There's definitely a tie between this idea and the romanticizing of a tortured artist. I think it's easy to think of the extremes like the composer in Cloud Atlas, who composes his magnum opus and then basically ends his own story because it's difficult to account for most of the gray area that is most of our lives. I know subscribing to this concept played into perfectionism for me and now that I treat all my creative projects like plants that just grow on their own time as long as I tend to them in small but meaningful ways (manageable yet meaningful like I think you taught me) it's all become more fun.
So many wise reminders in this letter - thank you! I've gotten a lot more comfortable over time with leaving some ideas tucked away in the back of my brain. Sometimes I know it's just not the right time for that idea yet. Either it's missing something crucial, or I don't have the right skills (yet!) to write it. Everything in its own time. :)
It’s so important to know that there are as many chances as they want. Yes, use the best stuff, but people don’t have to throw every single thing in there or never have another opportunity.
Also, it’s easier to write a book that doesn’t try to do everything, right? 🙃
This is tricky for sure. I find filling gaps often happens more easily when looking at what's lurking underneath, whether that's emotions, hidden elements of plot or other details. It's always a balance, I find. And sometimes I just draw a blank for a day or so before something new appears. It's an art, not a science, right?
There's definitely a tie between this idea and the romanticizing of a tortured artist. I think it's easy to think of the extremes like the composer in Cloud Atlas, who composes his magnum opus and then basically ends his own story because it's difficult to account for most of the gray area that is most of our lives. I know subscribing to this concept played into perfectionism for me and now that I treat all my creative projects like plants that just grow on their own time as long as I tend to them in small but meaningful ways (manageable yet meaningful like I think you taught me) it's all become more fun.
Great share, thanks for writing.
Manageable yet Meaningful for the win! Let them grow, then prune! So glad to hear it’s more fun — that is a big win.
So many wise reminders in this letter - thank you! I've gotten a lot more comfortable over time with leaving some ideas tucked away in the back of my brain. Sometimes I know it's just not the right time for that idea yet. Either it's missing something crucial, or I don't have the right skills (yet!) to write it. Everything in its own time. :)
Everything in its own time indeed. 🩷
This is necessary information. I can't tell you how many times I've told another writer "you know, you can always write another book." 🤷🏾♂️
It’s so important to know that there are as many chances as they want. Yes, use the best stuff, but people don’t have to throw every single thing in there or never have another opportunity.
Also, it’s easier to write a book that doesn’t try to do everything, right? 🙃
Goodness! I feel like I’ve just got the clarity I needed in a few minutes. I think I’ve been trying to write 2 (maybe even 3) books!
Yes!! Isn’t it liberating? And all those books get to have their turn. I’m so so excited for you. 🎉
I have the opposite problem. I’m pretty good at “killing my darlings,” but then I have trouble filling in the empty spaces.
This is tricky for sure. I find filling gaps often happens more easily when looking at what's lurking underneath, whether that's emotions, hidden elements of plot or other details. It's always a balance, I find. And sometimes I just draw a blank for a day or so before something new appears. It's an art, not a science, right?
Right! Thanks for the tip.