July Reflections and August Adventures: Embracing Summer's Second Act

In this post, we will reflect on our writing journey in July. You can use the idea of the Comeback Journal introduced in this post. After the reflection, we will turn the page to August.

I encourage you to look out for what makes you feel good and what adventures are calling out for you.

Notes from the Comeback Journal: Reflections on July

Let's take a moment to reflect on June's writing journey. Grab your Journal and consider these questions:

• What sparks of inspiration did I capture in July?

• What emotions surfaced? Did any emotions surface that I could explore in my writing?

• Did I experiment with any new styles or genres? Did I step outside my comfort zone?

• What progress did I make? What small wins did I achieve? Did I write more consistently?

• What sparked my creativity in July? What sights, sounds, tastes, experiences, or books ignited my imagination

By revisiting your notes, you gain valuable insights into your creative process and identify patterns that can inform your new adventures for August.

Here are some of what inspired me in July:

• Get away to Copenhagen

• Watching a lion cub in the Zoo

• The contagious happiness from my daughter when she got a paddling pool

• Visiting a Tram Museum

• Reading Outline by Rachel Cusk

• Going to the beach with my daughter

• Doing the Choose Your Own Adventure from last month - Below are some new ideas inspired by the clues from the adventures that formed my monthly map for July.

Water Altar for Sea Mysteries

After doing a beach combing I created this alter. The blue whale made by my sister (Laserdraco) reminds me of the first novel I wrote and the whole altar speaks to the other stories waiting to be written.

Turning the Page to August: The Louisiana Literature Festival

I will still pack my Comeback Journal when visiting the Louisiana Literature Festival. However, I am also trying something new, namely bringing an interactive journal as a companion for the festival.

I have visited the festival numerous times and each time I leave with a bunch of hurried notes. This year I want something tangible that reminds me of all the golden nuggets and heart-stirring advice and inspiration - Like this one

That is why I prepared a journal companion when visiting the festival. A resource designed to enhance the experience of attending a literary festival or event.

Your Literary Event Entries: A Weaver Seeker Scribe Keepsake

Materials:

• A sketchbook or journal with mixed media paper (suitable for drawing, painting, and writing).

• A variety of pens, pencils, markers, and colored pencils.

• Watercolor paints, if desired.

• Glue stick or tape for attaching found objects.

Here is the structure I am using to create my interactive journal for the festival:

The Weaver Seeker Scribe's Keepsake for the Louisiana Literature Festival

• My Festival Goals: (Space to write down what you hope to get out of the festival or event)

• Festival Schedule: (A pocket or space to keep the festival program)

• Packing List: (A checklist of essentials for the festival)

For Each Day:

• Date:

• Today's Schedule:

• Sessions Attended: (List the talks, workshops, and readings you attended)

Interactive Elements:

• Word Clouds: (Blank space for creating word clouds after each session)

• Watercolor Splashes: (Dedicated pages for watercolor paintings inspired by the festival atmosphere, authors, or book covers)

• Quotes:

  • "Quote of the Day:" (Space to write down a favorite quote from a session)

  • "Quotes That Resonate:" (A running list of impactful quotes throughout the festival)

• Writing Advice: (Section for jotting down writing tips, prompts, or exercises from workshops)

• Ideas: (Space for brainstorming story ideas, character sketches, or other creative sparks ignited by the festival)

• Personal Reflections:

  • "What resonated with me today?"

  • "What questions did this session raise for me?"

  • "How has this impacted my perspective on writing/reading?"

Additional Sections:

• Book Recommendations:

  • "Books I Want to Read:" (Create a wishlist of books mentioned at the festival)

  • "Books I Bought:" (Keep track of your book haul!)

  • "Mini-Reviews:" (Space to jot down quick thoughts on books you've started reading during or after the festival)

• Photos/Memorabilia: (Pockets or pages for tucking in ticket stubs, bookmarks, author signatures, etc.)

• Doodles/Sketches: (Blank pages for quick character sketches, scene ideas, or random doodles)

And now for the prepping adventure . . .

Choose Your Adventure: Literary Event Edition

Your choices will shape your journaling adventure. Let your intuition guide you and discover the unique entries and adventures waiting to be experienced.

The festival program arrives in your mailbox. Do you:

A) Immediately dive in and create a meticulously color-coded schedule, ensuring you don't miss a single event?

B) Skim through it, marking a few must-see events, but leave room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries?

As the festival approaches, do you:

A) Re-read your favorite books by the featured authors, seeking deeper meaning and fresh insights to enhance your experience?

B) Start a new book by an unfamiliar author, opening yourself up to new perspectives and voices?

What do you pack in your festival bag?

A) A meticulously organized collection of notebooks, pens, highlighters, and sticky notes for thorough note-taking and analysis?

B) A sketchbook, watercolors, and a camera, ready to capture the festival's creative energy in a more visual and intuitive way?

How do you prepare your mindset for the festival?

A) Research the authors and topics, preparing thoughtful questions and engaging in online discussions to maximize your learning?

B) Meditate or practice mindfulness to clear your mind and open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives?

Your August Writing Invitation

Choose the prompts and adventures you want to make time for and turn your pen towards the new adventures of August.

You can plot it into this monthly calendar.

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