"These practices set me up for such ease of writing." - By Elizabeth M. Ibarra

Check out the video to see what's happening inside The Story Incubator 

During week Two of the Story Incubator with Sierra Melcher of Red Thread Publishing; I learned the nuances of working with Waxing Moon energy while using important writing preparation techniques. I was taught to emerge out of the cycle of rest into the germination time of the writing process. My vision was formed and I had a clear sense of what I wanted to write in a very creative and inspired state (feminine energy). Sierra talked about the importance of working with my inner masculine energy to build a container to create a safe place to actually produce the writing. This involved several good organizational techniques; creating computer files to hold all the aspects of my manuscript, learning how to work with voice to text and Google Docs, scheduling writing time for the following week; during the Full Moon phase. These practices set me up for such ease of writing. Truly!

         One of the most fun and interesting aspects of my Recipe for Preparation was creating a large, very colorful and detailed Mind Map; something which Sierra uses to draw and write out all the aspects of her books. She encouraged me to get really into the details, to draw them out; making them like flowers/plant life growing out of the seed of the main idea of the manuscript. I found this to be so engaging. It really helped me focus my creative vision into a well-contained and easy to follow visual guide/tool to assist with the rest of my writing process. So much of what Sierra teaches about writing isn’t really about the writing itself; it is about how to prepare oneself both literally (with tangible techniques) and psychologically (by posing really deep ideas and questions to work with).

         I also had more preparatory research and information gathering to do for each chapter of my oracular style book. Each of my chapters follows a formula which helped me so much with the linear aspect of preparing for the future outpouring of writing to come. I spent time enjoying the process of writing out each idea, theme and researched information. It was deeply satisfying to do this without the anxious stress of the concept of “I have to write NOW”; following Sierra’s methods really puts things in an excellent format to avoid burnout and nurture the vulnerable writer’s thought process.

Writing morning pages every day got out all the chatter in my head which was really helpful with preparing myself mentally to be able to write with confidence and ease. This powerful practice is deeply therapeutic. Stream of consciousness writing without editing or self-criticism is a great way to get out the gunk from the psychological writing gears; freeing one up to really allow the focused writing for the manuscript to come out with a more genuine and clear voice. It is very helpful for reducing stress, anxiety and anger.

         These are a few of the practices I used to help build a strong foundation for writing my manuscript. I was able to create the perfect space to relax into writing without all the stresses, nagging self-doubt and scattered focus getting in the way. Linear, masculine energy and preparation truly created a safe “abode” for me the work within. I highly recommend taking this powerful writing workshop with Sierra. You will learn so much about what you are capable of while tapping into your authentic writer’s voice in the process. May the power of the Waxing Moon be with you and guide you towards creative fulfilment.