Omg!!! I love, love, love this. He tohu ne? Thank you for sharing your imperfect perfection process of writing, and evolving in that process. I can't wait to read more, whatever your flavourful! He mihi ki a koe mo te tau hou Pakeha! I will go back and read those other writers too, nga mihi xxx
So much in here I want to respond to!! First of all, yay, you’re back! I had noticed your absence and wondered, now I know (and completely relate). But first, I read a poem this week, which, when I read this post made me think of it again.... in particular the line that stood out to me “find ease in risk...” (there’s so much risk in writing, maybe that’s what they really mean when they say writing is lonely...? ) Anyway here’s the poem and I’m coming back separately with another thought!
Okaaay, and a follow up thought (and thanks for those links by the way) I too have struggled with the substack audience question - what am I offering? why will people read/engage and what might turn people away? Before I made the switch away from substack, I had a look at my stats for the first time and what I found surprised me. Without unpacking it in detail, what it revealed to me is that I should just write what I want to write and not worry too much about reader expectations. I do think there are things we can do to be more helpful - like maybe doing a round up post every month or to recap what people might have missed, or having a TLDR at the top of a long post, or publishing a regular “thing” that people are familiar with and know to look out for (or alternatively it might be something they pass on). Either way, we can’t worry too much about individual stories, and just keep writing and not be so silenced by doubt or fear (soo me!!). Anyway, just sharing my approach in case it’s helpful, ultimately I LOVE where you have landed. Writing and publishing is complicated, but it’s so important to make the connection and I’m happy you’re back. That poem rocked me. ❤️💔
Thank you for the poem. I’m scared sometimes and it is a beautiful message of hope. And thank you for the guidance re substack, I appreciate it! In this moment my intent is to get some practice posting things whenever the spirit moves me, then digging holes to hide in until I really do find some ease in risk. Thank you for being here. *side note - I don’t know how to do the responding on the ghost site but I am still devouring it so happily hehe
Haha one of the writers I mentioned talked about wanting to dig a hole to hide in after sharing her words with the world, and the fear of public opinion. It felt so relatable.
Thank you for the mention and I’m thrilled that I was able to help you get over your self criticism and just post. This is a lovely, moving and insightful text that will bring much value to everyone who reads it ❤️ I’m rooting for you! ✨👏
Omg!!! I love, love, love this. He tohu ne? Thank you for sharing your imperfect perfection process of writing, and evolving in that process. I can't wait to read more, whatever your flavourful! He mihi ki a koe mo te tau hou Pakeha! I will go back and read those other writers too, nga mihi xxx
So much in here I want to respond to!! First of all, yay, you’re back! I had noticed your absence and wondered, now I know (and completely relate). But first, I read a poem this week, which, when I read this post made me think of it again.... in particular the line that stood out to me “find ease in risk...” (there’s so much risk in writing, maybe that’s what they really mean when they say writing is lonely...? ) Anyway here’s the poem and I’m coming back separately with another thought!
FOR A NEW BEGINNING
by John O’Donohue
In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
My Ngāti Hine sister - thank you for this poem too. Both of you and have been little tohu for me as well xxx
Okaaay, and a follow up thought (and thanks for those links by the way) I too have struggled with the substack audience question - what am I offering? why will people read/engage and what might turn people away? Before I made the switch away from substack, I had a look at my stats for the first time and what I found surprised me. Without unpacking it in detail, what it revealed to me is that I should just write what I want to write and not worry too much about reader expectations. I do think there are things we can do to be more helpful - like maybe doing a round up post every month or to recap what people might have missed, or having a TLDR at the top of a long post, or publishing a regular “thing” that people are familiar with and know to look out for (or alternatively it might be something they pass on). Either way, we can’t worry too much about individual stories, and just keep writing and not be so silenced by doubt or fear (soo me!!). Anyway, just sharing my approach in case it’s helpful, ultimately I LOVE where you have landed. Writing and publishing is complicated, but it’s so important to make the connection and I’m happy you’re back. That poem rocked me. ❤️💔
awww...this is great. Mana wahine in motion korua xxx
Umm and whats a TLDR???
Thank you for the poem. I’m scared sometimes and it is a beautiful message of hope. And thank you for the guidance re substack, I appreciate it! In this moment my intent is to get some practice posting things whenever the spirit moves me, then digging holes to hide in until I really do find some ease in risk. Thank you for being here. *side note - I don’t know how to do the responding on the ghost site but I am still devouring it so happily hehe
I love the 'get some practise posting things whenever the spirit moves me' YES, YES, YES. I am curious about then 'digging holes to hide in.' ????
Haha one of the writers I mentioned talked about wanting to dig a hole to hide in after sharing her words with the world, and the fear of public opinion. It felt so relatable.
Thank you for the mention and I’m thrilled that I was able to help you get over your self criticism and just post. This is a lovely, moving and insightful text that will bring much value to everyone who reads it ❤️ I’m rooting for you! ✨👏
Thank you so much! I am really enjoying your writing and the freedom in it. It’s infectious and inspiring. Thank you 🙏🏽
I appreciate that ❤️