7 Comments
Nov 4Liked by Cynthia Morris

Coming back to this topic. I just posted this in the comics group I am part of. I am feeling REALLY good right now.

I have officially decided that "the holidays" start at Halloween this year, and since I generally take off during "the holidays," I am now officially off until New Year's Day. I have decided my focus for 2025 is to become part of the crone (aka older women) community on Substack and publish Croneville Carnival serially there, as well as on seesawcomics.org

I love working on my future plans and unstructured art projects during the winter, so I'm feeling really good about this decision. I don't think I'll be submitting to the Anthology, unless I decide to finish chapter 1 before the end of the year to prep for 2025 publishing. I have not made up my publishing schedule yet. But since I have 2 whole months for figuring things out, I might be ready to start publishing right after "the holidays."

So if you don't see me much for the rest of the year, that's why. I feel super free and excited about being (mostly)retired and having time to play with new mediums (media LOL) and watch old movies and drink tea in the afternoons. (And work through the rest of YOUR ARTIST KNOWS THE WAY.)

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Your plans sound perfect, Donna. I love reading examples of how your artist knows your way.

Croneville Carnival sounds fun! Sounds like it’s going to be a good winter for you and your artist!

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I’m finding I’m really disinterested in social media, online groups, giving talks, teaching, etc. I want to finish my graphic novel WIP, Croneville Carnival, and share it. But with whom? And where?

I am thinking of tightly curating my Substack so it’s all older women, and find my readers that way, by connecting with people who are writing about similar concerns and issues with aging and mortality.

I get projects done, so I’m not particularly worried about having a project manager on staff. In fact, since I’m semi-retired, I think my project manager will be laid off. I really don’t want anyone giving me deadlines or obligations. So I won’t be doing any kind of crowdfunding or preselling or subscriptions like I’ve done in the past. I am happy to give my work away online but I do want to find readers. And I want to find a schedule for sharing that is fun and comfortable and natural for me.

Anyway just some thoughts. Thanks for all the ideas this course is generating.

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Oct 20Liked by Cynthia Morris

This is the key for me. The artist, the project manager/producer, and the person (body and emotions) are often at odds. The issue isn't procrastination so much as energy levels and competing responsibilities. If only the project manager could manage away fatigue and other issues.

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It is key for these parts to get along, right, Ellen?

Re: your project manager and fatigue - it might be having a talk with the PM to reassure that part of you that you will get things done, but it may not always look speedy or efficient. Getting clear on what is important to PM and assuring it that it will get its needs met can help ratchet down unrealistic expectations.

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Oct 19Liked by Cynthia Morris

thank you! this was so validating, illuminating, thought-provoking and helpful

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I am so glad, Karen! Thank you for letting me know. That means a lot to me. Feel free to share more about what was helpful if that helps you.

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