Today, I’m going to write about nothing as a way of reclaiming the right to write about nothing. When a writer isn’t writing, that’s writer’s block — the assumption is that you’re artistically constipated, and there’s an entire industry built around the promise of writerly laxatives. Sign up for this writing course! Buy this book of prompts! Hire a coach! But lately I feel like my issue isn’t an inability to write, but an inability to hit publish. I’ve lost the conviction that I have anything worthwhile to say, and I’ve been trying to trace when, exactly, I lost that conviction.
"But lately I feel like my issue isn’t an inability to write, but an inability to hit publish." - This resonates at present, thank you. I realise my issue of late has been sending out emails to people's inboxes, rather than the publishing online...
i love the former because it feels more intimate, but the latter has the power to reach so many more people who aren't already in your orbit. hard to find the balance in all these things!
I have come to you via The Microdose, where for many months now you have presented me with an insightful summary of all things psychedelic. All that time the column, newsletter, whatever, has been a 'just the facts, ma'am' presentation of a varied and complex universe. You are adroit at keeping yourself out of the writing, and I am deeply thankful of your informing me on the topic. And now I am further thankful for getting a peek into the life of the detective.
We will read whatever you write.
This did not come off as bitchy, but insightful and honest! have you read no one is talking about this?
thank you, elinor 🧡 i haven't read it but it's been on my list since i first heard about it -- do you recommend?
I think as someone who was active on Twitter you'd appreciate it. I liked it a lot.
"But lately I feel like my issue isn’t an inability to write, but an inability to hit publish." - This resonates at present, thank you. I realise my issue of late has been sending out emails to people's inboxes, rather than the publishing online...
i love the former because it feels more intimate, but the latter has the power to reach so many more people who aren't already in your orbit. hard to find the balance in all these things!
Jane, I'll read you writing about nothing anytime. You were my very first subscriber on Substack, and for that I'll always be grateful.
thanks for always being so kind and supportive, john!
I have come to you via The Microdose, where for many months now you have presented me with an insightful summary of all things psychedelic. All that time the column, newsletter, whatever, has been a 'just the facts, ma'am' presentation of a varied and complex universe. You are adroit at keeping yourself out of the writing, and I am deeply thankful of your informing me on the topic. And now I am further thankful for getting a peek into the life of the detective.