Jeff, this is the most sublime piece of writing I've read in I don't know how long.
Not only do I see myself in your description of consistency issues and focus challenges, but the comparison to the fairy tale, your description of having the courage and persistency to keep slashing at the thorns until you awaken the inner, divine, wholeness within you... that was my experience in life too, and I relate to the profound sense of joy, yes, but mostly gratitude. In my case what I was finally able to awaken (after years of my own slashing daily at the thorns, and fondly slaying the dragon with the help of an amazing boss) was an inner sense of self-worth, a baseline level of self-assurance that has allowed me to completely celebrate others' joys and successes without feeling jealous or threatened, and in the process made life immeasurably more pleasant, enjoyable and gratifying.
But I didn't begin this comment to blather on about MY story. I want to congratulate you for a sublime piece of writing, so beautifully open and personal, that beyond taking us along your path, it brings joy and comfort to us too. I urge you to share this piece more broadly, to the New York Times or New Yorker or some such outlet. It should be read and enjoyed beyond your Substack subscribers.
Ed, I don't know what to say. That's maybe the nicest compliment ever about my writing. I'm so happy that it was so enjoyable for you, and I'm quite thrilled to hear that it reflected your own experience. Slaying the dragon (in reference to your second comment) is hard because dragons don't die easily, do they? They protected what's inside for so long that we fear to lose them. But by surrounding ourselves with love, as you have, we often find the greatest comfort in sharing our vulnerability. The joy you share daily with Denise and your friends is wonderful and inspiring for me to witness.
" Writing is about the journey inward, to find the part of myself that’s asking to be shared. Accessing it requires time, focus, honesty and intuition" -- I think not enough is said about this is writing guides and books, because it's impossible to teach. Of course there are all kinds of "successful" books/series out there where perhaps "honesty and intuition" maybe wouldn't be listed at the author's top skills. Ultimately, though, I agree with you that an author has to be willing to be honest with themselves in order to understand themself as a writer. And has to employ honesty in an intuitive way in the writing in order to have their voice really come through.
FINALLY slaying the dragon, not fondly. Geez.
Jeff, this is the most sublime piece of writing I've read in I don't know how long.
Not only do I see myself in your description of consistency issues and focus challenges, but the comparison to the fairy tale, your description of having the courage and persistency to keep slashing at the thorns until you awaken the inner, divine, wholeness within you... that was my experience in life too, and I relate to the profound sense of joy, yes, but mostly gratitude. In my case what I was finally able to awaken (after years of my own slashing daily at the thorns, and fondly slaying the dragon with the help of an amazing boss) was an inner sense of self-worth, a baseline level of self-assurance that has allowed me to completely celebrate others' joys and successes without feeling jealous or threatened, and in the process made life immeasurably more pleasant, enjoyable and gratifying.
But I didn't begin this comment to blather on about MY story. I want to congratulate you for a sublime piece of writing, so beautifully open and personal, that beyond taking us along your path, it brings joy and comfort to us too. I urge you to share this piece more broadly, to the New York Times or New Yorker or some such outlet. It should be read and enjoyed beyond your Substack subscribers.
Blessings to you.
Ed, I don't know what to say. That's maybe the nicest compliment ever about my writing. I'm so happy that it was so enjoyable for you, and I'm quite thrilled to hear that it reflected your own experience. Slaying the dragon (in reference to your second comment) is hard because dragons don't die easily, do they? They protected what's inside for so long that we fear to lose them. But by surrounding ourselves with love, as you have, we often find the greatest comfort in sharing our vulnerability. The joy you share daily with Denise and your friends is wonderful and inspiring for me to witness.
Great post! "Art is about being human."
Thanks, Catherine! Glad you enjoyed it! Please share, if you’re so inclined. Hope the world is treating you well.
" Writing is about the journey inward, to find the part of myself that’s asking to be shared. Accessing it requires time, focus, honesty and intuition" -- I think not enough is said about this is writing guides and books, because it's impossible to teach. Of course there are all kinds of "successful" books/series out there where perhaps "honesty and intuition" maybe wouldn't be listed at the author's top skills. Ultimately, though, I agree with you that an author has to be willing to be honest with themselves in order to understand themself as a writer. And has to employ honesty in an intuitive way in the writing in order to have their voice really come through.
I'm glad you are on that path, Jeff! <3
Thanks very much for the thought-provoking topic.