The Sunday Circle: What Are You Working On This Week?

I just realised that the Sunday Circle turns four years old this weekend, which is a lot of weekly check-ins about projects, inspiration, and identifying sticking points.

It’s probably a sign that I need to revise the intro to these posts. A project to think about for the new year.

The Sunday Circle is the weekly check-in where I ask the creative-types who follow this blog to weigh in about their goals, inspirations, and challenges for the coming week. The logic behind it can be found here. Want to be involved? It’s easy – just answer three questions in the comments or on your own blog (with a link in the comments here, so that everyone can find them).

After that, throw some thoughts around about other people’s projects, ask questions if you’re so inclined. Be supportive above all.

Then show up again next Sunday when the circle updates next, letting us know how you did on your weekly project and what you’ve got coming down the pipe in the coming week (if you’d like to part of the circle, without subscribing to the rest of the blog, you can sign-up for reminders via email here).

MY CHECK-IN

What am I working on this week?

Finishing off a few chapters in the exegesis that have blown out past word count, and doing a lot of the busywork in terms of making the draft readable (ie checking references, proofing, etc).

What’s inspiring me this week?

Monica Valentinelli’s Make Art, Not War Challenge, a book of essays, writing prompts, and rules for making art in times of enormous social turmoil. This one started out on Valintenelli’s blog a few years back, an online movement that gradually ran out of steam as Valentinelli moved on to other things.

Which is a shame, because the book the Make Art, Not War rules are a great toolkit if you’re feeling harried and beleaguered in your creative life.

When times are tough, the feeling that artists are not necessary tends to permeate. Art is viewed as frivolous or a luxury since we don’t produce food, clothing, or housing. The exact opposite is true, however, because in charged political climates artists document and represent our humanity and all our struggles be they violent or peaceful for present day and future generations. Often, propaganda posters, victory songs, and other forms of art are specifically commissioned as well. Art is omnipresent, it is always political, and the choices we make affect our audiences and everyone around us.

Valentinelli, Monica. Make Art Not War Challenge: Rules, Essays, and 31 Creative Prompts

In a month where Australia burned and the global political climate seemed to veer closer and closer to bleak and corrupt, it’s one of those books that’s full of timely advice and reminders.

What action do I need to take?

I want to compile a new revision and release checklist for Brian Jar Press, especially since I’ve now adjusted my proofing and editorial process by moving things online. This works well with short stories, less so for longer works where it’s easy to find myself losing track of what stage I’m up to and what still needs to be done.