Weekly Feels | 11.21.21
Taylor, an essay about women apologizing, and why I haven't written a novel yet.
Last year, I went on a self-led writing retreat. I booked a rustic Airbnb in Tuna Canyon, where I planned to start a new book. But when I got there, I couldn’t sit still for long enough to write. My thoughts were all over the place. It didn’t matter if I went for a walk or read a book for inspiration; I could not seem to organize my ideas. So I spent the three days watching Netflix and eating all the Trader Joe’s snacks I’d brought with me. At sunset, I’d stand on the back patio where you could see a tiny sliver of the ocean and watch the colors in the sky change.
When I left that weekend, I told myself it was just a fluke. The time away was necessary even if I didn’t produce any new work. Not all writing retreats can be exceptional, I kept telling myself. You’ll find the inspiration when you get home.
Except I didn’t find this elusive inspiration. I wasn’t overcome with fresh ideas when the 2020 ball dropped in an empty…
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to Feelings Not Aside to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.