Recently, I came across a post from www.ebookandpod.com about A Writer’s Manifesto and became inspired. I highly recommend everyone read it, not just writers and published authors.
It reignited me after a few days of feeling down and doubting myself, possibly even quitting the industry altogether. I had, a few days ago, began staring at my screen with my head down trying to get those words typed, get those scenes written, and that formatting handled.
Small detour into my past year
I experienced a complete burnout last year. It was bad, it effected my graphic work and I didn’t realize my burnout was beginning, that I had moved into a deeper part of it, or that I growing resentful and miserable. When I began stepping back the weight was lifted and it was almost instantly my work level changed, it improved back to what my name had grown to be and my clients expected of me. I still wasn’t writing much though and that greatly bothered me.
Back to our scheduled post
This year is to be my year off, but honestly it’s my year of refocus on myself, my goals, and the things I’ve missed doing most writing and producing my own work. I still wasn’t looking around at the environment I had created, just muscling through getting things done I hadn’t.
Knowing that manifesto is meant to be highly personal I wrote it in my notebook but being inspired I have typed it word for word for this post. Mine does look a bit different than the post at the above link on ebookandpod.com, but again this is an individual practice.
My manifesto is as follows
In my life I have always been a very open and honest person because of this I will carry this over into my work. I will continue to be honest and transparent for my supporters, co-workers, clients, readers, and fans.
I will continue to filter myself professionally, when to let things go, and when to stand-up for myself.
As in my life, I will remain positive and optimistic most of all when I am feeling down about the direction, I am moving in. Through these things I will always find something humorous to laugh about to brighten my day.
My art matters, to me. I will continue to do it no matter the outcome and take away another may have. Whether my art is created in a written form, digital, or upon a canvas. I vow to always create while I still am to.
I promise myself to improve on my craft at any available moments.
I am unsure if I am inspiring others, but I will continue moving forward hoping that someone somewhere is aware they’re not alone. I will continue to be open as possible about my life knowing that my soul will connect to another’s in my sharing. Even if for a moment another doesn’t feel alone.
I will continue to be charitable, not for recognition, but because I know it’s the right thing for me to do.
I will continue to live by my life motto, life as you climb. If for no other reason than to be there when someone may need it. I know what it’s like to need someone and have no one there.
I promise myself if I come across something, I want to submit to not to hesitate and miss out on an opportunity. I will no longer allow myself to be left behind.
Continuing with this exercise
I followed the ‘Hot to create your manifesto’ only after I had begun writing the above. I wrote down writers that inspire me and why.
I wrote Anne Rice. I chose Mrs. Rice because of her class. She has a way about how she carries herself in interviews and with the videos she’s made for her fans that have really stood out to me, inspiring me to be a better version of myself. She embraces who she is unapologetically. This is something I struggle with often, accepting myself for who I am and what I’ve become at the age that I currently am. She is an inspiration and has been one to me since I was much younger.
I also wrote down Stephen King. I mentioned some years back how I’d not read his work but had seen movies based on it. I wrote this author down because of his attitude and abilities. He has an ability to find inspiration in ways that are amazing to me. I admire that. I enjoy the sense of humor I’ve witnessed in interviews.
My manifesto was dated April, 8th, 2019, but as I’m not sharing it on here it will be dated to the current date.
Think you’ll do a manifesto? Has this helped you in any way? Let me know! Let’s start a discussion.
The Official Website of L. Bachman 