As a certified creativity coach, I work a lot with authors and writers, many of whom are looking to publish their work with a traditional publisher. A question that comes up often is, “Do I need an agent?”
I invited Elizabeth Kracht, author of the book, The Author’s Checklist: An Agent’s Guide to Developing and Editing Your Manuscript – published by New World Library, to join me for a dialogue on my blog today about her role as a literary agent and what advice she has for aspiring authors.
As we approach another new moon phase, which marks the beginning of a lunar cycle, I’m reminded of how the moon serves as a metaphor for transition, starting in darkness and uncertainty – and moving into light and possibility.
Whether we’re on a journey of self-discovery or contemplating a new project or creative direction, the moon offers us wisdom that can light our way, providing insights that spark new ideas, questions and thoughts.
The new moon phase is a perfect time to embrace a new beginning, even if it feels uncertain. (more…)
What gift does our lunar goddess have for us as we bring closure to a year full of surprises and disappointments, unexpected twists and mysterious turns, revelations that we didn’t see coming?
For many centuries, the moon has inspired thousands of beautiful stories, songs, dances, paintings, and poems. Through her many phases, she has served as a muse in a variety of ways.
What is it about the moon that stirs our innermost thoughts and inspires our deepest creativity?
What is it about her that unleashes the magic of our dreams?
The full moon brings a time of high energy and great sensitivity. It’s also a period of extraordinary creativity. Dreams (both day and night) are at their height during this phase – with the potential to activate possibilities that you never thought were possible.
As we move into the winter solstice and toward the last full moon of 2020, what are you choosing to bring into light?
And what do you need to release – in order to make room for this light?
In the words of mystic poet Rumi, “Let the waters settle and you will see the moon and the stars mirrored in your own being.”
As you settle into the winter season and begin to think about what you’d like to manifest, give yourself permission to express the brightest light within you – and allow it to take you where it may.
Did you know that tomorrow brings a blue moon? It’s the second full moon in the month of October – and when that occurs, once every couple of years or so, it’s classified as ablue moon.
Blue moons are really special. It’s why people say “once in a blue moon.” It’s a phrase that’s used to describe the rarity of an event – or to refer to something that is considered “unusual” or “unique.”
One of the gifts that the blue moon gives us is an overwhelming desire to come alive. Whether that’s bringing a passion front and center or finally making the decision to take a giant leap forward in a new direction that is fully aligned with our creative purpose.
Imagine driving through a fast food window and placing an order – only this time the menu lists the one thing that you’ve been contemplating for quite some time.
Perhaps it’s that life-changing book you’ve been working on for eons, but keep finding yourself facing one creative block after another. Or maybe it’s that passion-filled business that you’ve been wanting to start, but you haven’t yet gotten the courage to just go for it. Or it could be the nonprofit organization you’ve been pondering, the one that’s destined to change the world.
Whatever it is – it’s on the menu right now. And the clerk (who happens to be representing the positive energies of the universe) says, “What can I get for you today?”
This is your moment! Will you order it? Will you tell the universe, “Yes, this is the right time for me. I’ll take it.”
And then the clerk says, “Would you like to super-size that?”
Like the moon, we all go through phases in our lives. We have ups and downs, we go forward and backward – and sometimes we seem to circle back around. We may hide behind the clouds or peek from beneath the clouds. But in the midst of what can feel like a blackout, when we are open to making a connection with our creative voice, we can get to a point where we’re able to beam with full light.
During a new moon phase, the sky is completely black, with the exception of little sparkles of light in the form of stars. It’s the point in every month when the moon takes a retreat and begins to grow again, redoubling her light and reflecting new creative energy on all worldly things.
For creative souls with a desire to live more authentically, this phase represents a time for our own retreat and withdrawal from the outside world. During the darkness, it’s an opportunity to reflect on who we are – underneath the layers of life. It’s a time to turn within and write about our inner thoughts and feelings.
As a certified creativity coach, I work a lot with authors and writers, many of whom are looking to publish their work with a traditional publisher. A question that comes up often is, “Do I need an agent?”
