Sometimes we come to the cards expecting confirmation that we're tired, wrestling with imposter syndrome, or sad for the losses we've faced, and sometimes the cards surprise and say, "Well, okay, here's Page of Cups!" Sometimes the cards say: The project is not the point. The work is the point. And the work should be play.

In this Fool & the Page interview, Claire speaks with author Carolyn Cohagan about her new book IDA AND THE UNFINISHED CITY, plus the power of pondering things on the page and having the guts to tell your own story, and all in the company of King of Swords. Other topics include: making a great monster, messages from the beyond, Carolyn’s “weird psyche” (her words!) and Barbie Goes to Summer Camp. Enjoy!

https://www.girlswithpens.org/

https://www.carolyncohagan.com/

This episode comes courtesy of a listener request from fellow writer and fabric artist Casey Bernard. As a Pisces, I look forward to any opportunity to chat about The Moon card, especially how this energy can pose potent questions for our creative process. How can we travel through darkness with ease and grace? How can we lean into our weird? Subtopics from this episode include: getting lost in the literal wilderness.

In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire responds to a listener’s request for Page of Wands and dives into this card of creative power, folding in such topics as a capella YouTube stars, Dame Joan Plowright, and self-administered COVID tests.

Upcoming class mentioned in this episode:

In this episode of The Fool and the Page, Claire pulls Ten of Pentacles for the writer-in-transition. OKAY. So what can a card that we associate with stability have to say about change? LOTS. And that includes: old money hounds, Taylor Swift, Queen Elizabeth II + Claire's equal inability to weep, and most importantly--pausing to recognize and celebrate all that we are and all that we've gathered before we make the move into something brand new.

In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire interviews friend, former improv teammate, and talented actress Gloria Tsai. She and Glow talk about her big move to LA, narrating steamy romance audiobooks, performing in virtual theater, and her biggest hopes and dreams, along with Knight of Cups and the Justice card (because even ambition needs balance, self-care, and the occasional reality check, y'all).

You can follow Glow on FB/IG/Tw @glowtsai and learn more about Glow here: www.GloriaTsai.com

She is currently wrapping up a virtual production of "Sex" by Mae West for Play Your Part Seattle and you can get tickets here: https://www.playyourpartseattle.org/tickets

In this episode of TFATP, Claire forgets to introduce herself (her name is Claire Campbell, nice to meet youuuu!), and explores how the Tower might respond to the writer in need of focus, and the Tower is like, “Ummm, hi. Do you really want to hold onto these old systems and structures here? Because I’d like to burn them down.” References include Fiona Shaw (British actor) and Gwyneth Paltrow (pretending to be British). Reflective questions include: How can we let go of our egoic ideas of what our work is supposed to be and embrace the process itself?

Upcoming online class to embrace new structures of making: https://www.thewritingbarn.com/class/mini-weekend-warrior-retreat-with-claire-campbell/

In this episode of The Fool & the Page, Claire asks: How can we cut through the noise? King of Wands is here to help us grow into our highest and best creative selves. Other random topics: zucchini bread and Reese Witherspoon’s Instagram feed. All followed by guided writing activities to help you (or your character) harness your inner King of Wands.