All are possible motives, aren't they? And then there are some who just want to create stories and hope they reach a handful of readers who like their words...
I am sure that among the many MANY thousands who deem themselves writers, there are many of those. The best thing about Substack, is that there is room for everyone.
It would be interesting to see demographics .. or pie chart .. spectrum - reflecting at least a ‘ballpark’ guess re Posters’ Topics per existing Categories of the ‘Explore’ Function
Also - for an Environment jam packed with Posts almost invariably accompanied by supportive imagery - whether free AI imagery / free stock photographs / stock ‘Meme’s etc it’s odd there ain’t no Category re those who actually capture photographs & share them - (raising issues of another nature..)
Ultimately .. it’s ’the idea’ that I value.. whatever shape it comes in.. & ain’t it great when the ‘idea’ is illuminated most bodaciously .. & excellently.. for many to see !
Your sensitivity as a writer, and your sensitivity and perceptivity to and about people, probably is the source that fuels self-doubt too. You are definitely a writer!!! It feels like being a writer is organically you….The way your brain thinks, your whole being. (I haven’t had coffee, I’m trying to define this with no brain cells working!)
I took a photography course years ago in which they stressed that one of the key components of a memorable image is a universal them which most people can connect with. I'm a newbie writer but I strongly suspect that the fear of being a "writing imposter" hangs over most of our heads. You've no-doubt hit on a big one.
But we never quit. It is just too much fun and, well, let's face it, cathartic. And besides if we didn't write, we'd have to fill up our day with vacuuming and scrubbing the showers and doing laundry...
You’re not alone in feeling this way, Sharron. The battle has gotten easier for me (it feels like I’m not completely losing the war), but I am still my own worst enemy without question. Loved your take on this one!
Also…you’re one heck of a writer! I always enjoy reading your work.
Thanks, my friend. I have just started printing out my two years of work - something about seeing that tangible stack of pages on my desk is so satisfying to me even though it will end up in a box for my son. A sort of legacy. It is somehow enough.
I just responded to you on a different story. I know exactly what you mean. Seeing your own work in physical form is a tangible representation of all of the hard work you’ve put in! I’m beginning to feel the same way about my own work in terms of self-publishing. It’s very rewarding! If at the end of my days I can hand down a few books (self-published, saved and printed from my computer, whichever approach I take), I feel like that would be worth something to someone…someday! I’m happy to be sharing a similar path as you.
Yes, I feel the same. My writings give a clue as to who I was on my short time on the planet. I have no grandchildren, but as long as the writing survives, then, somehow, so I will too. I guess that sounds pretty bonkers.
Like my shadow, he’s always there.
Constant approval is also your loyal companion. ))
I wish... Thank you my friend
.. one might posit ‘substack is fueled by self-doubt, the aggrieved..
wounded or wondering .. & those capitalizing or trying to.. on the phenomena 🦎🏴☠️
I agree with all of what you just said but would want to add - "or purging themselves of the associated guilt.
All are possible motives, aren't they? And then there are some who just want to create stories and hope they reach a handful of readers who like their words...
All so true.
I am sure that among the many MANY thousands who deem themselves writers, there are many of those. The best thing about Substack, is that there is room for everyone.
It would be interesting to see demographics .. or pie chart .. spectrum - reflecting at least a ‘ballpark’ guess re Posters’ Topics per existing Categories of the ‘Explore’ Function
Also - for an Environment jam packed with Posts almost invariably accompanied by supportive imagery - whether free AI imagery / free stock photographs / stock ‘Meme’s etc it’s odd there ain’t no Category re those who actually capture photographs & share them - (raising issues of another nature..)
Ultimately .. it’s ’the idea’ that I value.. whatever shape it comes in.. & ain’t it great when the ‘idea’ is illuminated most bodaciously .. & excellently.. for many to see !
You bet! And preferably by a human.
Your sensitivity as a writer, and your sensitivity and perceptivity to and about people, probably is the source that fuels self-doubt too. You are definitely a writer!!! It feels like being a writer is organically you….The way your brain thinks, your whole being. (I haven’t had coffee, I’m trying to define this with no brain cells working!)
Thank you, Karen, for always being so encouraging.
I took a photography course years ago in which they stressed that one of the key components of a memorable image is a universal them which most people can connect with. I'm a newbie writer but I strongly suspect that the fear of being a "writing imposter" hangs over most of our heads. You've no-doubt hit on a big one.
Even Sherman Alexie expresses his self-doubts on occasion. I fear there may be no remedy. At least we are in good company!
Anne Lamotte would be another one.
Yes. Even our own brilliant Meg Oolders and Jim Cummings have their ups and downs. We are in good company, Mark.
Ahh, the imposter syndrome lives. But for sure, you are no imposter. Love reading your work.
You are so kind, Wade. Thanks so much.
No reason to self doubt in your case, Sharron! "Damn the self doubt. Write on."
In Spanish they say, "No hay remedio." I think they are talking about writer's self-perception, don't you?
He’s so pervasive…
Indeed he is. And so insistent.
Time for you to kick that "loyal companion" out and get another cat. Thank you for that realistic twist on the theme, Sharron. Have a nice weekend.
Thanks, Jim!
Been trying to shake that SOB for years!!
I like to think it is not hopeless, but I can crumble at just the slightest word. It would behoove us both, I think, to develop thicker skins.
What a great spin on 'loyal companion'!
Ah, Heather, I think we all experience lack of confidence in our writing from time to time .. don't we?
Oh definitely.
Self-doubt, it always seems to be available, when least I need it.
Yes, it is, and it is shocking how little it takes to undermine my determination.
And make me question what I am doing.
But we never quit. It is just too much fun and, well, let's face it, cathartic. And besides if we didn't write, we'd have to fill up our day with vacuuming and scrubbing the showers and doing laundry...
How true.... Generally speaking, my own experience is almost devoid of approval....
Keep writing, A.T. As long as it's fun or cathartic, it has great personal value!
You’re not alone in feeling this way, Sharron. The battle has gotten easier for me (it feels like I’m not completely losing the war), but I am still my own worst enemy without question. Loved your take on this one!
Also…you’re one heck of a writer! I always enjoy reading your work.
Thanks, my friend. I have just started printing out my two years of work - something about seeing that tangible stack of pages on my desk is so satisfying to me even though it will end up in a box for my son. A sort of legacy. It is somehow enough.
I just responded to you on a different story. I know exactly what you mean. Seeing your own work in physical form is a tangible representation of all of the hard work you’ve put in! I’m beginning to feel the same way about my own work in terms of self-publishing. It’s very rewarding! If at the end of my days I can hand down a few books (self-published, saved and printed from my computer, whichever approach I take), I feel like that would be worth something to someone…someday! I’m happy to be sharing a similar path as you.
Yes, I feel the same. My writings give a clue as to who I was on my short time on the planet. I have no grandchildren, but as long as the writing survives, then, somehow, so I will too. I guess that sounds pretty bonkers.
That doesn’t sound bonkers at all.
Your writings are thoughtful, creative, funny and inspirational. You are not an imposter!
Aww. Thanks Susan.
Nailed it! Again.
Thank you, Connie.