This post really struck a chord with me. In the past, I’ve chased readers by trying to be a writer I’m not, a writer I never wanted to be. It quickly becomes a chore and ceases to be a passion. Now I write what I enjoy and accept that most people won’t like it. (You won’t have that problem, by the way. Your writing is great. I’ve really enjoyed your posts).
A few years ago, I used to freelance by writing these articles about 11 hidden benefits of the keto diet and other topics that didn’t interest me. There’s nothing inherently wrong with those topics, but it was writing that didn’t come from the heart at all, and I hated it. I didn’t enjoy it, and the pay was ridiculous. It brings me a lot more joy to write on the topics I feel called to write on. I think the main person we owe to when we write is ourselves, so I couldn’t agree more with your approach.
And thank you so much for your kind words! I think no one can satisfy every single reader’s tastes (nor should we aspire to, really), but knowing someone out there read you and liked it is to kill for.
This resonated with me. I have the tendency to start a new project with optimism and idealism…once I get into it I feel like a hamster on a never ending hamster wheel…it sucks the soul out of the project. Stealing my joy…I’m glad you have found SS. Share, be real, create truth and beauty…
I can relate to that! Maybe we’re just so enthusiastic at the very beginning of a project that we bite off more than we can chew. It’s super important to listen to our gut and pay attention if something feels off, like if something you used to think about with joy and excitement now feels like a chore.
Thank you for the encouragement! I want to believe that, even if I ever lose my voice again in the future, I’ll always find my way back to it.
Ugh, I know your advice is reasonable, but I swear there are some invisible barriers preventing me from re-sharing my work more than absolutely necessary. Although I actually do agree with you: writers really could benefit from reading this.
Not all writing is the same, nor need it have the same objectives. There is still, though, an immense value in reading text, whether it be a complexly realised novel or a mid-length Substack post, that is thought through and which contains the articulation of rich thinking. There remains something transformative in that.
Yes, I definitely agree! And I think that “thought through” is super important here. This post was written when I was finally honest with myself about my writing straying from the path that I feel to be my authentic journey. This is not commentary on all writing there is, only on my own writing that makes me feel as though I’d sold out or hadn’t stuck to my true voice. And maybe if there’s a creative fighting similar battles, reading this might give them whatever it is they needed to find their way back to themself.
This post really struck a chord with me. In the past, I’ve chased readers by trying to be a writer I’m not, a writer I never wanted to be. It quickly becomes a chore and ceases to be a passion. Now I write what I enjoy and accept that most people won’t like it. (You won’t have that problem, by the way. Your writing is great. I’ve really enjoyed your posts).
A few years ago, I used to freelance by writing these articles about 11 hidden benefits of the keto diet and other topics that didn’t interest me. There’s nothing inherently wrong with those topics, but it was writing that didn’t come from the heart at all, and I hated it. I didn’t enjoy it, and the pay was ridiculous. It brings me a lot more joy to write on the topics I feel called to write on. I think the main person we owe to when we write is ourselves, so I couldn’t agree more with your approach.
And thank you so much for your kind words! I think no one can satisfy every single reader’s tastes (nor should we aspire to, really), but knowing someone out there read you and liked it is to kill for.
I loved this. Really resonated with me!
P.s., thanks for the restack 🧡🫶 just subbed and looking forward to seeing more of your work!
Thank you so much, Amanda! I’m flattered you liked it, and I’m looking forward to keep sharing. ☺️
Absolutely do what is best for you.
This resonated with me. I have the tendency to start a new project with optimism and idealism…once I get into it I feel like a hamster on a never ending hamster wheel…it sucks the soul out of the project. Stealing my joy…I’m glad you have found SS. Share, be real, create truth and beauty…
I can relate to that! Maybe we’re just so enthusiastic at the very beginning of a project that we bite off more than we can chew. It’s super important to listen to our gut and pay attention if something feels off, like if something you used to think about with joy and excitement now feels like a chore.
Thank you for the encouragement! I want to believe that, even if I ever lose my voice again in the future, I’ll always find my way back to it.
A lot of writers could benefit from reading this, Rita. Be sure to re-stack it once a week so it reaches more of them. 🤍
Ugh, I know your advice is reasonable, but I swear there are some invisible barriers preventing me from re-sharing my work more than absolutely necessary. Although I actually do agree with you: writers really could benefit from reading this.
Thank you for continuously supporting me here!
Not all writing is the same, nor need it have the same objectives. There is still, though, an immense value in reading text, whether it be a complexly realised novel or a mid-length Substack post, that is thought through and which contains the articulation of rich thinking. There remains something transformative in that.
Yes, I definitely agree! And I think that “thought through” is super important here. This post was written when I was finally honest with myself about my writing straying from the path that I feel to be my authentic journey. This is not commentary on all writing there is, only on my own writing that makes me feel as though I’d sold out or hadn’t stuck to my true voice. And maybe if there’s a creative fighting similar battles, reading this might give them whatever it is they needed to find their way back to themself.