My One Thing

I made this for you....

{"My One Thing," a story-talk from Jenna McGuiggan. Can't see the video above? Watch it on Vimeo.}

Later this week I'll post the behind-the-scenes stories about this video.

I'll tell you...

How it was the result of many months (okay, years) of thought.

How I recorded it in a white box theatre in New York City.

How there were two cameras, professional lighting, and a film crew, oh my!

How I was talking to a group of women who totally heard me and had my back so I could be my own shiny self.

How I put on extra make-up, and then wished I had put on more.

How bummed I was when I found out that my skirt, which was the most interesting part of my outfit, wasn't going to be in the frame.

How I've forced myself to watch this video several times through and name what I love about it, even when I don't love what I see on screen.

And how this whole experience has reminded me that I love being on stage -- and pushed me to seek out more stage time.

Want more stories?
Sign up here for my "What I really want to tell you...." newsletter.
I share stories, specials, & inspiration several times a month.

Alchemy: The backstory

In this video I share a bit of the backstory and details of Alchemy: The Art & Craft of Writing. Remember, register by this Thursday (September 30) to save $30.

Below are a few of the points I cover in the video.

• Alchemy is the process of transforming something common into something special. In this case, the something common is words, and the something special is your story.
• Although the word alchemy is traditionally used to refer to the practice of trying to change base metals into gold, we will not be doing any metallurgy or chemistry in this version of Alchemy. :)
• I think of writing as a form of alchemy in which we combine the muse with writing techniques to create works of art.
• During the course, I'll share writing techniques that have helped to improve my writing, but I'll never tell you what you have to do or cannot do. You'll be encouraged to take the techniques and make them your own.
• Just as a painter can expand her vision and skills by knowing how the tools of her trade work, writers need to know what tools and techniques are available to them.
• The course runs for six weeks (October 11 - November 21). Participants will have access to the materials and private website through mid-January.
• Some fabulous guests are going to join us.
• I hope to see you in the class!

Don't Fear Your Creative Genius

Dear Creative Ones,
Please watch this video. It might be just what you need.

"Elizabeth Gilbert muses on the impossible things we expect from artists and geniuses -- and shares the radical idea that, instead of the rare person "being" a genius, all of us "have" a genius. It's a funny, personal and surprisingly moving talk." (from TED Talks)

Her Morning Elegance

I don't know what I love more about this, the lyrics or the video. The artist, Oren Lavie, is new to me, but feels comfortably familiar. This video seems to be sprouting up all over blogland. Treat yourself to a cup of daydream and a few minutes to soak this in.

Sun been down for days
A pretty flower in a vase
A slipper by the fireplace
A cello lying in its case

Soon she's down the stairs
Her morning elegance she wears
The sound of water makes her dream
Awoken by a cloud of steam
She pours a daydream in a cup
A spoon of sugar sweetens up

And she fights for her life
As she puts on her coat
And she fights for her life on the train
She looks at the rain
As it pours
And she fights for her life
As she goes in a store
With a thought she has caught
By a thread
She pays for the bread
And she goes...
Nobody knows

Sun been down for days
A winter melody she plays
The thunder makes her contemplate
She hears a noise behind the gate
Perhaps a letter with a dove
Perhaps a stranger she could love

And she fights for her life
As she puts on her coat
And she fights for her life on the train
She looks at the rain
As it pours
And she fights for her life
As she goes in a store
With a thought she has caught
By a thread
She pays for the bread
And she goes...
Nobody knows

And she fights for her life
As she puts on her coat
And she fights for her life on the train
She looks at the rain
As it pours
And she fights for her life
As she goes in a store
Where the people are pleasantly
Strange
And counting the change
And she goes...
Nobody knows

Where I was last week