Happy, June! Just wanted to give everyone on here a fun little update on what’s going on in my creative life!
The answer, shockingly, is not writing. It’s ok to gasp. I know my posts paint the picture of someone who is soooooo consistent (insert eye roll here)
I’m actually NOT currently buried in a novel draft that has turned into a continuous hell to edit, nor am I working on a poetry collection (though I have a few half-finished ones in my drafts somewhere). I’ve been doing something actually quite different from my usual projects…
I started a writing event! I guess that isn’t a super big reveal since you read the title in big ‘ol letters. I think its pretty exciting though.
Instead, I’ve spent the last several months organizing a little community called Cup & Quill Collective.
It’s become one of the most rewarding creative things I’ve ever invested my energy into.
The idea started simple enough. I wanted a place where people could share their writing without the pressure of publication, social media algorithms, or trying to become the next literary sensation. I wanted a room where someone could read a poem they wrote last week, a chapter from a novel they’ve been working on for years, or even a resurrected long dead project that they just want to pay homage to before setting it aside.
I was also highly motivated by my own lack of creative community. After leaving college, that outlet was gone whereas before, I signed up for writing workshops and classes to fill that void. Even though they had NOTHING to do with my major (hello writing minor!)
Couple this with a SUPER supportive encouraging and amazing friend who also knew a person and the ball began rolling.
I reached out to a local coffee shop owner and their event manager and asked if they’d be interested in hosting a literature and poetry night.
To my surprise, they said yes.
So it began! I started creating sign-up forms, answering emails, making flyers, posting on social media, coordinating readers, arranging themes, introducing speakers, and occasionally wondering if anyone would show up at all.
Fortunately, people did.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that there are far more writers around us than we realize. They’re sitting in coffee shops, working office jobs, attending church, raising families, and carrying notebooks filled with stories nobody has heard yet.
Many of them aren’t looking for that big publishing deal though that would be fabulous, admittedly. But, like me, I think they’re just looking for a few ears to listen.
Cup & Quill has given me the chance to meet people from all kinds of backgrounds who share one thing in common: they love words. Some are seasoned writers. Some are reading their work aloud for the first time. Some come just to listen and enjoy a cup of coffee while hearing local creativity.
All of them make the room feel a little more alive.
Ironically, while I haven’t been producing as much new writing lately, I feel more connected to writing than ever. AND THE MOTIVATION.
Nothing is more motivating than knowing that you have an outlet to share your work with. You don’t have to “sell” yourself. You just show up and read. Not to mention how incredibly inspiring the talent of the other readers is. I walk away feeling delighted every time. And I always walk away ready to write.
It reminds me how absolutely pivotal a writing community is for the average creative. At least that’s how its been for me. Burn-out is a lot more likely to stay away when you have others to vent and share your work with. It becomes a fulfilling cycle of creative inspiration. Reminder for myself and maybe you too: creativity does not exist in a vacuum. Make sure you’re consuming work, too!
Sometimes the most creative thing you can do isn’t write another page. Sometimes it’s inviting other people to share what they’ve been working on with you!
Final note: take a look at the flyers I so professionally designed with my free version of Canva! Take this as a sign that YOU too can make a cool event, make some cute posters, and people will attend!!
By the Brooke 