Well, I also don't have a writerly ultra-mama who's part witch and all librarian either, and now that you've mention that, it does sound pretty appealing, especially in March, when things always kind of suck, and I just missed a deadline I wanted to submit for. But we do have you, reminding us what's important and what's not. the next best thing! Thanks.
Co-sign and friendly amendment...which is already implied here: it's all writing. All of life, walking around, muttering, the shower, that stupid idea rattling around in your head, the friend you haven't seen in ages... it's all the writing...not just the sitting down and writing part.
There is really no effing way you are 31 as wise as you (often) are (no pressure!) and as much as you've accomplished. You can't make me believe it. :)
I second writing on the phone. Initially, it seemed like a terrible idea. But I work 40 hours a week, have a long commute, etc. Sometimes you just have to make it happen no matter what. So, at the office I take some time to write and rewrite drafts on my phone. In the car, I DO NOT write, please don't drive distracted. But I've figured out a way to use that hour of driving. Instead of listening to yet another podcast, I'll open up Word and have my phone read an essay draft back to me so I can hear the cadence, look for awkward sentences and other issues. I've grown accustomed to the robot lady reading my work back to me. It's a little soothing, even if she gets Asian-sounding words wrong.
Haha the robot-lady can be helpful sometimes yes (this made me laugh out loud). I've also given up on podcasts. If someone has a good rec, do drop it here...but I'm...just done for now.
Really waiting on substack enabling the snaps function for the line, “Process-fetishism is procrastination in a pretty cardigan.” This process worship feels like most of my feed these days and is yet another obstacle toward being a “real” writer. Thanks for glorifying writing on your notes app, the back of receipts and the back of your hand.
Reading is an essential part of being a writer. It's never a waste of time. I've often been inspired by things I read. It's sometimes ever a cure for writer's block. Congrats on your story! And 31? You have yrs of creativity ahead.....
"Nobody cares about your routine" - some of my best work and ideas have come from the notes app on my phone, especially on planes or when I'm out and about and get a random idea. It's not pretty or instagram-worthy to do so, and the writing is messy and typo-ridden but it just pours out of me when it's on my phone. My best advice is also to write wherever and wherever! (I must admit though, I love a good candle/wine/ambient music kind of writing session)
#5 yes thank you!!! I’ve been writing my ideas into the first thing I can reach for which is… my to-do list and shopping lists in Google tasks. It’s all interspersed in there between “buy blueberries” and “carton of milk”.
For as often as I feel dumb, an imposter, or silly for trying anything relating to writing or self expression, I come to your substack and get my pep talk to continue. I truly appreciate ypur voice in the world
This is the best most candid advice ever! I wish people would tell you this first thing. I agree with ALL of it. Have I followed all of it...that's the trick :)
Well, I also don't have a writerly ultra-mama who's part witch and all librarian either, and now that you've mention that, it does sound pretty appealing, especially in March, when things always kind of suck, and I just missed a deadline I wanted to submit for. But we do have you, reminding us what's important and what's not. the next best thing! Thanks.
This is so sweet Rhonda...not sure if it's that my period is coming or something else but it made me cry ha 😭💙
Co-sign and friendly amendment...which is already implied here: it's all writing. All of life, walking around, muttering, the shower, that stupid idea rattling around in your head, the friend you haven't seen in ages... it's all the writing...not just the sitting down and writing part.
Absolutely it is Julia! 💙
I feel like I'm in some kind of silent conversation with you... which is a nice feeling...less lonely. Hope that doesn't sound creepy.
Haha no not creepy at all. I feel this sometimes with writers too online and it's quite pleasant
There is really no effing way you are 31 as wise as you (often) are (no pressure!) and as much as you've accomplished. You can't make me believe it. :)
Haha you're so sweet Dick! I feel more like 100 years old sometimes but not because I'm wise or anything...it's just all the chronic fatigue lol
Bookmarking this :)
Thank you Joyce!
I second writing on the phone. Initially, it seemed like a terrible idea. But I work 40 hours a week, have a long commute, etc. Sometimes you just have to make it happen no matter what. So, at the office I take some time to write and rewrite drafts on my phone. In the car, I DO NOT write, please don't drive distracted. But I've figured out a way to use that hour of driving. Instead of listening to yet another podcast, I'll open up Word and have my phone read an essay draft back to me so I can hear the cadence, look for awkward sentences and other issues. I've grown accustomed to the robot lady reading my work back to me. It's a little soothing, even if she gets Asian-sounding words wrong.
Haha the robot-lady can be helpful sometimes yes (this made me laugh out loud). I've also given up on podcasts. If someone has a good rec, do drop it here...but I'm...just done for now.
This is what I needed. Thank you. Also: the art gives Alice‘s Adventures in Wonderland vibes. Also what I needed.
Love this! Saving it for when I need a little boost 🩵
Really waiting on substack enabling the snaps function for the line, “Process-fetishism is procrastination in a pretty cardigan.” This process worship feels like most of my feed these days and is yet another obstacle toward being a “real” writer. Thanks for glorifying writing on your notes app, the back of receipts and the back of your hand.
You're right on time, at least for me. I needed all of this advice right now 🙌
Reading is an essential part of being a writer. It's never a waste of time. I've often been inspired by things I read. It's sometimes ever a cure for writer's block. Congrats on your story! And 31? You have yrs of creativity ahead.....
SO MUCH GOOD in here! Thank you thank you.
"Nobody cares about your routine" - some of my best work and ideas have come from the notes app on my phone, especially on planes or when I'm out and about and get a random idea. It's not pretty or instagram-worthy to do so, and the writing is messy and typo-ridden but it just pours out of me when it's on my phone. My best advice is also to write wherever and wherever! (I must admit though, I love a good candle/wine/ambient music kind of writing session)
#5 yes thank you!!! I’ve been writing my ideas into the first thing I can reach for which is… my to-do list and shopping lists in Google tasks. It’s all interspersed in there between “buy blueberries” and “carton of milk”.
For as often as I feel dumb, an imposter, or silly for trying anything relating to writing or self expression, I come to your substack and get my pep talk to continue. I truly appreciate ypur voice in the world
Printing this out and hanging it above my desk.
This is the best most candid advice ever! I wish people would tell you this first thing. I agree with ALL of it. Have I followed all of it...that's the trick :)