I love the advice in this post, I have been struggling with what to write for my Substack lately. This post has reminded me to lean into my experiences and lean into my wisdom. To write about things only I can :)
I read an article in college with very similar advice. It said if you want to be a writer go out and live life so you have something to write about. That’s why I always keep a writing journal on me. You never know when something cool will happen that will add flavor to your writing!
Yeah I wonder if writers need to bake in time for adventure every year so they can get legitimate inspiration for future articles. Like maybe 2 weeks every year dedicated to doing something out of the ordinary.
What my journalism teacher in high school told me. I had the gift and once I matured I would have great stories. I dedicated my first novel to him. Such a kind man. A sweet soul. His wife, later, when I was her nurse, was touched by that remembrance of him.
Indeed, I’ve been meaning to do that myself. Great idea to keep that journal handy. Thank goodness I’ve got a good memory but a lot times writing ideas in the moment is the best way to get a hold of that muse that comes our way to become better writers!
Completely agree. I see a lot of the same ideas floating around but with different flowery wording! I don’t know exactly what type of writer I want to be yet, but I hope I can write things that interest people and that they’ll deeply relate to. Great read!
I have a bit of a contrarian view. With billions amongst us and before us, I don’t think there is much new. Framing from our lived experiences gives a unique take on age old human struggles. Also, I write to discover what I think, and I love that about the process. I normally don’t start with an end goal. Though I make sure everything I publish ultimately serves a purpose for the reader.
That said, I think there is a bunch of how-to substack growth stuff going around that does seem redundant.
I agree. There's not much that's legitimately "new" these days. However there's certain types of messages that are focused on WAY more than others, and the key to growing a following is to say something different than what everybody else is already saying.
I struggle with imposter syndrome going on 52 weeks of publishing. Does it ever get better? Or am I fooling myself thinking I'm a writer? Do I keep trying? Not everyone is a writer. Great read, gives me pause for reflection.
52 weeks! Congrats my friend. I suspect writing may be similar to producing art. The longer and more often one creates, the more they discover what does, and does not work for them. I love the saying, "If you wait until all the lights are green - you'll never leave town."
Personally. You find out every book has its own imposter phase because each book has its own particular nee challenge. And thats me having only finished 3 and a third. Two of them poem collections.
The syndrome comes up every time for different little reasons.
I love this idea. We gain inspiration from all over, sometimes in the smallest of moments. It is frustrating when someone copies you or delivers something that is so clearly AI garbage and wants credit for it. I write from what I know and what I have learned over the years. None of it is new (yoga had been around for millennia) but I hope to present the ideas in a new way that is relatable and enjoyable for people to read.
Thank you for this writing. All the AI written posts that are proliferating make original ideas even that much more important. It's been years since I've had a steady writing practice but your post came at perfect timing for me... love when that happens. Newly into retirement (kind of like a post graduate 😎), it's time to put a dream I have carried for about 20 years into motion. Just signed up for your Substack course as well to get me started.
Awesome to hear Tania!! Hope it helps. I'll be updating that free course soon here. I've learned a lot in the months since I first made it. When I update it, I'll let everyone know.
Thanks Tom. I’ve heard it said that out purpose in life is too share our journey with others. We’re all learning every day (if we’re paying attention) and there’s someone out there who needs to hear and be inspired by your life experiences, good and bad
I believe in this. But mostly because i know when someone writes hinestyl even if it is a similar experience an original writer will string the explanation together in a uniquenway because of their perspective. Our lives are ordinary moments from different vantage points and one perspective often paints a unique stroke and color than any other.
Great advice, thank you. I write because it makes me feel good. It’s the natural thing to do. The ability to pick up an experience, savor it, examine it from various angles, then share it with those who enjoy reliving it with me - that’s my motivation.
This is beautiful! And again, your posts come at the perfect time, as I had someone telling me that I should move to the countryside rather than living in London so I can get away from people. But I am a writer who writes about life, people, and experiences hence I am in the perfect place for now! And who knows, maybe one day I will feel like writing about something else, but living in a metropolis surely serves its purpose!
I appreciate this perspective! There's a lot of the same "fluff" content in peoples' feeds (not just articles, but YT videos, social content, etc). I think it's very easy to get distracted by that noise and the success of that kind of content, and can lead a person to think that THAT is what they need to be creating too. I've found a lot of solace in silencing the noise and focusing on my own lived experiences as I continue to find my voice as a writer. I know with time the readership will follow, but for now I'm enjoying the journey.
That's the trap I fell into as a Youtuber. That's what everyone encourages us to do--is to just make the same stuff that's gotten views before. Problem is it's not genuine and leads to burnout!
Thanks Tom! This is a great post and one that really resonates with me. I too am jotting down headlines/topics on my phone all the time. Your encouragement and tips for how to think about writing are helpful as I get going.
I love the advice in this post, I have been struggling with what to write for my Substack lately. This post has reminded me to lean into my experiences and lean into my wisdom. To write about things only I can :)
Happy to hear this!!!
I read an article in college with very similar advice. It said if you want to be a writer go out and live life so you have something to write about. That’s why I always keep a writing journal on me. You never know when something cool will happen that will add flavor to your writing!
Yeah I wonder if writers need to bake in time for adventure every year so they can get legitimate inspiration for future articles. Like maybe 2 weeks every year dedicated to doing something out of the ordinary.
What my journalism teacher in high school told me. I had the gift and once I matured I would have great stories. I dedicated my first novel to him. Such a kind man. A sweet soul. His wife, later, when I was her nurse, was touched by that remembrance of him.
Indeed, I’ve been meaning to do that myself. Great idea to keep that journal handy. Thank goodness I’ve got a good memory but a lot times writing ideas in the moment is the best way to get a hold of that muse that comes our way to become better writers!
Completely agree. I see a lot of the same ideas floating around but with different flowery wording! I don’t know exactly what type of writer I want to be yet, but I hope I can write things that interest people and that they’ll deeply relate to. Great read!
The purity of that goal will certainly get you where you need to go, Padra! :)
I have a bit of a contrarian view. With billions amongst us and before us, I don’t think there is much new. Framing from our lived experiences gives a unique take on age old human struggles. Also, I write to discover what I think, and I love that about the process. I normally don’t start with an end goal. Though I make sure everything I publish ultimately serves a purpose for the reader.
That said, I think there is a bunch of how-to substack growth stuff going around that does seem redundant.
I agree. There's not much that's legitimately "new" these days. However there's certain types of messages that are focused on WAY more than others, and the key to growing a following is to say something different than what everybody else is already saying.
I struggle with imposter syndrome going on 52 weeks of publishing. Does it ever get better? Or am I fooling myself thinking I'm a writer? Do I keep trying? Not everyone is a writer. Great read, gives me pause for reflection.
I actually quite like your writing, Patti! It's fine to me. :)
This made my day. Every share counts. Thank you for keeping me going.
52 weeks! Congrats my friend. I suspect writing may be similar to producing art. The longer and more often one creates, the more they discover what does, and does not work for them. I love the saying, "If you wait until all the lights are green - you'll never leave town."
No truer words spoken. Thanks for the good wishes! Not sure where this next year is going but guessing I'll find my way!
Personally. You find out every book has its own imposter phase because each book has its own particular nee challenge. And thats me having only finished 3 and a third. Two of them poem collections.
The syndrome comes up every time for different little reasons.
I love this idea. We gain inspiration from all over, sometimes in the smallest of moments. It is frustrating when someone copies you or delivers something that is so clearly AI garbage and wants credit for it. I write from what I know and what I have learned over the years. None of it is new (yoga had been around for millennia) but I hope to present the ideas in a new way that is relatable and enjoyable for people to read.
Cheers Janine! :)
Thank you for this writing. All the AI written posts that are proliferating make original ideas even that much more important. It's been years since I've had a steady writing practice but your post came at perfect timing for me... love when that happens. Newly into retirement (kind of like a post graduate 😎), it's time to put a dream I have carried for about 20 years into motion. Just signed up for your Substack course as well to get me started.
Awesome to hear Tania!! Hope it helps. I'll be updating that free course soon here. I've learned a lot in the months since I first made it. When I update it, I'll let everyone know.
And for the life of me, I could never get into Stephen King.
However his book “On Writing” is great.
Just sayin’.
It's on my list of books to read. For some reason I never got into it.
Is it always this difficult to sign in & comment?
Good Lord, you’d think this was a Swiss Bank account. 🙄
Ueland’s book is exceptional.
Eager to see how you like it.
I’m a published author, BTW. Just sayin’.
🤔🤔🤔
Thanks Tom. I’ve heard it said that out purpose in life is too share our journey with others. We’re all learning every day (if we’re paying attention) and there’s someone out there who needs to hear and be inspired by your life experiences, good and bad
I believe in this. But mostly because i know when someone writes hinestyl even if it is a similar experience an original writer will string the explanation together in a uniquenway because of their perspective. Our lives are ordinary moments from different vantage points and one perspective often paints a unique stroke and color than any other.
Truth is... im scared. But im workin on it.
Great advice, thank you. I write because it makes me feel good. It’s the natural thing to do. The ability to pick up an experience, savor it, examine it from various angles, then share it with those who enjoy reliving it with me - that’s my motivation.
Love it!
This is beautiful! And again, your posts come at the perfect time, as I had someone telling me that I should move to the countryside rather than living in London so I can get away from people. But I am a writer who writes about life, people, and experiences hence I am in the perfect place for now! And who knows, maybe one day I will feel like writing about something else, but living in a metropolis surely serves its purpose!
I should probably try to remember this more. Living in Mexico City can be pretty tough a lot of times, but it's a hotbed for great writing ideas!
I appreciate this perspective! There's a lot of the same "fluff" content in peoples' feeds (not just articles, but YT videos, social content, etc). I think it's very easy to get distracted by that noise and the success of that kind of content, and can lead a person to think that THAT is what they need to be creating too. I've found a lot of solace in silencing the noise and focusing on my own lived experiences as I continue to find my voice as a writer. I know with time the readership will follow, but for now I'm enjoying the journey.
That's the trap I fell into as a Youtuber. That's what everyone encourages us to do--is to just make the same stuff that's gotten views before. Problem is it's not genuine and leads to burnout!
Been preaching this for years, Tom! That mentality partially inspired this article I originally wrote for my friends over at WARKITCHEN: https://cowwedoin.substack.com/p/how-to-box-a-lobster
Thanks Tom! This is a great post and one that really resonates with me. I too am jotting down headlines/topics on my phone all the time. Your encouragement and tips for how to think about writing are helpful as I get going.
Really happy to hear this Kristi. Cheers!
a good antedote to the sort of kindergarten-everyone-can-write ethos of substack.
other than doing cool shit, the basis of good, novel thinking and opinion is a lot of reading and time spent wrestling with exceptional texts.
Yeah exactly which is why I'm spending a LOT more time lately reading.