I’m so sorry you got so much hate for that, the internet can be a very weird place.
I’m not a published author yet, nor have I finished anything (apart from my Substack posts) but it is a goal I am working towards.
Since being on Substack I have seen a lot of advice similar to yours and I really appreciate it. I write because I feel like my true self when I do, and because I have so many stories I want to tell. I love that I am working towards the dream of completing something whilst now knowing more of the realities of the publishing world. Thank you for being brave enough to share your advice again. For some of us, it truly is helpful and will help to prepare us better.
Really great piece. I’m currently on my cliche mid-30s health kick and realising that running a few times a week might, incredibly, be better for my mental state (and ability to write something decent) then drinking 4-6 pints a few times a week. Who knew?!
I remember this viral post and thought you were right, just required more nuance than what a <1min tiktok video can allow you to have. I think your point and the rule of Thirds can be applied to all creative careers. So many musicians, writers, artists, even content creators can get caught up in those big number goals.
If only our generation of writers could feel fulfilled by our work without the “necessity” of having a social media following just to be seen by agents and publishers. The thing that they require of us is the thing that simultaneously eats our souls.
This is so well said, and sooo very relatable! Thank you for baring this story and a part of yourself in this, I truly believe it helps so many people, but especially writers in general. I particularly like the rule of thirds idea. It's marvelously applicable and to be honest I hadn't thought about writing this way before. You know how sometimes an idea or encouragement comes in a timely fashion to something you're dealing with? This post was that for me. Thank you again, you are a gift and I can't wait to read your books!
Laura! I have shrared your 'rule of thirds' analogy re: writing with the groups I mentor for the London Writer's Salon and to say that sage nodding is rife in the room is an understatement. It absolutely tracks and is such a useful point of understanding. I'm about to share this piece with them too. :)
I can’t believe that TikTok you posted got you vitriol. Like it seems like a completely normal and even clearheaded thing to say about writing and even in fact ANY career?(!) Anyway I liked this post and I followed you
I took many things from this read as your main message of process over outcome has become the cornerstone of my joy lately. But it’s your final line that will stay with me: We do not have to suffer to make good art. Sometimes we are just so aligned that the entire process (even if it doesn’t necessarily feel good every day) can all be enjoyed.
The running analogy is absolutely spot on and has inspired me so much! I'm sorry you had that experience, I feel like around the pandemic everyone was really keen on shooting everyone else down and the internet became a very toxic place. But you've shown your resilience ❤️
I’ve never heard of the thirds thing, but as I think back across my own writing career, that makes total sense! I’ve never been interested in running, though (weightlifting & cycling), so maybe that’s why.
Such wise words, that I really want to try and internalise more in my own writing process. I get so hung up on the overwhelming goal of finishing a draft, that I lose sight of the daily work, and I *actually forget* the ongoing joy the process brings me! I'm sorry (but not surprised) you got cancelled for this advice. "And they hated him for he spoke the truth" etc etc.
1. Oh god internet.
2. Love this a lot. 💜
thank you <3
I’m so sorry you got so much hate for that, the internet can be a very weird place.
I’m not a published author yet, nor have I finished anything (apart from my Substack posts) but it is a goal I am working towards.
Since being on Substack I have seen a lot of advice similar to yours and I really appreciate it. I write because I feel like my true self when I do, and because I have so many stories I want to tell. I love that I am working towards the dream of completing something whilst now knowing more of the realities of the publishing world. Thank you for being brave enough to share your advice again. For some of us, it truly is helpful and will help to prepare us better.
The romanticism wrapped around the idea of the writer toiling away in a cold, damp turret somewhere is silly.
Really great piece. I’m currently on my cliche mid-30s health kick and realising that running a few times a week might, incredibly, be better for my mental state (and ability to write something decent) then drinking 4-6 pints a few times a week. Who knew?!
I remember this viral post and thought you were right, just required more nuance than what a <1min tiktok video can allow you to have. I think your point and the rule of Thirds can be applied to all creative careers. So many musicians, writers, artists, even content creators can get caught up in those big number goals.
If only our generation of writers could feel fulfilled by our work without the “necessity” of having a social media following just to be seen by agents and publishers. The thing that they require of us is the thing that simultaneously eats our souls.
This is so well said, and sooo very relatable! Thank you for baring this story and a part of yourself in this, I truly believe it helps so many people, but especially writers in general. I particularly like the rule of thirds idea. It's marvelously applicable and to be honest I hadn't thought about writing this way before. You know how sometimes an idea or encouragement comes in a timely fashion to something you're dealing with? This post was that for me. Thank you again, you are a gift and I can't wait to read your books!
Laura! I have shrared your 'rule of thirds' analogy re: writing with the groups I mentor for the London Writer's Salon and to say that sage nodding is rife in the room is an understatement. It absolutely tracks and is such a useful point of understanding. I'm about to share this piece with them too. :)
"But once people online decide what they think you mean, it’s almost impossible to defend yourself."
Truth is treason in the empire of lies.
Glad you made it out on the other side. Congrats, and thanks for sharing your story.
I can’t believe that TikTok you posted got you vitriol. Like it seems like a completely normal and even clearheaded thing to say about writing and even in fact ANY career?(!) Anyway I liked this post and I followed you
I took many things from this read as your main message of process over outcome has become the cornerstone of my joy lately. But it’s your final line that will stay with me: We do not have to suffer to make good art. Sometimes we are just so aligned that the entire process (even if it doesn’t necessarily feel good every day) can all be enjoyed.
The running analogy is absolutely spot on and has inspired me so much! I'm sorry you had that experience, I feel like around the pandemic everyone was really keen on shooting everyone else down and the internet became a very toxic place. But you've shown your resilience ❤️
I’ve never heard of the thirds thing, but as I think back across my own writing career, that makes total sense! I’ve never been interested in running, though (weightlifting & cycling), so maybe that’s why.
LOVE this! Thanks for sharing!
Oooh so many truths here ♥️
Such wise words, that I really want to try and internalise more in my own writing process. I get so hung up on the overwhelming goal of finishing a draft, that I lose sight of the daily work, and I *actually forget* the ongoing joy the process brings me! I'm sorry (but not surprised) you got cancelled for this advice. "And they hated him for he spoke the truth" etc etc.