Our faucets went dry last week in the AZ desert, so the topic of wells has been bubbling up. Thankfully, we didn’t run out of water; a faulty pump stopped our flow. A small fortune, a large crane, and several dusty days later, I no longer smell like dirt.
But that, and last week’s BWG (Beautiful Writers Group) column from Jenn Sutkowski in our weekly newsletter about her love of performing with her rock band, got me thinking of Julia Cameron’s famous “filling the well” philosophy (or would you call it a practice?) from The Artist’s Way:
“As artists, we must learn to be self-nourishing. We must become alert enough to consciously replenish our creative resources as we draw on them—to restock the trout pond, so to speak. I call this process filling the well.” (Julia Cameron)
I credit The Artist’s Way partly for kickstarting my writing career (as do many of the writers I’ve interviewed on the Beautiful Writers Podcast), and it often overflows my creativity well. (Sometimes, I’m not sure I ever should have read that book!)
We all fill our wells differently. One of the ways Jenn Sutkowski fills hers is through creating kick-ass music. For me, it’s putting down the computer and saddling up my horse for a ride next to my husband on his. I just texted author (and BWG contributor) Samantha Bennett with, “Hey! How do you fill your creative well?” Her reply: “By being all curled up under my down comforter with my kitties, reading a looooong novel. Bowl of popcorn optional but recommended.” In thinking about some of the authors I’ve profiled in Beautiful Writers, I’m guessing that Elizabeth Gilbert and Cheryl Strayed would say that traveling is high on their list. Ann Patchett would counter that staying home is at the top of hers.
Many write blogs and books detailing what they do to fill their wells, and others use their replenished energy to dive back into seemingly unrelated stories. One thing’s for sure: The water’s fine as we cheer Jenn on in her memoir writing (and musical!) journey—and each other through our Beautiful Writers Group FB group, our monthly Q&A calls, and weekly Write-Ins. Thirsty? You should join us. At only $25 a month, a membership with us is a helluva lot cheaper than calling in a repair crew once the tap’s dry.
Write on!
Linda
xo
PS. As mentioned on my recent solo episode of the BW Podcast, I’ll post the latest book releases from Carmel writing retreat alums next! #FUN
PSS. Got any cool tips for filling your well? Tell us about it over on FB, X, or The Gram.
