Another perspective I've found on "going deep to find your voice" is this: take the time to appreciate what you're doing with your writing no matter what it looks like at this point. I find writers are rushing, doing too much at once oftentimes, signing up for every social media mode almost willy-nilly, feeling compelled to market like the next writer, and so on. There's an old saying that to rush is like "sucking at air" and not always accomplishing much more than survival. What I like about what you say boils down to this for me: Writers have to take stock of their writing goals and take the time to plan to be satisfied with every little step and to APPRECIATE their own talent. It's okay to toast our own talent. And you pretty much say that. Thanks, Dan. Happy holidays!
Dan, I will always value the time I spent working with you one-on-one a few years ago. Your personalized process made an indelible impact on me. And I love the focus of that one question here in your essay today: "What is one thing that made you feel most alive?" It's a question I will revisit now that I'm older and have a couple of extra years of life to add to that experience. These are the questions I love the most - the ones that help me dive more deeply into myself and my life and what matters most to me. Thank you!
The moment I keep reflecting on this year came just this week when I posted about my father's death on my SS. I wrote about things I had never voiced out loud and the ground didn't open up and swallow me whole.
Thanks for an insightful post @Dan Blank encouraging us writers to take risks. Couldn’t agree more that it’s the process of the risk taking vs. the outcome that’s fulfilling.
I finished my first novel! And then I discovered what was wrong with it. It seems I'd forgotten to put in a plot. Careless of me. Now, after a period of resistance, I'm re-working my material, a second voyage of discovery.
I keep reflecting back on the moment in August when I thought, “I’m stuck (in my writing). And I need help.” Admitting I needed help was a real breakthrough moment for me. Then I found you! And I’m very grateful! :)
I feel most alive when (and just after) I'm writing, so writing a post almost every week for my Substack The Pleasure Principle (https://catherinehiller.substack.com/) means I have a weekly deadline and a weekly joy! Thanks for starting me on this path, Dan.
Another perspective I've found on "going deep to find your voice" is this: take the time to appreciate what you're doing with your writing no matter what it looks like at this point. I find writers are rushing, doing too much at once oftentimes, signing up for every social media mode almost willy-nilly, feeling compelled to market like the next writer, and so on. There's an old saying that to rush is like "sucking at air" and not always accomplishing much more than survival. What I like about what you say boils down to this for me: Writers have to take stock of their writing goals and take the time to plan to be satisfied with every little step and to APPRECIATE their own talent. It's okay to toast our own talent. And you pretty much say that. Thanks, Dan. Happy holidays!
Love that — thank you Christine!
Dan, I will always value the time I spent working with you one-on-one a few years ago. Your personalized process made an indelible impact on me. And I love the focus of that one question here in your essay today: "What is one thing that made you feel most alive?" It's a question I will revisit now that I'm older and have a couple of extra years of life to add to that experience. These are the questions I love the most - the ones that help me dive more deeply into myself and my life and what matters most to me. Thank you!
Aw, thank you Jeannie!
The moment I keep reflecting on this year came just this week when I posted about my father's death on my SS. I wrote about things I had never voiced out loud and the ground didn't open up and swallow me whole.
Thank you Lisa! I just read your post!
Thank you so much Dan. I really admire the way you help and support writers. When my memoir comes out, I'd like to work with you to help launch it.
Thank you Lisa!!!! Reach out when you are ready to chat about that.
Always a highlight to remember our work together!
Aw, thank you Mary!
The moment: holding my father's hand while he passed away.
Thank you Robin.
Thanks for an insightful post @Dan Blank encouraging us writers to take risks. Couldn’t agree more that it’s the process of the risk taking vs. the outcome that’s fulfilling.
Thank you Lindsey!!!
Great post, thanks Dan. Quick question - on the Dec 13 Zoom @ 10am. What time zone, please? Maybe I missed the zone. Thank you.
Hi Jeanine! The workshop this Friday is at 1pm ET.
Thank you!
I finished my first novel! And then I discovered what was wrong with it. It seems I'd forgotten to put in a plot. Careless of me. Now, after a period of resistance, I'm re-working my material, a second voyage of discovery.
Yay for reworking it! Thank for sharing this Elena, I think a lot of writers face this situation.
I keep reflecting back on the moment in August when I thought, “I’m stuck (in my writing). And I need help.” Admitting I needed help was a real breakthrough moment for me. Then I found you! And I’m very grateful! :)
Aw, than you Ali!
I love the three themes- specifically, the outcome is rarely the main thrust of the story, it’s the process of taking them.
Thanks Leann!
I feel most alive when (and just after) I'm writing, so writing a post almost every week for my Substack The Pleasure Principle (https://catherinehiller.substack.com/) means I have a weekly deadline and a weekly joy! Thanks for starting me on this path, Dan.
I now have 89 posts!
Yay!
Thank you Catherine!
Yay, Dan! Love this post and fun to see myself in it :)
Thank you!!!