work of inviting authentic existence. So, stay tuned as we dig deep into these guideposts and uncover more about our creative journeys! ----------------Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

In this episode, we continue their exploration of the Creativity Quest, focusing on "Verifying and Testing." As we delve into this stage of the creative journey, we discuss the challenges and opportunities it presents for creative individuals. Verifying and Testing is a crucial phase where creators begin to test their skills and share their work more openly with the world. It's a time when validation and feedback become essential, but it can also be a period filled with skepticism and criticism from others. We share our personal experiences handling criticism and discerning when (and from whom) to seek feedback. We highlight the importance of self-awareness, emphasizing the need to understand one's own reactions to feedback, whether positive or negative. Recognizing trustworthy sources and the right timing for feedback is a valuable skill during this stage. Listeners are invited to join the conversation as we navigate the external challenges that come with sharing creative work. This episode offers insights and strategies for maintaining resilience and boundaries while embracing the creative journey's external aspects. It's an exploration that reveals much about the creative process and how individuals can thrive throughout it! ----------------Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode! ---------------- RESOURCES An Overview of The Creativity Quest: An episode focused on boundaries Previous guideposts we mentioned: Assessing and Acknowledging and Carrying Inner Disquiet 1 Million Words Club writer’s membership community Gina’s blog: Gina’s Quill KimBoo’s blog: KimBoo’s Scriptorium ---------------- Questions on the Five Seasons and Verifying & Testing Spring: Do I verify and test the work I am currently involved with against my vision for my project? In other words, does the work I am currently doing fit my intended vision? Summer: Does the process of maturation of my WIP (revisions, editing, development) hold up to my vision? Do I invite my writing community to give me support and encouragement? Harvest: Do I take occasions to celebrate my work at whatever stage it is in? Do I feed myself emotionally, spiritually, physically, intellectually in balanced ways? Fall: How do I verify and test my work against feedback provided by editors, beta readers, and critique groups? Do their comments and suggestions fit into my vision and what I know to be true regarding my project, characters, and story line? Winter: How do I provide myself with appropriate moments of rest in each phase of my work? Do I allow myself time to "sleep on it" when considering important revisions/changes to my WIP?

Gratitude is a quiet force that reminds you of how interconnected and supported you are.