modern conjure

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open … No artist is pleased. [There is] no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.”

Martha Graham (via smbroom)

“But never hope more than you work.”

~West With the Night, Beryl Markham

day 37 of hardcore manuscript revision. i fear my novel might look like this.

I want to work on things I care about, preferably with people I care about. That’s as far as I’ve gotten. My philosophy for how to work is to embrace intuition. Not to be unformed but to embrace intuition that arises from the study, the diligent engagement of the subject or theme I’m working at.

~Barry Jenkins on his work philosophy

(Source: tamsam.com)

an invocation for beginnings. church!