Sarah Bragg

1. You are a wife, mother, podcaster and author — you wear so many hats! What does a typical day look like for you and your family?

Right now, we are back to school—digitally. So our days consist of the girls (7th and 5th grades) navigating that world and me trying to work in-between it all. Each day I wear different hats: tech support, principal, teacher, counselor, lunch lady, Uber driver. And that’s just for how I support my kids’ needs. I am also a creative entrepreneur so I wear different hats with work as well. On any given day, I work on my podcast (producing, planning, emailing, recording, editing, promoting), manage a curriculum, and write my own content. Most days, I work while they work. And if I can sneak away to my husband’s office to write, edit, or record a podcast, then I take advantage of that.

2. How did you get your book written and turned in on time while parenting during the Coronavirus stay-at-home orders in spring? 

I had visions of what writing a book would look like but thanks to 2020, it looked nothing like what I imagined. It required forethought, planning and asking for help when needed. At the beginning, I did the math on how many words I would need to produce every week and then figured out which days I could dedicate to writing. But as you know, nothing worked according to plan in 2020. Some days, I would be happy to get 500 words written. But I just stayed the course. I kept showing up and kept trying. A few words here and a few words there. 

I took a lot of walks (my only alone moments) and as I walked I often recorded voice memos about what to write. Or I would jot down ideas and examples while I was doing my morning journal pages. The other saving grace was the tiny closet like office that we rented from a co-work space. Once we were allowed to show back up after the shelter-in-place order, I was able to go there a couple times a week for uninterrupted writing time while my husband stayed home to manage the girls. One of the hardest parts was making sure that the tone I wrote in wasn’t angry because 2020 definitely pushed all my buttons! 

3. In your most full or challenging seasons, how have you still managed to create? 

Sometimes in the middle of a challenging season, creativity can be bleak. But in other times, the limitations that we face can push us to produce. For me during quarantine, the deadline in the distance drove me to create. I allowed the difficult season to be my muse. For me, I continued to show up and look for creativity each day. Reading and journaling often helps me to process, think, and ultimately, create. I also feel inspired by being outside so I took two or three walks a day around the neighborhood. So much of creativity is continuing to show up and to be faithful to the process.

4. How are you seeing the fruit of your creative work blooming now from seeds that you planted long ago?

I am over 20 years out of college and the years of planting the seeds of creativity are showing up all these years later. Time invested in learning to listen and lead discussion in small groups is showing up in how I lead conversations with my podcast, Surviving Sarah. Time invested in writing curriculum and blog posts and books never published are showing up in being offered a book deal. Everything we do has the potential to lend itself to growth later. 

5. What inspires you: as a wife, mom, and artist?

Being outside inspires me the most. Slowing down and looking around and looking up makes me smile. I love to learn and laugh so I make sure to incorporate things that do that. I love to connect with people—I am always inspired when that happens—so I make sure to schedule opportunities for connection each week.

6. Do you have any favorite resources that you’d recommend to fellow creatives?

I always recommend the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. So much of what she has to say about fear and creativity is what helped me years ago when I was afraid to create. The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron is a great workbook and Steven King’s book On Writing was really helpful long ago when I started writing. I love to listen to other people’s stories and podcasts are a great avenue for that. Off Camera with Sam Jones is one of my favorites. This year, I’ve taken a couple of masterclasses which were really helpful especially when I felt stuck while writing the book. I took one with Malcolm Gladwell on nonfiction writing and one with Robin Roberts about communicating.

7. Do you have a scripture, word, or mantra that guides your work?

You can do hard things. Just because something is hard doesn’t mean it isn’t right or that you shouldn’t try. I am constantly reminding myself of this. And if you want to do something, sometimes you just need to show up and do the work.

8. How do you believe motherhood and creative work complement one another?

Creativity often presents itself when you are in uncertain scenarios. Your brain works to create, to figure out, to explore, to resolve a problem. And motherhood to me is one of the most uncertain things I’ve ever done. It’s no wonder women are inspired to create when they are mothers—whether they are creating meals, rooms, art, books, or music. We are creative people and when life is stretched the most (aka motherhood) we need to exert creativity. 

9. Have you ever wanted to throw in the towel and quit being an artist? How did you fight past that feeling?

Absolutely. After being published at the age of 25 and being a sought-after speaker, I faced rejection. And I allowed that rejection to define me and to shut down my creativity. Even though my publisher wanted me to write another book, I quit. I stopped writing. It took several years of working through that rejection and rewiring my brain to believe that just because someone said I wasn’t a good writer doesn’t mean that I am not a good writer. That was one person’s opinion. My worth as a creative isn’t tethered to someone else. I spent day in and day out, changing the voice in my head. Recognizing the critical voice and then replacing it with a kind voice: You are enough. You are worthy. You are welcome at the table. Your voice is needed.

And then, I would say that if you feel stuck or desire to throw in the towel, press pause and experience creativity in other ways. During the years before I started the podcast and writing again, I experienced creativity in a different way. I started decorating houses for others. I found great delight in creating pretty and welcoming spaces. Or when I had turned in my manuscript, I needed a break from writing words so I picked up my daughter’s ukulele. Creativity is fluid. Look around and see what inspires you and follow that inspiration.

10. If you could tell moms who long to create as they raise little ones a word of advice or encouragement, what would it be?

Remember that creativity doesn’t have to be about someone else experiencing it; it is an extension of who you are. It doesn’t have to be for sale for it to be worth something. Create even if it will never be seen by others. In these moments, create for yourself whether that is by journaling, drawing, coloring, creating, sewing, or taking up an instrument. Allow the limitations of motherhood to inspire your creativity.

Connect with Sarah: Website // Surviving Sarah Podcast // Raising Boys & Girls Podcast // Instagram // Twitter // Facebook