Quote I Love: Listen…

Posted on July 5, 2018 by SloanParker

Always loved this one.

Listen to the MUSTN’TS, child,
Listen to the DON’TS
Listen to the SHOULDN’TS
The IMPOSSIBLES, the WONT’S
Listen to the NEVER HAVES
Then listen close to me-
Anything can happen, child,
ANYTHING can be

–Shel Silverstein

Quote I Love: Once the Storm is Over

Posted on May 31, 2018 by SloanParker

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” ― Haruki Murakami

Fave Photos: #onthetrail with Sloan

Posted on July 11, 2017 by SloanParker

In the past year and a half, my wife and I have become obsessed with trail hiking. It’s a peaceful, quite time for us to rest our minds, take in the beauty of nature, and even have important life chats when we’re in the mood to discuss something that’s been on our minds. Being out more often in nature has also boosted my creativity and productivity. I can’t recommend it enough for writers or other creative types. It’s a wonderful way to fill your creative well.

Here are some of my fave photos from our trail journeys, in no particular order:

I love seeing deer.

A woodchuck hanging out on the rocks.

One of my favorite trails.

For Writers: Keep on Singing Your Song

Posted on February 10, 2016 by SloanParker

Sharing this today for all my fellow writers out there, or for anyone who’s having a bad day.

Writing for publication is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done, but it does come with a few crappy days here and there. This business can really be tough at times. Choosing to put your work out into the world and share the results of your creativity and passion with others is hard enough. Add in all the criticism, the submission (and rejection) process, the unending business decisions that always seem to greatly affect your career, the pressure to produce more and more, the need to make every book better than the last, the struggles of everyday life (family obligations and responsibilities, depression, grief, the seemingly unending horrible news in the world)… it can all be very draining on the creative process.

The list below includes some of the songs I listen to on those bad days. I love them for their lyrics, their message, or even just the beat that doesn’t let a bad mood linger. These songs make me smile and remind me to focus on what I love about writing and not what others have to say about the result. They also remind me that no matter what, I just need to keep on singing my song and always write for myself first and foremost. That is the only way I know to continue telling the stories I want to share with others.

So if you’re feeling those pressures building, hang in there. You’re not alone in how you feel. We all have those days at one time or another, and sometimes they seem to snowball into more than a single day. Just focus on why you love to write and keep on singing your song.