Feeling Rejected? Don't Be Dejected!

I didn't discover Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time until I was an adult in the early years of my spiritual awakening. It's a gem of a book, filled -- as is all her writing -- with spiritual truths for young adults and adults alike. Today, nearly two decades after that first reading, the profound wisdom of this prolific author and devout Episcopalian continues to inspire me.

One of my favorite L'Engle stories, apart from the one that follows, comes from one of her nonfiction books -- I don't now remember which. In it she describes legions of white-bearded Old Testament prophets, their faces raised to the sky, shouting up at God, incredulously: "You want me to do what!?" There are days I know just how they felt!

I first posted a version of this piece about rejection in June 2008. But I get so many requests for it, that I've decided to make it new again by reposting it.

Feeling rejected? When you read L'Engle's story, I guarantee you won't be dejected!


Author Madeleine L'Engle received two years' worth of rejections from 26 publishers for her novel A Wrinkle in Time, which, once it was finally published in 1962, went on to win major awards and be translated into more than a dozen languages.

Toward the end of that two-year period, L'Engle covered up her typewriter and decided to give up -- on A Wrinkle in Time and on writing. Then on her way downstairs, a revelation: an idea for a novel about failure. In a flash, she was back at the typewriter.

"That night," as she explained in April 1993 on the PBS documentary Madeleine L'Engle: Stargazer, "I wrote in my journal, 'I'm a writer. That's who I am. That's what I am. That's what I have to do -- even if I'm never, ever published again.' And I had to take seriously the fact that I might never, ever be published again. ... It's easy to say I'm a writer now, but I said it when it was hard to say. And I meant it."

Today, the bibliography on L'Engle's web site lists 62 works spanning the period from 1944 through 2005, plus a 63rd, published posthumously in 2008. Sadly, Madeleine L'Engle died in September 2007.

"I cannot possibly tell you how I came to write A Wrinkle in Time," her New York Times obituary quotes her as having said. "It was simply a book I had to write. I had no choice."


Whether you're published or not, if you're writing, you are a writer.

Need some help believing that? watch the video meditation, "You Are A Writer." The audio was drawn from The Voice of the Muse Companion: Guided Meditations for Writers.

Making The MoonQuest Movie a Reality

"In a land where fear rules and storytelling spells death, only one bard's imagination can end the tyranny."

If you've been following this blog, you know that I've long seen my visionary fantasy novel, The MoonQuest, as a movie. You probably also know that, through Anvil Springs Entertainment, that dream is on its way to becoming a reality.

To help accelerate that process, I'm now working with Anvil Springs to produce three short trailers -- one for The MoonQuest and one for each of its two sequels, The StarQuest and The SunQuest. Together the three stories (book and film) make up The Q'ntana Trilogy.

The trailers will be presented to investors in the coming months to inspire them to invest in a feature-film version of The MoonQuest, the first of the trilogy to be produced.

So far, for the trailers, we've assembled a stellar cast of actors, a dedicated crew and a committed production and postproduction staff. Most are local to New Mexico, but some are planning to travel to Albuquerque from Los Angeles next month for the film shoot. One of the many miracles surrounding this project is that everyone involved is not only a professional but a volunteer who believes passionately in the project. They're volunteering because our starting budget for these trailers was $0.

By the way, miracles have surrounded this project almost since the day the book came out.

It was at one of my very first book-signings, in an Albuquerque Borders Books & Music, that I met Kathleen Messmer, who had just created Anvil Springs and was on the lookout for new projects. She loved both the book (which hadn't yet won its multiple awards) and my screenplay adaptation, and the rest is history.

Well, almost...

Although we began trailer production on a zero budget, we've come to realize that there are some expenses we just can't avoid incurring, not least because New Mexico isn't the best resource for the medieval-style costumes, props and settings required for this type of fantasy.

That's where you come in.

Today, we launched a fundraising campaign on Indie GoGo, the web's premier platform for the grassroots financing of independent creative projects. With your help, we can raise not only our $3,000 Indie GoGo goal for The MoonQuest trailer, but an additional $2,000 to make sure that the StarQuest and SunQuest trailers are also filmed -- and that all three are of the superlative quality that will propel their respective features to the big screen.

To thank you for your contributions as low as five dollars, we're offering a series of gifts, ranging from a public thank you to a day on set during the filming of the trailer. In between, there are opportunities to get MoonQuest merchandise, a studio-photographed headshot, an hour's creativity or life coaching from me...and more. But you can give a gift of any amount -- even one dollar...or less.

A few hours ago, one of my Facebook friends posted this on my wall:

"I don't know anyone who is living their dream more than you."

I feel incredibly blessed to find myself in that place. With your help, I can take that dream to its next level -- not only for myself but for all those who will be touched by the life-affirming message of the Q'ntana stories.

Please share news about our Indie GoGo campaign and our project wherever you can -- on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, on blogs and to your friends. The more people who know about the campaign and the project it's supporting, the sooner you'll see The MoonQuest in a movie theatre near you!

Finally, if you would like to make other types donations (for example, bottled water, snacks, props, wardrobe, etc.) or have skills you can contribute, please write to us at info@anvilspringsentertainment.com.

• Once again, here's the link to our Indie GoGo campaign.

Art Credits: MoonQuest movie graphics by Richard Crookes. MoonQuest book cover by Angela Farley.

The Myth of Writer's Block, or How to Get Writing & Keep Writing (Video)

You don't have to experience writer's block.

Ever.

You don't have to sweat over the blank page. You don't have to chew your pencil (or fingernails) to the nub. You don't have to wonder where the next word is coming from.

Writer's block is a myth -- not because you won't ever feel stuck but because there's no reason for you ever to stay stuck.



If the video doesn't appear above, or if you'd rather view it in HD, click here.

(If you're on my mailing list and seeing this in an email, click the image above, which links to my blog and the "The Myth of Writer's Block" video.)

• For more videos about writing and the creative process, visit my YouTube page.

• You'll find additional tips and inspiration on my web site, where you can read my "Rules for Writing," sign up for my mailing list and read/hear free excerpts from The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write.

Buy The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write and The Voice of the Muse Companion: Guided Meditations for Writers from my online bookstore, and be sure to ask for a signed copy of the book. Both are also available on Amazon

Resistance is Futile, or How to Unstick When You're Stuck

Writer's block is nothing more nor less than your resistance to those words that would have their way with you if you would but surrender to them.

Instead, you say, "No, not these words. I want others."

Well, there are no other words. There are only heart words.

If you would but open your heart and allow what longs to flow from you easy egress, there would be no block. If you would but make your fear subservient to your courage, there would be no block. For fear and courage can coexist, but not as equals. One must take precedence. Fear leads to inaction. Courage to action.

Step through your fear and into your courage. Write through your fear and into your courage. Allow the voice of your Muse to live through you onto the page.

Do it now. Write. Surrender to the story, whatever it is. Dissolve your resistance. And let those words you have run from have their way with you. Now.

• More on writer's block.

Adapted from The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write, from the "Myth of Writer's Block" section.

What Makes a Good Writer? (Video)

How do you define a "good writer"? It's a question I'm often asked in interviews and by coaching clients, and there are probably as many definitions as there are definers.

Is being a good writer about your content? About your process? Or is it about surrendering to the Muse Stream and letting your story have its way with you? Watch the video below for my answer.



Click here if the video doesn't appear above.

(If you're on my mailing list and seeing this in an email, click the image above, which links to my blog and the "What Makes a Good Writer" video.)

• For more videos about writing and the creative process, visit my YouTube page.

• You'll find additional tips and inspiration on my web site, where you can read my "Rules for Writing," sign up for my mailing list and read/hear free excerpts from The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write.

Buy The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write and The Voice of the Muse Companion: Guided Meditations for Writers from my online bookstore, and be sure to ask for a signed copy of the book. Both are also available on Amazon

CREW CALL for "MoonQuest" Movie Trailers

Anvil Springs Entertainment is currently accepting resumes for ALL CREW POSITIONS for for three feature-film trailers: for The MoonQuest and each of its two sequels, The StarQuest and The SunQuest.

When completed, the three feature films will comprise Mark David Gerson's Q'ntana Trilogy.

We will be filming the three feature trailers during two weekends in February in the Albuquerque and/or Santa Fe areas. This will be a non-union, low/no/deferred pay production.

Please send crew resumes to crew@anvilspringsentertainment.com.
Please NO PHONE CALLS.

(Anvil Springs is also holding a January 8 casting call in Albuquerque. Click here for details.)

For info on Anvil Springs Entertainment visit anvilspringsentertainment.com. (“Like” us on Facebook.)

CASTING CALL for "MoonQuest" Movie Trailers

Anvil Springs Entertainment is holding a second open casting call for speaking and background roles for three feature-film trailers: for The MoonQuest and each of its two sequels, The StarQuest and The SunQuest.

When completed, the three feature films will comprise Mark David Gerson's Q'ntana Trilogy.

Casting non-descript / all types; Ages 16+
(If you're under 18, you need a parent present.)
Various Speaking Parts Available
Background needed: Villagers and Soldiers

When: Saturday, January 8, 2011
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Where: Clarion Hotel, 7620 Pan American Fwy. NE, Albuquerque, NM

*** Please do not call the hotel with questions.

This is an action-packed, fantasy-themed trilogy: Think of The Chronicles of Narnia meets Lord of the Rings.

Filming will take place during two weekends in February. This is a non-union, no-pay shoot. However, meals will be provided.

If you can't make this open casting call, please submit your headshot and resume to: casting@anvilspringsentertainment.com

*** If you attended the previous casting call or have submitted via email, your information is on file. There is no need to attend this casting call.

(Anvil Springs is also accepting resumes for all film crew positions. Click here for details.)

For info on Anvil Springs Entertainment visit anvilspringsentertainment.com. (“Like” us on Facebook.)

Why Aren't You Writing?

Why aren’t you writing? You don’t know what to write? It doesn’t matter.

Write anyway. Place one word, any word, on the page. A single word. That’s all it takes.

That single word, whatever it is, will launch you on a journey into your creativity and beyond your imagination.

One word. That's all it takes.

Open any book to a random page, close your eyes and point.

Write that word.

What about the next word, and the word after that? And the word after that? What about sentences and paragraphs? What about a subject?

You are the subject.

I don’t mean you will be writing about yourself -- though you might be. You are the subject and your pen is sovereign. And that pen will carry you on an extraordinary journey of discovery, if you let it...writing flowingly and freely on the Muse Stream, letting the sentences unfold without your conscious mind getting in the way.

What you will experience is freedom from your mind, freedom for your story. When you write on the Muse Stream, you throw off the shackles of logic and leap into the inkwell of the unknown -- a well within which reside all the stories you could ever want to write, all the catharsis you could ever want to experience, all the emotion you could ever want to express.

It’s so simple.

Take the first word you write and, without thinking, write another. It needn’t flow logically from the first. Perhaps it’s an association -- "chair" makes you think of “table.” What does “table” remind you of?

Don’t think about it. Let the first word that comes to you, whatever it is, be the next word you write.

It doesn’t make sense? It doesn’t have to make sense. It may be better if it doesn’t.

Just let one word trigger another and then another, until something shifts - and it will -- and the flow is undammed. From there, that flow can carry you on a current of words, images and emotions. If you let it..

Why not let it? Why not write now? Why not pick a word at random from this blog post? Why write that one word and then another, and then another. Why not keep writing for 10 minutes or 20 or 30? Why not let the words take charge, propelling you forward on a journey of discovery, wonder and awe.

~ adapted from The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write (LightLines Media) (c) 2008 Mark David Gerson

Photo by Mark David Gerson: the Yellowstone River, the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states

A Light on Your Creative Journey (Video)

"There are no rules."
~ Mark David's first rule for writing (and most everything else)

Back in November 2009, I was privileged to be part of Steve and Barbara Rother's Virtual Light Broadcast. In a 26-minute interview with author/editor Sandie Sedgbeer, recorded live before a studio audience in Las Vegas, we talked about writing, spirituality and the creative process.

"The universe is made up of stories, not atoms," I told Sandie, quoting poet Muriel Rukeyser. We all have stories to tell and we all have an innate ability to free those stories onto the page in a process that is nearly always life-changing -- for ourselves and for our readers.

Unlock your creative self by trusting the stories alive within you...and (re)discover the writer you are!

• Other inspiring videos on writing/creativity.




Give the gift of creativity and inspiration this holiday season, with special Holiday Gift Editions of Mark David's books and CDs...

For a limited time only: Gift-wrapped books + book/CD packages signed by Mark David to your friends/family members, and shipped directly to them with a card bearing the holiday message of your choice.
*** Order yours today!

The Myth of Perfection

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one."
~ Elbert Hubbard


"Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it."
~ Salvador Dali


Are you frustrated?

Do you struggle to find the perfect words that consummately evoke the depth of your passion or flawlessly paint the fullness of your vision?

Are you frustrated because the words you have chosen seem inadequate, their ordering unsatisfactory?

You’re not alone. Many writers echo your frustration.

It’s a futile frustration, for language is an approximation. It’s a powerful but often inadequate device for translating experience and emotion into a form others can share.

When I originally wrote these words for an early draft of The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write, the sun was sliding through a marbled Hawaii sky toward the Pacific, its light skipping across wind-rippled waters.

If I was successful in that description, you will have seen some version of an ocean sunset. Some version, but not mine.

It may approach mine. It may approximate mine. Yet my words, as expertly as I may have deployed them, cannot create a Kodak moment. (Even Kodak can’t create a perfect Kodak moment.) My words are more likely to create an Impressionist moment.

That's not a bad thing. It gives readers space to have their own experience, to paint their own pictures from the words you have freed from your pen.

Just as you can't control the words that flow from you, you can't control your reader’s experience of those words. Nor would you want to.

How often have you been disappointed by a film portrayal of your favorite literary character because your inner director cast the role more astutely than the movie director did?

Empower your readers to have their own experience and recognize that all you can do is translate your experience as heartfully as you’re able into little squiggles on a page. Begin by recognizing that most of the time you’re only going to come close. Continue by knowing that it remains within your power to have your words incite revolution, topple dynasties, overthrow "reality."

That’s perfect enough for me. How about you?

Can you let go your natural human perfectionism long enough to let your story tell itself to you on the page?

What are you waiting for? Pick up your pen. Describe what you see, what you feel, what you yearn for, what you love. Don’t try to be perfect.

Don’t try at all. Just allow. And know that from that place of surrender, you are creating perfection.

Adapted from The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call to Write, winner of an IPPY Silver Medal as one of the top writings books of the year.

Photos: Santa Monica sunset (c) 2010 Mark David Gerson. Image of Salvador Dali from the University of Buffalo's 2009 Anderson Gallery Dali exhibition.