This was a great post, Dan. The thing I struggle most with is how to share the "multifaceted" me while still achieving "clarity" in my messaging. I'm a historical novelist, a medieval/Renaissance researcher, a spiritual seeker, a writing teacher. At various times, I've had blogs coming from all those different angles. The readers who follow one would not necessarily follow another. People looking for writing tips may not care what I have to say about Celtic Christianity. That's my struggle, and why I haven't revamped my newsletter yet again. I'm frozen like a deer in headlights.
Thank you Alison! I think there is a curiosity and focus that ties together all of your interests. That would be the center of your newsletter. Perhaps in the same manner that I am very aware that most of my readers will not find 1970s decor very appealing, but I love it. They can appreciate my focus on it in this post (as an example), without having to also want that same style.
Dan, thank you for the post and your answer on this, that seems to be important for many of us. What you say makes sense to me. Actually, I see your singular point of view in the metaphorical use of this topic to write about your core themes. But then I think about the scenario where you write and publish a book about 1970s decor. Wouldn't it be good to be connected with an audience that is passionate about it, and not just with your curiosity and focus?
Maybe you don't need to be passionate about whales to enjoy Moby Dick. And if you wrote Moby Dick, maybe whale enthusiasts are the least meaningful readers to you. But as a writer and writing coach, I do think that my content focused on, let's say, how to write a novel, may not be relevant for those who enjoy my fiction writing, and vice versa.
I totally relate! I started a few posts, but stopped because I feel like I need a theme to my writing, and i have so many ideas. I’m hoping to spend some time in the down time ahead to get some clarity and direction. Also, I have to say how much I LOVE those interiors.
I’m not fully myself. I very much swear like a sailor, I make dark jokes, I’m very weird and very sloth-like. As someone with mental health issues to manage, I don’t want to invite criticism from strangers because that upsets my sensitive self. They don’t matter, but I can’t easily weather judgy comments. I have “rejection sensitive dysphoria” and everything sticks to me for longer and more deeply. So, I dial myself back in how I share. This post reminds me that I can still find more ways to share who I am. I’ve gotta ponder this a bit!
Fantastic post and great analogy for advice on maintaining our uniqueness.
And yes, we had velvet wallpaper growing up so the nostalgia wove some wonderful childhood memories into my scroll. Merry Christmas to you and your family Dan.
I love this piece and knew many rooms that looked like the ones you found! There's a restaurant in Coconut Grove, Fl you ought to visit called Lokal. He recreated his 1970's kitchen completely and it now serves ice cream sodas and hot fudge sundaes.
This sounds awesome, Karen! I just looked up this place and the food looks great, too. We’ve been wanting to get away to Fl. so we’ll add this to our list of places to visit. What a fun concept.
I appreciated this so much! There’s always that fear of “what will others think?” That worry that has held me back and kept me stuck in all aspects of my life. The need for validation is real. Ironically it’s at the root of why I write but holds me back at the same time. A vicious cycle. Thanks for this post. A good reminder to simply just be me.
Loved this. I never really thought about a house decorations standing perfectly still, for 50 years! On another note, in your recent seminar you mentioned to not hide the fact that we're writers. Like having one persona for one group, another for another group. So in my tai chi class where I've known fellow members for many years, in talking to one I mentioned I'd been asked to present my books at a local book fair. She was surprised I wrote as I'd never mentioned it. I told her about my books--fiction and non. She liked fiction, I brought my 2 fiction titles with me next week and she bought one and another member, interested by my conversation, took the other. So wow! Thanks for that suggestion. I just felt weird tlll you said that - about bringing it up. THANK YOU Dan!
Thank you for the walk down memory lane, where flocked wallpaper, velvet sofas, and white "French Provincial" furniture ruled! My 1970s bedroom had a pink canopy bed, a fuchsia carpet, and pastel green and pink wallpaper. While I'm glad I don't live in it anymore, I love revisiting the past and often dress vintage. My writing reflects my nostalgia for the past. I was a quirky, nerdy creative kid, and I have never toned that aspect of myself down. But sometimes I think "Am I too much?" Thank you for the validation to keep being that kid.
Hi Dan! Thanks for this fun (and a bit horrifying!) glimpse into the past. I'm still getting over the turquoise my Mom dipped the interior of our home in!!!
One main thing: I've come a long way from 70s interior nightmares and I've now achieved the stage in my life where I speak from my heart. If people don't like it, they are welcome to stop reading; but if they want to know ME, warts and all, I don't hold back. It's my way of honouring who I am and how I've evolved. I have this one (albeit LOUD!) voice and I'm happy to invite people in to see how painting and writing helped me conquer challenges in my life. When people are judgmental, my attitude is, "If you don't like the way I look, don't look at me", always with a shrug. I am here to celebrate my existence, not temper what I'm saying so people will like me. That being said, I hope you like me Dan! Thanks for this conversation.
This is fantastic!! What a wonderful message -- thank you for finding the perfect way to deliver it.
Btw, as I was writing a piece for my substack some months ago, I veered into my childhood love of flocked wallpaper -- and found some on Etsy! ♥️ It's still in its mailing tube, but I plan to hang it up soon.
This post prompted a whirlwind of . . . something. I grew up in the seventies, and can identify with the extensive matchy-matchy rooms, luckily not to the extent in these photos! But when seeing these pictures and reading this post, I was taken back to my own girlhood home. I wondered about who that girl was back then, recalling all the details inside my bedroom, and reflecting on who I have become now. All prompting for an interesting personal essay!
"...expected on the outside, but vibrant on the inside". I love the analogy of the time capsule homes! So important for us to let that inner uniqueness out! Those interiors are amazing! It takes courage to share our inner, textured wallpaper and patterned linoleum, but when we do, it is worth the risk! Love this piece!
After 20 years of living in rented NYC apartments (only *once* have we had a colored wall, and it was that way when we moved in!), it's fun to look at these elaborately decorated spaces. As for online presence...weirdly, I feel like old-school Twitter was my most authentic self. Now that the community has fragmented out to so many platforms, it's like each one has a slightly different vibe. I'll have to think about how I can bring more "me" to my conversations in 2025!
FABULOUS! I live in a time-capsule home. We're its third owners ... it needed work, but we're keeping most of the integrity of the original. Blessed to live in it, and its vibe is cozy. Perfect for a cozy mystery author!
This was a great post, Dan. The thing I struggle most with is how to share the "multifaceted" me while still achieving "clarity" in my messaging. I'm a historical novelist, a medieval/Renaissance researcher, a spiritual seeker, a writing teacher. At various times, I've had blogs coming from all those different angles. The readers who follow one would not necessarily follow another. People looking for writing tips may not care what I have to say about Celtic Christianity. That's my struggle, and why I haven't revamped my newsletter yet again. I'm frozen like a deer in headlights.
Thank you Alison! I think there is a curiosity and focus that ties together all of your interests. That would be the center of your newsletter. Perhaps in the same manner that I am very aware that most of my readers will not find 1970s decor very appealing, but I love it. They can appreciate my focus on it in this post (as an example), without having to also want that same style.
You did blend your interest for 1970s decor and advice to writers very smoothly-- I noticed as I read and was entertained 😂 well done and good point!!
Thanks!
Dan, thank you for the post and your answer on this, that seems to be important for many of us. What you say makes sense to me. Actually, I see your singular point of view in the metaphorical use of this topic to write about your core themes. But then I think about the scenario where you write and publish a book about 1970s decor. Wouldn't it be good to be connected with an audience that is passionate about it, and not just with your curiosity and focus?
Maybe you don't need to be passionate about whales to enjoy Moby Dick. And if you wrote Moby Dick, maybe whale enthusiasts are the least meaningful readers to you. But as a writer and writing coach, I do think that my content focused on, let's say, how to write a novel, may not be relevant for those who enjoy my fiction writing, and vice versa.
Thanks again!
Thanks Ariel!
I totally relate! I started a few posts, but stopped because I feel like I need a theme to my writing, and i have so many ideas. I’m hoping to spend some time in the down time ahead to get some clarity and direction. Also, I have to say how much I LOVE those interiors.
Alison, I have the very same problem. I am thinking about making sections to divide my different interests.
I’m not fully myself. I very much swear like a sailor, I make dark jokes, I’m very weird and very sloth-like. As someone with mental health issues to manage, I don’t want to invite criticism from strangers because that upsets my sensitive self. They don’t matter, but I can’t easily weather judgy comments. I have “rejection sensitive dysphoria” and everything sticks to me for longer and more deeply. So, I dial myself back in how I share. This post reminds me that I can still find more ways to share who I am. I’ve gotta ponder this a bit!
I feel you! Me too. We’re all rejection sensitive, but so far I have had mostly nice experiences here on Substack.
Aw, thank you Megan!
Fantastic post and great analogy for advice on maintaining our uniqueness.
And yes, we had velvet wallpaper growing up so the nostalgia wove some wonderful childhood memories into my scroll. Merry Christmas to you and your family Dan.
Thank you Charlene!!!
I love this piece and knew many rooms that looked like the ones you found! There's a restaurant in Coconut Grove, Fl you ought to visit called Lokal. He recreated his 1970's kitchen completely and it now serves ice cream sodas and hot fudge sundaes.
This sounds awesome, Karen! I just looked up this place and the food looks great, too. We’ve been wanting to get away to Fl. so we’ll add this to our list of places to visit. What a fun concept.
Great burgers!!!
Nice! Thanks Karen.
I appreciated this so much! There’s always that fear of “what will others think?” That worry that has held me back and kept me stuck in all aspects of my life. The need for validation is real. Ironically it’s at the root of why I write but holds me back at the same time. A vicious cycle. Thanks for this post. A good reminder to simply just be me.
Thank you Kimberly!
Okay now I need a “Choose Your Own Adventure” house in my life
Ha! Thanks Michael.
Loved this. I never really thought about a house decorations standing perfectly still, for 50 years! On another note, in your recent seminar you mentioned to not hide the fact that we're writers. Like having one persona for one group, another for another group. So in my tai chi class where I've known fellow members for many years, in talking to one I mentioned I'd been asked to present my books at a local book fair. She was surprised I wrote as I'd never mentioned it. I told her about my books--fiction and non. She liked fiction, I brought my 2 fiction titles with me next week and she bought one and another member, interested by my conversation, took the other. So wow! Thanks for that suggestion. I just felt weird tlll you said that - about bringing it up. THANK YOU Dan!
Yay! Love hearing that. Thank you Jeanine.
Thank you, Dan! For the idea.
Thank you for the walk down memory lane, where flocked wallpaper, velvet sofas, and white "French Provincial" furniture ruled! My 1970s bedroom had a pink canopy bed, a fuchsia carpet, and pastel green and pink wallpaper. While I'm glad I don't live in it anymore, I love revisiting the past and often dress vintage. My writing reflects my nostalgia for the past. I was a quirky, nerdy creative kid, and I have never toned that aspect of myself down. But sometimes I think "Am I too much?" Thank you for the validation to keep being that kid.
Yes! Thank you so much Doreen.
Hi Dan! Thanks for this fun (and a bit horrifying!) glimpse into the past. I'm still getting over the turquoise my Mom dipped the interior of our home in!!!
One main thing: I've come a long way from 70s interior nightmares and I've now achieved the stage in my life where I speak from my heart. If people don't like it, they are welcome to stop reading; but if they want to know ME, warts and all, I don't hold back. It's my way of honouring who I am and how I've evolved. I have this one (albeit LOUD!) voice and I'm happy to invite people in to see how painting and writing helped me conquer challenges in my life. When people are judgmental, my attitude is, "If you don't like the way I look, don't look at me", always with a shrug. I am here to celebrate my existence, not temper what I'm saying so people will like me. That being said, I hope you like me Dan! Thanks for this conversation.
Thanks Lori!
This is fantastic!! What a wonderful message -- thank you for finding the perfect way to deliver it.
Btw, as I was writing a piece for my substack some months ago, I veered into my childhood love of flocked wallpaper -- and found some on Etsy! ♥️ It's still in its mailing tube, but I plan to hang it up soon.
How cool!!!! Thank you Sarah.
This post prompted a whirlwind of . . . something. I grew up in the seventies, and can identify with the extensive matchy-matchy rooms, luckily not to the extent in these photos! But when seeing these pictures and reading this post, I was taken back to my own girlhood home. I wondered about who that girl was back then, recalling all the details inside my bedroom, and reflecting on who I have become now. All prompting for an interesting personal essay!
Aw, thank you Nancy!
"...expected on the outside, but vibrant on the inside". I love the analogy of the time capsule homes! So important for us to let that inner uniqueness out! Those interiors are amazing! It takes courage to share our inner, textured wallpaper and patterned linoleum, but when we do, it is worth the risk! Love this piece!
Thank you Gayle!
oh, gosh, this post got to me!
I love architecture and design, and I love those time capsule homes. the soulless, empty white spaces fill me with dread.
a great way to make the point about our own souls, our own creativity.
Thank you!!!
After 20 years of living in rented NYC apartments (only *once* have we had a colored wall, and it was that way when we moved in!), it's fun to look at these elaborately decorated spaces. As for online presence...weirdly, I feel like old-school Twitter was my most authentic self. Now that the community has fragmented out to so many platforms, it's like each one has a slightly different vibe. I'll have to think about how I can bring more "me" to my conversations in 2025!
Thanks Kathryn!
FABULOUS! I live in a time-capsule home. We're its third owners ... it needed work, but we're keeping most of the integrity of the original. Blessed to live in it, and its vibe is cozy. Perfect for a cozy mystery author!
Cool! Thanks T.K.!
Wow. I think I will start with taking more risks on my home decorating. These houses are awesome!
Thanks Victoria!