I felt better after reading this, knowing that when I share my writing, I'm trying to do what you said - engage with individuals, and to stop feeling guilty about "over" sharing or promoting myself.
I needed this post... I am struggling to write. Anything. I have a blog and substack. I write children's books and I have a novel and I have been struggling to do them. For many of these exact reasons. Thank you for this encouragement to just believe in myself and my work.
Hi Dan. Loved this, and thanks for getting me to revisit my thoughts about Kurt Cobain. I remember seeing Nirvana on SNL and having an "older person" reaction: "they need to shower" and then LISTENING and regretting my first comment. I became a fan, watched them playing corporate America as if with a mouse. I had to acknowledge ALL of the brilliance: the lyrics, the anger, the brokenness. Kurt Cobain helped to open my world; I listened to everything, from Grunge to Hip Hop Gangsta Rap, all from having my heart opened by Cobain.
My voice deserves to be heard in the same way and you Dan, have helped me see that there is room for my creative voice in this maelstrom of energy that we creatives thrive in.
As always Dan, I'm grateful here in the Canadian Rockies.
Thanks for writing this, it hits the right amount of encouragement and also pragmatism for approaching the next stage - marketing. I have always been shy, yet very creative, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to writing. Dreams of big success while hiding in the shadows and just creating in anonymity. Big shock when I found out that that isn’t going to work, and I need to actually put myself out there. It does NOT come naturally, and a few years ago that would have put me off trying at all. I would have hung up my author cap and turned to something else. But in the last few years I’ve been unbotheredly working on my story, and now I can’t put it away. It wants and needs to get out there in the world.
So it’s heartening to know it’s a struggle for everyone, and I’ll do my best to put the cringe aside and give my story justice. When it’s ready!
P.S Bravo to the little pianist. I play too, always a joy to see a young musician finding their passion
I attended a webinar about three years ago when you were advising people about starting a Substack. I think it was through Jane Friedman. Anyway, you said to write your passion. Just do it. So I did! This Won't End Well: On Loving Greek Tragedy is what I always wanted to write, and it's led me to a wonderful community here. Thank you, Dan. (I sure hope that I already thanked you somewhere, in some way.)
The "little guy's" intensity and focus inspired me as much if not more than message in your newsletter. (Sorry, Dan). Especially, near the end of the second video when he is working through how he wants it to sound. Tell him he inspired a writer today!
This is such a great reminder. We often think we're being annoying, but in today's world of algorithms and overwhelming info, our voices get lost. The percentage of people who see our posts is miniscule, so rinse and repeat! And those who see everything you share are probably your superfans anyway. Somebody out there wants to hear what YOU have to say, but you'll never find them if you don't put yourself out there.
This was really interesting. Common advice to authors over the past few years has been to write more, write faster, write harder, not to write what they love, and really lean into it.
When I was struggling with money (etc) a few years back, people kept sharing 'writing jobs' with me, which was nice, but... I don't want to be a writer; I want to write specific things.
Dig this article so much. Yes, I am guilty of feeling like a burden at times and justified at the same time because I wasn't conscious about it 😂 until you just pointed it out. Oh, and Smells Like Teen Spirit is a song I passed down to my grandchildren! Very classic. Great comparison how Curt wanted to appear as an artist. Great job 🤜🏾
One of the things I appreciate about your posts is that you have your fingers on the pulse of what writers need. "Your writing matters. Believing in your work is an essential step to reaching your readers" is an excellent mantra.
Love this so much. Thank you for sharing. It was very encouraging during a time where I need it most.
Oh, thank you Déjà!
I felt better after reading this, knowing that when I share my writing, I'm trying to do what you said - engage with individuals, and to stop feeling guilty about "over" sharing or promoting myself.
Thanks Doreen!
I needed this post... I am struggling to write. Anything. I have a blog and substack. I write children's books and I have a novel and I have been struggling to do them. For many of these exact reasons. Thank you for this encouragement to just believe in myself and my work.
So glad this helped — thank you Vicki!
Hi Dan. Loved this, and thanks for getting me to revisit my thoughts about Kurt Cobain. I remember seeing Nirvana on SNL and having an "older person" reaction: "they need to shower" and then LISTENING and regretting my first comment. I became a fan, watched them playing corporate America as if with a mouse. I had to acknowledge ALL of the brilliance: the lyrics, the anger, the brokenness. Kurt Cobain helped to open my world; I listened to everything, from Grunge to Hip Hop Gangsta Rap, all from having my heart opened by Cobain.
My voice deserves to be heard in the same way and you Dan, have helped me see that there is room for my creative voice in this maelstrom of energy that we creatives thrive in.
As always Dan, I'm grateful here in the Canadian Rockies.
Thank you Lori!
Everything you write is sooo good and helpful, Dan.
Aw, that is so kind of you to say. Thank you Diahann!
Thanks for writing this, it hits the right amount of encouragement and also pragmatism for approaching the next stage - marketing. I have always been shy, yet very creative, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to writing. Dreams of big success while hiding in the shadows and just creating in anonymity. Big shock when I found out that that isn’t going to work, and I need to actually put myself out there. It does NOT come naturally, and a few years ago that would have put me off trying at all. I would have hung up my author cap and turned to something else. But in the last few years I’ve been unbotheredly working on my story, and now I can’t put it away. It wants and needs to get out there in the world.
So it’s heartening to know it’s a struggle for everyone, and I’ll do my best to put the cringe aside and give my story justice. When it’s ready!
P.S Bravo to the little pianist. I play too, always a joy to see a young musician finding their passion
Thank you so much!
I attended a webinar about three years ago when you were advising people about starting a Substack. I think it was through Jane Friedman. Anyway, you said to write your passion. Just do it. So I did! This Won't End Well: On Loving Greek Tragedy is what I always wanted to write, and it's led me to a wonderful community here. Thank you, Dan. (I sure hope that I already thanked you somewhere, in some way.)
So great to hear that Elizabeth! Thank you for the very kind words.
The "little guy's" intensity and focus inspired me as much if not more than message in your newsletter. (Sorry, Dan). Especially, near the end of the second video when he is working through how he wants it to sound. Tell him he inspired a writer today!
Aw, thank you Lori!
This is such a great reminder. We often think we're being annoying, but in today's world of algorithms and overwhelming info, our voices get lost. The percentage of people who see our posts is miniscule, so rinse and repeat! And those who see everything you share are probably your superfans anyway. Somebody out there wants to hear what YOU have to say, but you'll never find them if you don't put yourself out there.
Indeed. Thanks Theresa!
This was really interesting. Common advice to authors over the past few years has been to write more, write faster, write harder, not to write what they love, and really lean into it.
When I was struggling with money (etc) a few years back, people kept sharing 'writing jobs' with me, which was nice, but... I don't want to be a writer; I want to write specific things.
Thanks again, Dan.
Thank you Roland!
Dig this article so much. Yes, I am guilty of feeling like a burden at times and justified at the same time because I wasn't conscious about it 😂 until you just pointed it out. Oh, and Smells Like Teen Spirit is a song I passed down to my grandchildren! Very classic. Great comparison how Curt wanted to appear as an artist. Great job 🤜🏾
Thank you Yolanda!
Brilliant!!! I’ll post my new song lyric right now!!! Thanks Dan!!! Ps I loved Kurt too!! I was 17…;
Thank you!
Thank you for this reminder :) love your words of encouragement and love dropping into my inbox just when I need them x
Thanks!
One of the things I appreciate about your posts is that you have your fingers on the pulse of what writers need. "Your writing matters. Believing in your work is an essential step to reaching your readers" is an excellent mantra.
Aw, thank you Marlene!
I didn't write a pertinent comment, but as someone with scoliosis, I'm particularly struck by your younger son's straight and upright spine. Sigh.
Right? I have scoliosis as well, and I’m always amazed at his posture. Thanks Elena!
I love your newsletter and agree with all these comments. The reminder about time is so helpful!
Thank you Karen!