#28 Things to talk about over coffee

On creativity, Lewis Capaldi, delicious videos and Sicilian reading

1. A letter from me

Hello friend,

Being a writer is probably the loneliest profession. It's challenging to keep yourself motivated, concentrating and writing. That's why many writers rely on a whip-cracking or cajoling editor who can act as a sounding board for ideas and a guiding force during a major project like a novel.

Other types of writers, like screen or theatre writers, work with cowriters or with a group of writers and are constantly workshopping their scripts with others. That sounds a little tiring but ultimately challenging and rewarding.

Many self-published authors find it difficult enough to get their work into print and are often exhausted at the prospect of also having to market their work themselves.

Recently I was saddened to see a jaded indie author I know on Instagram post that she is giving up writing. Her bitter post said that crowdfunding her book took a lot out of her, and now that it has been published and available, the online company she used to fund her book publishing offered her no support in marketing her book.

So since she didn't have the energy, time or knowledge to keep marketing it, the company has now taken her book out of print. She said after all of the energy it took to write her young adult novel, fundraise for its publishing and then having it taken off the publisher's site; she had very little desire to continue writing. She's chalking everything up to experience and simply giving up.

I had bought her book, reviewed it and recommended it to everyone I knew. I even gave my copy to a friend, who donated it to the local library. It was an excellent book which took an ancient figure from Greek mythology and transported him into a modern context. I loved the book; there was nothing wrong with her book.

I'm so sad to hear she's given up. But then I can see why she did. Apart from loneliness, there are many obstacles to getting a book to print.

But I don't think there is any obstacle too significant that it should stop you from writing. So many artists and writers were never appreciated in their lifetimes; many never sold a book or artwork. That shouldn't be why you make art. It should be about something you do relentlessly, persistently, because you have no other choice.

Creativity's only reason to exist comes from the artist himself. Making something new, putting pen to paper, painting to brush, or anything is spontaneous; it expresses something inside us and needs to be done.

There are hundreds of reasons why people are creative, from expressing emotion, sharing an experience, pursuing an idea, making a point, sharing a perspective, and processing what has happened in your life, for your pleasure or whatever other reason. Art need to be done for its own sake.

The business of art and publishing is a challenging and complex undertaking. Every failure is an opportunity to learn. They say a real artist is simply an amateur who never really gave up.

So I'm telling anyone who loves being creative to never give up on creativity. Even if it only gives you pleasure, it has served its purpose. Nothing goes to waste; it's all a part of the human experience.

I hope my writer friend doesn't give up and that she will remember her pleasure in writing her book and get back into scribbling something else. Sometimes writers and creatives get burnt out. I hope she takes time to rest, gets lost in other things and eventually tries to write something again.

The world needs words. Not only words churned out by A.I. But words from other humans express the human condition.

Please don't give up. Rest and then get back to work.

2. Book recommendation for creative burnout: The Artists Way: A spiritual path to higher creativity

If you are a creative feeling drained or burnt out or simply someone who would like to be more creative, I suggest looking at The Artists Way. In its 30th year of existence, this now legendary book was designed to help creatives and anyone, in general, tap into their creative well. Julia Cameron has created a step-by-step, self-paced weekly course to take you through your creative journey. And it is fantastic.

3. What I have been watching: Lewis Capaldi: How I'm feeling right now

I have been waiting for the new documentary about Lewis Capaldi since I saw the trailer online simply because he seems one of the most likeable celebrities. I love how he never really takes himself seriously.

The fantastic documentary takes us behind the scenes in a celebrity's life. Seeing how honest he was about the stress surrounding his performance and his anxieties as an artist was refreshing.

I loved seeing his creative process and how he writes his songs. Capaldi's revelations also inadvertently reflect the nature of creatives in general. It seems most creatives are racked with self-doubt, anxiety and struggle with imposter syndrome. A creative's sensitive nature seems to attract these darker elements. It is part of each artist's journey to battle these elements. Thank goodness Lewis is winning the fight against these demons.

4. What I have been listening to: Lewis Capaldi

As a result of watching the documentary, I have been listening to my favourite Lewis Capaldi songs. I have been a fan of his for many years, and his new album promises to be filled with more soulful magic.

I found it interesting that many of his songs were inspired by the deaths of his grandmother and aunt, who committed suicide, which makes me love Lewis Capaldi evermore.

Let's keep listening together on our playlist.

5. Newsletter love: Nick Cave: Read hand files issue #229

I have been a fan of Nick Cave ever since I was a teenager, and now I am addicted to his weekly newsletter, where he answers questions from his fans.

In the last issue, I read, I was fascinated to learn about his political beliefs. He is well and truly in the centre between the left and right of politics. It seems he and I have something in common; we are both very much stuck in the middle, which allows us to swing from one side to the next, as most creatives tend to be. His observations about the strange nature of raisins and the nature of creativity also made me smile.

6. Podcast crush: Tig Notaro Don't ask Tig

I have been a fan of the deadpan American comic Tig Notaro for many years. This week I discovered her podcast, where she offers irreverent advice and random observations with a touch of hilarity. Her guests every week ensure a vibrant conversation filled with wry observation and laughter.

7. Netflix find: Unstable

I also love the new comedy series starring father and son acting team Rob and John Owen Lowe. It's quirky, surprising and entertaining.

8. Sicilian reading list

This week on my Sicily blog, Sicily Inside and Out, I had a question about what books someone should read if they want to know more about Sicilian culture and contemporary life.

I thought, what a great question! Since I am a bookworm by nature and have been obsessed with Sicily for decades. I believe I've read pretty much everything possible from Sicily.

I am updating the ultimate reading list on my blog, Reading Trinacria, so keep an eye out for that coming soon. I will be posting my top reading recommendations this week.

My top reading recommendation is Andrew and Suzanne Edward's great general guide, Sicily: A literary guide. Their book is a great place to start as it takes you around the island through its contemporary writers and offers up many insights for visitors. It is part guide, part history book and literary guide. It will give you some great suggestions on which Sicilian authors you should be reading

9. Delicious distractions: Marion Grasby

I have been devouring Australian chef Marion Gratsby's gourmet tour of Singapore on Youtube this week.

I've been a fan of her easy-at-home Asian recipe video's but her passion for food is contagious. I have tried many of her recipes whenever I crave Asian food here in Italy. They have been an absolute godsend.

Her video dining around Singapore with locals was so great. I will make you want to visit and taste everything.

10. What I have been reading: Palermo by Roberto Alajmo

Last summer, I stumbled upon an English translation of Palermitano Author Roberto Alajmo on a day trip to Palermo. I highly recommend this little book if you can find a copy, even in your local library. The book is filled with local insight and is a fascinating portrait of a mysterious and enigmatic city.

11. Bonus: Quote of the week

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,

Is our destined end or way;

But to act, that each to-morrow

Find us farther than to-day.

Longfellow, Psalm of Life.

I hate to be long-winded, so I will stop here.

I'll try to share something worthwhile, well thought out and new here every week, perhaps more often if I get frisky or in some karmic writing zone.

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Speak again soon.

With love and light from RDB

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