Creative Resistance

Last week, I spent a few days in Los Angeles, at the annual nerd conference for writers! Wow! We're so amazing…friendly, supportive, and brave!

I came back inspired and affirmed (and tired!). Here are a few gems I picked up while attending panels and talks:

Leila Nadir, an Afghan American writer, spoke about the idea of "writing into an archival space" and how empire – and all that it signifies – is the biggest erasure in our history. I'm not doing her remarks justice here, but they will stay with me.

Jimin Han reminded us that we have a right to write our story – a simple but powerful reminder.

Tayari Jones in her talk, Black Words as Black Resistance, reminded the audience that for Black people, "writing has always been a part of our freedom practice."

And I learned about 100 days of creative resistance, where you can sign up to receive daily emails from writers.

As we begin a new month, I invite you to join the creative resistance – through dancing or doodling, flower arranging or envelope lining.

Or make April the month you finally begin morning pages, a practice I learned from The Artists' Way. This is a 12-week project to spark your creativity. I know, I know, you're thinking, I am not an artist, I have no time for this, etc, etc.

These are all excuses. We are all creative beings, programmed by capitalism to think of ourselves as producers of home work and house work, office work and field work etc. And as for time … have you already binge watched The White Lotus? Adolescence? Need I say more?

Make the time. Find your way to creative resistance.

Together we can, and we will,

Sayu