This is so great. Really hit me at the right time. I’m in the middle of many things now, in a grind, and struggling to embrace the adventure. Thank you for the encouragement and support for a stronger mindset 🤙🏼
Fantastic piece, Brian. I recently read Seth Godin's "The Practice", recommended to me by a fellow writer. It shocked me to discover how programmed we are to view success as "rewards and outcomes". When rewards and outcomes are the things we have ZERO control over. This is why goals like "getting an agent" or "writing a best seller" can be dangerous to our journeys. It's the things we CAN control - sending out x number of queries, finishing draft two of a project, getting the first ten words of a story idea on paper- that should be the reward.
My favorite part of reading about other people's success stories (once I check my envy/ego at the door) is learning that every big break is preceded by countless failures. It takes guts to succeed because you can't be afraid to look like an ass first. Often. And potentially for a very long time. 💝
Thanks for reading, Meg! Isn't it interesting how we get so into the mindset of thinking about all of those things that come after finishing, and that, like you said, aren't even in our control?!? I've noticed a trend on Substack as well, where new writers (not just of fiction) are very concerned about getting new subscribers, and when I go to check them out, they haven't written anything, or haven't written anything in a long time. The best thing we can do is to keep writing, and make that our primary intent, and everything else becomes secondary. Most success follows that mindset, and like you mentioned a lot of failure!
Thanks for sharing this, Brian. I write, but just for fun (my main pursuit is woodworking). However, for the first time ever, I’ve been sharing my writing publicly and it’s been a terrific learning experience. It’s not about the end product (the essays) or even getting lots of views--for me it’s become a meditative pause that allows me to reflect on my woodworking and how I’m spending my days. A chance to slow down instead of just going from one project to the next. And I think I’ve become a better writer in the process, which is satisfying (could be deluding myself here, but delusions are a big part of happiness, right?).
That's awesome, Tali! I'm glad you took the plunge and started sharing. Your writing will help you build a community around that primary woodworking passion. Think of all the woodworkers out there that don't like to write, but are looking for community and tutorials and want to know if others struggle with similar issues around the craft. You get to be that bridge. For my essays, I do a similar thing, where I take time to think about if what I'm saying rings true, will help others, provide encouragement... it really does become meditative and a way to flush out our thoughts. Thanks for sharing and for reading!
Brian, this was excellent! Thank you for the concise summary of the motivation issue in writing. Your mention of Flow reminds me of work I did many years ago with young students creating interactive games on the computer ( Csikszentmihalyi , etc). Also, I used to write music when I lived in Hollywood. It was a creative activity I enjoyed very much because a composer could live with a song as long as needed, and then throw it out there for others to enjoy. I find writing articles on Substack is a very similar experience.
Another insight from your story has to do with sharing. I have friends who regularly share their work by sending out emails, but generally receive very little feedback. Author-Reader interaction is more visible on Substack, not only because of the "Comments" option, but the "Opens" data as well. For me, it is more important to know that my work is being read and enjoyed, than to accumulate large numbers of followers who may not be reading anything at all.
The one sentence that I appreciate the most from your article is: "In order to do this, an intentional focus must be put on the craft itself."
Thanks for reading, Robert! It's so exciting to hear about all of the creativity that goes on in the Fictionistas community. We've got programmers, woodworkers, musicians, artists, and it's not just writers. It allows us to understand creativity from a broader perspective. I agree about wanting readers to enjoy what we're putting out there. That's what makes it so tough when writers finally publish and hear nothing in response. Deep down we just want people to find enjoyment in it.
To that end, we're exploring options regarding helping groups of writers organize and provide each other feedback. I'm not sure where it will go, but Jackie and Geoffrey have recognized that it's something writers mention quite often, and with a few other volunteers it could be another great aspect of the Fictionistas community. Thanks for your comments!
Brian, Your explanation of "in the middle" is such a fine addition to the literary term "in media res". The latter, as we know, is where the best stories begin. Your explanation here on the writing journey in the middle so finely done that I am tempted to add only this: The "not knowing" while we're there is key to invention. We all need to go with that and discover as we journey. xo ~Mary
That's part of the scary part though isn't it... the not knowing. It took me a while to be okay with that and to continue forward, but you're right that it can generate some "healthy anxiety" and invention. Thanks for reading, Mary!
Nicely done. Every conventionally successful writer I know writes because they have to. Not have to financially. Not have to for attention. Have to because it comes from their soul. It’s a passion, writing. Sure, sometimes it’s harder to get the words down on the page, but if you’re struggling to write consistently it might because it’s more of a hobby than a passion. There’s nothing wrong with that. But understanding the difference can help.
Thanks, Michael! It's interesting that "have to" because it's so hard to explain to anyone that is not creative what it feels like. If someone were to ask me why I create, a part of me wouldn't know what to say because I was just born that way. I would have to find a similar analogy for their life personally and what they feel they "have to" do and say whatever that feeling is, that's me. Thanks for reading!
I agree with your statement: Have to because it comes from their soul. When I am write, it is truly because the characters in my head are telling a story that I must write. It comes from within me.
Great words of wisdom, but one word sums it up: craft. It’s the focused, flow state inducing journey, not the destination that leads to honing your craft and taking your writing to a whole new level.
This is helpful. I tend to prefer short fiction in part because novels take forever to write. I've been working on the same book since 2020, and the only reason I haven't thrown in the towel is because I'm convinced it will be a great story once it's done. However, I do sometimes wonder if it will ever *be* done.
I published my first book at the end of 2015, after working on it on and off since the late 1980s. I’m getting faster, though! At any rate, if you want to finish, you will. Believe in yourself.
Finishing can still be important to being in the middle. It's really a matter of perception. You're writing with a story in mind, and your natural inclination is to finish it because you want that story told. The difference would be if you were to say you're writing because you simply want a done novel. I could not use that for motivation because it's only satisfying and rewarding once it's done and, on the shelf, so to speak. Focusing on the story telling though, will naturally lead you to a conclusion on your own timing.
As much as I like Substack, it does emphasize “end results”: subscribers and money. That is their business model. It can be hard to ignore those stats. 🤣 But I have never “had to write.” I write because it is a creative outlet, I enjoy it, and I enjoy having an audience for it. If I wasn’t enjoying the process, or had no readers, I would quit. It certainly doesn’t pay enough to grind away at it with no joy. I am the same with music. I enjoy the process. Learning, practice, songwriting, arranging, performance. All of it. If I didn’t. I wouldn’t do it. I recently “retired” from a band I had been in for 15 years because I had grown tired of it. But I also started another band I am enjoying. I had a strong passion for writing for three years (wrote a novel, novella, and hundreds of stories), but it has ebbed. So I write less. My creativity goes where it wants to go. I just follow it. I guess that is my flow. 🤓
Thanks for reading, Mark! It does make it hard on Substack, and I was pulled into that for a short bit, but find myself more in tune now with the writing routine than feeding the machine. It sounds like you've got the right mindset when it comes to creativity. The "have to" part from me is more of an intrinsic desire that I can't ignore. It's always there, and it's there more for writing than most anything else. That's why I know it's a part of what I'm supposed to be doing. It ebbs and flows though. I'm also working on an indie game, and it feels wonderful. Maybe it will go somewhere and maybe it won't, but I'm in the middle of that, too, and it feels great. Just like with your band!
I've never thought of writing and the connection with the growth mindset. I was brought up thinking that the bright flashing young literary star like Fitzgerald was the only model to follow. The reality is so different!
Everyone has some measure of natural talent in a singular domain, but it's the measure at which we can rise above failure and keep plugging away that ultimately makes us a Fitzgerald. That, and a little bit of luck never hurts either.
This is so great. Really hit me at the right time. I’m in the middle of many things now, in a grind, and struggling to embrace the adventure. Thank you for the encouragement and support for a stronger mindset 🤙🏼
Thanks for reading, Zachary. I'm glad it's helped!
Writing doesn’t take me there every time, but when it does it’s really great.
🫰🫰
Solid pen wisdom, Brian. Thanks
Best article on writing and creativity that I’ve read in years. Thank you for reminding us of the very best reason for writing - the joy of doing so.
Thanks for reading, Vic, and thanks for the high praise!
🔥
Fantastic piece, Brian. I recently read Seth Godin's "The Practice", recommended to me by a fellow writer. It shocked me to discover how programmed we are to view success as "rewards and outcomes". When rewards and outcomes are the things we have ZERO control over. This is why goals like "getting an agent" or "writing a best seller" can be dangerous to our journeys. It's the things we CAN control - sending out x number of queries, finishing draft two of a project, getting the first ten words of a story idea on paper- that should be the reward.
My favorite part of reading about other people's success stories (once I check my envy/ego at the door) is learning that every big break is preceded by countless failures. It takes guts to succeed because you can't be afraid to look like an ass first. Often. And potentially for a very long time. 💝
Thanks for reading, Meg! Isn't it interesting how we get so into the mindset of thinking about all of those things that come after finishing, and that, like you said, aren't even in our control?!? I've noticed a trend on Substack as well, where new writers (not just of fiction) are very concerned about getting new subscribers, and when I go to check them out, they haven't written anything, or haven't written anything in a long time. The best thing we can do is to keep writing, and make that our primary intent, and everything else becomes secondary. Most success follows that mindset, and like you mentioned a lot of failure!
🔥🔥❤️
Thanks for sharing this, Brian. I write, but just for fun (my main pursuit is woodworking). However, for the first time ever, I’ve been sharing my writing publicly and it’s been a terrific learning experience. It’s not about the end product (the essays) or even getting lots of views--for me it’s become a meditative pause that allows me to reflect on my woodworking and how I’m spending my days. A chance to slow down instead of just going from one project to the next. And I think I’ve become a better writer in the process, which is satisfying (could be deluding myself here, but delusions are a big part of happiness, right?).
That's awesome, Tali! I'm glad you took the plunge and started sharing. Your writing will help you build a community around that primary woodworking passion. Think of all the woodworkers out there that don't like to write, but are looking for community and tutorials and want to know if others struggle with similar issues around the craft. You get to be that bridge. For my essays, I do a similar thing, where I take time to think about if what I'm saying rings true, will help others, provide encouragement... it really does become meditative and a way to flush out our thoughts. Thanks for sharing and for reading!
🔥🔥
writing is fun! :)
Thank you! A great reminder.
Brian, this was excellent! Thank you for the concise summary of the motivation issue in writing. Your mention of Flow reminds me of work I did many years ago with young students creating interactive games on the computer ( Csikszentmihalyi , etc). Also, I used to write music when I lived in Hollywood. It was a creative activity I enjoyed very much because a composer could live with a song as long as needed, and then throw it out there for others to enjoy. I find writing articles on Substack is a very similar experience.
Another insight from your story has to do with sharing. I have friends who regularly share their work by sending out emails, but generally receive very little feedback. Author-Reader interaction is more visible on Substack, not only because of the "Comments" option, but the "Opens" data as well. For me, it is more important to know that my work is being read and enjoyed, than to accumulate large numbers of followers who may not be reading anything at all.
The one sentence that I appreciate the most from your article is: "In order to do this, an intentional focus must be put on the craft itself."
Onward......
Thanks for reading, Robert! It's so exciting to hear about all of the creativity that goes on in the Fictionistas community. We've got programmers, woodworkers, musicians, artists, and it's not just writers. It allows us to understand creativity from a broader perspective. I agree about wanting readers to enjoy what we're putting out there. That's what makes it so tough when writers finally publish and hear nothing in response. Deep down we just want people to find enjoyment in it.
To that end, we're exploring options regarding helping groups of writers organize and provide each other feedback. I'm not sure where it will go, but Jackie and Geoffrey have recognized that it's something writers mention quite often, and with a few other volunteers it could be another great aspect of the Fictionistas community. Thanks for your comments!
Yes! Focus! 🔥
\ ~ • ~ F L O W ~ S T A T E ~ • ~ /
Geoffrey, something tells me that your entire life is one big flow state 😊
Haha, I wish! But when it comes to writing, I do get into a solid groove and it's a great feeling.
Brian, Your explanation of "in the middle" is such a fine addition to the literary term "in media res". The latter, as we know, is where the best stories begin. Your explanation here on the writing journey in the middle so finely done that I am tempted to add only this: The "not knowing" while we're there is key to invention. We all need to go with that and discover as we journey. xo ~Mary
That's part of the scary part though isn't it... the not knowing. It took me a while to be okay with that and to continue forward, but you're right that it can generate some "healthy anxiety" and invention. Thanks for reading, Mary!
Nicely done. Every conventionally successful writer I know writes because they have to. Not have to financially. Not have to for attention. Have to because it comes from their soul. It’s a passion, writing. Sure, sometimes it’s harder to get the words down on the page, but if you’re struggling to write consistently it might because it’s more of a hobby than a passion. There’s nothing wrong with that. But understanding the difference can help.
Michael Mohr
‘Sincere American Writing’
https://michaelmohr.substack.com/
Thanks, Michael! It's interesting that "have to" because it's so hard to explain to anyone that is not creative what it feels like. If someone were to ask me why I create, a part of me wouldn't know what to say because I was just born that way. I would have to find a similar analogy for their life personally and what they feel they "have to" do and say whatever that feeling is, that's me. Thanks for reading!
Exactly 🔥🔥
I agree with your statement: Have to because it comes from their soul. When I am write, it is truly because the characters in my head are telling a story that I must write. It comes from within me.
Great words of wisdom, but one word sums it up: craft. It’s the focused, flow state inducing journey, not the destination that leads to honing your craft and taking your writing to a whole new level.
Very true! Thanks for reading, Rand.
This is helpful. I tend to prefer short fiction in part because novels take forever to write. I've been working on the same book since 2020, and the only reason I haven't thrown in the towel is because I'm convinced it will be a great story once it's done. However, I do sometimes wonder if it will ever *be* done.
I published my first book at the end of 2015, after working on it on and off since the late 1980s. I’m getting faster, though! At any rate, if you want to finish, you will. Believe in yourself.
Thanks!
Finishing can still be important to being in the middle. It's really a matter of perception. You're writing with a story in mind, and your natural inclination is to finish it because you want that story told. The difference would be if you were to say you're writing because you simply want a done novel. I could not use that for motivation because it's only satisfying and rewarding once it's done and, on the shelf, so to speak. Focusing on the story telling though, will naturally lead you to a conclusion on your own timing.
As much as I like Substack, it does emphasize “end results”: subscribers and money. That is their business model. It can be hard to ignore those stats. 🤣 But I have never “had to write.” I write because it is a creative outlet, I enjoy it, and I enjoy having an audience for it. If I wasn’t enjoying the process, or had no readers, I would quit. It certainly doesn’t pay enough to grind away at it with no joy. I am the same with music. I enjoy the process. Learning, practice, songwriting, arranging, performance. All of it. If I didn’t. I wouldn’t do it. I recently “retired” from a band I had been in for 15 years because I had grown tired of it. But I also started another band I am enjoying. I had a strong passion for writing for three years (wrote a novel, novella, and hundreds of stories), but it has ebbed. So I write less. My creativity goes where it wants to go. I just follow it. I guess that is my flow. 🤓
Thanks for reading, Mark! It does make it hard on Substack, and I was pulled into that for a short bit, but find myself more in tune now with the writing routine than feeding the machine. It sounds like you've got the right mindset when it comes to creativity. The "have to" part from me is more of an intrinsic desire that I can't ignore. It's always there, and it's there more for writing than most anything else. That's why I know it's a part of what I'm supposed to be doing. It ebbs and flows though. I'm also working on an indie game, and it feels wonderful. Maybe it will go somewhere and maybe it won't, but I'm in the middle of that, too, and it feels great. Just like with your band!
I like having several creative outlets. That way I don’t get bored. 🤣 But music is my first love.
Good points made here. The primary goal of any writer should be to leave a worthwhile body of work behind.
I've never thought of writing and the connection with the growth mindset. I was brought up thinking that the bright flashing young literary star like Fitzgerald was the only model to follow. The reality is so different!
Everyone has some measure of natural talent in a singular domain, but it's the measure at which we can rise above failure and keep plugging away that ultimately makes us a Fitzgerald. That, and a little bit of luck never hurts either.