the life cycle of a project

More than ten years ago, I found this image in a meme online:

I was writing my first novel, Catchlight, at the time, and I thought this was pretty accurate. 

Then I couldn’t find the photo or the meme or any of it…for the next ten years. 

Fast forward to 2022: I was in Nashville with friends and I insisted that we go to Parnassus Books (Ann Patchett’s bookstore). 

I found a hardback version of Steal Like an Artist, by Austin Kleon, which I had never read. I flipped through the pages…and opened to The Life of a Project. 

Bam. I’d found it. 

I see a lot of writers stop writing after the initial rush of their book idea. 

They “lose inspiration.” 

They “just can’t find the time… maybe when [insert any life event] is over.”

Today I just want to remind you that ALL artists experience the roller coaster of emotion when making a project. 

It’s the best idea in the world! 
It’s the worst idea in the world. 

No one else can do this justice but me!
I can never do it justice. 

This is totally normal. Nothing has gone wrong here. 

The next time this happens to you, notice that it’s happening. Then tell your brain: Oh, this is the part where… (and find where you are on the life cycle of a project). 

The ups and downs don’t mean there’s anything wrong with you, your idea, or your writing ability. 

They’re just literally part of the process. 

Happy writing.