Writing is a trying and difficult activity, calling upon one to translate deeply held thoughts, feelings, and visions, into digestible, relevant, inspiring and entertaining narratives for the public.

-You have to figure out what is deeply important.

-You have to discern who will care about what is deeply important.

-You have to carve out relentlessly necessary amounts of time to put your message on paper.

-You have to summon great courage, for writing is a brave act.

-You have to struggle vs. any number of hindrances like:  self-doubt, laziness, fear, resistance, and confusion …

You have to do all of this ALONE mostly.

ALONE IS HARD.

During this surreal time of an epic pandemic and terrifying civil unrest, I’ve chosen to write a second book with the support of a remarkable writers’ group I know well. Good or bad timing? 

And as I sit and try to assess my “goals” for this somewhat formless project, I see the urgency to push ahead come into clear vision.

Why urgency?   

I’m not getting any younger, and I’ve just been through the publishing of a book that was happily well received – and therefore I need to flex those creative muscles again to make sure I still can write while I have the time.

During the time of isolation and loneliness what has come into sharp focus for me is that I have many worthy ideas and I know how to write terrific prose (assuming I sit down and actually do the work!).  And it feels somehow necessary for me to get these ideas out there.  I am worth listening to.

Writing puts me in touch with my best self, or so it seems to me.  Does it make me happy?  A lot of the time; I especially like watching words fall across the page, as though I’m riding on a stream of thought and emotion towards some as yet unknown end, patiently waiting to find the form I need.

What can I do for this fluttering heart so I can keep telling my story?

-practice lovingkindness and mindfulness both of which strengthen self-care, fortify against doubt

- sleep and eat well

- reach out to loved ones and to fellow writers

- laugh, walk the dog, and watch the wild birds

- create a refuge for my work – a place dedicated to writing

- return regularly to my one seat where I open the door to that inner voice that needs to pour out words

LISTEN TO YOUR OWN VOICE  -  the carrier of your gifts to the world

Simple sounding, but not really (of course).

Worthwhile?  Absolutely.

Even in my darkest loneliest hours as I deal with the impermanence of this human incarnation, I have my own authentic voice to listen to as it shows me who I am…

Blessings to those who travel this road with me.  May we all continue to listen to one another.

We have all become so numbed, it seems, to the horror show that is our current story, whether it’s a disease decimating our population and putting the black and brown people at the greatest risk, or the primitive barbaric murder in full view of an innocent black man by a police force not equipped to deal with their hatred of “other.” I feel we are spiraling down a scary rabbit hole, while many who might make a difference and remind us of justice and man’s goodness stand aside, stay silent, and watch it happen. The country is burning up with its anger and our “leader" fans the flames….Is it possible that something positive can rise out of the ashes? In order to stay sane, I offer that we must believe this.

Those of us who choose to express ourselves creatively have a undeniable responsibility to speak our truth and I want to bless all of you I know and all those unseen for the courage and effort it takes to stand up and speak. We will bear witness somehow, as will many more beings from all paths in the future, and if we are deeply sad and need to yell and scream in outrage at our higher being for allowing this cruelty, then we must, because this is what is real - right now, and the Buddha teaches us to awaken to what is real in the moment so that we may act wisely.

And on the other side of outrage I imagine the joining of hands, building of community, and remembering we are all brothers and sisters.

Thanks for listening to my cry this morning… I am deeply grateful for you all.

Whether you're a writer or a reader or someone interested in the writing, publishing, and promotion process, these conversations between yours truly, Mag Dimond, and other authors, writers, and poets are splendid.

So much creative connection is happening during these otherwise strange, surprising, and stressful times!

Now if you missed the discussion on Writers Coming Together with Betsy Fasbinder last Thursday…

🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

BETSY GRAZIANI FASBINDER

Betsy Graziani Fasbinder is a genre-jumping, thrice-published author with a novel, a memoir, and a how-to to her credit. She’s garnered a Gold IPPY Award, a Booklist Starred Review, and a few other blingy congratulations for her writing.

In addition to her own stories, Betsy delights in helping others write and tell their own, both as a writing coach and a speaking coach. She features the stories of others on her weekly podcast, The Morning Glory Project: Stories of Determination.

Listen, comment, and share by clicking here.

NITA SWEENEY

This Thursday, May 28 brings Nita Sweeney.

Nita is the award-winning author of the running and mental health memoir, Depression Hates a Moving Target: How Running with My Dog Brought Me Back from the Brink and coauthor of the writing journal, You Should Be Writing.

Nita coaches creatives in writing and meditation, blogs at Bum Glue, and publishes the monthly email newsletter, Write Now Columbus. She lives in central Ohio with her husband, Ed, and their yellow Labrador retriever, Scarlet.

Listen, comment, and share by clicking here.

BROOKE WARNER

Two weeks ago, my guest was Brooke Warner, publisher of She Writes Press and SparkPress, president of Warner Coaching Inc., and author of Write On, Sisters!, Green-light Your Book, What's Your Book?, and three books on memoir. She’s a TEDx speaker, cohost of the weekly podcast “Write-minded,” and the former Executive Editor of Seal Press. She writes a monthly column for Publishers Weekly.

Listen, comment, and share by clicking here.

The effects of COVID-19 are revealing lots for authors & writers that are critical to meditation and Buddhist practice.

That’s why I created Writers Coming Together.

I love these discussions with authors!

Such fun. Feeling grateful and blessed.

Thank you for watching, listening, and READING!

Warmly,

Mag

P.S.

Guest Authors Include:

• Jack Kornfield, Founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and author of more than a dozen books on Buddhist practice.

• Brooke Warner, May 14 — publisher, author of Green-light Your Book, What’s Your Book?, TEDx speaker, and columnist for Publishers Weekly

• Betsy Graziani Fasbinder, May 21 — Author of From Page to Stage: Inspiration, Tools, and Public Speaking Tips for Writers

• Nita Sweeney, May 28 — Author of Depression Hates a Moving Target and You Should Be Writing

• Peter Elbow, June 4 — Author of Writing Without Teachers and Writing with Power

• Joseph Ranseth, June 11 — Author of Go Ahead, Start A Movement

• David Kundtz, June 18 — Author of books on Mindfulness, 100,000+ Sold in 6 Languages

• lene English, June 25 — Author of Hippie Chick, Coming of Age in the '60

• and more!

Join us on my Facebook page and ask questions of the authors!

“The effects of COVID-19 are revealing something critical for authors & writers that’s critical to meditation and Buddhist practice.

“While you walk this path by yourself, you never have to walk it alone. That’s why I've created ‘Writers Coming Together’.”

— Mag Dimond

This event is for book enthusiasts, writers, and lovers of narrative & craft.

Viewers and listeners will get inside the minds of one-of-a-kind, award-winning authors from around the world in a space of community, connection, and creation.

(That's where the magic happens!)

———>>> Register for the entire series here.

———>>>And enjoy the livestream on Facebook here.

Guest Authors Include:

• Jack Kornfield, Founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center, and author of more than a dozen books on Buddhist practice.

• Brooke Warner, May 14 — publisher, author of Green-light Your Book, What’s Your Book?, TEDx speaker, and columnist for Publishers Weekly

• Betsy Graziani Fasbinder, May 21 — Author of From Page to Stage: Inspiration, Tools, and Public Speaking Tips for Writers

• Nita Sweeney, May 28 — Author of Depression Hates a Moving Target and You Should Be Writing

• Peter Elbow, June 4 — Author of Writing Without Teachers and Writing with Power

• Joseph Ranseth, June 11 — Author of Go Ahead, Start A Movement

• David Kundtz, June 18 — Author of books on Mindfulness, 100,000+ Sold in 6 Languages

• lene English, June 25 — Author of Hippie Chick, Coming of Age in the '60

• and more!

Mark your calendars!

Use the same login on Zoom each week if you want to be “in the room” with the authors.

Or join LIVE on Facebook, use this link (on the same day and time)

ATTEND AS MANY AS YOU LIKE!

Warmly,

Mag

Hooray again for our (Peaches and mine) Elephant Journal piece that has now hit over 2,000 views! I'm filled with appreciation and delight.

I’m an official Editor’s pick and am appearing in their curated content! My writing is being recommended on Elephant Journal's "Daily Mindful," their daily newsletter of TOP ARTICLES TO READ.

“Great job Mag Dimond! Your article is trending up, up and up. Shows how much the world needed your words (errr, Peaches' words) to lighten up the sombre mood and the stress that many are going through.”

— Sukriti Chhopra, Editor, Elephant Journal

Will you help me keep the message alive by clicking, reading, giving hearts (click the heart on Elephant Journal), and comment too! Then share it with people you love!

5 Things your Dog wants you to Remember during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Here are two of my other articles that people are loving on the Elephant Journal.

If the quarantined life has got you down, here are tips about managing things with self-care!

4 Intentions You Can Use to Cope with Isolation Blues

And

5 Simple Habits To Give Up That Will Make You (slightly) More Enlightened

Thank you very much! (You get an extra gold star if you read all three!)

I hope these serve and support you.

Sending blessings from the beautiful rolling hills of San Mateo County...

Warmly,
Mag

P.S.

Sure do love those elephants!

:)

I can’t say enough about my interview — thanks to Tom Bushlack — on his podcast, “Contemplate This!”

It was an over-arching reflection on the importance of spirituality in our lives. It was spacious and really stretched the conversation.

Tom also talked sensitively about my book BOWING TO ELEPHANTS.

Tom Bushlack interviews authors, leaders and teachers of contemplative practices (mindfulness, meditation, contemplative prayer, etc.) in order to accomplish 3 things:

1. learn about their history, how they became involved in contemplation

2. what their daily practice looks like, how they teach and share the fruits of contemplation with others; and – most importantly –

3. how their practice has transformed them and inspired their work to transform others and the world around them

It’s a beautiful way to support wise and ethical decision-making in line with personal purpose, and professional mission, and human values.

All in service to the common good!

Listen (website)

Listen (iTunes)