The State of All the Things: 2017
Welcome to 2017, my friends.
We made it through what was, quite honestly, one of the most difficult years I've ever experienced on a personal level. While I've spent the holiday break reflecting on the year behind us, I don't really want to talk about it in this space. If you listen to the podcast, you likely already know what went down in 2016 and I've been dealing with things by talking with those closest to me and sharing my process elsewhere when the opportunity presents itself.
As I write this, I'm wrapping up a planning session for what's to come in 2017 and I'm really more excited about looking toward the future than dwelling on what's already happened. So, let's hop right into the official State of All the Things!
THE BLOG
Many of my blogger friends are moving away from traditional blogging, but I've been feeling a pretty strong urge to bring more of it back into this little corner of the internet. I focused primarily on the podcast, paid freelance work and my day job in 2016 (along with taking pretty extensive breaks to handle family stuff), and while those things will continue to be important, I'd like to bring back regular written posts here, as well. I know we're all super connected on social media, but I miss reading and commenting on the blogs and online publications I know and love. Let's commit to bringing more of that back in 2017. Cool?
THE
CREATIVE DIGEST
I feel as though the Creative Digest really hit its stride last year and I look forward to connecting with you via that medium. I want to continue sharing things like podcast episodes, stories I've written elsewhere, interviews, and fun things from around the internet, but I'm also looking forward to sharing things that are a little more exclusive. It's a big deal to be allowed into someone's inbox and I want to treat all of you subscribers like the community you've really become.
If you aren't already part of that community, you can join us right here. And if you're already on the list and have been wondering when I'll be back to my regular weekly schedule, you won't have to wait long. I'll be back in a matter of days!
THE CYOP
PODCAST
I have SO MANY THINGS to tell you. Season 4 (how on earth are we already in Season 4?!) of the podcast will be launching in late-March/early-April. I'm not going to spill all the beans about how the show will be formatted, but I'm working to mix things up a bit this year. I want to go a little deeper into the stories of those I interview, so we'll likely see extensive interviews that span multiple episodes. To stay tuned for the details, be sure to subscribe (iTunes, GooglePlay) and join the Creative Digest community.
While I'm working hard to bring you some really incredible interviews, I'm also looking to expand the team of people (which consists of me, at the moment) responsible for bringing the show to life. In the coming months, I'll be researching audio editors and bringing on an assistant to help with the administrative side of the show.
I'm also building out something I've been wanting to do for the last year. Later this month, I'll be launching the first ever CYOP Artist Residency program. I am PUMPED about this, you guys. I've been wanting to find a way to work with artists as collaborators on the show and this is it. As I mentioned, I'll be sharing more information on the blog soon about the application process, how the residency will work, and how it will be funded. Which brings me to...
THE 100 DAYS
OF
DISCUSSION BOOK
If you follow me over on Instagram, you may remember my 100 Days of Discussion project in 2015.
Since that project wrapped up, I've had people reaching out to tell me how they still revisit the project in various ways and I thought it was time to get those discussion questions off of Instagram and into your hands. So, I'm turning the project into a book! There will be a physical book, an audio book, and an ebook available—all self-published and produced by yours truly.
So how does that tie in with the CYOP Artist Residency Program? Well, a significant portion of the proceeds will be used to fund the residency program. That's right, my friends: the program will offer the artist a stipend each year and this book will be the first product to directly benefit that program. Have I mentioned how excited I am about this? SO EXCITED.
If you want to be the first to know when I've got book news to share, please click here and sign up for the waitlist. I cannot wait to send out more details!
And that, my friends, is the State of All the Things address for 2017. I'm looking forward to shaking off 2016 and moving into the new year with nothing but solid intentions and a whole lot of gratitude. I'm really glad to have you along for the ride!
