Creativity, Fear and Flying

From my writing journal, 4/16/11

I’m in Cranston, RI, early for my very first anti-gravity yoga class (check out the video at the link to see what it looks like). SO excited! I love this feeling–trying something new, opening up to a new experience. It reminds me of the year when I was writing STILL ALICE–acting, dancing, dating again after my divorce. I hope this class opens up the parts of me having to do with creativity and fearlessness. I need to call on both of these qualities to write LOVE ANTHONY.

I haven’t really started writing yet. I’ve done a TON of research on autism, much more than I did for Alzheimer’s even and much more than for Left Neglect. There’s so much more written about autism–and oddly, really less is known about it. I’ve talked to about a half dozen parents so far–raw, honest, incredibly moving conversations that still play in my head. Lisa, you’ve done enough to get started. Go to Nantucket next week, then begin.

Creativity and fearlessness. I love this combination. So powerful, so ALIVE. The ingredients of powerful, alive writing. I need to feed this as much as possible through things like this yoga class. Maybe also an improv class in Boston? That would awaken an old muscle, a part of my soul I’ve been ignoring. What else? A dance class would be great. Make the time.

How else can I feed creativity and fearlessness? Maybe rock wall climbing? Maybe go to Italy in November for Ann Hood’s writing retreat. The energy of the writers, the scenery, the FOOD–talk about feeding creativity, feeding the soul!

And I will have two weeks in the Margo Gelb Dune Shack in September, which does scare me a bit, to be totally alone, especially at night (plus no electricity, no plumbing)–that should help with fearlessness, making me feel powerful, giving me the courage that I need to write this book. And it will give me the quiet space and time to create.

Okay, it’s time for class. I’m scared but excited–ready to fly!