Greetings! It’s been so long since we last spoke that you probably have all sorts of new ailments and passions, and maybe you’ve even traveled to another realm or two.
Well, ditto! And now I’d like to tell you all about it to the tune of your favorite Carly Simon song:
Last month I was fortunate to spend three weeks at the Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I’ve never taken this much time to focus on my own writing before, and it was life-changing. While I soaked up a smidgen of sun, I mostly stuck to a rigid schedule and — perhaps for the first time ever — put my personal work ahead of my (very non-personal) paid work, childcare duties and everything else that consumes my days.
As a result, I was finally able to make a dent in the book I’ve been trying to write for years. In an effort to hold myself accountable, each night I’d print what I wrote and pinned the pages to the wall. By the time I went home, I had a room full of new work.
I realize this sort of trip is a luxury that most people, including myself, can’t really afford. But it did teach me the importance of prioritizing my own projects and taking a chance on myself. No matter what happens going forward, I’ll always look back at my weeks at ACA as one of the most joyful, peaceful and productive times in my life.
On a semi-related note, my dear friend and frequent collaborator Dean Haspiel is someone who has always doubled-down on his own passions, so I was psyched when he launched his first Kickstarter for a bombastic comic he has written and drawn called (wait for it) COVID COP.
Do you dig Toxic Avenger and Sin City and other edgy and apocalyptic things that make your mother squeal with horror and confusion? Then I highly encourage you to pledge to this campaign, which includes the comic and some snazzy rewards. For the last few months, I’ve watched Dean sacrifice dependable, yet often soulless, paid work to focus on what he really wants to do. His campaign ends in 13 days. (If you choose the “Covid Cabana” level with the Zoom party, I’ll see ya there.)
Oh, look up there — it’s me with Adam Suerte, who stopped by our studio this week to drop off his new graphic novel, Brooklyn Tattoo! Adam is so talented, and Dean and I were proud to help edit this stupendous book. Grab a copy on Etsy, and check out more of Adam’s art at adamsuerte.com.
Last month I debuted my play BED REST at a reading at The Tank in New York. It was a beautiful day, and I’m so grateful to the incredible actors for contributing their talents.
Jed Ryan’s enthusiastic review made my year, and I hope he’s right about its future: Let’s hope that we see a full production of Whitney Matheson’s humorous and smart (not to mention inspiring and provocative?) play in the future. Who says that being confined to “Bed Rest” can’t be a great time?
I’m still posting diary comics on Patreon. Thanks for your support!
And here’s proof it really happened:
Before I go, here are five things I’ve liked recently: The Folded Clock by Heidi Julavits, the film To Leslie and its outlaw country soundtrack, the short animated film My Year of Dicks written by the delightful Pamela Ribon, the Nan Goldin documentary All the Beauty and the Bloodshed and Love Everlasting Vol. 1 written by Tom King with art by Elsa Charretier.
Eat well, take a bath, cut your hair — I’ll check in again soon. Email me at whitmath@gmail.com. Thank you so much for your love and support.
she bangs the keys,
whit
P.S. Gotta love Muriel Spark’s advice below — writing a book is just that easy! :D
Get outta town & get to work
That’s some kind of writers life hack there. Pin the pages to the wall!
Super cool Whitney! 💥⚡