Welcome to new subscribers Lindsay, EHR, Suzie, Kaushal, Ilene, KTB, Beth, Ingrid, gospilled, Jo, Andoo, Veronica, Anna, just mud, clopez, Elizabeth, Jim, Tom, jkeats, John, Gin, Indirah, Jackieone, Cheri, Hannah, and Patti. Thanks for joining the Release and Gather subscriber list, which is more than just a bunch of names. We have some of the best discussions in the comments, so be sure to hop over and check it out, even if you don’t want to add anything. I learn so much from those who share their thoughts!
I’ve been in a bit of a creative slump lately too, and as we both began our Substacks about the same time, I have felt synergistically aligned with you.
For me it’s more that life became extra consuming the past month more than a dearth of ideas. But also I’ve put extra pressure on myself to come up with something big to celebrate one year of weekly newsletter writing. A celebration and a reflection.
And Jen Zug’s reflections are spot on. She reached out to me too, when I posted about my recent struggles. Her generous spirit is so strong and inspiring, right?
Good to see you back, and thank you for this vulnerable post. I took part in a writing workshop last night focused around the theme of voice. It helped me with some questions about whether and when my voice might need to whisper, or shout, or rest, and more. Making a list of times in my life when all those were true was fascinating, and a good reminder of my voice changing during different seasons.
Good to see you this morning - sometimes it feels good to show up even when we feel like there’s nothing to give, yes? I think most of us can resonate with this, and I suspect your comment section will be poppin!
Also having a genuine moment of, Wow I really said that? 🥰
A few days without news, social media, tv, or YouTube is like going to a retreat in India, without the rice. Cleansing and revitalizing. “Walks beside me, walks on by, terrifies me, makes me party, puts my trust in God and man...”
IME, you can't be drawing from the well all the time, without letting it fill up again. If one prefers, the same metaphor applies with a toilet tank. In any case, when I'm worn out of creativity; I go get some from other people, by watching them work. Never be loath to watch other people work; be it on a page or a stage or a pitch or a forge.
Just an "Old Subscriber Here," so glad to hear your voice again. Sometimes, our voices talk in just a few words (sounds very Haiku). I am on a writing jag. I can't stop. My daughter suggested that I try writing fiction (something I don't do) and WOW, it is fabulous! I mean, you just make everything up! I am utilizing life experiences, conversations I have had in the past, it is lovely fun. I am so glad to hear you are well. Super happy for Noah. As you once told me "Your subscribers will come to you," I will share with you, "Your words will come to you."
Hi Holly, Thank you for being so honest and sharing. I don't want to speak for everyone but I think at some point we all struggle with this...I know I do. Very brave of you to step away and listen to yourself. Of coursed I missed but I'm just glad all is well! xo
It happens. Sometimes my voice runs away from home like a 10 years old who didn’t get dessert. She eventually comes home when she gets hungry. Because I write humor I try to pick apart any little event from my life and affix a funny take. Next week I will drop an essay based on a scientific study.
I went on a fishing trip a couple of Saturdays (my normal writing day) ago. I had to give myself permission to take a week off from writing, but, like you, I was determined to live in the moment for at least one day.
There have been other days since, and I can feel the tide of ideas rising back to the surface just waiting for the first day of summer break to be released. Here’s hoping the break brings your words back, as well!
Thank you for this. Even in a community as large as Substack, it's easy to feel alone when you're sitting at a computer typing and deleting the same sentence repetitively for hours. I periodically have bouts of writer's block. More this year than others for some reason. Part of my problem is sorting. I have too many ideas for things I'd like to write, and find the others interfering when I sit down to work on a single topic. Wishing you the best...
Sometimes journaling or just describing things stimulates creativity, or at least keeps the habit of writing alive, without having to find a good topic to write about.
I did announce a posting break on my substack, saying I needed time to build up a publishing buffer of posts. I'm due back this coming week, and rather than writing posts to create a buffer, I just had a break. I didn't realise I needed it until after it happened!
I noticed your silence, however I think I hear your voice loud and clear here! Love the picture of your chair and lights! Always happy to read your thoughts!
I think we all struggle with putting something together to write about. I have several ideas written down but then I have the problem of trying to figure out how to weave that into a long post. Sometimes it takes going away from an idea and then moving to something else.
Lately, I have been so busy that I don't have time to think about writing my newsletter. I don't write it until the day before I need to put it out. And then I feel rushed.
You'll get it back. I know you can do it. A little encouragement and some time away will cure your voice.
“If you lose your voice, be quiet a while. It’ll come back”
I love this quote so much!!!
Glad you enjoyed your break Holly. :)
I’ve been in a bit of a creative slump lately too, and as we both began our Substacks about the same time, I have felt synergistically aligned with you.
For me it’s more that life became extra consuming the past month more than a dearth of ideas. But also I’ve put extra pressure on myself to come up with something big to celebrate one year of weekly newsletter writing. A celebration and a reflection.
And Jen Zug’s reflections are spot on. She reached out to me too, when I posted about my recent struggles. Her generous spirit is so strong and inspiring, right?
Good to see you back, and thank you for this vulnerable post. I took part in a writing workshop last night focused around the theme of voice. It helped me with some questions about whether and when my voice might need to whisper, or shout, or rest, and more. Making a list of times in my life when all those were true was fascinating, and a good reminder of my voice changing during different seasons.
Good to see you this morning - sometimes it feels good to show up even when we feel like there’s nothing to give, yes? I think most of us can resonate with this, and I suspect your comment section will be poppin!
Also having a genuine moment of, Wow I really said that? 🥰
A few days without news, social media, tv, or YouTube is like going to a retreat in India, without the rice. Cleansing and revitalizing. “Walks beside me, walks on by, terrifies me, makes me party, puts my trust in God and man...”
Hi, I'm new here.
IME, you can't be drawing from the well all the time, without letting it fill up again. If one prefers, the same metaphor applies with a toilet tank. In any case, when I'm worn out of creativity; I go get some from other people, by watching them work. Never be loath to watch other people work; be it on a page or a stage or a pitch or a forge.
Creativity is not fleas.
Getting it from others won't hurt yours.
Just an "Old Subscriber Here," so glad to hear your voice again. Sometimes, our voices talk in just a few words (sounds very Haiku). I am on a writing jag. I can't stop. My daughter suggested that I try writing fiction (something I don't do) and WOW, it is fabulous! I mean, you just make everything up! I am utilizing life experiences, conversations I have had in the past, it is lovely fun. I am so glad to hear you are well. Super happy for Noah. As you once told me "Your subscribers will come to you," I will share with you, "Your words will come to you."
Hi Holly, Thank you for being so honest and sharing. I don't want to speak for everyone but I think at some point we all struggle with this...I know I do. Very brave of you to step away and listen to yourself. Of coursed I missed but I'm just glad all is well! xo
It happens. Sometimes my voice runs away from home like a 10 years old who didn’t get dessert. She eventually comes home when she gets hungry. Because I write humor I try to pick apart any little event from my life and affix a funny take. Next week I will drop an essay based on a scientific study.
I went on a fishing trip a couple of Saturdays (my normal writing day) ago. I had to give myself permission to take a week off from writing, but, like you, I was determined to live in the moment for at least one day.
There have been other days since, and I can feel the tide of ideas rising back to the surface just waiting for the first day of summer break to be released. Here’s hoping the break brings your words back, as well!
Thank you for this. Even in a community as large as Substack, it's easy to feel alone when you're sitting at a computer typing and deleting the same sentence repetitively for hours. I periodically have bouts of writer's block. More this year than others for some reason. Part of my problem is sorting. I have too many ideas for things I'd like to write, and find the others interfering when I sit down to work on a single topic. Wishing you the best...
Sometimes journaling or just describing things stimulates creativity, or at least keeps the habit of writing alive, without having to find a good topic to write about.
I did announce a posting break on my substack, saying I needed time to build up a publishing buffer of posts. I'm due back this coming week, and rather than writing posts to create a buffer, I just had a break. I didn't realise I needed it until after it happened!
I noticed your silence, however I think I hear your voice loud and clear here! Love the picture of your chair and lights! Always happy to read your thoughts!
Man, I sure can relate. I've lost mine since January. Just zero motivation to be creative and am not sure why.
Hope you find yours again soon and hang in there :)
Nice to see you back Holly!
I think we all struggle with putting something together to write about. I have several ideas written down but then I have the problem of trying to figure out how to weave that into a long post. Sometimes it takes going away from an idea and then moving to something else.
Lately, I have been so busy that I don't have time to think about writing my newsletter. I don't write it until the day before I need to put it out. And then I feel rushed.
You'll get it back. I know you can do it. A little encouragement and some time away will cure your voice.