I used to think of myself as a writer, but then someone whose opinion meant a lot to me gave me some unhelpful criticism that basically made me think I had been annoying people with my inconsistent blog posts and that I should just stop.
I haven’t written anything in almost 5 years. I so badly want to again, even if it’s just journaling for myself. But the I start to think about how I need to “do something” with it for it to matter and that I need a blog and a lead magnet and to get back on social media (which I’ve been off of for 4 years).
I want to start writing again.
Your vulnerability and pursuit of a craft that you genuinely love and enjoy is inspiring and I am so grateful for your work
Tori this makes me ache for you. (Also makes me mad at that person for destroying your confidence.) have you read Create Anyway? I’d love to send you a copy 🫶🏼 email me your address! Ashlee.gadd@gmail.com
I have not, but after reading this piece I finally ordered it! I cannot wait to read it and I’m excited to set the goal for myself to become a writer again in 2025
I laughed so hard at this. I did the EXACT same thing as you back in my early blogging days because surprise, surprise, I learned it from Jenna Kutcher. I've been here on Substack for four years and I have probably fifty more subscribers now than I did four years ago. I have no lead magnets, no social media on which to promote my work, no website even. Just a belief that I happen to like what I'm writing and that the right people will find me if they're meant to. And, if not? Well, I've had a lot of fun writing on Substack all these years and no words are ever wasted.
Well said, Ashlee--it is a dance for sure, to find that balance between writing and 'hey, read my writing!' Right?
FWIW, Anne Lamott was my first writing hero and I remember very clearly when her first book came out--1979, the year my daughter was born. I don't think websites were even invented then, right?
Ashlee, it was "Hard Laughter" written mostly about and after her dad's brain cancer diagnosis. A close friend of hers was also battling cancer at one time and I ((think)) it's in Small Mercies that she mentions it....There's one line in particular I think of often about having the right life perspective, "Hmmmm... Dying today. What should I do?" which I've probably mis quoted; hopefully you get the gist!
Relatable x 100 not only for enneagram 3, Jenna Kutcher and the lead magnet pull but because this tension is real and you always find a way to acknowledge that with wisdom.
This absolutely makes my day! Thanks for making us laugh, smile, and nod our heads a thousand times over at every turn of this piece. You’re a great writer, Ashlee!
Loved this and I also clicked on that lead magnet - I read every word and felt inspired! The book stack poetry idea is so fun!!!
But yes - I could FEEL it when you were talking about the process of creating it and all the hours - I relate to what that feels like mentally, physically and emotionally!
Loved reading this. AND I have never read a book by Anne Lamott. Where should I start?
I second Sandy's recs! Bird by Bird and Traveling Mercies are my top faves.
Thank you!
I would suggest Bird by Bird and then Traveling Mercies ☺️
Thank you!
Found this at 3am. I felt so seen. I smiled a lot too.
Thanks for reading, Aisha! ❤️
I used to think of myself as a writer, but then someone whose opinion meant a lot to me gave me some unhelpful criticism that basically made me think I had been annoying people with my inconsistent blog posts and that I should just stop.
I haven’t written anything in almost 5 years. I so badly want to again, even if it’s just journaling for myself. But the I start to think about how I need to “do something” with it for it to matter and that I need a blog and a lead magnet and to get back on social media (which I’ve been off of for 4 years).
I want to start writing again.
Your vulnerability and pursuit of a craft that you genuinely love and enjoy is inspiring and I am so grateful for your work
Tori this makes me ache for you. (Also makes me mad at that person for destroying your confidence.) have you read Create Anyway? I’d love to send you a copy 🫶🏼 email me your address! Ashlee.gadd@gmail.com
I have not, but after reading this piece I finally ordered it! I cannot wait to read it and I’m excited to set the goal for myself to become a writer again in 2025
I laughed so hard at this. I did the EXACT same thing as you back in my early blogging days because surprise, surprise, I learned it from Jenna Kutcher. I've been here on Substack for four years and I have probably fifty more subscribers now than I did four years ago. I have no lead magnets, no social media on which to promote my work, no website even. Just a belief that I happen to like what I'm writing and that the right people will find me if they're meant to. And, if not? Well, I've had a lot of fun writing on Substack all these years and no words are ever wasted.
AMEN to that, Melissa.
Well said, Ashlee--it is a dance for sure, to find that balance between writing and 'hey, read my writing!' Right?
FWIW, Anne Lamott was my first writing hero and I remember very clearly when her first book came out--1979, the year my daughter was born. I don't think websites were even invented then, right?
Thank you for the smiles and sharing your story.
Was that Operating Instructions?
Ashlee, it was "Hard Laughter" written mostly about and after her dad's brain cancer diagnosis. A close friend of hers was also battling cancer at one time and I ((think)) it's in Small Mercies that she mentions it....There's one line in particular I think of often about having the right life perspective, "Hmmmm... Dying today. What should I do?" which I've probably mis quoted; hopefully you get the gist!
oh goodness YES. this made me laugh and smile so much. WWALD
Okay all of this, but also, I love your lead magnet.
😅 Thank you!
Relatable x 100 not only for enneagram 3, Jenna Kutcher and the lead magnet pull but because this tension is real and you always find a way to acknowledge that with wisdom.
Thanks for reading, friend ❤️ Also I don't think I knew you were an Enneagram 3!
As three as you get 😆
April Hoss and I used to have sticky notes on our phones with,"What would Emily do?" on it. Probably NOT be checking her phone, is what.
Hey and also, this is a story about not writing, yeah? You and I, we should write a book.
❤️ I hadn't thought of it that way but you're right!
I loved this, made me smile.
1. I love your lead magnet.
2. I hope you get to me Anne one day!
I DID! I got to meet her a few years ago and tell her how much her writing has impacted me. It was amazing!
I couldn’t love this more. Now I have to search my aging brain for what we called these “back in the day.”
This absolutely makes my day! Thanks for making us laugh, smile, and nod our heads a thousand times over at every turn of this piece. You’re a great writer, Ashlee!
Ahhh thank you, Ally! ❤️
Loved this and I also clicked on that lead magnet - I read every word and felt inspired! The book stack poetry idea is so fun!!!
But yes - I could FEEL it when you were talking about the process of creating it and all the hours - I relate to what that feels like mentally, physically and emotionally!
oh goodness YES. this made me laugh and smile so much. WWALD
I need a temporary tattoo with that inscription 😅
yesssssss
How did you know I needed this today? I am forever borrowing those two questions. Brilliant.
I just had a feeling ;)
I love this so much!