Writing at the Wellspring: Progress Report #2

Table of contents and chapter summaries

Dear Living Dark reader,

This is my second update on the progress I’m making on writing my next book and the associated book proposal to go with it. The usual order of business for writing a nonfiction book is to write the proposal first, then use it to gain either an agent or a publisher, and only then to write the actual book. But right now I’m doing both at the same time. And in fact, both are more than ninety percent finished.

In this update, I reveal the book’s table of contents, followed by a set of detailed descriptions for each chapter. This material is all part of the book proposal.

Revised title and overview of the book

But before that, here are two revisions since my last update:

First, although I announced in my previous update that the book would be titled Beyond Words, I have now changed that to Writing at the Wellspring: Creativity, Life Purpose, Nonduality, and the Daemon Muse. For various reasons of both style and substance, this one appeals to me so much more and feels like it expresses the book’s essence. Of course, in the end it will be the publisher who has control of the title, so it remains to be seen if this one will stand.

Second, the writing of a book proposal, just like the writing of a book, is an iterative process. Changes ask to be made many times over the course of many passes through the text. And changes have now arisen for the book overview that I previously shared with you. In this case, they occurred in tandem with my work on the book itself. Here is the revised overview, which is almost certainly final, and which describes the book’s focus, themes, and intended audience in some detail:

In Writing at the Wellspring, Matt Cardin invites readers on a transformative exploration of the creative process, offering a fresh perspective that bridges the realms of artistic expression, spiritual awakening, and the discovery of life’s purpose. This book weaves together personal anecdotes, literary examples, and philosophical insights to illuminate the path towards a deeper and more fulfilling creative life, even—or especially—amid a world of harrowing apocalyptic transformations.

Cardin challenges conventional notions of the creative process, encouraging writers, artists, and spiritual seekers to move beyond the limitations of resistance, ego, and self-doubt. He introduces the concept of the “daemon muse”—the synergistic union of inner drive with whispered inspiration—as the guiding force behind artistic endeavors. Through reflective explorations and practical exercises, he helps readers connect with this inner source of wisdom, unlock their unique creative voice, and navigate the often-unpredictable terrain of the creative journey. He also encourages creatives to embrace the philosophy of “living into the dark,” trusting intuition and surrendering to the flow of inspiration even when the path ahead is uncertain.

The book delves into the profound connection between creativity and spirituality, exploring the transformative power of nondual awareness—the recognition of oneness and the dissolution of the separate self. In examining the potential tensions and harmonies between these two realms, Cardin offers a path towards integration and a deeper understanding of one’s place in the grand tapestry of existence. He also explores the idea of making one’s life a creative monastery, a sanctuary for the muse even as the world undergoes tumultuous change.

Whether you’re a seasoned writer grappling with creative blocks, an artist seeking deeper meaning in your work, or simply someone yearning for a more purposeful and fulfilling life, Writing at the Wellspring offers wisdom and guidance for navigating the often-turbulent waters of the creative journey. It’s an invitation to embrace the unknown, trust your intuition, and surrender to the flow of inspiration. By aligning with your daemon muse and tapping into the wellspring of creativity that lies within, even in the midst of an outer world that often feels fragmented and chaotic, you can discover a path through the shadows towards authentic self-expression, spiritual growth, and a life lived in fulfillment of your deepest purpose and vision.

Table of Contents

And now, here is the table of contents. Those of you who have been with me for a while and/or who have delved deeply into the TLD archives will recognize that some of the chapter and section titles carry clear echoes of essays previously published here. There are also new things as well, since I’m extensively remixing Living Dark material and combining it with newly written material to produce a book that offers something approaching a coherent journey. As with the book overview, aspects of the TOC are subject to change, but still, what you see here is the result of extensive planning, mulling, and development, so it is very near final.