Rebecca Donovan's Blog

Embracing my Fears - The journey to reconnecting with my creative self.

When I am in flow, words find me. I don’t have to search. The scenes reveal themselves and I capture them within dialogue and description. It feels like floating. Euphoric bliss.

When I cannot write, panic swells, becoming a tidal wave of fear and anxiety. Growing strength within the storm of expectation and disappointment. The wave crashes and fills up all the spaces. Dilutes every color to grey. Drags words away with ferocity. And I’m pulled down by the undertow of desperation until I’m swallowed up and cannot find the surface. I’m anchored in the dark depths by paralyzing doubts.

The first time the flood of fear disrupted my creativity, I sought medical advice. I had to be diagnosed, analyzed, medicated, because there must've been something wrong with me. I had to be fixed.

At this time, I also opened myself up to spirituality. I read. I learned. I listened. Through consistent meditative practices, I experienced true calm for the first time in my life.

After years of patience, I tapped back into my creative flow. And I felt my work was the best I'd ever written. I was so connected to the story while in my bliss bubble. Except… when I stepped out of this space of creation, I was once again overcome by fear and desperation upon its release. And so it was lost, and so was I.

I recently came upon a powerful message that I knew was speaking directly to me:

Don’t create in belief, then wait in fear.

Because that's what I did. And I find myself continuing to do if I'm not aware. I tap into the place of creation with full surrender and trust. I believe in the process. Then when it's time to share that work with the world, I flounder in the rapids. Second guessing myself. Fearful of rejection. Of failure. And that fear engulfs me, influencing every decision I make. And that energy affects how that story is received, no matter how much love I pour into the pages.

My inner critic was born long before I became an author. I devoted my spiritual practice to tracing back that tidal wave to its origin ripple so that I may heal. Except, healing is an evolution not a destination. When I seek one ripple, I find there is another. It has been an emotional journey of release and self-discovery. I continue to learn how to not allow my creativity to be dictated by obligation.

The greatest lesson I've learning... I don’t have to do this alone.

I’ve welcomed some truly gifted and passionate creators into my life over the years. Some who are also on a spiritual path. We learn from each other. We encourage each other. We believe in each other. Connection is powerful. It’s why I can’t say goodbye to the writers after I've finished teaching the writing courses I've offered the past few years. (rebeccadonovan.com/writers-seminar) I still want to be a part of their creative process by cheering them on and providing guidance however I can. I am a writer. A mentor. A teacher. And most recently, an editor. (rebeccadonvan.com/editing) I'm honored when each of these writers allows me into their lives.

These relationships inspired me to launch The Creative Way along with two of my friends – Janet Hagan Hudson and Chelsea Fine.

Janet has been orchestrating writing retreats all over the world through her company Next Chapter Retreats for years. She has such vast knowledge and experience, I knew she could expertly organize the event.

Chelsea has been an integral part of my spiritual exploration and healing. She is a truly loving spiritual leader and a gift to this world.

It’s our intention to offer retreats that connect us with our creative selves. To explore the storytelling and creative process while encouraging spiritual growth. To empower creators to embrace their gifts, to elevate their voices, and tell their stories.



Our first retreat aligns with the solar eclipse in Aries on April 20, 2023. It will take place at a truly majestic location in Chalmita, Mexico – Centro Nierika. (http://centronierika.net) We’re calling this retreat: The Elementals of Storytelling.

Over four days, we will integrate the elements and planetary energies to tap into our creative energy. We’ll connect with the divine feminine energy of creation and the inner child energy of play and imagination. Each day, we'll unveil what's holding us back. Silence the critic. Activate our voices. Connect with our intuition. And open ourselves up to the story that’s waiting to be told.

You're welcome to explore the details here: rebeccadonovan.com/creativeway

Join me as I continue along this life altering journey. Whether through my stories, my teachings, or by witnessing my experiences. I want to share what I learn. And tell stories from my heart. I’ll continue to learn how to overcome my fears and embrace my gifts.

Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. Thank you for listening.

A Very Personal Moment…

Being able to connect with you…to hear your thoughts and feelings about the words that I have worked so hard to get just right, provides me with the satisfaction I need to keep writing. To continue to search for more words. To write stories that share the pain and joy of life. The elation of falling in love and the heartache of betrayal. But ultimately, to recognize we’re so much stronger because of every moment we’ve lived.

The Cursed Series, Parts 3&4 released on April 14th. It took nearly six years from concept until the finished series was released to the world. It’s an important story as it touches upon a very personal moment in my life. If you allowed this story into your life…thank you! Being invited into your world through the creation of one of mine is a gift I cherish greatly. As I always say, I write for me – but you make me an author. what is revia used for

The post A Very Personal Moment… appeared first on Rebecca Donovan.

Writer's Seminar with Rebecca Donovan

Do you have a story to tell?

Maybe you're not sure how to get started, how to organize it, or finish it? I'd like to help!

I'm running two Writer's Seminars beginning January 5th to assist writers in developing the story they've always wanted to tell. Each week we will discuss what it takes to create a story - from character development, to research, to plotting. I'll walk you through the creative process, while sharing my experiences - from concept to first draft.

I hope you'll join me. Let's write YOUR story!

http://www.rebeccadonovan.com/writers...

My Wish for You…

August 10 was my birthday! To celebrate, I spent six days in Hawaii. The funny thing is, I had no idea I was going to Hawaii until the week before. I asked the Universe where I should spend my birthday. I closed my eyes, spun the globe and my finger landed
exactly on Hawaii. There was no question. So… I was going to Hawaii! I had no idea how I’d make it happen. But as the days progressed, it all fell into place. The right flights. The points for the hotel. Even a friend who volunteered to stay with my dog at my house for the week. It all fell into place as if it was meant to happen,
so off to Hawaii I went.

The most memorable moment on my trip was a hike I conquered the day after my birthday. And I say conquered because that’s exactly what I did. It was an unmaintained trail, and was deemed to be “for the very experienced adventurers” – for good reason. I climbed over boulders. Trekked through 10 foot foliage (I was following the wrong markers –
ha!). I found myself off-course twice. And thought about turning back around and giving up three times. But after an hour of hiking, I came across my first humans, and they encouraged me to keep going. Then I met a trio about a half hour later, and they promised
it would be worth it. So I kept going.  

The trail was muddy, riddled with roots and barely wide enough for a single person – some parts I was overlooking a very drastic drop down into a gorge. I was tired, thirsty and covered in mud (that was concealing bruises I would discover later) – but I kept
going. Until I was there… a steep cliff, rope decline away from the most magical waterfall I’ve ever seen. And as I dipped my body into the cool water, soothing my aches, I looked around me at the gift this earth had created. And I said, “Thank you.” 

My wish for you is to take a chance on the unknown. Be guided by your heart. And don’t give up, no matter how many times you want to. We are all on this journey for a reason, and we may have to get muddy and bruised before we can get to the place where we can understand – this is why I’m here. This is why I was gifted this experience. May the magic of this world enter your life and leave you so in awe that you have to say, “Thank You.”  

www.rebeccadonovan.com

Be Brilliant

It glows brighter with love, generosity and kindness. 

Wonder, creativity and curiosity allow it to radiate beyond our form. 

It cannot be taken or given away. But it can be shared.  

And with each light that surrounds us, we grow brighter. 

Our love is contagious. Our lives are connected. Our world is brilliant.  

Do not allow a shadow to be cast upon your light.  

Or a single person to dim your brilliance. 

Shine bright. Love with all your being. I am here, sparkling alongside you!  

The post Be Brilliant appeared first on Rebecca Donovan.

November Sale — The Cursed Series

For the entire month of November, the first two installments of my YA suspense series, If I’d Known and Knowing You, will be on sale for 1.99 and 2.99 on all digital platforms! This is the perfect time to get into the series as I begin writing Part 3, What They Knew.

I’m so in love with this story!

 

The post November Sale — The Cursed Series appeared first on Rebecca Donovan.

It’s Here!

I’m going to share with you the words I texted my friend and sole beta reader, Kim Holden, upon completing the last chapter of Knowing You…

“Writing this book has challenged me, and demanded of me, and broke my heart for four years, but it is finally written!! And I reconnected with myself along the way.”

I love this story. It took me a long time until I did. But something happened along the way. It’s like I woke up, and heard the words I’d been searching, begging, praying to find me. And when they did, I connected with every character, every word, every emotion. And I was reminded what it was to be in love with writing once again. It was a reminder that sharing my words is what I’m meant to do.

I almost gave up. Not just on this book. But on writing. So. Many. Times. I even considered other career choices. But… I don’t know how to give up. And now… We. Are. Here. Thank you for being here with me. For waiting. For believing. For trusting me to come back to you.

Everything has led to this moment. I gift you my words. My heart. My purpose.

The post It’s Here! appeared first on Rebecca Donovan.

Help Reveal the Cover of Knowing You!

BLOGGERS with US and CA followers…

Do you want to help reveal KNOWING YOU, Part 2 of The Cursed Series? And be one of the first to read it?

Sign Up Here

For more info – Despite the benefits and growing popularity of online order drugs, many people are still in the dark. Every single member of our team is dedicated to selling best quality medications and drugs. Ready to be in the know? Read on to learn the definition of mail order prescription drugs, what makes the process different, the benefits of ordering through the mail, and how to mail order prescription drugs from Canada and other countries.

The post Help Reveal the Cover of Knowing You! appeared first on Rebecca Donovan.

I Will Overcome

Fear is rooted in my inability to control or predict the outcome.

Acceptance relinquishes that fear, vanquishing its power over me.

With acceptance, comes knowledge.

A comprehension of what I am capable of, right now, in this moment.

Making all outcomes irrelevant because they have yet to become, broadening the scope of possibility.

And possibility is endless.

 —Rebecca Donovan

The post I Will Overcome appeared first on Rebecca Donovan.

Allow Me to Introduce You to…

I have been found and lost within music. Certain songs feel like an amplifier plugged directly into my emotions. The bass thumps in time with my pulse. The melody sends me adrift, floating along with the lyrics.

When I’m creating, a song can transform into a scene, straight into my pages. Her. Him. A touch. A whisper. A smile. A kiss. I’m there, an observer to it all—capturing it with the tap of my fingers.

I knew Lana before I wrote about her. And then I heard her sung to me by her namesake… Lana Del Rey. She became flesh and bone. Her thoughts and opinions their own distinct voice in my head. I know her yet she is unlike anyone I’ve ever known.

Allow me to introduce you to my current heroine, Lana Peri, through the songs that define her…

[image error] “This is What Makes Us Girls” by Lana Del Rey

“Pretty Girl” (Cheat Codes X Cade Remix) by Maggie Lindemann

The post Allow Me to Introduce You to… appeared first on Rebecca Donovan.