I can relate to so much of what you write here, Kate. I just did a career panel for high schoolers three times over the span of a morning. Different questions but each session asked a version of "when did you know you'd be a (insert profession)." I'm sure I thought similarly at their age that there's on / off, binary, certainty in life. The clouds part, angels sing, and we stride into the next chapter of our life unwaveringly. I encouraged them to not wait for a perfect feeling to start something because those are few and far between and said the way to relative certainty, or as much as is healthy anyway, is by wading through lots of uncertainty and doubt.
Thank you for such a nice essay....... Helping others understand how to make our lives, our work, our projects, and our families synthesize into what we love ......
Great piece again Kathleen - I love your Saturday posts around making art and being a writer, they are so thought-provoking! The idea of 'success' is something I have returned to many times over the years. I used to think that it was tied up in getting published - an editor officially rating your work as 'worthy' of publication - and I think there is still an element in that to my thinking. But I have also heard other writers refer to getting a book deal, only to realise that nothing much happens, whereas online platforms such as Substack connect you with readers in a way you wouldn't necessarily get with a printed book. Which probably accounts for the amount of writers recently putting their serialised books on here, including some big names. I think a lot of it is about being seen, and heard, and feeling that others connect with your work...although being able to make a living from your art would also be nice! Good luck with the latest novel : )
Thanks so much, Kate! I’ve also gone through some evolution of the purpose and success of writing projects...plus I guess each project may have a different goal. Your new direction is also a great experiment. Yes I wonder about serialising fiction on here...it’s not the way I like to read fiction, personally, but if others do, it could work. Or a hybrid where you also offer a book for sale. Always appreciate your thoughts
I can relate to so much of what you write here, Kate. I just did a career panel for high schoolers three times over the span of a morning. Different questions but each session asked a version of "when did you know you'd be a (insert profession)." I'm sure I thought similarly at their age that there's on / off, binary, certainty in life. The clouds part, angels sing, and we stride into the next chapter of our life unwaveringly. I encouraged them to not wait for a perfect feeling to start something because those are few and far between and said the way to relative certainty, or as much as is healthy anyway, is by wading through lots of uncertainty and doubt.
High school - such a fun age group to talk with about these ideas!
Thank you for such a nice essay....... Helping others understand how to make our lives, our work, our projects, and our families synthesize into what we love ......
Great piece again Kathleen - I love your Saturday posts around making art and being a writer, they are so thought-provoking! The idea of 'success' is something I have returned to many times over the years. I used to think that it was tied up in getting published - an editor officially rating your work as 'worthy' of publication - and I think there is still an element in that to my thinking. But I have also heard other writers refer to getting a book deal, only to realise that nothing much happens, whereas online platforms such as Substack connect you with readers in a way you wouldn't necessarily get with a printed book. Which probably accounts for the amount of writers recently putting their serialised books on here, including some big names. I think a lot of it is about being seen, and heard, and feeling that others connect with your work...although being able to make a living from your art would also be nice! Good luck with the latest novel : )
Thanks so much, Kate! I’ve also gone through some evolution of the purpose and success of writing projects...plus I guess each project may have a different goal. Your new direction is also a great experiment. Yes I wonder about serialising fiction on here...it’s not the way I like to read fiction, personally, but if others do, it could work. Or a hybrid where you also offer a book for sale. Always appreciate your thoughts