November 2020
Guild Tidings
The official publication of
The International Songwriters Guild
Volume 25, No. 11
Live meetings are Cancelled due to Corona Virus.
However, we will be having on-line Zoom meetings.
We will send details under a separate e-mail,
and in the Facebook group page. We expect it to
be scheduled for Sunday November 1st at 5pm.
Any Details not in this newsletter are at:
If you wish to join our Facebook group, please check us out at
https://www.facebook.com/groups/831814850193553/
WebChatter
by CyberToad
Here's a link to the Blog of a producer I have been following named Kris Bradley.
https://anchor.fm/producelikeaboss/episodes/Yes---You-Can-do-All-the-Things-e9hean
Getting Out Of My Own Way
By Jackie Mason
I told you last month that I had started The Artist’s Way program. It’s a twelve week course and I started the 6th week today. So I am almost at the halfway point. It’s not a stroll in the park. I reviewed it, a few years back, and was fascinated by it. My instinct told me that I wasn’t ready to commit to it at that time. I am glad I paid attention to my intuition. I have, however, been discussing it with a friend, with a view to my creating an artist cluster. I think probably the pandemic pushed me to start it. I have suffered with insomnia since I was a teenager. In 2015 I was diagnosed with chronic sleep apnea. Put those two conditions together and I had quite a problem! I had tried all the over the counter medicines but to no avail. Nothing the doctor prescribed seemed to help.The corona virus really pushed me over the edge! Now I had a triple whammy going on. Insomnia, sleep apnea and now anxiety! My doctor prescribed a new medication. None of them come without a hundred side effects. I’m not exaggerating! This one did work but it left me groggy during the day. They have a peculiar term for making a good sleep schedule. They call it sleep hygiene! I have spent a lot of time preparing a good sleep schedule. This includes going to bed at the same time each night and getting up at the same hour each day. I used a combination of meditation, reading and an aroma diffuser with 7 LED lights to create that perfect sleepy time! There I was, engulfed in lavender smelling steam and it worked! In bed at 10pm and up at 4am. Not the musician hours that I’ve grown accustomed to but perfect to embark on an artistic journey. Especially a program that consists of writing three pages every morning. Stream of consciousness and in long hand too! Everyday for 12 weeks! I came prepared. I’ve filled up an exercise book!
This is the book overview from thrift books. “This description may be from another edition of this product. "Julia Cameron invented the way people renovate the creative soul." - The New York Times Over four million copies sold Since its first publication, The Artist's Way phenomena has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert, Tim Ferriss, and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron's novel approach guides readers in uncovering problems areas and pressure points that may be restricting their creative flow and offers techniques to free up any areas where they might be stuck, opening up opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery. The program begins with Cameron's most vital tools for creative recovery - The Morning Pages, a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-consciousness, and The Artist Date, a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist. From there, she shares hundreds of exercises, activities, and prompts to help readers thoroughly explore each chapter. She also offers guidance on starting a "Creative Cluster" of fellow artists who will support you in your creative endeavors. A revolutionary program for personal renewal, The Artist's Way will help get you back on track, rediscover your passions, and take the steps you need to change your life.”
It describes it far better than I can. And here’s the link to thrift books.
Don’t be put off by the term “spiritual path.” As Julia says, “When the word God is used in these pages, you may substitute the thought with good orderly direction or flow. What we are talking about is a creative energy. God is useful shorthand for many of us, but so is Goddess, Mind, Universe, Source, and Higher Power. The point is not what you name it. The point is that you try using it. For many of us, thinking of it as a form of spiritual electricity has been a very useful jumping off place.”
A lot of people struggle with the morning pages. I don’t. As I said, “I came prepared.” I incorporated morning pages into my songwriting process, a long time ago. Still, I can offer some insights and maybe “tricks” that can help a person struggling with them. I look at them as a kind of purge or cleansing of the cluttered mind. It’s therapy for the blocked artist. Any kind of art. Any discipline.Even something as simple as scrap booking.
I was blocked in one area of music in particular. It’s unblocked me and I feel good about it. It’s working for me and The Artist Date is something to look forward to! Be kind to yourself. Make it about playing. Find your inner child and create.
Well that’s it for this week. Stay safe and healthy.
ISG Bulletin Board
Meeting space graciously provided by Central Florida Musicians Association,
Local 389. You are invited to join the largest union in the world, representing the
interests of the professional musician. Visit their website at afm389.org for more
information. You may reach them by phone at: 407-894-8666.
Why isn't your gig or live stream announced here? Members in good standing call SusieCool
with your appearance schedule! 407-760-2153 or e-mail her the details at isgorlando@gmail.com
If you are interested in open mics in the Central Florida area, SusieCool has compiled a list.
https://sites.google.com/site/susiecoolsongs/Home/open-mic-directory-central-florida
SusieCool is the admin for a Facebook group called "Orlando Creative Music Network"
where we give out info on songwriter meetings, playing circles, open mics, workshops and concerts.
We have a Facebook page for this group if you want to join.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/274152179716552/
No Critique scores for October, since no live meeting.
New members and guests are always welcome!
© 2020 ISG