🎤 An open mic post with four prompts for writers to share...as I started work on Summer this week (and fell into that absolute bliss that I always feel when I get into the flow), I thought: This is not for everyone. No. Not everyone can be a writer. I suppose the reason I thought this is because writing is a calling not a hobby or a silly, fun past time and a calling holds a certain gravitas.
Thank you! AND can you please elaborate on how you actually do this Substack Sustainability tip: "bundle all my subscriptions into a dedicated file," so you can peruse all at once?
Yes, I move all my notices out of my main email box and into one titled SUBSTACK. In this way, I know they are there, but they aren't hounding me by being in the main mailbox. Then, twice a week (which I schedule), I comb through and read my favs first, then the new ones I've recently subscribed to, and comment as often as I feel moved. Make sense?
I don't feel I must write, but I do feel I must communicate, and writing is my communication method (I don't like audio or video). Photography is communication, but it loses its power if not accompanied by a story. I don't consider myself a skilled writer, and I don't have the imagination or desire to write fiction. But I love to absorb and write about my world, and encourage others to do the same. I write anywhere. I write on paper, on my computer, and with thread on my quilts.
On the writing process: I wake up in the morning, I stretch and then I write. I write everyday. I am only at my best for 60 to 75 minutes. I set short and long goals—but each sentence takes what it takes. I try to follow the ethos of Cormac McCarthy, “Nothing leaves the shop until it’s ready.”
The ethos of Cormac! I adore him, and of course, that's a terrific line that seems, in many ways, impossible, right? What is ready to you, to me, to McCarthy? It's an impossible question.
🎤 Write first. In a supportive community. I'm in year 3 of a womens' co-writing Zoom, from 6-10am M-F. We're mostly screenwriters and filmmakers around the world (we met in a Facebook group devoted to a fantastic podcast - "The Screenwriting Life"). We mostly sign in and do our own writing. It's so motivating and inspiring to glance over at these beautiful humans working their craft on Zoom, while I'm banging away at one of my 14 writing projects. Sometimes we check in on writing goals and accomplishments, pitch ideas, ask for feedback, or share our material for notes. One of the boons of Covid - remote connection for lonesome writers 💗
I am so excited that Jennifer has agreed to teaching the Memoir/Creative Non Fiction Track at the Paris Writers Workshop this summer. I live in Paris and I or anyone on the committee will help with reasonably priced housing if you write me (I have a Substack) or follow Jennifer's link to the webpage.
Paris is simply amazing!!! Sara has made my year by inviting me (and it turns out my daughter is coming with me, so it’s heaven!!) that’s the power of Substack. Do good work. Reach out. Connect.
You are a fabulous writing teacher. It is because of working with you that I was able to complete two memoirs, one of which was published and won awards. What you taught me made all the difference.
So, I would say to anyone dreaming of writing, yet hesitating to start working with Jennifer--don’t wait . Her teaching is invaluable.
Congratulations on your writing workshop in Paris. What a tribute to take your talents and writing international! I write because as Maya Angelou says, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you." It's my mantra (and I'll add Rilke's) when I sit down to write. I spent eight years, starting in the mid 80s, in a writing workshop, meeting monthly with six other women. The author, Sandra Butler, who wrote Conspiracy of Silence about the trauma of sexual abuse in 1978, facilitated the group. It was healing to listen to other women's stories and in turn be listened to. There is a second novel brewing inside me that begs me to sit down and write. I'm not organized. I'm not disciplined. But still I write. Not every day, but every day my heart opens to release the story. I call myself a writer because I write.
I really feel like my stories to writing depends on where I am in the process. I write fiction and find that smaller, frequent chunks of time suits the drafting process, but I need around 3 hours chunks for tackling structural edits. Proofreading could be done whilst juggling (so very tempting to click ‘accept all’. That’s just me though, it really depends on what your lifestyle allows for! Great post, thanks for sharing!
I just borrowed your Substack sorting hat method, hurrah! On the writing method -- what’s working for me is a writing sprint thread I post M-F. It’s not a matter of a set time every day but committing to some time every day. It’s working, and I get to connect with others who try it too. (I can’t do appointment viewing either)
Thank you! AND can you please elaborate on how you actually do this Substack Sustainability tip: "bundle all my subscriptions into a dedicated file," so you can peruse all at once?
Yes, I move all my notices out of my main email box and into one titled SUBSTACK. In this way, I know they are there, but they aren't hounding me by being in the main mailbox. Then, twice a week (which I schedule), I comb through and read my favs first, then the new ones I've recently subscribed to, and comment as often as I feel moved. Make sense?
Thank you, I was picturing an incredible technology feat, auto-compiling all this goodness into one document (file). 🤣
I don't feel I must write, but I do feel I must communicate, and writing is my communication method (I don't like audio or video). Photography is communication, but it loses its power if not accompanied by a story. I don't consider myself a skilled writer, and I don't have the imagination or desire to write fiction. But I love to absorb and write about my world, and encourage others to do the same. I write anywhere. I write on paper, on my computer, and with thread on my quilts.
Lovely. Well stated. 💗 Love "...with thread on my quilts."
On the writing process: I wake up in the morning, I stretch and then I write. I write everyday. I am only at my best for 60 to 75 minutes. I set short and long goals—but each sentence takes what it takes. I try to follow the ethos of Cormac McCarthy, “Nothing leaves the shop until it’s ready.”
The ethos of Cormac! I adore him, and of course, that's a terrific line that seems, in many ways, impossible, right? What is ready to you, to me, to McCarthy? It's an impossible question.
🎤 Write first. In a supportive community. I'm in year 3 of a womens' co-writing Zoom, from 6-10am M-F. We're mostly screenwriters and filmmakers around the world (we met in a Facebook group devoted to a fantastic podcast - "The Screenwriting Life"). We mostly sign in and do our own writing. It's so motivating and inspiring to glance over at these beautiful humans working their craft on Zoom, while I'm banging away at one of my 14 writing projects. Sometimes we check in on writing goals and accomplishments, pitch ideas, ask for feedback, or share our material for notes. One of the boons of Covid - remote connection for lonesome writers 💗
Ah, Rilke's "must." The litmus. Lit-erature must? (hmmm... With apologies! Didn't hear that until writing it. That too, is why we write.)
The only way I can get "my writing" done is to do it first. After that, the day rolls out however ever else it should.
Right? I love that and exactly so
I am so excited that Jennifer has agreed to teaching the Memoir/Creative Non Fiction Track at the Paris Writers Workshop this summer. I live in Paris and I or anyone on the committee will help with reasonably priced housing if you write me (I have a Substack) or follow Jennifer's link to the webpage.
Paris is simply amazing!!! Sara has made my year by inviting me (and it turns out my daughter is coming with me, so it’s heaven!!) that’s the power of Substack. Do good work. Reach out. Connect.
You are a fabulous writing teacher. It is because of working with you that I was able to complete two memoirs, one of which was published and won awards. What you taught me made all the difference.
So, I would say to anyone dreaming of writing, yet hesitating to start working with Jennifer--don’t wait . Her teaching is invaluable.
Hey!!! Thanks
I must write. This year, I want to finish my first novel. It’s 3/4 done and I’m excited to serialize it on Substack.
Thank you so much, Jennifer!! I’m honored! And such wonderful community! ❤️
Congratulations on your writing workshop in Paris. What a tribute to take your talents and writing international! I write because as Maya Angelou says, "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you." It's my mantra (and I'll add Rilke's) when I sit down to write. I spent eight years, starting in the mid 80s, in a writing workshop, meeting monthly with six other women. The author, Sandra Butler, who wrote Conspiracy of Silence about the trauma of sexual abuse in 1978, facilitated the group. It was healing to listen to other women's stories and in turn be listened to. There is a second novel brewing inside me that begs me to sit down and write. I'm not organized. I'm not disciplined. But still I write. Not every day, but every day my heart opens to release the story. I call myself a writer because I write.
"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you." Exactly. Totally, totally agree with Angelou in this.
Wow! Thank you!
If building consistency is the goal, I think the start low and go slow method is valuable for any new writer. I touched on this in a previous post. https://open.substack.com/pub/niallmcgivern/p/start-low-and-go-slow-tfab-11?r=1mz7jw&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
I really feel like my stories to writing depends on where I am in the process. I write fiction and find that smaller, frequent chunks of time suits the drafting process, but I need around 3 hours chunks for tackling structural edits. Proofreading could be done whilst juggling (so very tempting to click ‘accept all’. That’s just me though, it really depends on what your lifestyle allows for! Great post, thanks for sharing!
I just borrowed your Substack sorting hat method, hurrah! On the writing method -- what’s working for me is a writing sprint thread I post M-F. It’s not a matter of a set time every day but committing to some time every day. It’s working, and I get to connect with others who try it too. (I can’t do appointment viewing either)