19. Finding allies for your creative dream


This pod is usually focused on our personal relationships to our writing, and ways to rediscover and strengthen that alchemical creative connection. But this month, I’ve been thinking about the role other people can play in helping us sustain and carry our creative dreams.

It’s much easier to tap into the flow of creative alchemy if someone else is extending their own alchemical gaze onto you – a supportive gaze that can transform your ordinary self into someone capable of making artistic work with deep meaning.

The further away your ordinary self is from what’s generally considered “ordinary,” though... the more you usually lack carriers for your dream. And carrying it alone can leave your creative reserves stretched pretty thin.

Tune in to explore two ways you can change this state of affairs and access the crucial power of vision carrying in your writing life.

Writing praxis tips


This month’s tip takes the form of two lists to help you connect with new carriers for your dream, in both your real life and your inner life.


Online writing groups

This is just a small sampling of the kind of group you can find online – I’ve done my best to include a range of styles and price points (including free-to-join).

I’m not affiliated with any of these groups, but I’ve participated in several and have some familiarity with all of them – all are LGBTQ+ friendly and open to all genres.

  • Eye of the Heart Writing Community

    A community for “new, emerging, and experienced writers of all stripes who delight in the holy dimension of creating.” Hosted by the Eye of the Heart Center and writer Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew. Free/donation-based.

  • Fledgling Writers Nest

    Along with a free monthly newsletter of prompts and reflections on the writing life, this Substack by Sammi LaBue hosts virtual writing lunch breaks every Tuesday for paid subscribers. $20 per month to join the writing group.

  • Firefly Creative Writing BIPOC Writing Space

    A twice-monthly group for writers of color that alternates sessions exploring structured exercises with “Sanctuary and Share” support sessions. Hosted by three BIPOC coaches with Canada-based organization Firefly Creative Writing. Sliding scale fee, $20-$50 per month.

  • Landscapes

    This group was recently launched by writer and podcaster Cody Cook-Parrot to provide a space for “focused and consistent writing time, writing workshops with guest teachers, ‘cave days’ where we go deep, and more!” Sliding scale fee, $33-$77 per month.

Inner vision carrier connection rituals

A list of simple actions to take to begin working with an inner dream carrier for your work. Use these ideas as your own jumping off point – no ritual is too simple or too silly to start with!

  • Make a playlist that reminds you of your vision carrier (either to listen to while you write, or to feed your creative motivation outside writing time)
  • Scribble a portrait of them
  • Coin a catchphrase to invoke or invite them
  • Curate a digital image board
  • Eat a vision-carrier-themed snack (or share a pot of tea with them)
  • Read books, stories, or poetry about them
  • Draw a relevant symbol on your skin with a makeup pencil (safety first)
  • Tend a plant that reminds you of your connection
  • Carry something in your pocket
  • Learn some words in their language
  • Do a dance (silly or otherwise)
  • Write something for them


Episode references


Goddesses in Everywoman, Jean Shinoda Bolen