Speed & Beauty (Behind the Scenes of Lanterns)

Squam Lake, NH (September 2009)

I approved the proof of Lanterns at the printer today, bringing me one step closer to fully realizing that this little dream has worked its way into reality. A vision that came into focus just four weeks and four days ago is nearly ready to ship out into the world. This is the biggest -- and fastest -- creative project I've ever undertaken. Just six weeks ago, I would not have expected those two things (big vision and speed) to coincide.

I had declared 2009 my year of action, and darn if that hasn't been true. It's taken some work and some trust to get here, but pulling together a 52-page gift book with six other contributors was a whizzbang way to round out the year, for sure. I often get stuck on creative projects, never getting them off the ground or letting them languish along the way. Taking this quicksilver approach was something new for me. And as a lot of new things are, it was both liberating and a bit frightening.

If I hadn't done this project fast-fast-fast, I may have sat on it forever. By putting it out there without over-thinking it and by going at lightning speed, I was forced to keep moving. There was little time for doubt and meltdowns along the way, only time to keep doing the work set before me. I did take several detours down the paths of worry and whining, but each time my husband and friends guided me gently back to the light. The very components of friendship and creative community that I was celebrating in the book helped me to create it.

Amazingly, I found that I didn't have to sacrifice quality for speed. I think this is due to two main factors. First of all, this project wanted to be created. It was waiting to be born. The idea arrived pretty much fully formed and everything fell into place beautifully along the way. The hurdles were minor, and most of them were byproducts of my own self-imposed stress. The second key factor is that I invited reliable, quality people to be part of the project. From the contributors to the designer to the printer, this was a well-oiled machine. Each of them shared my vision and was dedicated to doing good work.

I did have a few moments at the beginning of the project when I wondered if I was crazy for setting such a short timetable. I emailed Jen (one of the contributors) in a panic, asking her if I was delusional for thinking I could do this. Over the past year, Jen had shown me how to combine quality creative endeavors and speed by doing exactly that herself. Her reply confirmed what I already suspected to be true: If I didn't act fast on this idea, I may never do it at all.

I don't think that speed is the name of the game all the time. But introducing it to my skills toolbox has made an enormous impact on what I now think is possible and how I'll consider approaching creative projects in the future. I'm thrilled with the book itself and so thankful for this new perspective on the creative process.

Is there an idea that you can take immediate action on and run with to completion? It could be a tiny or a big thing, but something that is calling your name and waiting to be born?

(Remember that you can still order Lanterns in time for Christmas delivery in the U.S. And all of you international peeps: keep your fingers crossed and I'll see what magic I can work in the post for you.)

Comments

[liz elayne]

so proud of you dear girl.

big smooches to you!!!

xoxo

[Steph]

I look forward to receiving it. YAY for you!!! :)

[Leisa Hammett]

Again. Resonate with this as well.

[Jamye]

This is a great encouragement to me. I've been sitting on too many projects for so long (like, why has it taken me over three months to just post some signs saying I can edit term papers? why haven't i sent out stories that are completely done?). I need to set myself some time on a weekend and just blow through some of these things. I know I'll feel so much better when I do.