Recipe for Success - By Elizabeth M. Ibarra

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

Week Five of the Story Incubator with Sierra Melcher of Red Thread Publishing was a day of review; returning to a New Moon cycle to reflect on the entire learning process as it applied to our writing process. We each discussed in detail our experiences; the biggest takeaways from the Story Incubator in its entirety. The culmination of this process for me personally has focused on how to create and nurture the environment to generate success with my writing process. This is a choice; a commitment to myself as an artist. I have a story to tell and now am fortified with the tools necessary to bring my writing into fruition.

         We discussed possible alternative cycles to follow for inspiration; what ever truly works for us. I like the concept of working with the phases of the Moon as they are a constant and are so easy to chart and follow. It is like a map to self-discovery while following they rhythms and attributes which correlate with each distinct phase. This journey is empowering and it holds oneself accountable for the entire writing process. When I choose to step back from writing to do other work as a professional artist, jewelry designer, mystic guide and singer-song writer (with my musician husband); I know that I can come back to writing when the Moon is Full. Under that potent influence, I am able to write my heart out; as I am doing right this moment. I am currently under the influence of a Full Moon and I fee the deep urge to express my thoughts and emotions via the writing process. This is a deeply personal process, however; Sierra holds the space for continued communication and support with encouraging posts in her group for Red Thread writers. We do not have to write in total isolation; it is detrimental to being truly successful with overcoming our fears and working through the clutter of distractions in our subconscious. Sierra asks very pointed questions; aimed at rooting out what might be holding us back, (new obstacles encroaching in our thought processes) and encouraging us to show up for ourselves by stepping fully into our personal power. These frequent check-ins are valuable as they reinforce the power of the creative commitment made to tell the story which will uplift and inspire others.

         I fully understand the concept discussed; the more projects planned in one’s life; the longer it will take to complete writing the manuscript. I am embracing that fact deeply as part of my process. I currently have nearly eight sections/chapters of my book drafted. The outline for my book is one which is so organized; that it takes a lot of the pressure and apprehension out of the equation. Each chapter has a set formula; as I am writing an oracular style book with a precise format to follow. This allows me to feel confident while writing; especially since I am a full-time Mom and artisan entrepreneur. I know that I can be creative with the specific flow and method of writing as I go. I write where, how and when it is absolutely best and most comfortable for me to do so in the moment. This is a little mantra to follow; a check list to keep in mind to be sure that I have the most productive success with writing as possible.

         Sierra urged us humorously to be “like a cat with a critter; playing with each Moon phase”; to delight in the discoveries and be curious about every aspect of what comes up for us. It is always important to recognize the microshifts (something which Sierra will teach you all about) and to integrate them into the writing process; especially while committing to repeating the process with each lunar cycle. Remembering to surrender to the creative process and to be available for what is coming; to really show up for myself as a writer as I bring my manuscript into fruition. I was also guided to remember that my book might not come out the way I decided it would ahead of time; that it is an organic creative experience which will change as the project develops.

         In closing; I would like to highly recommend investing in yourself as a writer by taking this incredibly inspiring and empowering Story Incubator course with Sierra Melcher. I learned so much about myself, have implemented techniques which support my writing and am truly working on my “someday” project; the book I have dreamed of writing. This is so valuable and powerful for me and I know it will be for you as well. I wish you such success with writing your own books!