Embrace Your Differences /// #projectcanvas

6:00 AM

Everyone knows something that only they know.

Maybe it's something small. Maybe it's that your sister likes her peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwiches cut in triangles and won't eat them in squares. Maybe it's that she doesn't like them at all. Maybe you know that if you flick your ear, you'll laugh.

And maybe it's something bigger. Admittedly, the bigger your knowledge is, the more likely someone else knows it too. Maybe you discovered a way to make coffee strong, but without actually using as much coffee. Maybe you wrote a song that brings your mother to tears each and every time she hears it.

You know things. And some things you know really well, like how to do a back flip or play guitar.

Because every person is different.

Isn't that cool? *cue the geek-out moment*

Let's all just think about that for a second. Think about how many people there are in the world. As if there aren't a TON in the world right this second, there have been billions and trillions of people in the past.

Yet we are all, each and every one of us, different. And we all know different things, some that only we are aware of.

Isn't that just ... cool?

Where am I going with this?

Well.

Aside from this being just a super DUPER cool fact, I am here to announce something to you today. People are different and know things, and writers are the same way. We writers know tricks and secrets to this craft we have embraced and are striving to perfect.

And there's not a lot of stuff that only you'll know and no one else will. (you know what your main character would do if a flying antelope asked her to climb trees and eat star fruits, but that's not super relevant for other writers)

But maybe there's an area of writing/art that you specifically enjoy. One that you thrive in. Maybe you're super amazing with character backstories or motives. Maybe you love world building (*cheers on all my fellow worldbuilders*) Or maybe you have a bit of encouragement to offer the world when it comes to writing. Encouragement that isn't really out there.

It's time to share it.

Whether you have a blog or not, it doesn't matter. You have an opportunity to share what you know and love with other writers all over the world, and help each other grow.

It's called Project Canvas.

ISN'T IT JUST BEAUTIFUL???? *swoons*

Ehem. *is professional again*

This is a project that my lovely fren Caroline Meek created. I met Caroline at the Minneapolis Young Writers Workshop last year, and she is a fantastic and creative and inspiring human and I am so excited and honored to be working with her! And you can too.

It's so simple. You pick a topic from the topics page on the website and email Caroline or Olivia about it. Then you write a one to three page article (basically a blog post.) and submit it to them, along with your bio.

It's so simple and easy. And it's a great way to get your name into the writing community.



I wrote an article for this called, What Does it Mean to be a Writer? and it is so close to my heart. It's something I wrestled with for several years and is surprisingly absent from the writing world. I don't see many articles about it. But I know everyone, at some point, doubts themselves, and wonders if they really have what it takes to be a writer. If they even are a writer at all.

I address it in this book, and I'll also give you some thoughts on world building (not sure what area I'm going to write about yet). So please get involved with this book! I wrote a message I want people to hear, and I don't want you guys to miss it. And, what's more, I want to hear what you have to say about your writing experiences.

Having doubts? Please don't.

Do you think you don't have anything to offer us? Any advice to share, any wisdom to contribute?

Well, sorry but ...

You're wrong.

You know something about this writing thing we do. Maybe you know how it feels never to finish a book and have encouragement to offer in that area. Maybe you know what it feels like to be alone in your writing, and have advice for people struggling with the same thing.

Or maybe it's something factual. Maybe you're a pro at backstories and have a formula you've developed that makes the whole process smoother and more efficient. *looks at a certain cousin of mine* Maybe you found a simple way to make maps and want to show other writers.

It can be anything. (writing related, of course.) You have knowledge and wisdom.

Will you join us?

<3

You Might Also Like

25 comments

  1. AHHH YES TO ALL OF US BEING DIFFERENT! I believe all our differences is what keeps us... here? And not bored? Because since we're all gifted in different things we all feel special <3

    I can't wait to hear more about Project Canvas! It seems like a great platform :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's going to be so amazing! I'm so excited :D

      Delete
  2. I want to! Just...what's the website? Did i miss it on the post? Because I've gotten little sleep lately so that very possible.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh my goodness. *repeatedly pounds head against desk* I somehow forgot to link it??? I FIXED IT THOUGH. There are three links now XP

      Delete
  3. WHOA. So it's going to be like a bunch of articles compiled into a book...? THIS is so, so cool. I'll definitely have to check it out!! :D But... *whispers* I think you might have forgotten the link... :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *face palm repeatedly* I can't believe I forgot to link it. AHHHHAHAHA. *grins at my own foolishness* I clearly remember doing it but I guess I somehow deleted it? UGH. I fixed it now so PLEASE GO BACK AND CHECK IT OUT. It's gonna be just like you said - all our articles into a book! AND IT WILL BE EPIC.

      Delete
  4. Oh good gracious - this is basically the height of EPICNESS. Thank you for telling us about it! I'd love to join (or at least look into joining, 'cause I'd have to think of an article idea first xD) ... what's the link to the website?

    ~ Savannah
    scattered-scribblings.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. *realizes you just added the link* *headdesk* Thanks, Hannah - I'll go check it out! xD

      ~ Savannah
      scattered-scribblings.blogspot.com

      Delete
    2. Eeeeee I hope you do! You could totally do an article on character motivations!! (isn't that something you're really passionate about?)

      Delete
    3. Basically character ANYTHING - no idea why, but there it is xD. I'm SUPER excited to read your bit of Project Canvas. Knowing you, it's going to be epic *nodnod*.

      ~ Savannah
      scattered-scribblings.blogspot.com

      Delete
    4. EEEEE <3 You're too sweet. And yes, totally check out the different options under the characters section in the topics page! Or create your own super epic and unique one ;)

      Delete
  5. Wow. Just wow. THIS IS SO COOL! I'm going to go check this out because sometimes I feel like I just want to dump information on people about everything I've learned about writing. Thank you for sharing this!

    audrey caylin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ahhhh I feel the same way! Hence the blog XP Definitely think about joining! It'll be so amazing, and I would love to read what you contribute :D

      Delete
  6. OH MY GOODNESS THIS LOOKS SO EXCITING AND AWESOME.

    ReplyDelete
  7. THIS IS SO COOL! I definitely want to check this out ASAP!

    ReplyDelete
  8. OHMYGOODNESS THIS IS AMAZING. I can't wait to read your article and everyone else's! I will totally check the website out! Hopefully I can contribute something (though I'm not sure what right now). XD
    Thanks for sharing and creating this! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually did not create this!! My friend did, though I was in the small group of people who helped advise and get the thing up and running. And please do contribute! It will be amazing :D

      Delete
    2. Whoops, my bad! XD Still, you played an important role in it. I'll definitely try to contribute my best! <3

      Delete
    3. Ahhhh yay! I can't wait to see what you write!! :D

      Delete
  9. OH THIS LOOKS SO COOL!!!!!!

    Micaiah
    notebooksandnovels.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. This looks so cool, I might decide to do it. :) Not 100% sure yet though. :P *hops on over to website to check it out*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yesssss *cheers you on* Just think of it as another blog post! <3

      Delete

Comments bring us happiness and warm fuzzies, so please share your thoughts! Stan and I want everyone to be welcome, so we ask that you be kind and courteous and use nice language.