Here is a suggestion that may help 'lift the weight'. I find that the pressure comes from self imposed deadlines and the creativity comes when this weight is lifted...
So, for example, you could commit to writing a post here each month.
Then when inspired you could write additional occasional posts (without the pressure)
Then spend a little time writing NOTES on Substack. Short pieces can be excellent practice. Its actually harder to write good short pieces than it is to write long pieces .
Anyway... be kind to yourself, you're doing very well.
Great post and I think it's so good to calibrate your writing rhythm to suit your needs. It's more important to have the time to create something true and good than to just churn out content on a calendar. Brava and bienvenue en France (if you're still here) !
Aaah thanks so much Karen. No, I am back in the UK again - probably returning to France at Christmas. But the study/den/library is starting to take shape - with lots of books and paintings and prints on the wall.
Absolutely love this as it mirrors much of the way I feel about my own life. Plus - you get to be up close and personal with BEARS? They are my favourite non-domesticated animal in the world and I have read and tried to learn about them for years. I saw grizzlies in the wild when I lived in Canada and sponsor a Moon and a Sun Bear who have been saved from the hideous practice of bile farming in Vietnam. Hugs to you - and the bears!
I love reading your posts Caroline. They are newsy, informative and easy to read. As a newbie to Substack I get quite anxious about posting what I've written. Will it come across as very amateurish? Is it boring? Should I be writing more often? Will anybody read it, especially as each piece takes nearly a day to write as I can only type with one finger. Initially, I thought that I would write weekly but to be honest, I just don't have enough ideas to write so often, so I'll write as and when. It's not like I'm relying on paid subscriptions to bring in the pennies! I should be focusing on editing my book, but I'm needing a kick up the bum as far as that's concerned! xx
Thank you so much for your welcomed warm feedback Brigitte. I agree with you -writing is full of angst- but is so rewarding and absorbing. Keep writing and editing that book!
Thank you for the mention in your newsletter, Caroline. Glad you enjoyed the recent piece on memoir. Great to know that you've been so busy, after that bout of excruciating sciatica a year ago. Your mix of reading, writing, cheese-making, wildlife conservation and art all sounds good for body, soul (and planet). Really inspiring!
Great article, chimed with a lot of my thoughts about writing and reading. Thank you Caroline. I’m about to get onto twice monthly letters having started and stuck with just one for a while. Notes though? I’m not sure many readers open them. But as you say it’s practice that’s so important. I’ll share my thoughts about memoir soon. Bon weekend. 😊
Never give up on your dreams and creative aspirations
I hope you have reflected on what you have given to the Substack community in such a short space of time
Keep it coming as your work will not only enrich your life but in part the lives of those who take the time to read and consider the work you have created
hello Caroline
Thank you for your very kind words.
Here is a suggestion that may help 'lift the weight'. I find that the pressure comes from self imposed deadlines and the creativity comes when this weight is lifted...
So, for example, you could commit to writing a post here each month.
Then when inspired you could write additional occasional posts (without the pressure)
Then spend a little time writing NOTES on Substack. Short pieces can be excellent practice. Its actually harder to write good short pieces than it is to write long pieces .
Anyway... be kind to yourself, you're doing very well.
Warm regards
Judy
Thank you so much Judy - I really appreciate your feedback, constructive as always, and will take it on board.
Great post and I think it's so good to calibrate your writing rhythm to suit your needs. It's more important to have the time to create something true and good than to just churn out content on a calendar. Brava and bienvenue en France (if you're still here) !
Aaah thanks so much Karen. No, I am back in the UK again - probably returning to France at Christmas. But the study/den/library is starting to take shape - with lots of books and paintings and prints on the wall.
Absolutely love this as it mirrors much of the way I feel about my own life. Plus - you get to be up close and personal with BEARS? They are my favourite non-domesticated animal in the world and I have read and tried to learn about them for years. I saw grizzlies in the wild when I lived in Canada and sponsor a Moon and a Sun Bear who have been saved from the hideous practice of bile farming in Vietnam. Hugs to you - and the bears!
Dear Jan - it’s so lovely to hear from you and thank you for your welcome feedback.
Well if you are ever down in Kent and would like to visit the bears, let me know and I will see what I can do.
Thank you SO much. Must remember to not come during hibernation time, then!
I love reading your posts Caroline. They are newsy, informative and easy to read. As a newbie to Substack I get quite anxious about posting what I've written. Will it come across as very amateurish? Is it boring? Should I be writing more often? Will anybody read it, especially as each piece takes nearly a day to write as I can only type with one finger. Initially, I thought that I would write weekly but to be honest, I just don't have enough ideas to write so often, so I'll write as and when. It's not like I'm relying on paid subscriptions to bring in the pennies! I should be focusing on editing my book, but I'm needing a kick up the bum as far as that's concerned! xx
Thank you so much for your welcomed warm feedback Brigitte. I agree with you -writing is full of angst- but is so rewarding and absorbing. Keep writing and editing that book!
Thank you for the mention in your newsletter, Caroline. Glad you enjoyed the recent piece on memoir. Great to know that you've been so busy, after that bout of excruciating sciatica a year ago. Your mix of reading, writing, cheese-making, wildlife conservation and art all sounds good for body, soul (and planet). Really inspiring!
Great article, chimed with a lot of my thoughts about writing and reading. Thank you Caroline. I’m about to get onto twice monthly letters having started and stuck with just one for a while. Notes though? I’m not sure many readers open them. But as you say it’s practice that’s so important. I’ll share my thoughts about memoir soon. Bon weekend. 😊
Thank you so much Francey for reaching out and replying. I look forward to your thoughts on memoir.
Keep going Caroline, you're doing brilliantly! xx
Super reflective article
Never give up on your dreams and creative aspirations
I hope you have reflected on what you have given to the Substack community in such a short space of time
Keep it coming as your work will not only enrich your life but in part the lives of those who take the time to read and consider the work you have created
Thank you so much Wendy - your writing is so inspiring.