Keeping your people close

And following the pull / Issue 1,128

Oh, hi friends!

Yesterday was a big “people” day — I did a Zoom interview, chatted with a friend I’m mentoring through a career change, interviewed someone very exciting for my podcast, had a call with my publisher, and had a coffee chat with another writer friend.

(This is atypical — I never have days this packed.)

But I came out of it feeling so energized and inspired by everyone. Their projects weren’t finished, but they were pushing. Finding the next little step. Balancing the “life stuff” that arrives. Preparing. Trying.

And I thought, Wow, this day is even more exciting than my book release day because I’m seeing others in action.

Find the people who are doing it today and you might do something, too.

Tess Sharpe @sharpegirl

My favorite fact about Angela Lansbury is that during her MURDER SHE WROTE era she made it a practice to hire guest actors of the golden age that had aged out of the game because it allowed them to earn the union points they needed for insurance, pensions, etc.

The common thread through all the Angela Lansbury tribute and stories is that…she was kind. People seem to be remembering that the most. 

Following to Pull to Do Something New

And speaking of kind people, I joined the wonderful Katie Horwitch on her WANTcast podcast where she turned the tables and asked me such insightful questions about creativity, framing motivation, and encouragement. Here’s a little excerpt:

“I write about following the pull, you know? That little tug on your shirt sleeves that’s basically like, ‘This is interesting, do you want to go in this direction?’ Or: ‘Here’s a little idea.’ Like you don’t really know what is it yet. You might not know how to do it, but you’re drawn to it for some reason. And so if you follow that pull towards something new, I don’t think you’re going to regret that. I think the regrets I usually have are when I’m just beating the same drum over and over and not really learning something new, but doing something because I think it’s comfortable. Those are the times I’d like to get back.”

We also talk about actually “enjoying the process” in your work and life; how and why we diminish our own excitement and projects and how to keep some of that joy for yourself; and why hearing “no” is sometimes the best thing you can hear, and much more. 

And follow Katie on Instagram to stay up to date on her new book, out next year!

PS — THANK YOU to everyone who’s purchased Do It Today and for your support so far. Sharing it with you is the best part of this process! (Amazon, Bookshop, Abrams)