Dreamspace Dispatch (Season 1 Episode 3): Why Women Wield their Words like Weapons
Womens writing has long served as an act of survival and resistance, shaped by centuries of limited access and restricted voice—understanding this history empowers contemporary writers to recognize the inherent value and courage in their own creative expression, regardless of whether their work reaches a wide audience or serves purely personal truth-telling.
The Healing Power of Stillness
Have you ever felt that sinking feeling of anxiety when things aren’t going as planned? That’s exactly what happened to me at Latina Fest, standing at my author table watching people walk by without glancing at my books. My stomach tightened as those insidious thoughts crept in: “Maybe I won’t sell anything today. This was a waste of time.”
But then something magical happened – a microsecond of perfect stillness descended, slowing my perception of everything around me. Suddenly, I noticed the joy permeating the festival – the music, the laughter, the community celebrating together. A voice inside whispered, “Wait, this is perfect just the way it is.” The revelation transformed my experience: the accomplishment wasn’t in selling books but in being present, in feeling the joy of community. When I released my attachment to outcome and embraced the moment, I started smiling and dancing by my table. People began to notice, wave, and approach me to learn more about my work.
This episode explores a counterintuitive truth: sometimes stillness isn’t a pause in your healing – it IS the healing. After completing my emotionally demanding “Why Behind the Bruja” miniseries, I found myself in a quiet emptiness that felt uncomfortable for someone who thrives on productivity. Yet that discomfort held an invaluable lesson: I had been moving too fast, meticulously crafting my message while forgetting to leave room for myself in the process. What if the real power isn’t in perpetual motion but in the courage to stand still?
Where in your life might stillness offer you clarity that constant motion cannot? Where are you rushing when you could be noticing? Before you push harder, consider whether softening might be the braver choice. Share this episode with someone who needs permission to be still, and message me about what resonated with you. Remember, stillness isn’t weakness – it’s sacred.
#anxietyAndCreativity #AuthorJourney #creativeBurnout #findingJoyInTheMoment #healingThroughStillness #LatinaFest #permissionToPause #PersonalGrowth #podcastForWriters #theWritingLife
Approximately 15% of books are returned to publishers by booksellers. Some useful information shared in Irma Gold's latest 'Inside The Green Room' podcast. The ep is titled: Booksellers.
https://annafeatherstone.com/inside-tips-for-authors-from-three-australian-booksellers/
#publishingtips #authortips #amwriting #writingcommunity #AustralianWriters #AustralianAuthors #bookstore #bookseller #IrmaGold #InsideTheGreenRoom #Podcastforwriters #Australia #author
Want to know how to get your books into bookstores? Or the best timing to get in touch with a bookseller to organise your book launch or book signing? Or what thoughts booksellers go through before choosing which books to stock? You do? Well, in addition to reading the interview with a bookstore manager and...
Nicole Myers
Johanny Ortega
AnnaFeatherstone