Episode 82: “Embrace Your Weird” with Author Dave Williams

Posted on by Victoria

It’s such a pleasure to spend time with Dave Williams, artist, author, and one of our favorite creative friends. Wynne and I love talking with Dave because he offers cool insights into the creative process. Reminding us to lean into the joy of doing.

In this episode, Dave introduces us to a wonderful book, Felicia Day’s “Embrace Your Weird – Face Your Fears and Unleash Creativity”. Day’s book is unlike anything else I’ve read. She addresses the stumbling blocks we face in the creative process with levity and humor, pushing back on the persistent concerns some of us have about other people’s perceptions of our work. Questions of worthiness can be paralyzing barriers as we fuss about ‘good enough’ when we should stay in flow; keep making, doing, creating.

Day’s beautiful book is full of whimsy and honesty, providing exercises and activities will challenge and boost your confidence. Get you back in the game if you need a nudge. As Dave said, Day invites readers to “roll back the clock and get into the headspace where being creative was fun, without the need to be perfect”.  

Please join us for the scenic and beautiful places we go when we share the power of story.

Vicki and Wynne 😊

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Transcript for this episode: Episode 82 transcript

Links for this Episode:

Dave Williams – writings and drawings (wordpress.com)

‘Bubba Ho-Tep’ and feeling more okay about creating weirdness – Dave Williams (wordpress.com)

Dave’s review of Felicia Day’s book can be found here.

“Embrace Your Weird” by Felicia Day – linked here.

Other Episodes with Dave:

Episode 51: The Magic of Stories with Dave Williams

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

46 thoughts on “Episode 82: “Embrace Your Weird” with Author Dave Williams”

  1. How interesting that you should lead with Day’s book title, her take on the word “weird'” and advice to “unleash” it. Day’s intention has been co-opted in this political year. Identifying with the word and the people who are so identified might not be the next thing to put on one’s “to do” list. And, God help us, I hope the weirdest one of all isn’t “unleashed.”

    But, of course, Day and Dave Williams, are referring to the expansion of one’s creativity — another thing altogether. Thanks for presenting us that.

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    1. Ah yes…thank you, Dr. Stein. 😉 Dave, Wynne and I made that same observation but out of respect for Felicia Day’s delightful book, despite the use of a now contentious word, we carried on! Giving a humble word its day…from author Felicia Day…despite current connotations. Thanks for seeing the creative angle. Just as we intended and hoped!

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    2. Yep, the word has been flung as a put-down. But the word can contain much more than that. I’m grateful for Vicki and Wynne for being open and positive to discuss the potential of weirdness in relation to broadening our creativity. 🙂

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  3. Lean into the joy! I can relate to that fear of being good enough. I notice it a lot with professional creativity, needing to be creative at work. It’s probably what has slowed my novel attempts over the years too. I like how Day and Dave talk about challenging that fear by remembering the joy. When I do that, the fear and comparisons I make in my head crumble. Good stuff! 😎

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    1. Yeah, that “good enough” feeling can be an anchor. But at times, I feel gratitude for it. Otherwise, I might think everything I create is magnificent. Which it’s certainly not. I’ve come to appreciate the editing process because of that. 🙏

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  4. Sounds like a great episode! I think we’re all a little in our own ways, and I love the invitation to unleash it. I’m looking forward to this one, Vicki!

    I’m curious about what Dr. Stein’s referring to, but if it’s political partisan bantering, I really don’t want to know LOL. Portland’s been “keeping it weird” for decades, so it’s 100% a good thing in my mind. Weird = unique, special, and maybe a touch idiosyncratic. It’s what makes us, us. 😉

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    1. Love, Love, Love your perspective. It’s where we landed with Dave. Leaning into “keeping it weird” because of the creativity it inspires. You get us — obvious in your thoughts about the power of being unique, special and idiosyncratic. Yes, yes! 🥰🥰🥰

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    1. I think you’d really enjoy her book, Beth. I was thrilled when Dave recommended it. An invitation to be who we are…with little nudges to explore, create, let loose. Good reminders for me – always!
      xo! 🥰

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  6. Oooh I’ll have to listen. Being creative, whatever that is to each of us is so important. It’s a place where we can truly be ourselves and explore all we feel. I agree with Dr. Stein. Though I don’t believe creativity is about weirdness. Picasso’s art may have been considered weird for the time, but look at how art lovers accept it now. Mostly because it goes beyond the superficial, that what we see at first.

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    1. What a terrific point you make, Alegria, about perception and judging. As always, you give an encouraging nudge to go deep, see the inspiration all around with an open heart. xo for all of that! 🥰🥰🥰

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  7. Dave’s advice was great: “Write what lights that fire” instead of what you think you should be writing. He also had a fun way of perceiving writing as “getting to play pretend and make choices.” That mindset certainly would make the process more enjoyable. Thanks for the interesting interview! 🙂

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    1. I love that you pulled out those snippets – I’m with you, Nancy. Dave thoughts inspire me to let loose, just a little. Love your observation about mindset. Thank you! 🥰🥰🥰

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    1. Oh…what a great tagline! “Above All: Play!” Thank you again, Dave. I think you hit on the important, life-affirming behaviors that we forget about if we’re not careful. Remembering to play, perhaps most of all. 🥰🥰🥰

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  9. Pingback: Episode 82: “Embrace Your Weird” with Author Dave Williams – The Story Lady

  12. What an engaging and inspiring conversation. I’m glad we are living in a time when weirdness and geek culture are more widely embraced, which was certainly not the case growing up.

    It’s nice to see sci fi communities and fandom events explode and also become a more mainstream and inter generational experience that is shared and enjoyed.

    I do love the advice too to create for the sake of enjoyment and not certainly just to share with the world. I see this with my child and I hope kids can grow up with this mindset and freedom to create.

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  14. I finally took the time to listen to this episode. I loved it and I realized that my struggle with my manuscript revision is buried with a lack of joy and worry if its “good enough” or if I’m moving in the right direction. Thanks for inspiration to look for the joy in my editing like I felt writing the first draft. I’m ordering the “Weird” book now. 💕

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