Loved this, Faith! The constant fear of a writer that no one will read their work or EVERYONE will read their work is real! Here’s to letting it all hang out
This disappointed me - you know why? It was too short and the words just flew by and I wanted to keep reading and then it was suddenly finished. But hey, this is what great writing does - makes you thirst for more!
(sorry for that clickbaity opening sentence, I couldn't resist)
Your newsletter is fascinating - it's always a case of 'what will she write about next?' There's such a diverse mix and they are always such compelling reads.
You've so concisely captured the dilemma many writers face and something gets lost when people bang on about being true to yourself and writing what you want. There's merit in that, but there's also value and a challenge in developing yourself as a writer by combining your passions with a growing audience's expectations. We writers should look at that as fun and healthy. It keeps us fresh. Otherwise, you're spot on - it's a stream of consciousness, which might be cathartic for writers, but your audience might start to tire and think, 'here we go again.'
I think we all know that, to a certain extent, Notes on this platform is a bit of a performance. There's an oft-repeated sentiment of 'oh no, my audience is growing, what do i write about now?' Never mind, just write what you want! No, cater to your audience! Stay true to yourself! Contradictory ideas, sure, but it keeps things real.
Ha ha you almost had me there Daniel- my nerves! Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind feedback, I really do appreciate it. I often find myself writing about something I hadn't always planned to, and wonder whether that's not very good as it veers from the theme (as in the other ideas I had planned, rather than a set theme as such) so I'm glad that they're still engaging.
I think it's good to write about what's compelling at the time, as it's bound to have energy about it. And if it has your energy, hopefully it has for other people too. It's also tempting to write about something that you hope will spark commentary, but that alone is probably going to be hollow and performative. It's an ongoing dilemma I think, and ok to feel it (I hope!).
I really have to tone down my joking, I don't want to develop the wrong kind of reputation! (if you have the time and inclination, check out my 1 April post which to me was OTT absurd and most people got the joke, but it's amazing how many people fell for it - most of them non-native speakers, which just goes to show how humour gets lost in translation)
Not being a writer and being very naive I just wore my heart on my sleeve and didn’t even think about it when writing, especially in my shadows of the heart series and my Dating App Hell post, It was only when I started to receive responses of how brave am I , and such incredible compliments, did I really acknowledge what I have done ! Then I felt scared … But I’m glad I did , I’m slowly building subscribers, but I’d rather have authentic subscribers that I know will read my stuff. Great post Faith thank you 🙏🏼
It's certainly a balance. I try to write a coherent story, no matter what the topic is. I'm not sure I always succeed, but it's the goal. I feel unclean if I ever even tried to wrote to satisfy, but I am careful to edit out some of my rougher edges. I love the process, the cultivation and the sheer fun of it all, even when it's hard work or a dark topic.
'I think it helps to recognise when we’re cutting parts of ourselves out of fear of rejection versus when we’re editing to bring clarity to our message.' Really good distinction, Faith. And I enjoyed your witty insights into DDL's methods :D
Loved this, Faith! The constant fear of a writer that no one will read their work or EVERYONE will read their work is real! Here’s to letting it all hang out
Thank you Sara - you've summed it up so well!
This disappointed me - you know why? It was too short and the words just flew by and I wanted to keep reading and then it was suddenly finished. But hey, this is what great writing does - makes you thirst for more!
(sorry for that clickbaity opening sentence, I couldn't resist)
Your newsletter is fascinating - it's always a case of 'what will she write about next?' There's such a diverse mix and they are always such compelling reads.
You've so concisely captured the dilemma many writers face and something gets lost when people bang on about being true to yourself and writing what you want. There's merit in that, but there's also value and a challenge in developing yourself as a writer by combining your passions with a growing audience's expectations. We writers should look at that as fun and healthy. It keeps us fresh. Otherwise, you're spot on - it's a stream of consciousness, which might be cathartic for writers, but your audience might start to tire and think, 'here we go again.'
I think we all know that, to a certain extent, Notes on this platform is a bit of a performance. There's an oft-repeated sentiment of 'oh no, my audience is growing, what do i write about now?' Never mind, just write what you want! No, cater to your audience! Stay true to yourself! Contradictory ideas, sure, but it keeps things real.
I'm rambling again!
Ha ha you almost had me there Daniel- my nerves! Thank you so much for your thoughtful and kind feedback, I really do appreciate it. I often find myself writing about something I hadn't always planned to, and wonder whether that's not very good as it veers from the theme (as in the other ideas I had planned, rather than a set theme as such) so I'm glad that they're still engaging.
I think it's good to write about what's compelling at the time, as it's bound to have energy about it. And if it has your energy, hopefully it has for other people too. It's also tempting to write about something that you hope will spark commentary, but that alone is probably going to be hollow and performative. It's an ongoing dilemma I think, and ok to feel it (I hope!).
I really have to tone down my joking, I don't want to develop the wrong kind of reputation! (if you have the time and inclination, check out my 1 April post which to me was OTT absurd and most people got the joke, but it's amazing how many people fell for it - most of them non-native speakers, which just goes to show how humour gets lost in translation)
I'll definitely check this out - I can only imagine! No don't stop the humour it's great!
Absolutely brilliant!
You’ve done it again my darling daughter, your Ma is one proud person!! 😍😍
You are just so amazing and I love you SO MUCH xx 😘
Thanks so much Ma! xxx
I fear I do Daniel Day Lewis's In the Name of the Father prep approximately once a month
Ha ha but it is all sooo worth it, believe me
Great piece!
Thank you Matthew!
After reading this, why do I feel like I'm going to be sat here growling "I drink your milkshake. I drink it up!" while I write?
Ha ha ha - that's what we're looking for here Lewis
It’s going to slip into the copy at some point, like in a dodgy horror story.
I look forward to spotting it 😂
Not being a writer and being very naive I just wore my heart on my sleeve and didn’t even think about it when writing, especially in my shadows of the heart series and my Dating App Hell post, It was only when I started to receive responses of how brave am I , and such incredible compliments, did I really acknowledge what I have done ! Then I felt scared … But I’m glad I did , I’m slowly building subscribers, but I’d rather have authentic subscribers that I know will read my stuff. Great post Faith thank you 🙏🏼
This is great thanks Francis! It definitely proves it then, especially if you did it naturally. Must be so satisfying ☺️
It's certainly a balance. I try to write a coherent story, no matter what the topic is. I'm not sure I always succeed, but it's the goal. I feel unclean if I ever even tried to wrote to satisfy, but I am careful to edit out some of my rougher edges. I love the process, the cultivation and the sheer fun of it all, even when it's hard work or a dark topic.
Yes I think that when it's harder it's ultimately more satisfying at the end (and throughout, as long as you have some Anadin Extra to hand!)
'I think it helps to recognise when we’re cutting parts of ourselves out of fear of rejection versus when we’re editing to bring clarity to our message.' Really good distinction, Faith. And I enjoyed your witty insights into DDL's methods :D
Thanks so much Wendy!