I relate to point five—share and then move on. This includes sharing conversations with friends and colleagues or family in person, not just online. I put ideas and thoughts out there because it is part of the broader activity of communicating in the world. This is part of living life. Thanks Dan.
Thanks, James, for reminding me it's not just online. Like when I tell a joke at a gathering and ... It's so important to be our true selves, flops and successes and all.
Thanks for asking, James! Spellbound Mystery Magazine is about 1.5 years old now. As I say in my mission statement: "Our mission is twofold: finding good mysteries for you and supporting noteworthy indie/under-the-radar mystery authors. Enjoy mystery book reviews, short stories, mystery trends and puzzles – even a writing contest you can enter!"
Writers and readers need to connect, and I am trying to help them, one issue at a time. The magazine comes out semi-monthly and it's a lot of fun to create. Check it out (if you like mysteries). I offer a free and premium tier. Best wishes with all your creative ventures from Ventura. (I'm in Novato, CA.)
I will check it out, Lynda- thanks for the heads up. I like mysteries — always have — it started with the Hardy Boys decades ago. Still, finding good stuff is difficult for me... tons of books, but very few that roll my socks. I will see if your publication will help me make better choices — that would be valuable.
Haha. Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew sure left an impression on our generation! I often hear both series referred to. Hope you find some new mysteries to enjoy!
I share this sentiment … no, it’s not a sentiment but an existential stance. I like to “communicate in the world.” Social media’s clownishness and manipulativeness can screw with that stance, so I’m really taking a lot from Dan’s perspectives.
Hi Dan. You nailed it when you wrote, "When you share something and no one seems to care". I had to learn not to take it personally when I thought I was so clever and the world...yawned!
You've helped me understand that my voice matters; not on my schedule, but when the person who needs to hear those words arrives.
Thank you for all you do to help other writers work be seen. It is so great to have those opportunities available. I also appreciated what you said about sharing. It is such a delicate balance knowing how much to share and opening yourself up and being vulnerable. Choosing who and what to share can be a challenge too. But it is important to open that door and walk through it. What you get back can be life changing.
I’ve enjoyed this series so much, Dan. I’ve been considering a lot of what you shared about sharing today and this felt especially timely. “You can post about an experience later, and it will not diminish other people’s perception of it.” Thank you!
I think a lot about how social media has changed. I was one of the betas for Facebook, in 1999 when it was only for college students. So strange how "primitive" it seemed back then - or rather, simple.
I miss simple.
Everything online is so complicated and frenetic. I like how you reminded us that we get to choose how, and when, and why we show up online.
For me, it's sticking to the micromoments of noticing small but delightful events in my day, often through my kids' eyes. It's sharing what's called microkindnesses - a smile, a compliment, a small note. These matter. They make a huge difference in a world where technology is paramount over human connection.
That's why I love what you share every week, too, Dan. Because you focus on authenticity and what it means to be human in an increasingly digitized world - without succumbing to it and in choosing what we want to use and what we can give ourselves permission to discard.
Thanks, especially for #5. And thanks for sharing your family with us. I love watching your sons live into their callings. What lucky kids to have such supportive parents. You walk the talk.
I had a "Dan Blank moment" recently. My latest Substack Post had gotten fewer likes and comments than usual . . . but an occasional friend called me up to talk about it and we had a long and lively conversation--and this human-to-human connection felt great.
I relate to point five—share and then move on. This includes sharing conversations with friends and colleagues or family in person, not just online. I put ideas and thoughts out there because it is part of the broader activity of communicating in the world. This is part of living life. Thanks Dan.
Thank you James!
Thanks, James, for reminding me it's not just online. Like when I tell a joke at a gathering and ... It's so important to be our true selves, flops and successes and all.
Thanks, Lynda. Hmm. Spellbound mystery magazine. Tell me more — what is it about?
Thanks for asking, James! Spellbound Mystery Magazine is about 1.5 years old now. As I say in my mission statement: "Our mission is twofold: finding good mysteries for you and supporting noteworthy indie/under-the-radar mystery authors. Enjoy mystery book reviews, short stories, mystery trends and puzzles – even a writing contest you can enter!"
Writers and readers need to connect, and I am trying to help them, one issue at a time. The magazine comes out semi-monthly and it's a lot of fun to create. Check it out (if you like mysteries). I offer a free and premium tier. Best wishes with all your creative ventures from Ventura. (I'm in Novato, CA.)
I will check it out, Lynda- thanks for the heads up. I like mysteries — always have — it started with the Hardy Boys decades ago. Still, finding good stuff is difficult for me... tons of books, but very few that roll my socks. I will see if your publication will help me make better choices — that would be valuable.
Haha. Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew sure left an impression on our generation! I often hear both series referred to. Hope you find some new mysteries to enjoy!
I share this sentiment … no, it’s not a sentiment but an existential stance. I like to “communicate in the world.” Social media’s clownishness and manipulativeness can screw with that stance, so I’m really taking a lot from Dan’s perspectives.
Thank you Andres!
Hi Dan. You nailed it when you wrote, "When you share something and no one seems to care". I had to learn not to take it personally when I thought I was so clever and the world...yawned!
You've helped me understand that my voice matters; not on my schedule, but when the person who needs to hear those words arrives.
Thanks for reinforcing what Dan wrote. I just printed #5 out to remind me to let people yawn.
Hi Lynda.
It's setting your voice free that matters; the world needs your message. Each of us has a unique gift to share.
Wishing you the best, especially on days when it's hard to create; you are never alone.
Thanks, Lori! Best to you too!
Aw, thank you Lori!
Thank you for all you do to help other writers work be seen. It is so great to have those opportunities available. I also appreciated what you said about sharing. It is such a delicate balance knowing how much to share and opening yourself up and being vulnerable. Choosing who and what to share can be a challenge too. But it is important to open that door and walk through it. What you get back can be life changing.
Thank you so much Iris!!!
I nodded along to nearly every point in the "Why We Resist Sharing" section, thanks for articulating those!
Thank you Tyler!
I’ve enjoyed this series so much, Dan. I’ve been considering a lot of what you shared about sharing today and this felt especially timely. “You can post about an experience later, and it will not diminish other people’s perception of it.” Thank you!
Aw, thank you Erin!
We have a giant children's dictionary, too, Dan!
I think a lot about how social media has changed. I was one of the betas for Facebook, in 1999 when it was only for college students. So strange how "primitive" it seemed back then - or rather, simple.
I miss simple.
Everything online is so complicated and frenetic. I like how you reminded us that we get to choose how, and when, and why we show up online.
For me, it's sticking to the micromoments of noticing small but delightful events in my day, often through my kids' eyes. It's sharing what's called microkindnesses - a smile, a compliment, a small note. These matter. They make a huge difference in a world where technology is paramount over human connection.
That's why I love what you share every week, too, Dan. Because you focus on authenticity and what it means to be human in an increasingly digitized world - without succumbing to it and in choosing what we want to use and what we can give ourselves permission to discard.
That is incredibly kind of you to say, thank you Jeannie! And as always, it’s amazing to hear how you are navigating all of this.
Thank you, Dan - this was really helpful.
Thanks Kerry!
These are really great insights and recommendations (as usual), Dan — thank you!
Thank you Charlie!
I’ve recently been inspired to start writing again and just beginning to think about posting. This resonates! You are always inspiring. Thank you!
Yay! Thank you Allison!
Thanks, especially for #5. And thanks for sharing your family with us. I love watching your sons live into their callings. What lucky kids to have such supportive parents. You walk the talk.
Oh, thank you Lynda!
I had a "Dan Blank moment" recently. My latest Substack Post had gotten fewer likes and comments than usual . . . but an occasional friend called me up to talk about it and we had a long and lively conversation--and this human-to-human connection felt great.
Love that! Thank you Catherine.
I have to say I am nearly all of those bullet points. Oy. :\
However, I did step #2 all the time when I was on FB, which I'm no longer on (and don't regret).
Thank you T.R.!
-- super jealous of that ice cream shop!
It’s a nice little treat. Thanks LuLu!