As a recent graduate, this hit exactly where I've been living the last few months.
Not having a group of people to bonk me on the head when my doubts take over, and also coping with being a new writer in this industry, has been hard.
I like the idea of examining my fears as a way of pushing forward. I'm still learning ways of compartmentalizing them and pushing forward, but it's a process.
I think it's harder because I'm still lacking that physical success I can point at, but I'm working on it.
Wow. This helps me immensely, thank you. I respect writing all the more, understanding each story, sentence, word I choose "do not care about none of that shit". This mantra puts fear in a sleeper hold. Thank you 🙏🏽
This is so solid, absolutely going on my recommended reading list (required reading if I ever teach again).
Everyone who approaches that blank page has a sense of fear. I think you hit it on the head of how fear controls the writer. When we produce one thing that does well, we now have this expectation that we must be better on the next run. We need to give ourselves permission that we can only do the best that we can at the moment, like you say, we need to take it “one thing at a time.”
Love this. I just recently read Chain Gang All Stars and absolutely loved how you wove abolition into such a vivid fictional fabric so indelibly. I feel similarly overwhelmed by ideas and fears, so will have to try writing out the worst ones to see if that rids them of their power!
My father died when he was six years older than I am now, and the fear of not having enough time is a constant companion. Of time running through my hands. Time is a wise teacher, and sometimes a bully.
I can deeply relate to your fears, and the weight they carry.
This is beautiful.
As a recent graduate, this hit exactly where I've been living the last few months.
Not having a group of people to bonk me on the head when my doubts take over, and also coping with being a new writer in this industry, has been hard.
I like the idea of examining my fears as a way of pushing forward. I'm still learning ways of compartmentalizing them and pushing forward, but it's a process.
I think it's harder because I'm still lacking that physical success I can point at, but I'm working on it.
Wow. This helps me immensely, thank you. I respect writing all the more, understanding each story, sentence, word I choose "do not care about none of that shit". This mantra puts fear in a sleeper hold. Thank you 🙏🏽
Badass here. Thanks for sharing this. Your audio is on point too! 👊
This is so solid, absolutely going on my recommended reading list (required reading if I ever teach again).
Everyone who approaches that blank page has a sense of fear. I think you hit it on the head of how fear controls the writer. When we produce one thing that does well, we now have this expectation that we must be better on the next run. We need to give ourselves permission that we can only do the best that we can at the moment, like you say, we need to take it “one thing at a time.”
I really needed this. Thank you!
This is so real and so relatable. Thank you
I desperately needed to hear this, Nana. Thank you. One thing at a time.
Yes to this! Keep showing up for the moment that is the work. Thanks for sharing this.
Love this. I just recently read Chain Gang All Stars and absolutely loved how you wove abolition into such a vivid fictional fabric so indelibly. I feel similarly overwhelmed by ideas and fears, so will have to try writing out the worst ones to see if that rids them of their power!
Hopeful, helpful, beautiful. Thank you for sharing for this "one thing at a time" jewel.
This is exactly what I needed to read today. Thank you!
This is an amazing post and really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing this part of your process.
This found me at just the right time. Thank you.
That was immensely beautiful. Thank you.
My father died when he was six years older than I am now, and the fear of not having enough time is a constant companion. Of time running through my hands. Time is a wise teacher, and sometimes a bully.
I can deeply relate to your fears, and the weight they carry.
Breathing, acting through fear is terrifying.
I felt touched and held by your words.
This is a breath of fresh air on my creative writing journey! Asè.