If you are reading this, chances are you are a writer, illustrator, artist, or creator of some sort. You have embraced your creative craft, and work to develop it year after year. I’ve always considered how we share to be a craft as well. How we show up. How we listen. How we connect. How we engage. How we celebrate others. How we communicate what drives us. How these things blend together to form aspects of our identity.
This is an excellent essay Dan. It has really struck home with me. The reason I continue reading your newsletter, despite having unsubscribed from almost all others, is because of an underlying philosophy of optimism, a belief that pursuing an artistic endeavour is worthwhile in itself, regardless of success. And I think your suggestion of seeing sharing as a craft, as an opportunity to do something worthwhile, is almost allegorical life advice. That adopting this attitude to everything we do turns it from drudgery to enjoyment. Thank you for the care you take with these newsletters - I really appreciate it.
I agree that sharing is a craft, an important undertaking in itself, connected to but distinct from the work being shared. Or perhaps it's another dimension of that work, one that requires its own skillset and mindset. Which is what I am working on developing now. No question that it full of specific challenges, just as are the other aspects of writing, but I want to consider these opportunities I'm eager to embrace and learn to navigate, rather than chores I need to grit my teeth and muscle through so I can get back to my "real" work.
How you share is a craft
I always find so many useful nuggets of information in your newsletter. Thank you, Dan
This is an excellent essay Dan. It has really struck home with me. The reason I continue reading your newsletter, despite having unsubscribed from almost all others, is because of an underlying philosophy of optimism, a belief that pursuing an artistic endeavour is worthwhile in itself, regardless of success. And I think your suggestion of seeing sharing as a craft, as an opportunity to do something worthwhile, is almost allegorical life advice. That adopting this attitude to everything we do turns it from drudgery to enjoyment. Thank you for the care you take with these newsletters - I really appreciate it.
Excellent post! By the way, I love Jiro Dreams of Sushi, too!
Thanks Dan!
Sharing *is* craft - in some ways the hardest part of the craft of writing. Great piece.
I agree that sharing is a craft, an important undertaking in itself, connected to but distinct from the work being shared. Or perhaps it's another dimension of that work, one that requires its own skillset and mindset. Which is what I am working on developing now. No question that it full of specific challenges, just as are the other aspects of writing, but I want to consider these opportunities I'm eager to embrace and learn to navigate, rather than chores I need to grit my teeth and muscle through so I can get back to my "real" work.