I started reading this article because of an inspiring note. I had already pushed “follow” but am at the end of the article and am pushing “subscribe!”so much of what you’re saying resonates. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind and motivating words, Betsy — I really appreciate them.
Like many, I’ve come to see Substack as a kind of sanctuary after feeling let down by other platforms. Instagram is so full of ads it’s barely usable, and I never quite “got” TikTok.
I’ve been especially enjoying the Notes side of Substack. As someone naturally a bit resistant to digital community — not because I don’t value connection, but because of how much time it can take when you’re trying to live, work, and stay creative — it’s been a surprise. I’m finding real inspiration in other people’s ideas, and joy in offering something useful in return sometimes too.
Your words lifted me — and make me want to pass that energy on. Grateful to be “traveling” together. See you along the way soon!
Jim! I love your take on ideation, especially your thoughts on keeping a diary. I've journaled daily since I did The Artist's Way a few years ago, sometimes one page and other times three or four or five, and I've found it really helps with exploring/digesting/understanding my raw emotions and the stories behind them. In some ways, it helps me get all the self-doubt and worry out of me and onto the page so I can write something else—an essay, a story—without all the mental chatter of my own self-criticism. Other times it helps me wrap my head around an idea/thought/question I've been chewing on, which helps me figure out the real crux of what I might want to share with someone else in my writing. As for jotting down those ideas, I've got upwards of 50 drafts on Substack just waiting to be turned into longer pieces . . . Excited to read more of your work!
Beautiful words — and thank you for this overview of your writing process at the moment.
I also have quite some drafts here on Substack — but I find it difficult always to go back, even to the ones I sense are good.
I guess the words of the new day will always call once you start listening to them.
I am really enjoying again writing in my diary. I write so differently as to when I write on my computer — so strange how it effects the shape of your thought.
I hope you’re in a great flow Dylan - I’m just back now and look forward to following you journey! Jim
Dear Sally-Ann, I’m humbled both by your support, and the more so by what I’ve read of your life, experience and loss. If I may, from afar, I’m sending huge love. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through — but I can hope that whatever consolation is in the world comes to offer some comfort. With love, Jim
Really enjoyed reading your post today. I can't say just one thing I connect with..it's all of it. Everything you mention from trying to giving yourself space..to being, to letting be. Very very true. Thank you ✨
I started reading this article because of an inspiring note. I had already pushed “follow” but am at the end of the article and am pushing “subscribe!”so much of what you’re saying resonates. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind and motivating words, Betsy — I really appreciate them.
Like many, I’ve come to see Substack as a kind of sanctuary after feeling let down by other platforms. Instagram is so full of ads it’s barely usable, and I never quite “got” TikTok.
I’ve been especially enjoying the Notes side of Substack. As someone naturally a bit resistant to digital community — not because I don’t value connection, but because of how much time it can take when you’re trying to live, work, and stay creative — it’s been a surprise. I’m finding real inspiration in other people’s ideas, and joy in offering something useful in return sometimes too.
Your words lifted me — and make me want to pass that energy on. Grateful to be “traveling” together. See you along the way soon!
Jim
Jim! I love your take on ideation, especially your thoughts on keeping a diary. I've journaled daily since I did The Artist's Way a few years ago, sometimes one page and other times three or four or five, and I've found it really helps with exploring/digesting/understanding my raw emotions and the stories behind them. In some ways, it helps me get all the self-doubt and worry out of me and onto the page so I can write something else—an essay, a story—without all the mental chatter of my own self-criticism. Other times it helps me wrap my head around an idea/thought/question I've been chewing on, which helps me figure out the real crux of what I might want to share with someone else in my writing. As for jotting down those ideas, I've got upwards of 50 drafts on Substack just waiting to be turned into longer pieces . . . Excited to read more of your work!
Beautiful words — and thank you for this overview of your writing process at the moment.
I also have quite some drafts here on Substack — but I find it difficult always to go back, even to the ones I sense are good.
I guess the words of the new day will always call once you start listening to them.
I am really enjoying again writing in my diary. I write so differently as to when I write on my computer — so strange how it effects the shape of your thought.
I hope you’re in a great flow Dylan - I’m just back now and look forward to following you journey! Jim
Great thoughts on this!
I loved reading this exploration of your writing. Look forward to reading more.
Dear Sally-Ann, I’m humbled both by your support, and the more so by what I’ve read of your life, experience and loss. If I may, from afar, I’m sending huge love. I can’t imagine what you’ve gone through — but I can hope that whatever consolation is in the world comes to offer some comfort. With love, Jim
Thanks Jim, I really appreciate your words and love - can feel it, and it means a lot to me ❤️
With you from afar Sally-Ann! I hope today's a good day, and am sending kind wishes from Berlin!
Really enjoyed reading your post today. I can't say just one thing I connect with..it's all of it. Everything you mention from trying to giving yourself space..to being, to letting be. Very very true. Thank you ✨
Dear Saima, thank you just so much for this reflection.
It was a strage post, because I was a little "panic-ed" about writing something.
When I hit a block or wonder if I have anything left to give in a newsletter,
I always ask -- what do I most need to hear.
It really helps me.
I realised while drafting this out, that I have recently been reframing how I approach my writing on Substack.
And it was really fun to pull together older and newer lessons.
Wishing you a great week - and thank you so much for your encouragement -- can't tell you what a lift it is!
Jim
Thank you for your kind note Jim. I am not sure if I have missed to reply here but I truly appreciate your words and wisdom. Thank you 😊✨
I really appreciate these words Saima! Thank you for the encouragement!
Thank you for this 🤍
Appreciate so much the words & support! 🙏
Love these reflections and ideas. Safe travels
Thank you so much for the feedback Islay!