I’m at a point in my life where I have no idea what my next creative step is.
There are so many ideas I want to bring to fruition, but indecisiveness due to fear is holding me back (like it always does).
Do you have that problem?
Don’t you wish you could just turn to a random stranger, grab them by the collar and drool, “PLEASE SIR/MADAM, TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO WITH MY LIIIIIIFE!!!”
Maybe that is why so many creative friends hire life coaches. Sometimes it’s easier to have someone else tell you what your next step should be.
Or sometimes it’s easier to default to what Prince would do.
I have an obnoxiously talented and beautiful friend whose biggest obstacle is this exact thing. Everything she attempts turns out excellent: music, art, film- you name it! But her indecisiveness and fear of failing holds her back. I constantly tell her, “JUST DO! JUST CREATE!” and when she does, she feels AWESOME, but she typically abandons the project and never finishes. Sadly, I can give advice, but can’t heed my own. I can’t even begin to count the many half-filled notebooks and word docs lying around. If it weren’t for this blog, I’d probably never get any writing done!
Someone I’ve learned a lot from is my boyfriend, who has made two movies just because he could. Making both those movies were extremely challenging in the world of personal finances and sleep, but at the end of the day he can step back and say, “Wow! I made two movies!” Of course, he never does this, but I remind him that we should. So many people will never make a film because of fear. I have tons of film school friends who are still working behind a desk because they’ve come to learn no other way. Sometimes you just have to light a flame under your own ass and GO! Sometimes you’ll max out your credit card or make little money for taking this leap, but in the end, it will all be worth it (just don’t go too far into debt).
I would love to write another screenplay or write a book, but can I do it? Would it be any good? Would it be a waste of my time? Which one should I even attempt? I know how to write a screenplay (it’s hard), but I certainly don’t know how to write a book.
Don’t you wish you could just crowdsource your future?
Well, that’s what I’m attempting here. I have a couple of ideas and would love for you to help me decide my next step!
1.) Write a young adult novel set in the 1980s, centered around a female character whose role models are Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Elvis Costello etc. She would be a Duckie-esque character and the setting would be a cross between a John Hughes film and Bret Easton Ellis book.
2.) Write a humorous guide to surviving your twenties. I have so many freakin’ posts about surviving your twenties, not dating douche bags, handling your finances, etc., that I figure it could work in a small book.
3.) Write a screenplay. Elevator pitch? SECRETARY meets SWIMMING WITH SHARKS. Young Hollywood assistant begins abusive affair with powerful producer boss. The film is one giant metaphor for the freedom & beauty of independent film and the restraint and ugliness of studio films.
Thank you, sir and madam. Sorry I messed up your collar.
21 Comments
I like the Surviving Your Twenties guide… I have exactly the same problem, loads of ideas floating around but no motivation to bring them to fruition. xx
Thank you! Let’s get crackin’ on some of those ideas!
I like both the novel + Twenties guide … I guess it depends on the kind of undertaking you want to take on. – And I can completely relate to that resistance in starting something that could be great because you’re afraid of failure. 🙂
It sucks, right? I wish they had an anti-fear of failure pill…
Novel. Definitely, definitely novel.
Thank you!
YA novel…… mainly because you mentioned Bret Easton Ellis, and I freaking love him. I can’t wait to read it!! When you have your book signing, I’m totally gonna throw my bra at you and pass out when you sign my book, groupie style 🙂
HA! Cathy! You’re too sweet to me. If I ever do have a book signing, I’m going to request that all women take off their bras. It’s too damn hot to wear bras in Texas.
I would so enjoy the 20s book. Ive been having so many questions about my 20s. :/
Whatd also be nice is a guide to austin. Im moving in 6 months ..going this month to look at houses..but am also lost with neighborhood in and outs. It’ll be my first major move..
Hey, Roxana! Good idea! I’ll have to brainstorm on that…
I’d read that novel, for sure!
😀
Surviving your twenties! 1) Wish I had it 2) Total lack in the market 3) Every single grad will get it as a gift! More $$ for you. Then you can pursue your other dreams!! Woo hoo!
Hey, Caitlin! I hope you’re right!!!
Another vote for a guide about how to survive your twenties! I could probably still use it, even though I’m almost put of my twenties!
Thanks, Mandy! I think there is a piece of us that will always feel twenty-something.
20 something guide! Im 24, coincidentally also in a weird career phase/limbo and constantly telling people ‘PLEASE tell me what to do and figure out my life for me, kthanks!” I could really use a 20 something guide right now!
Good to know, Alexandra! Thanks for sharing! (P.S. it WILL get better- I promise!)
Love the idea of the humor guide. I find that I am my own worst enemy. Can I do this? Will it suck? Will anyone care? Do I have anything to contribute?
I really like that you wrote this. It is an internal narrative that many are too afraid to share. I read the books of Steven Pressfield this year, both the War of Art & Turning Pro. Although they were the cherries on top of many other books I read on the subject they really acted as the silver bullet for me. My life is so much better on the other side. Would love to talk to you about this! Had quite mind blowing experiences that I can’t share on comments feeds because I will sound like a weirdo. If I don’t already.