Above: a snapshot of my corkboard during the writing of Steal Like An Artist, about to be cleared…

I dread the end of a project. Day after day, you’re working on this big thing, and suddenly, it’s over. Now what?

I’d like to be a chain smoker when it comes to projects: use the end of the last one to light the next.

Unfortunately, I’m just not there yet—I don’t have the discipline or the stamina to jump into the next project right away. I need some idleness, play, and a mini-sabbatical to recharge the batteries.

So, I doodle…

…make collages on my iPad with the Mixel app:

…and make de-signs:

…and slowly gather up the momentum to start the next big project.