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I’ve been publishing my newsletter Impulses since February 2001. That’s almost 24 years of consistent articles about the creative process.

I’m proud of that longevity, and I am also astonished I kept going for so long. It’s time to switch gears. I’ve been writing as an ‘expert’ and now it’s time to write as a writer. I am starting a new newsletter on Substack.

Stumbling Toward Genius is my online author’s notebook giving you behind-the-scenes access to my novel-writing process. This is a big deal for me, to sit solidly in my writer’s seat. I’m challenged to be vulnerable, honest, and generous about what I’m learning from writing a novel. It’s a big switch from my coachy writing.

You may recognize the name. Stumbling Toward Genius is the name of my podcast. It felt appropriate because I’ll be sharing my highs and lows as I write my fourth draft of When Water Meets Rock.

Please consider subscribing to Stumbling Toward Genius. This novel is one of my life’s biggest projects, and I have already gained so much from writing it. I want to share what I am learning to help you boldly claim your own creative genius.

Come on over and subscribe here.

It takes a lot of hubris – or ignorance – to want to write a bestselling novel. Before you cement the idea that I am a blowhard fool, let me explain. 

I know that best-selling books are few and far between for non-celebrities like me. 

I don’t want bestseller status because I want to be famous. (Okay, sure, I’ll take a wee bit of fame.) 

But my real motivation to write a bestselling novel is two-fold. I always want to share what I have learned. I hope readers of my novel will gain insights into their own imperfect relationships. 

This goal springs from my values of inspiration and community. 

My second reason for writing a bestseller is to help me be a better writer. I am deep in learning mode. How to craft a story that has a complete and satisfying narrative arc? How to develop characters that I care about so the reader can care about them? How to write one good sentence, for goodness’ sakes?!?!? (I’ve pulled off one or two so far.)

This goal honors my values of excellence, love of language, honesty, and creativity. 

I’m human, so this bestseller goal probably also stokes my ego. But if I keep my values front and center, this dream comes from and goes toward a place of depth, not shallow ego.

Part of me knows this goal might not agree with everyone. That I might be ‘coming from the wrong place’ to have such a lofty dream as an outcome. It took me quite awhile to accept and understand my motivations for this novel. They’ve changed over time. 

Knowing what’s important from a deep level is rocket fuel for me when I need a boost to stay with a hard scene. My values keep me steady when I work to assimilate feedback that means a lot more work ahead. 

Do you use your values to recognize and honor your writing motivation?

Learn your values and tie them to your themes in my popular online workshop, Your Creative DNA. Self-paced, illuminating program that will change how you think about your creative work and life. Get your spot here.