May 30, 2023·edited May 30, 2023Liked by Matthew Murray
Hey Matt, great post! I'll still be here when you get back from your break. Really great to hear that you're taking care of yourself!
When I first started writing on Substack I'd set myself the goal of two posts every week, but found when I switched (with huge relief!) to half that rate, it was a much nicer experience. I've taken longer breaks than that, too, and was glad of them.
I'll see you on the other side! 🙌
(Can I just say that I love your visual representation of your break!)
See you when you get back, Matt! I, for one, understand where you’re coming from. We’ll be here waiting to read your next post--whenever that may land.
Yes, take the time you need Matthew. Working full time and also trying to write can take a toll. Some people don't realize how much time and mental drain goes into writing alone, and then adding a physical job with it is exhausting.
Matthew - a thought for you. Yes, stop writing every week for as long as you need to ..
BUT .. START WRITING EVERY DAY; you have a writing habit but, c'mon, really - once a week while unemployed!! ... that's not much work, not much effort, and not much of a committment.
I've been writing every day for 20 years, two months, and 14 days --- but who's counting?
I've been working my ass off every day too - but the writing that began on a smartass lark, trying to make a point with my daughter on the first day of spring 2013 [you might remember, the start of the 2nd Iraq war] - it was a short piece, it went to five friends and my daughter; my 'original six'. I've been writing every day since. Some, very short. Then there was a year I tried to target 272 words. I did quite well, and did an entire month of those 272 'Getty's) ... [the Gettysburg Address is 272 words]. Yes, I've studied the stories, the theory by some that the 273 word version is correct. And, I've been to Gettysburg, walked where he walked, talked where he talked ...
But I digress ... I'll pull out of that rabbit hole.
I write a lot, I write every day and I get better every day. So will you.
New job, great - tell them about your writing affliction/addiction, make it part of your special talent package; you'll be valued and celebrate for it.
About a year ago, thanks to my daughter investigating things for her son (my grandson), she discovered that he has ADHD, and so does she. She began treatment, and then called me to tell me the great news, how her life was SO MUCH better, and that they are getting my grandson into a school for gifted children (he is off the charts fantastic on some indicators). She ended with what has been a great gift to me, "Dad, it's almost always hereditary!"
I was assessed, diagnosed and started medication July 8th last year. It's amazing the focus I now have; I still have all the ADHD traits and foibles which are a challenge to manage, but the ability to sit at considerable length, to concentrate with focus and intensity of one thing for an extended time has been a quantum change. Yes, shift happens!
My writing, every morning has a time limit. I write in DRAFT for my Musing column for the following day, and then I get on with my work+life+imbalance, and find time to polish and post ...
Sleep, repeat.
Write every day, please!!
You are good, and some of your pieces are VERY good; it doesn't take a week and require unemployment - it takes the time you make. If you make 15 minutes to write 15 splendid words, fine - but DO IT. If you take an hour an write 1500 words that need polishing, fine - but DO IT.
You ARE capable of doing more than one thing. I encourage to build on your writing craft; don't take hiatus - write every of the year, when working, on vacations and on holidays. Make it your number 1 priority and the creative genius within you will never regret the time you give it.
Hey Matt, great post! I'll still be here when you get back from your break. Really great to hear that you're taking care of yourself!
When I first started writing on Substack I'd set myself the goal of two posts every week, but found when I switched (with huge relief!) to half that rate, it was a much nicer experience. I've taken longer breaks than that, too, and was glad of them.
I'll see you on the other side! 🙌
(Can I just say that I love your visual representation of your break!)
See you when you get back, Matt! I, for one, understand where you’re coming from. We’ll be here waiting to read your next post--whenever that may land.
Quality over quantity, Matt. Don't pressure yourself. If 2x a month is doable, then go for it. Or, whatever works for you. Take care.
everyone needs a break, Matt. Look after yourself
Yes, take the time you need Matthew. Working full time and also trying to write can take a toll. Some people don't realize how much time and mental drain goes into writing alone, and then adding a physical job with it is exhausting.
Enjoy your time away, Matt!
Great post! Take care of yourself.
I know the feeling and don't let it stress you. You have the luxury of being able to write because you want to, not because you have to :)
Best of luck with the new job!
Matthew - a thought for you. Yes, stop writing every week for as long as you need to ..
BUT .. START WRITING EVERY DAY; you have a writing habit but, c'mon, really - once a week while unemployed!! ... that's not much work, not much effort, and not much of a committment.
I've been writing every day for 20 years, two months, and 14 days --- but who's counting?
I've been working my ass off every day too - but the writing that began on a smartass lark, trying to make a point with my daughter on the first day of spring 2013 [you might remember, the start of the 2nd Iraq war] - it was a short piece, it went to five friends and my daughter; my 'original six'. I've been writing every day since. Some, very short. Then there was a year I tried to target 272 words. I did quite well, and did an entire month of those 272 'Getty's) ... [the Gettysburg Address is 272 words]. Yes, I've studied the stories, the theory by some that the 273 word version is correct. And, I've been to Gettysburg, walked where he walked, talked where he talked ...
But I digress ... I'll pull out of that rabbit hole.
I write a lot, I write every day and I get better every day. So will you.
New job, great - tell them about your writing affliction/addiction, make it part of your special talent package; you'll be valued and celebrate for it.
About a year ago, thanks to my daughter investigating things for her son (my grandson), she discovered that he has ADHD, and so does she. She began treatment, and then called me to tell me the great news, how her life was SO MUCH better, and that they are getting my grandson into a school for gifted children (he is off the charts fantastic on some indicators). She ended with what has been a great gift to me, "Dad, it's almost always hereditary!"
I was assessed, diagnosed and started medication July 8th last year. It's amazing the focus I now have; I still have all the ADHD traits and foibles which are a challenge to manage, but the ability to sit at considerable length, to concentrate with focus and intensity of one thing for an extended time has been a quantum change. Yes, shift happens!
My writing, every morning has a time limit. I write in DRAFT for my Musing column for the following day, and then I get on with my work+life+imbalance, and find time to polish and post ...
Sleep, repeat.
Write every day, please!!
You are good, and some of your pieces are VERY good; it doesn't take a week and require unemployment - it takes the time you make. If you make 15 minutes to write 15 splendid words, fine - but DO IT. If you take an hour an write 1500 words that need polishing, fine - but DO IT.
You ARE capable of doing more than one thing. I encourage to build on your writing craft; don't take hiatus - write every of the year, when working, on vacations and on holidays. Make it your number 1 priority and the creative genius within you will never regret the time you give it.
Best wishes,
Mark