I wonder where your son gets his love of typewriters from? :)
Several years ago, when I first toyed with the idea of writing my memoir, I mentioned it to nearly everyone. Three people close to me shocked me with this response: "You're too young to write a memoir." What?
Well, I wrote it. It's been through six drafts and I'm in the process of querying for agents right now. Strangely, sometimes when someone tells me I can't or shouldn't do something that I'm passionate about, it gets me moving more quickly on the project.
To answer your question, here's what I do regularly to engage with my favorite authors:
1. After I read one of their books, I post a review and send it to them. My preference is through email, if I can find one, but if not, I go through Substack or their website "contact me" forms.
2. Along with the review, I introduce myself and offer 1-2 sentences on why their book specifically made an impact in my life. I offer gratitude and appreciation for their stories and hard work.
3. If the author is on Substack, I will take a photo of their book or me with their book and post it on Notes, tagging the author and encouraging others to read their book.
I cannot tell you how many incredible connections I have made with other writers by doing this. And by doing so to sincerely bolster their gifts by sharing their stories! I love sharing other people's stories, whether published author or not. And it's because I believe everyone has important stories to tell and everyone's life matters deeply.
In fact, this is why, in part, I began seeking monthly guest features on my own Substack--so that I can highlight people's lives who have gone through incredible difficulties and have found out what it means to rebuild their lives. I'm shocked at the response I've had to this and equally humbled by the stories I have scheduled to publish in the coming months.
What I keep in mind every day is this: LET'S CELEBRATE EACH OTHER!
I have posted on my desk "Live life like you are dying." Why? Life is only temporary and we need to stop using excuses or putting off what we can do today and enjoy life to it's fullest. That means letting other know you are a writer. You don't need to 'brag', just mention it when they ask what you do. I'm retired but still work and write full time when not working. I love what I do--both work and writing. So show your pride in writing. It's nothing to be ashamed of.
Loved the pictures of the boy. He is adorable. And typewriters are just another window to the world he can explore.
Funny, not funny, sad maybe, that we need a permission, a nudge, an encouragement to share the writing, share about our writing life as if it was not a legitimate thing to do, something to hide, keep a secret. I understand that it is because we are vulnerable, yet sharing that one takes photos or goes running is so normal. Your thorough post is helpful. Thank you!
I retired last year though prior to that I often told my coworkers about my writing. Many of them surprised me when at a later date they asked how my book was doing and when it would be published. I also was surprised when I asked colleagues to be beta readers and a number of them really liked the book and were super encouraging.
If it’s ok for people to go on about their favorite sports team then it’s also ok for writers to talk about their books. Many times people are impressed with a writer’s creativity and pronounce they could never come up with an original story.
Be proud of what you create and tell people about it. You will often be pleasantly surprised with the support that comes back.
Great column, Dan. Yesterday, I hit "full send" on my second Substack letter and pushed through that moment of dread. Your advice has been super helpful in getting the ball rolling. I'm enjoying the writing and the sharing, especially the strangers and long-lost friends coming out of the woodwork to read and comment on my mini-essays. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing my Instagram! I like following Sandi Hester on Insta and YouTube. I also enjoy Design Mom. Felicia Forte is also an interesting Insta follow. All of them do deep thinking and share vulnerably. They let themselves be who they are and shine their own light.
Dan, great reminder and I appreciate the tips. I really have trouble sharing with my family (esp. my three sibs). They don’t seem interested, or even to recognize, that I publish weekly on Substack. I’ll work on that and try to stop being tongue-tied!
Thanks Debbie! Sometimes I find that people can’t align to a specific channel/platform. So in this case, maybe they will never be interested in Substack because newsletters or that platform are just so separate to the rest of their life. In these cases, I would explore other ways to loop them into one’s creative work. Yes, it’s more effort, but it could be worth it to find a way to have people one cares about more connected to the work that matters most to you. Hope you are well!
Yes, I've noticed that with my own friends. Sometimes I'll forward them a Substack post I've written in a personal email asking to hear more about their lives and how they relate to the topic I've written on. Of course, some do subscribe to me on Substack which is so rewarding!
Good point; even a simple change in wording (no mention of Substack) would help: “I write a weekly newsletter about [b]old age, from the blessings to the bullshit.” The “tagline” almost always makes people smile!
As always, walked away from this newsletter with such a deep and nuanced understanding of a topic I thought I already knew! Thank you for this. And thanks for the shoutout, Dan. I so appreciate the way you share. 🙏 And I seriously miss my kids’ pillow fort days!!!
Great Post Dan. Thank you! I love Frances_O on IG. She is a designer, working in chain mail, and I discovered her during the pandemic when I was working in northern Iraq. I loved how decadent the early designs were. Emma, the creator behind the brans, shares her trials, people who steal her work, how the algorithms were hiding her posts bc they deemed them pornographic (they are not) etc. She is real and takes us on the journey with her. She also has incredible photography to accompany her posts.
I like how you share. Thanks to you I have been on an unfollowing journey to narrow down how many people I am engaging with. I want to focus on maybe 3-5 platforms instead of 9-10. Thanks for this post. This is further confirmation that I am on the right path.
Hi Dan,
I wonder where your son gets his love of typewriters from? :)
Several years ago, when I first toyed with the idea of writing my memoir, I mentioned it to nearly everyone. Three people close to me shocked me with this response: "You're too young to write a memoir." What?
Well, I wrote it. It's been through six drafts and I'm in the process of querying for agents right now. Strangely, sometimes when someone tells me I can't or shouldn't do something that I'm passionate about, it gets me moving more quickly on the project.
To answer your question, here's what I do regularly to engage with my favorite authors:
1. After I read one of their books, I post a review and send it to them. My preference is through email, if I can find one, but if not, I go through Substack or their website "contact me" forms.
2. Along with the review, I introduce myself and offer 1-2 sentences on why their book specifically made an impact in my life. I offer gratitude and appreciation for their stories and hard work.
3. If the author is on Substack, I will take a photo of their book or me with their book and post it on Notes, tagging the author and encouraging others to read their book.
I cannot tell you how many incredible connections I have made with other writers by doing this. And by doing so to sincerely bolster their gifts by sharing their stories! I love sharing other people's stories, whether published author or not. And it's because I believe everyone has important stories to tell and everyone's life matters deeply.
In fact, this is why, in part, I began seeking monthly guest features on my own Substack--so that I can highlight people's lives who have gone through incredible difficulties and have found out what it means to rebuild their lives. I'm shocked at the response I've had to this and equally humbled by the stories I have scheduled to publish in the coming months.
What I keep in mind every day is this: LET'S CELEBRATE EACH OTHER!
Love that! Thank you Jeannie.
Incredible! Thank you for sharing!
Good counsel here.
Thank you JB.
I have posted on my desk "Live life like you are dying." Why? Life is only temporary and we need to stop using excuses or putting off what we can do today and enjoy life to it's fullest. That means letting other know you are a writer. You don't need to 'brag', just mention it when they ask what you do. I'm retired but still work and write full time when not working. I love what I do--both work and writing. So show your pride in writing. It's nothing to be ashamed of.
Loved the pictures of the boy. He is adorable. And typewriters are just another window to the world he can explore.
Thank you B.A.!
Funny, not funny, sad maybe, that we need a permission, a nudge, an encouragement to share the writing, share about our writing life as if it was not a legitimate thing to do, something to hide, keep a secret. I understand that it is because we are vulnerable, yet sharing that one takes photos or goes running is so normal. Your thorough post is helpful. Thank you!
Thank you Terje!
I retired last year though prior to that I often told my coworkers about my writing. Many of them surprised me when at a later date they asked how my book was doing and when it would be published. I also was surprised when I asked colleagues to be beta readers and a number of them really liked the book and were super encouraging.
If it’s ok for people to go on about their favorite sports team then it’s also ok for writers to talk about their books. Many times people are impressed with a writer’s creativity and pronounce they could never come up with an original story.
Be proud of what you create and tell people about it. You will often be pleasantly surprised with the support that comes back.
Nice! Thanks Bruce.
Great column, Dan. Yesterday, I hit "full send" on my second Substack letter and pushed through that moment of dread. Your advice has been super helpful in getting the ball rolling. I'm enjoying the writing and the sharing, especially the strangers and long-lost friends coming out of the woodwork to read and comment on my mini-essays. Thanks.
Thank you Elisa — and congratulations!
Thank you for sharing my Instagram! I like following Sandi Hester on Insta and YouTube. I also enjoy Design Mom. Felicia Forte is also an interesting Insta follow. All of them do deep thinking and share vulnerably. They let themselves be who they are and shine their own light.
Thank you Megan!
Dan, great reminder and I appreciate the tips. I really have trouble sharing with my family (esp. my three sibs). They don’t seem interested, or even to recognize, that I publish weekly on Substack. I’ll work on that and try to stop being tongue-tied!
Thanks Debbie! Sometimes I find that people can’t align to a specific channel/platform. So in this case, maybe they will never be interested in Substack because newsletters or that platform are just so separate to the rest of their life. In these cases, I would explore other ways to loop them into one’s creative work. Yes, it’s more effort, but it could be worth it to find a way to have people one cares about more connected to the work that matters most to you. Hope you are well!
Yes, I've noticed that with my own friends. Sometimes I'll forward them a Substack post I've written in a personal email asking to hear more about their lives and how they relate to the topic I've written on. Of course, some do subscribe to me on Substack which is so rewarding!
Thanks Amanda!
Good point; even a simple change in wording (no mention of Substack) would help: “I write a weekly newsletter about [b]old age, from the blessings to the bullshit.” The “tagline” almost always makes people smile!
Well… since you asked, I write. I write about music therapy and music and wellness. I write about the healing power of music! Best…
Thanks Raymond!
Dan - I continue to be amazed at your voice and how committed to it to your credit and benefit.
I like to get into postive flow states with my writing process - but you convey the importance of me sharing it with those around me.
Thank for another great post.
Aw, thank you Bronce!!!
Another great post, Dan! Sharing as a craft has been a game changer for me. And thanks for the link to my work!
Thank you K.!
Dan, I love your concept of sharing as craft. I am using that as a framing device to think about my Creative Mindshift goals.
Thank you Denise!
inspiring and insightful, as always. Thank you, Dan.
Thanks Maria!
As always, walked away from this newsletter with such a deep and nuanced understanding of a topic I thought I already knew! Thank you for this. And thanks for the shoutout, Dan. I so appreciate the way you share. 🙏 And I seriously miss my kids’ pillow fort days!!!
Aw, thanks Kelly!
Great Post Dan. Thank you! I love Frances_O on IG. She is a designer, working in chain mail, and I discovered her during the pandemic when I was working in northern Iraq. I loved how decadent the early designs were. Emma, the creator behind the brans, shares her trials, people who steal her work, how the algorithms were hiding her posts bc they deemed them pornographic (they are not) etc. She is real and takes us on the journey with her. She also has incredible photography to accompany her posts.
Thank you Alex!
I like how you share. Thanks to you I have been on an unfollowing journey to narrow down how many people I am engaging with. I want to focus on maybe 3-5 platforms instead of 9-10. Thanks for this post. This is further confirmation that I am on the right path.
Thanks!
You’re welcome!