Writing OutLoud
New Year. New Platform.
Writing can be empowering. Expressing yourself can be validating. But reading other people’s writing can be infuriating. Or worse, boring.
That’s why I understand all too clearly that starting a Substack is simultaneously an act of courage and an act of self-delusion.
At best, what can Writing Out Loud be?
Honestly, there’s no predicting how engaging, entertaining or illuminating what I have to say will turn out to be.
My intention is still rather amorphous. Maybe I am drafting a memoir? Or an advice book for creatives? I expect to share some stories from my career and life, to consider some cultural and creative challenges I’ve encountered, and to encourage others in their own creative journeys by drawing on my mindfulness and presence based coaching practice.
That’s why I thank you from the outset and encourage you to write out loud, too. Please post your comments! Be honest, but kind; and I will follow your Substack and write you back.
A little bit about me…
For decades I’ve been paid to think creatively and to run organizations devoted to the arts. Today, I run a small regional museum devoted to California art. In the past I helped run a large regional theatre devoted to new plays, my own production company and an arts innovation institute at a university. I’ve programmed and produced more than 30 seasons of performances and exhibitions, conceived and founded many initiatives and fulfilled a variety of roles including curator, producer and director.
I’ve travelled the world for my job and had my share of peak experiences. I’ve taken plays to Broadway and worked closely with my artistic heroes. I’ve also endured the power battles and ego-storms that come with careers in the arts. I changed disciplinary lanes—something that I loved doing—but which has cofounded some.
Somehow I also maintained a writing practice that included plays, screenplays, essays, poems, podcasts, speeches, social media posts and about a billion emails. In 2021 I completed a poetic memoir called Numbered Days, started when my late husband, Bruno Louchouarn, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. If you’re curious, you can listen to the adapted audio drama for free at this link, or download the chapbook.
The positive impact of writing during and after Bruno’s illness led me to establish a more consistent and intentional journaling practice that I’ve continued for nearly seven years. Journaling has helped me find my way forward in pretty amazing ways.
During the pandemic I also trained as a presence-based coach, and for the last five years I’ve offered coaching to creatives through my consulting company, Arts Intelligence. If you are curious, please contact me at artsintel.madden@gmail.com.
Transitioning to Substack challenges me to grow: to move from mostly private expressions to a more public platform. Engaging with you, gentle readers, gives me the opportunity to find out what matters most to others about the creative life I’ve lived. No matter what founding Writing Out Loud is a great way to start the New Year.
Looking forward,
Corey
Since 2018 I’ve taken the practice of journaling