Episode 181: What is bringing you joy?

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Today on Fable and the Verbivore, we’re asking each other the question “what’s bringing you joy right now?”

Last week, we talked about creating during hard times and one of the things we talked about was listening to ourselves and leaning in to things that bring pleasure and spark joy. So, today we’re sharing a little about what those things have been during the current season of our lives.

In this episode, we talk about:

  • Reading a book that was so delightful it inspired poor sleeping decisions. Fable and author C.L. Walters both recommended Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese earlier this year on the podcast and it did not disappoint.

  • Enjoying the benefits of Kindle Unlimited and getting to read stories from the wide range of authors that is included there.

  • Reading books that maybe aren’t as well written and how that can fuel and motivate you to work on your own stories, help reinforce trust in your creative instincts, and determination to get your stories out in the world.

  • Taking inspiration from a story that you didn’t connect with, had issues you wished were addressed, or that frustrated you - and where you felt improvements and changes could be made - and using this experience to create something new.

  • Writing short novellas that are pure fun and with the pressure off, allowing the writing experience to be just about the pleasure of creation and what you like.

  • Using part of the process of writing down what happened during a difficult time to lean into the humour and the absurdity of the odd little stories and details of the experience. Being able to find laughter in those moments, while also processing the truth of what happened.

  • Reaching back into your past and seeking out those stories (books, movies, music, shows) that have personal meaning to you and that spark pleasure. Giving yourself the invitation, time, and space to step back in and enjoy them without guilt or shame.

We hope you enjoy this episode and that you’re finding things that are bringing your life joy at the moment.

Keep reading, writing, and putting your voice out there!

Into the woods,

Fable & The Verbivore

Notes:

In this episode, we touch on the following previous podcast episode on romance stories:

Within these romance episodes, both Fable and author CL Walters recommend Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese.

The annecdote about CJ Redwine’s The Shadow Queen is taken from this reel on her Instagram. Here is her caption:

  • “After listening to me rant for 45 minutes about Snow White & the Huntsman and what COULD have been done with that fairytale, my hubby finally said, "If you want it done that way, why don't you do it yourself?"

    So I did.”

Books and Movies Mentioned:

 

Music from: https://filmmusic.io
‘Friendly day’ by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
Licence: CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Bethany Stedman