not to us

Eight months ago, I started out on a venture to create a worship album...from start to finish.

I'm failing.  I'm going down in flames, people.

With impressive flair and efficiency.

So I felt like a fraud when I agreed to read and review UNTITLED: Thoughts on the Creative Process by Blaine Hogan.

The creative process?  Ha!

I have yet to create anything of lasting beauty or significance, so it seems a bit implausible that I'd have any credible feedback.  But I really like Blaine, and he named his daughter Ruby Elizabeth, so...

I felt like the least I could would be to give it a shot.

And through the first movement, I definitely felt like I was doing him a favor.  I am no stranger to the work that is involved in creating something.  (This is the subject matter of the first movement.)  Quite honestly, it felt like work to get through the first movement.  That's not necessarily because it's poorly written.  I'm sure it's as well-written as Movements II and III.  It simply didn't resonate with me.

In Movement II, however, I started to realize that all the work to get through Movement I was well worth it.

"If the aim of your art is to invite people into their own hearts and stories...

...well then...

...you must be willing to enter yours first."

~Blaine Hogan in UNTITLED: Thoughts on the Creative Process

A mere two months ago, I was driving away from Nashville, TN, telling my dad that I needed to start writing from my heart, from the truth of where I am at this time.  But I was afraid.

My heart is not pretty right now.  It's broken and bruised and wildly unprotected.  It's scared to love and unwilling to share.  And, in a state like that, it's very nearly worthless in the creative process.

"...if our insides have not been properly dealt with, what we create will lack a certain authenticity and depth."  ~Blaine Hogan

I finished the book, and I'm certain there are portions of Movement III that I will revisit...specifically the fear of the "Yes."  For now, however, I'm stuck in Movement II: realizing my great need for some deep, uninterrupted inner work.

"The refining and time-consuming process of self-awareness is one of the biggest and most beautiful steps an artist can take toward creating deeply connected art that calls your audience to more."  ~Blaine Hogan

Next week, I'll be taking a very big and hopefully very beautiful step, as a person, as a Believer, and as an artist.  I would appreciate your prayer.

If you frequently find yourself in the middle of the creative process, you can almost certainly learn something from UNTITLED: Thoughts on the Creative Process.  It's available now on Amazon.  I believe it's worth the $4.99 investment for creative professionals who need a bit of direction or encouragement.  :)

Thank you, Blaine, for inviting me to be part of this launch!