Managing Multiple Storylines

The fiction story I’m working on has multiple storylines AND points of view. I saw a writing workshop from an editor and author about managing them, so I signed up and thought it would be helpful.

And it was.

I’m building a world, the characters, and the narrative. It’s a project full of details and layers that require thoughtfulness. I need to pay attention to how I craft transitions for the reader from one perspective to the other while making sure that every scene advances the overarching story.

Stories are complex and layered. Writing them even more so.

I feel life is like that. We are constantly managing multiple storylines in the lives we are the authors of. I’ll write many words and explore many storylines, characters, scenes, and plot points that might not be included in the narrative.

And it’s still a part of the journey.

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One of the many storylines that I worked on this week was the 18th podcast episode for A Note of Daring Podcast about my Spanish Adventure. Many of my past episodes have been conversations with cool people, but this one was a solo show.

As a solo show, my approach was different. I asked for questions on Instagram and then created an outline of talking points. Then I opened Adobe Audition, hit record, and started talking. And then move into my normal approach of editing the recording, adding music and my outro, and scheduling it.

My podcast project has been an intermittent creative project and that has been a good fit. My original idea - and what still feels good - was to do 20 episodes. That milestone is coming up and so I’ve been pondering what’s next.

It’s nice to have a dedicated milestone to reflect on an ongoing project and make choices about it.

That’s part of managing multiple storylines.

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Building a Business

Throughout my solopreneur journey, I’ve sought various programs, business coaching, conferences, and communities for a variety of reasons. Learning and skill building. Networking, reach, and community. Inspiration, guidance, and accountability.

Over the past 8+ years, I’ve explored, participated in, and outgrown many valuable supportive structures. Some have grown or shifted along the way too. Either in a way that aligns or one that makes me drift off and transition out. I’d been intentionally picky and not committing to new things for several years and that felt good.

In October of last year, I was craving a new influx of resources, business coaching, a like-minded community, external inspiration, and accountability.

I found it with WAIM - an un-boring online business coaching program run by Caroline & Jason Zook.

WAIM has been a fantastic resource in the past year as I work to pivot and shift my focus with Daring Studios.

For example:

• I used WAIM resources to rebuild and redesign my Daring Studios website myself on Squarespace.
• My new Strategic Roadmap Course is on their course platform Teachery - which is included in the WAIM program.
• I used the WAIM Notion Starter Kit to build out an internal project management system to help manage the multiple storylines in my work and life.
• And, the live monthly coaching and the library of 40+ past sessions have informed my strategies and plans for future creative projects.

WAIM has provided inspiration and structure in my business as I build creative projects, explore content ideas, plan upcoming offerings, and more. It’s been a robust resource and a well-matched vibe for how I want to live and work.