You ask, "What the hell are you doing reading so much writing about writing (yes, including this right here)?” It’s because this and its sibling pieces are inspiring and because they’re also great writing themselves: precise, provocative and writing-inducing. Early in my teaching career, I told my students to bring the textbook back to the bookstore and pocket the cash for a specific self-indulgence. I believe in self-indulgence as a motivation (as long as it indulges "the true self,” as a favorite spiritual teacher said, probably referring to dark chocolate). But also because writing about writing is seldom good writing. But this wonderful series is great writing about writing better. So despite your advice, I’m going to keep reading. In between bouts of writing. Try to stop me.
I love that you describe my writing as "writing-inducing"...that's such a peculiarly delightful compliment. And I also deeply appreciate how you share insights from your own teaching career, Richard, they are little treats. Thank you so much.
I’ve never pretended to be the best judge, but I have been at this writing thing for a lifetime, and I’ve performed every single task, service, contract, and oddball request that falls under the label.
In 2005, I worked for about 3 months writing the directions and warnings that come with antidepressants. Maybe I do know something about it. 😅
What the hell are you doing reading so much about writing- Ah! The inner need and logical thinker needed to hear this. Not everything is first principle thinking 🤔
Frankly, I'm kinda tired of all this success anyway. I mean three out of the six people who read my work rave about it! And two of them are not friends or relatives. People recognize me on the street! Of course, I live on a small island. Thanks for this "right on"piece Shannan.
oh I love this so much!! Especially not writing for trends or predicting future trends. Feel like I am inspired by morning pages in Julia Cameron’s artists way
"No matter, try again. Fail again. Fail better." Samuel Beckett
I love that quote so much!
damn. did my mom put you up to this
😂😂😂
🩵
agree with allll of this!
Thank you for always reading and sharing Caroline!!
You ask, "What the hell are you doing reading so much writing about writing (yes, including this right here)?” It’s because this and its sibling pieces are inspiring and because they’re also great writing themselves: precise, provocative and writing-inducing. Early in my teaching career, I told my students to bring the textbook back to the bookstore and pocket the cash for a specific self-indulgence. I believe in self-indulgence as a motivation (as long as it indulges "the true self,” as a favorite spiritual teacher said, probably referring to dark chocolate). But also because writing about writing is seldom good writing. But this wonderful series is great writing about writing better. So despite your advice, I’m going to keep reading. In between bouts of writing. Try to stop me.
I love that you describe my writing as "writing-inducing"...that's such a peculiarly delightful compliment. And I also deeply appreciate how you share insights from your own teaching career, Richard, they are little treats. Thank you so much.
Adore this. Thank you for sharing.
I love the word "Adore" and love hearing it use for stuff I write...thank you Kimberly!
Really good advice as a writer I appreciate it
Thank you Jackie!
There is nothing *unhinged* here…
Glad you think so! phew
I’ve never pretended to be the best judge, but I have been at this writing thing for a lifetime, and I’ve performed every single task, service, contract, and oddball request that falls under the label.
In 2005, I worked for about 3 months writing the directions and warnings that come with antidepressants. Maybe I do know something about it. 😅
What the hell are you doing reading so much about writing- Ah! The inner need and logical thinker needed to hear this. Not everything is first principle thinking 🤔
oh yes...always there for me too...you win some you lose some. Thank you for reading, Vijaya
I really really like you guys--your "unhinged" stuff seems (often) to be exactly what I need to hear. Thank you!!
Why thank you Ellen, truly!
Frankly, I'm kinda tired of all this success anyway. I mean three out of the six people who read my work rave about it! And two of them are not friends or relatives. People recognize me on the street! Of course, I live on a small island. Thanks for this "right on"piece Shannan.
Hahaha you never fail to make me laugh David
Thank you so much for this. I needed to hear it today.
James, thank you for sharing that with me!
I love the line about- If you keep waiting, you'll keep waiting for a long time. I loved the whole essay, but that line will always stay with me.
Thank you Anushka! So happy it resonated with you my friend
Your unhinged advice has a certain ring to it.
Haha I hope it's a good ring
It’s liberating like the Liberty Bell!
😂😂💙💙 Thanks Joe!
oh I love this so much!! Especially not writing for trends or predicting future trends. Feel like I am inspired by morning pages in Julia Cameron’s artists way
Thank you my friend! 💙
Love it! You and I are definitely kindred spirits!