We all have those things we know we want (maybe even have) to write about but find difficult go get into. Here’s how I push myself to start getting those deeply personal essays onto the page.
Regarding your why of “Fear of how it might impact other people I love” ….I’ve got some of that. But not the ability (or willingness maybe?) to speak with that person about it. My gut tells me I can’t look to publish it until I do so.
Regardless, I found all of this very helpful, thank you!
Different writers think about this differently, but I say write it first. That first draft is for you—you don't need anyone's permission or input. Then once you have it on the page, your feelings may change or you may have a stronger sense of what you really want to do: talk to that person before you revise, talk to them before you publish, or don't publish and let it be just for you.
Thank you so much for sharing this & playing along with the invitations. I hear you on what your gut is saying. Your gut is gold! I’m glad this was helpful!
Thanks Brendan. Just took a break from my writing to come check in on Substack….saw your comment…and realized I was literally just doing what you said. I’ve unknowingly been doing it all this past week. Writing is so weirdly fun sometimes. Anyway, thanks for the feedback!
Reading your writing, Caroline, is ALMOST as powerful as an in-person conversation with you. This was full of insight into what it takes to put yourself on the page as you do so masterfully. Thank you!
Thank you, Rabbi!!! Means the world coming from you! We are long overdue for an in-person convo. I still think about the Shabbat one we had now 17 (?!?) years ago. Shabbat shalom.
Regarding your why of “Fear of how it might impact other people I love” ….I’ve got some of that. But not the ability (or willingness maybe?) to speak with that person about it. My gut tells me I can’t look to publish it until I do so.
Regardless, I found all of this very helpful, thank you!
Different writers think about this differently, but I say write it first. That first draft is for you—you don't need anyone's permission or input. Then once you have it on the page, your feelings may change or you may have a stronger sense of what you really want to do: talk to that person before you revise, talk to them before you publish, or don't publish and let it be just for you.
Thank you so much for sharing this & playing along with the invitations. I hear you on what your gut is saying. Your gut is gold! I’m glad this was helpful!
Thanks Brendan. Just took a break from my writing to come check in on Substack….saw your comment…and realized I was literally just doing what you said. I’ve unknowingly been doing it all this past week. Writing is so weirdly fun sometimes. Anyway, thanks for the feedback!
I needed to read this, thank you for writing it 💜
Aw! I’m so glad to hear! Thank you for playing along! ❤️
Reading your writing, Caroline, is ALMOST as powerful as an in-person conversation with you. This was full of insight into what it takes to put yourself on the page as you do so masterfully. Thank you!
Thank you, Rabbi!!! Means the world coming from you! We are long overdue for an in-person convo. I still think about the Shabbat one we had now 17 (?!?) years ago. Shabbat shalom.