Create in the Chaos: Want to Try?
For years I’ve dreamed of a more creative, collaborative way to encourage others
Take a great idea.
Stir it into the current state of your life.
Find mixed results.
Sound familiar?
I started writing when my youngest was born and I wanted to make sense of the seismic shift into parenthood. Back in the blogging days, I wrote for years as a spiritual practice—to pray through words, to connect with others, and to find meaning in life’s ups and downs.
Over time what began as a side interest grew into my daily work. I learned from other writers (and my own trial and error) how to write for wider audiences, develop ideas into books, and start earning a living to support my family.
But I learned most of it the hard way: alone.
For years I’ve dreamed of a different way: a more creative, collaborative way to encourage others in their creative pursuits, whether big or small. I grew tired of reading books that told me the only way to become a Real Writer was to find plenty of quiet time alone (when I had none).
What I craved was support for the creative life that spoke to my real life: a working parent with responsibilities pulling me in a hundred directions. How could I create within the chaos of work and family? What other writers could share wisdom on following creative dreams while paying the bills and cooking dinner for hungry kids seven nights a week?
As I’ve been slowly simmering a book project on Create in the Chaos, I started a social media version last fall to encourage creative work during Covid. Now I’ve cooked up a virtual offering for everyone who yearns to create in their own chaos.
Starting on Monday, Oct. 11th, I’ll be offering new monthly sessions to help you create:
Live mentoring sessions including presentation, discussion, and Q&A
Topics drawn from your questions: how to get started & keep going
Small groups to create your own community (optional)
Resource sheets with recommended websites, books, and creators for more inspiration
Whether you want inspiration to get started—or practical steps to grow into writing/speaking as a career—Create in the Chaos is for you.
Check out the details here. You can join us for one session or grab all three together for a discount. All live sessions will be recorded so you can watch later. Sliding scale fees and scholarships are available.
SESSION 1: Oct. 11, 7:00-8:00 pm CT
Getting Started
Knowing when you’re ready
Taking the first step (or the next step)
What support systems you need in place
Creating Content
Finding a niche
Launching around your topic
Owning your expertise (or your curiosity)
SESSION 2: Nov. 8, 7:00-8:00 pm CT
Vocation & Discernment
Discerning your calling
Choosing which projects to pursue
Navigating multiple callings—to creativity, work, and family
Creativity, Work, & Family
Finding time for work and rest
Writing on the margins: tried & true tips
How to create while working & caring for family
SESSION 3: Dec. 6, 7:00-8:00 pm CT
The Practice of Writing
Healthy habits & weekly routines
Book writing: how to start (and how to finish!)
Finding flow vs. meeting deadlines: pushing past perfectionism
The Art of Speaking
Getting started: finding your first venues
Crafting the talk: stories, structure, and spreading the word
Fees, contracts, and negotiations (everything we don’t talk about)
Last week I opened these sessions up first to the women who joined me for the free 40x40 virtual mentoring session I offered. Their questions on writing, speaking, and finding time to create while raising kids inspired me to offer these 3 sessions—and delightfully, their requests for topics and tips echoed the same themes I’ve been circling for years.
Join us for all 3 sessions to kickstart your creativity. Feel free to share with a friend!
Peace,
Laura
Connect with me on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Find my books here: Everyday Sacrament | Grieving Together | Prayers for Pregnancy & Birth | To Bless Our Callings | Living Your Discipleship