What a lovely pic of your mother! A friend bought a life-like cat that could mew and move for her mother, who rejected it as childish. One evening I held it on my lap, inspecting its moves and petting it but then forgot about it. Ten minutes later as I was chatting away, it started to slip off. I screamed and pulled it back to safety.
I feel like leaving a comment that simply says, "So good." But then, that's how I feel about all of your posts, Dan. So here's my attempt at saying something novel: "So, so good." 😊
Your heartful approach to cultivating a creative identity and sharing it with the world in a way that's organically sound and authentic to the creative impulse itself always resonates.
Responding to your question about the kinds of moment I'd love to have with my readers: I cherish moments when a reader feels moved to let me know, or to tell someone else, that something I wrote riveted them in their seat with a sense of intense identification, of having their own deepest thoughts, or feelings, or intuitions, or insights, or inchoate/unarticulated longings or perceptions, spoken to them from the outside by me. I cherish this as a writer because it's the reaction I seek and value the most as a reader. In the chapter in WALDEN on reading, Thoreau famously spoke of the vast importance of books in transforming people's lives: "How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book! The book exists for us, perchance, which will explain our miracles and reveal new ones." WALDEN was one such book for me, and there have been several others. My most fulfilling moments with my own readers have been those times when I've learned that something I wrote had even a fraction of the effect Thoreau describes.
I’ve been smirking all afternoon after I read these lines:
“You don’t forge meaningful relationships by walking into a room and yelling your bio and book description. Or then saying, “And my brand color is orange!””
I read them in a coffee shop in my neighborhood where I was heartened to see people meeting friends for slow lunches and several reading novels. It reminded me that for serendipity to do its magic - in the physical or online world - we have to be in that world.
Publishing a weekly email newsletter on Substack has forced me to define who I am as a writer and speak to that each week. I share a science fiction topic that I care about and showcase books written by other authors that speak to that topic. I'm working on my third book, though with nothing published yet, this writing can't speak for me. Writing a Substack newsletter and interacting with others who interested in the same topics as me is how I show who I am. It's sometimes a challenge, but it's been fun so far and has stretched my creativity. It's also connecting me with others who care about the same topics and authors as I do. This way when I do have a published book I'll have an audience I can share it with.
I took notes on this one, Dan. Love the section that begins, "Your creative identity is how you and your work make people feel ..." and all the way through "how you and your work speak to one individual." Yes to that entire section! Lots to process there. Thanks!
I love this photo of your mom! I have a little stuffed dog named Yo-Yo and my grandkids love him. ♥️ I feel a lot of pressure around this topic, to be “interesting,” as you mention. This took the pressure off a little: “Each day, we craft a version of ourselves.” It made me think on a smaller more manageable scale, “How will I connect with my readers TODAY?”
Because of your essay today, you are helping me reflect more deeply about the concept of trust. It occurred to me as I read that I've always had some sort of invisible wall between me and my audience, that I was afraid of trusting them with what I share publicly--because I am terrified of rejection. Now, I am actively working through that unfounded, or exaggerated, feeling of terror when I go to therapy, but it's also interesting to have this lightbulb moment from reading your essay and realizing that I have to somehow break down that wall between me and the reader, because they can sense it anyway. They already know it's there.
And I think I've found the courage to take it down. Thanks, as always, Dan.
I would love to help my readers feel safe and welcomed! (Recently a baby’s parents at work told me they remembered me from their older child’s NICU stay— and what they remembered was my “calming” voice. Then the dad quickly added “well, we remember your face too!” 😂)
Just a couple of days ago my sister and I were discussing the topic "should a book sell itself." I think Dan addresses that question with some great insights in this post.
Sharing oneself with others is a great way to touch the world and be touched by the world one person at a time. I always appreciate you sharing your inspiration, your process, your boundaries. Being a writer is a delicate balance between intensive seclusion and public engagement. I think being in the world in whatever way we can each show up will then contribute to our distinct message when we put pen to paper. I am working on that balance as I plan my own launch of Substack as a new venue to share my writing and build community. I keep circling around to get it right: who am I and what is my message? What frames my writing and my engagement? I am beginning to realize that engagement will help define those answers, so wish me luck that I will take the leap and get past Coming soon...
This one did make me smile! The absurdity of a total absence of musicians from YouTube 😄
I am enjoying reflecting on my creative identity.. I loved the invitation you shared on Tuesday, and looking forward to sharing my learning before this coming Tuesday. Thank you Dan ✨
I try to pick topics that I think are not spoken about enough. When I manage to put my finger on something important and it resonates, I can see in the comments that people are engaged and feel seen. It is during those times I feel I hit pay dirt.
Thanks, Dan. Another important message. As for me, one of the reasons I'm switching my newsletter from MailChimp to Substact, is so I can have more dialogues with readers/subscribers via the comments section, something MailChimp didn't invite. And thank you again for your videos on using Substack, I just referred another friend this morning.
What a lovely pic of your mother! A friend bought a life-like cat that could mew and move for her mother, who rejected it as childish. One evening I held it on my lap, inspecting its moves and petting it but then forgot about it. Ten minutes later as I was chatting away, it started to slip off. I screamed and pulled it back to safety.
Ha! Thank you Elena!
Your mother is a very lovely lady! She thrives because you take the time to know what she needs, and what will pique her interest!
Thanks Bonnie!
I feel like leaving a comment that simply says, "So good." But then, that's how I feel about all of your posts, Dan. So here's my attempt at saying something novel: "So, so good." 😊
Your heartful approach to cultivating a creative identity and sharing it with the world in a way that's organically sound and authentic to the creative impulse itself always resonates.
Responding to your question about the kinds of moment I'd love to have with my readers: I cherish moments when a reader feels moved to let me know, or to tell someone else, that something I wrote riveted them in their seat with a sense of intense identification, of having their own deepest thoughts, or feelings, or intuitions, or insights, or inchoate/unarticulated longings or perceptions, spoken to them from the outside by me. I cherish this as a writer because it's the reaction I seek and value the most as a reader. In the chapter in WALDEN on reading, Thoreau famously spoke of the vast importance of books in transforming people's lives: "How many a man has dated a new era in his life from the reading of a book! The book exists for us, perchance, which will explain our miracles and reveal new ones." WALDEN was one such book for me, and there have been several others. My most fulfilling moments with my own readers have been those times when I've learned that something I wrote had even a fraction of the effect Thoreau describes.
Love that, thank you Matt! And I so appreciate the kind words.
I feel that way too Matt.
I’ve been smirking all afternoon after I read these lines:
“You don’t forge meaningful relationships by walking into a room and yelling your bio and book description. Or then saying, “And my brand color is orange!””
I read them in a coffee shop in my neighborhood where I was heartened to see people meeting friends for slow lunches and several reading novels. It reminded me that for serendipity to do its magic - in the physical or online world - we have to be in that world.
This part lingers with me too! So funny. I love your thought about the coffee shop as well.
Thank you Kelly!
Publishing a weekly email newsletter on Substack has forced me to define who I am as a writer and speak to that each week. I share a science fiction topic that I care about and showcase books written by other authors that speak to that topic. I'm working on my third book, though with nothing published yet, this writing can't speak for me. Writing a Substack newsletter and interacting with others who interested in the same topics as me is how I show who I am. It's sometimes a challenge, but it's been fun so far and has stretched my creativity. It's also connecting me with others who care about the same topics and authors as I do. This way when I do have a published book I'll have an audience I can share it with.
Thank you Bruce!
I took notes on this one, Dan. Love the section that begins, "Your creative identity is how you and your work make people feel ..." and all the way through "how you and your work speak to one individual." Yes to that entire section! Lots to process there. Thanks!
Thank you Sarah!
I love this photo of your mom! I have a little stuffed dog named Yo-Yo and my grandkids love him. ♥️ I feel a lot of pressure around this topic, to be “interesting,” as you mention. This took the pressure off a little: “Each day, we craft a version of ourselves.” It made me think on a smaller more manageable scale, “How will I connect with my readers TODAY?”
Nice! Thank you Leanne!
Dan,
Because of your essay today, you are helping me reflect more deeply about the concept of trust. It occurred to me as I read that I've always had some sort of invisible wall between me and my audience, that I was afraid of trusting them with what I share publicly--because I am terrified of rejection. Now, I am actively working through that unfounded, or exaggerated, feeling of terror when I go to therapy, but it's also interesting to have this lightbulb moment from reading your essay and realizing that I have to somehow break down that wall between me and the reader, because they can sense it anyway. They already know it's there.
And I think I've found the courage to take it down. Thanks, as always, Dan.
Wow! Thank you Jeannie!
I would love to help my readers feel safe and welcomed! (Recently a baby’s parents at work told me they remembered me from their older child’s NICU stay— and what they remembered was my “calming” voice. Then the dad quickly added “well, we remember your face too!” 😂)
Awe! Love that!!! Thanks Kim.
Just a couple of days ago my sister and I were discussing the topic "should a book sell itself." I think Dan addresses that question with some great insights in this post.
Thanks David!
Sharing oneself with others is a great way to touch the world and be touched by the world one person at a time. I always appreciate you sharing your inspiration, your process, your boundaries. Being a writer is a delicate balance between intensive seclusion and public engagement. I think being in the world in whatever way we can each show up will then contribute to our distinct message when we put pen to paper. I am working on that balance as I plan my own launch of Substack as a new venue to share my writing and build community. I keep circling around to get it right: who am I and what is my message? What frames my writing and my engagement? I am beginning to realize that engagement will help define those answers, so wish me luck that I will take the leap and get past Coming soon...
Thank you Christa!
This one did make me smile! The absurdity of a total absence of musicians from YouTube 😄
I am enjoying reflecting on my creative identity.. I loved the invitation you shared on Tuesday, and looking forward to sharing my learning before this coming Tuesday. Thank you Dan ✨
Thank you Kay!
I try to pick topics that I think are not spoken about enough. When I manage to put my finger on something important and it resonates, I can see in the comments that people are engaged and feel seen. It is during those times I feel I hit pay dirt.
Thank you Ilona!
I've been reading your newsletter for several years, Dan and I always find valuable insights to this crazy Writer's Life. Thank you!
Awe, thank you Tracey!
Thanks, Dan. Another important message. As for me, one of the reasons I'm switching my newsletter from MailChimp to Substact, is so I can have more dialogues with readers/subscribers via the comments section, something MailChimp didn't invite. And thank you again for your videos on using Substack, I just referred another friend this morning.
Nice! Thanks Judy.
Love how you think, Dan,
That is very kind of you — thanks Mary Beth!