I was writing post number 17 during the “Recharge Your Creative Batteries in 31 Days” challenge when I received yet another email from a reader. This time, the person not only thanked me for sharing the information, but then started pouring her heart out about how helpful it’s been for her and how much it’s made her realize she needs to start taking care of herself.
She was an overweight diabetic who desperately wanted to feel well again. Her writing and creativity suffered every single day because she just never felt well enough to sit down and write. She was constantly tired, feeling “fuzzy-minded” and couldn’t come up with the ideas she needed to put words on the page.
Her dream was to make a full-time living from her writing, so she could quit her soul-sucking day job and finally do something she loves. Her day-to-day life drained her so much that she couldn’t find the energy she needed to be creative when she got home from work. She’s had a novel bouncing around in her head for years now, but hasn’t written a word.
She told me she was looking for a better way. She couldn’t keep living her life like this anymore. She needed guidance to get on track and accountability to stay on track. Every day she didn’t do this, she was letting herself and her dreams down.
The 31-day Creative Recharge gave that to her. She now had the information she needed to start down that path to wellness.
But she didn’t have the accountability or one-on-one guidance she really needed to reach her goals. She didn’t have someone to be the voice of reason and to help her get where she wanted to go.
While her email was a lot more in-depth than ones I’ve received in the past, she hit a sentiment most emails I’ve gotten have shared.
Within the work I do, it’s been conveyed to me over and over again (by readers loyal and new) that InkyBites is the only resource available to them where they can not only learn about making a living from their writing, but where they can also discover how to take care of themselves in a way that allows them to be creative badasses.
InkyBites not only provides guidance on writing and food, but also on how to find what works best for you in all regards—life, health, mindset, etc. Because at the end of the day, you can’t do what works for someone else. You have to do what works for you.
When I launched InkyBites, I wanted to bring writers the health, wellness and creativity information no one else was bringing them. I wanted to prove that when you nourish the core source of your creativity—yourself—you will become an unstoppable creative being.
The problem is, while it’s easy to read about this information and it’s easy to tell yourself you’re going to make changes in your life, actually doing so is not very easy. And it’s even harder when you’re going at it alone (as so many of us are).
As writers we thrive in solitude. Or at least our writing does.
But as humans, we crave interaction and support. We crave companionship as we take our journey from where we are to where we want to be. And we also crave accountability, because let’s face it, it’s hard to hold yourself accountable, especially when you’ve got a million other things going on.
But we need that accountability, that guidance, to set ourselves up for success. When we have that we begin to see changes in ourselves, in our lives, in our writing … changes we dreamed of but never thought possible.
There are some writers who are totally fine doing things on their own. There are some that can write with confidence and make changes with confidence, and it’s incredibly amazing when they can.
But then there are some writers who are hungry for guidance as they take their journey. There are some that crave community and being around people who are going through the same things they are.
There are some writers who need tough-love, but also want loving support at the same time. There are some who want to be supported and challenged by a circle of people who will only help lift them higher.
I think you might be one of those people.
And I also think it’s about damn time something like this existed!
Introducing … Badass Writers Bootcamp
I am in the throes of creating an exclusive community where dedicated writers looking to make permanent changes can come together and support each other as they shift their food and lifestyle habits to finally become the writers they always dreamed of being. A tough, but loving place.
The first of its kind.
This place will be somewhere you can get the guidance and support you need to make the changes you want to make, a place that’s private and remote. A place where no one will judge you or make you feel like you’re no good because of where you are currently. A place where everyone has the same goal: to become the most badass creative person they can possibly be.
And in addition to being able to speak one-on-one with me about health, wellness, writing and creativity, you’ll also chat with other writers who are currently walking the path to a better tomorrow for themselves.
We’ll hold each other accountable. We’ll inspire health awakenings. We’ll support each other in becoming the writers we want to be.
We’ll discover what works best for us—with food, lifestyle habits and creativity.
And we’ll do it all with loving support and guidance.
Share With Us
So, what do you think? Is this something you want to be a part of? Is this something you need? Please share in the comments below.
And if you want to stay updated on Badass Writers Bootcamp as it unfolds, and get early access to one of the beta launch spots, sign up for the interest list here.
Hey Jennifer … I want to be the most badass creative writer person possible but do have a few hangups. So your Badass Writers Bootcamp sounds good to me.
That’s great Katina! I’m so glad to have you on board. More to come soon…
Awesome! bring it on. ;D
You got it!
I need this!
Awesome! Glad to have you on board!
I was wondering what you had up your sleeve, and this is better than I imagined! Love, love, love it! : )
I love, love, love to hear that
This sounds wonderful! It comes at a perfect time, when I need it the most. I was just diagnosed with a couple medical problems, but luckily they can be helped or even eliminated by diet and exercise. I also have lots of notes I’ve taken over the summer for a new series. So I can’t wait to see what you have in store!
It’s good to know you can use food and lifestyle changes to improve your health conditions (I believe people can improve almost all health conditions this way, but not everyone would agree with me). Glad to hear you’re interested in the program!
I’ve sent an email that has my current snarkiness about “healthy living” & “wellness” in it.
But . . . do you really mean this?
” Because at the end of the day, you can’t do what works for someone else. You have to do what works for you.”
Can I really find something that works for me **without** having to nearly become a vegetarian (fruit, veggies & whole grains!) and never again eating sugar?
Is there something where I don’t have to always be concerned (read worried, stressed) over what I’m going to eat next?
Can it really be:
“We’ll hold each other accountable. We’ll inspire health awakenings. We’ll support each other in becoming the writers we want to be.
We’ll discover what works best for us—with food, lifestyle habits and creativity.
And we’ll do it all with loving support and guidance.”
If it can be loving & caring and not only cheering for the fruit and veggie, no sugar, no salt, no-no-no lifestyle, then I’d be interested in giving it a try.
Sandra
P.S. Sorry to be such a downer pain in the ass.
Yes I really mean what I said. I truly believe that we have to do what’s right for us. I absolutely fucking hate when people go off on “eat this way” or “eat that way.” This bootcamp is all about experimenting with foods and learning to plan ahead so you don’t have to worry or stress. It’s about being committed to discovering what works best for you–what makes you feel the best. Regardless of what works for everyone else. Best of all, no foods are off limits unless you choose for them to be. Read the Creativity Recharge post on the InkyBites 5 Principles of Balance and you’ll get a better idea of the attitude this program will have. Hope that helps!
Hey Sandra, I don’t know what Jenn thinks (actually, based on her posts I probably DO know what she thinks, but won’t speak for her). If I were a part of this bootcamp and you wanted help, sure I’d cheer on fruits and veggies ’cause they are awesome, but no-no-no doesn’t have any place in a healthy, good-for-you lifestyle. Not one that lasts anyway. If you’re in, then I’m in and I’ll champion you to find the best way for you!
You spoke right for me. I agree with everything you said. No-no-no does no good for anyone and making things “off limits” doesn’t work either. I will show you a new way of approaching health that will allow you to find exactly what works best for you.
Jennifer:
Count me in! Anything that will help motivate me and allow me to help others become motivated is a positive thing, especially now that I know I won’t be shunned because I love meat. Also, I want to be Sandra’s on-line BFF because she said all the things that I was thinking.
You will definitely not be shunned for eating meat! In this community, we’re all about eating the foods that make you feel good. For you that might mean having meat in your diet, for others it may mean taking meat out. Only you know what works best for you.
Jen, I’ve said it before, but I really appreciate you being a voice of common sense when it comes to not constantly chasing the latest diet/health trend. I can totally relate to Sandra’s annoyance with stressing over what to eat and all the “no-no-no” you constantly hear from the supposed health gurus. Trying to keep up with all of it made me insane for too many years, and that’s why I’m glad to finally be able to believe that I am smart enough to figure out what works for me. And conversely, to believe that others are intelligent enough to know their own bodies. I happen to like eating less meat and more veggies, and tend to be a freak about vitamins/supplements. So, of course – because the Universe has a sense of humor – I’m married to the biggest carnivore on the planet who thinks all my supplements are goofy. But he’s healthy and happy doing what he does, and it’s not my place to screech to him (or anyone else) about how I think my way of eating/maintaining health is the “right” one. There is no such thing!
With the diet industry being so all-powerful, it’s probably a pipe dream to think that it could all blow up one day under the simple premise of “Ignore the hype and just do what works for YOU.” But one can hope, right? ; )
I am definitely hoping the world becomes that way someday! That’s actually a really amazing tagline: “Ignore the Hype, Do What Works For You” … I might be stealing that! LOL
Glad you like the line! Steal it if you wish… ; )
I like the idea of a bootcamp, but my issue is with the writing side, not the healthy side. But since I’ve been working on the healthy side for 2 years now I have quite a bit of experience and history that might be able to help others. I hope those with the writing stuff on their side would reciprocate.
This community is about support…and we’ll all be supporting each other.
I’m in.
Jennifer, I like your attitude and that of several of the other folks who’ve commented. I need a lot of help to believe that the food stuff makes a difference and help with getting/staying jazzed up on my writing.
(A dear friend recently told me: “Just write and quit worrying about all the stuff before and after publishing. If there’s no story, there’s nothing to publishing anyway.” LOL She has a good point.
)
Hugs to all!
Glad to hear it!
And yes, I totally agree. If you don’t have a story to tell, then you don’t need to worry about anything related to publishing. Most definitely!
Of course, we all have stories to tell, now don’t we?
What a brilliant idea! This would be so wonderful! I’m a university student and I’ve been writing since high school, but lately, school itself is what gives me a headache. I end up eating fast food between classes, late nights to finish extra projects and no time to write–and that’s on a good semester. Your series helped me to sort of put myself back together this summer–it was really helpful. I haven’t been able to do everything, but I’ve made a few changes and it has been wonderful! The small victories make it worth it and it helps SO much to know that I’m not the only one dealing with things like this. I do hope you go through with this idea and again, thank you SO much for sharing so honestly.
Your comment just made all the work I did putting together the 31-day challenge totally worth it! Thank you. And I’m so happy to hear the tips are working for you. I think it’s great you’re making small changes and seeing the huge difference it can make. That’s what Badass Writers will be about too, making simple shifts and taking small steps. They all add up in the end, right?
Sounds awesome Jennifer! I’ve been writing for many years and have yet to finish the projects I’ve started. Recently have gone back to writing daily and am trying to put things in perspective and get them ready for the next step. This sounds great on all fronts! I know I would benefit from all sides! I’d love it.
Hey Jennifer! I’m late to your party, caught the tail end of your challenge and came here via Larry Brooks site and the post you did for him. I’ve been meaning to come back and I’m so happy I did! I have lost over 50 pounds and have created a healthy lifestyle and have managed to maintain that loss for two years. The impact on my writing and creativity has been incredible. I would love to be a part of your Creative Badass Community when you build it. I’m a great cheerleader and I’m always willing to learn more about creativity, health and the writing craft. Good for you for taking this to the next level!
That’s awesome Kate! And welcome!
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Jennifer, the Badass Writers Bootcamp sounds like a fantastic idea! Yeah, I’m a little late to this post, but I’ve signed up on the interest list as I’m excited about being part of a community that nurtures all to be the most badass creative person they can be. How can anyone turn that down? I’m definitely looking forward to this!
All the best,
-Heather