I recently posted my first Substack missive, with many of the same doubts. Of course, I'm only "slightly" less-known than you are, hence the self-doubts as to why anyone would want to read my musings.
It was good to read your first entry in Substack, particularly your self-arguments against and for writing here. I will keep those protestations and rebuttals in mind for myself.
On the subject of creativity, yesterday I read in a BBC article that a good exercise is to start writing as soon as we get up, as that is at a time of day before our internal editor is fully awake. I forgot to do that today, but writing this comment seems a decent substitute.
You make a good point about being realistic re: writing a hit in your 60s. As I approach 57, I'm aware I'm well past my prime for being a "rock star", though I held that dream in my teens and 20s. But the point is to write. To exercise one's creative flow is the point, really.
Sometimes I get that simply from learning a new song and coming up with embellished triads to replace whichever instrument is playing in the solo. Emulating Jimi Hendrix's and Mark Knopfler's styles of playing in that way helps push my own playing outwards like that and feeds my creativity.
So, the directive to "just write" can apply to the keyboard, the pen, and the guitar. The point is to just do it and let the spirit flow through you. That sounds kinda flakey, but when creativity is at its peak, it really does feel like I'm connected to something larger, universal even.
I suppose it's the same with reading a brilliant author's works-they can influence your own writing, providing guideposts, footholds, and milestones to unexplored byways and paths you might not have ventured along on your own.
I'm getting long-winded, so I'll leave my musings here, with thanks to you for continuing your dispatches to this day.
And I'm happy that living in London since you wrote this entry has (correct me if I'm wrong) seemed to revitalise you, particularly in your love of playing and writing music.
i like your obit, and expression as mom, world traveler, blues guitarist and singer, go-go pop star, and just a really nice and real person. I like this kv... and since i'm late to the party, i'll catch up and talk on here when moved. which will be often, no doubt. it's nice to be back in touch in this new and easy format
I just jumped on here now and am already happy I did. You are a great writer so I am thrilled to follow with whatever you happen to be musing about on this platform. I’m going through a similar change of station in life and am trying to figure it out and feel the feels and walk the walk; whatever that may be. Heck, maybe I’ll try writing again:/ Thanks! I’m looking forward to reading more.
I'm very happy about this! I look forward to reading your writings while I have my morning coffee! What a better way to start the day than getting all riled up on Twitter. Thanks!
I greatly admire you, not only because of the bands you have played in, but because you seem to be able to think outside the box. Loved your book. ❤ Was a Go-Go's fan when you all made it big...still am. I do , however, also love your Blue Bonnets group. 😁
Learning to get in motion and stay in motion since my husband's suicide in 2014 has been hard at times. Some days, are better than others and I am gratefully sober and have many people who love me and that I love very much. An attitude of gratitude, my church, A A. and God have kept me on track, thankfully. I am still a work.in progress even at 57 years of age. 😂 Sorry for the ramble. Looking forward to reading your posts.😀
Hi Karen, sorry I am just getting around to reading your comment. You've really had an unimaginable loss in your life, thank you for writing about it. One of the ways I deal with my own stuff is exactly this, knowing that there are a lot of terrible and tragic things that can happen and stay grateful for my burdens. xxK
New places, new perspective, a time to clear your head and think. I wish you well on this journey, and look forward to reading the missives from the field.
Honestly, I could read this every morning for an extra kick in my butt, or gentle and loving shove, to get in action! 💛 Thank you for sharing your process and your new start here 😊 So I have to ask, what’s up with the crummy keyboard, and how can it be remedied?
Sounds like the beginning of a great adventure! As the James Taylor song says..."The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time..." Thanks for taking us all along on your ride. I'm enjoying the passage of time right now by taking a sip of my coffee and reading your thoughts. Have a wonderful week.
I love this idea! I'm interested in your writing, musings, ideas, etc. I think this the perfect time to try something different. Looking forward to your next book but excited to read your newsletter!
Awesome, Kathy! I absolutely loved your book, and am grateful to be on this newsletter journey with you and the rest of the readers! A lot of what you're saying is relatable, so I think you've got something here. Let's see where it goes.
PS For whatever it's worth: when I want to put thoughts on paper (figuratively speaking) but not in the mood to wrestle with the keyboard, I use a speech-to-text app to get the ideas down, and then edit for punctuation, etc. later. In any case, looking forward to the next update!
Kathy, I'm happy to see you taking this direction with your writing. You're a fantastic, thoughtful person and writer, and I really can't wait to see where you go with this and what you end up writing. I never get to see you/talk to you anymore, so I look forward to this method of checking in on you and your adventures.
Hi John, thank you for these very kind words! I think this is a much better way to stay accessible and to communicate with people. Glad you are doing well! xK
I recently posted my first Substack missive, with many of the same doubts. Of course, I'm only "slightly" less-known than you are, hence the self-doubts as to why anyone would want to read my musings.
It was good to read your first entry in Substack, particularly your self-arguments against and for writing here. I will keep those protestations and rebuttals in mind for myself.
On the subject of creativity, yesterday I read in a BBC article that a good exercise is to start writing as soon as we get up, as that is at a time of day before our internal editor is fully awake. I forgot to do that today, but writing this comment seems a decent substitute.
You make a good point about being realistic re: writing a hit in your 60s. As I approach 57, I'm aware I'm well past my prime for being a "rock star", though I held that dream in my teens and 20s. But the point is to write. To exercise one's creative flow is the point, really.
Sometimes I get that simply from learning a new song and coming up with embellished triads to replace whichever instrument is playing in the solo. Emulating Jimi Hendrix's and Mark Knopfler's styles of playing in that way helps push my own playing outwards like that and feeds my creativity.
So, the directive to "just write" can apply to the keyboard, the pen, and the guitar. The point is to just do it and let the spirit flow through you. That sounds kinda flakey, but when creativity is at its peak, it really does feel like I'm connected to something larger, universal even.
I suppose it's the same with reading a brilliant author's works-they can influence your own writing, providing guideposts, footholds, and milestones to unexplored byways and paths you might not have ventured along on your own.
I'm getting long-winded, so I'll leave my musings here, with thanks to you for continuing your dispatches to this day.
And I'm happy that living in London since you wrote this entry has (correct me if I'm wrong) seemed to revitalise you, particularly in your love of playing and writing music.
i like your obit, and expression as mom, world traveler, blues guitarist and singer, go-go pop star, and just a really nice and real person. I like this kv... and since i'm late to the party, i'll catch up and talk on here when moved. which will be often, no doubt. it's nice to be back in touch in this new and easy format
It’s great to see that you still have passion for creating. Such raw openness to how your process is unfolding is inspiring and beautiful. ✨🤘🏽✨✌🏽✨❤️✨
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for putting this out there! I’m on a similar quest.
Hi ,
I’m here
Can’t wait to read about anything & everything and all the in between stuff!
Thanks for sharing
Welcome Jackie!
I just jumped on here now and am already happy I did. You are a great writer so I am thrilled to follow with whatever you happen to be musing about on this platform. I’m going through a similar change of station in life and am trying to figure it out and feel the feels and walk the walk; whatever that may be. Heck, maybe I’ll try writing again:/ Thanks! I’m looking forward to reading more.
Hi Lynn, so nice to hear you might be inspired to write. It's been helping me. Thank you for reading, and commenting! xokv
This is so exciting. In a weird way though we couldn’t more different (single gay man with large extended family and
Not famous ), I’ve had similar feelings of what’s next. Who am I? Thanks for sharing. I look forward to reading these.
Hi John, thank you for subscribing and reading and commenting! I look forward to having you be part of the community I hope grows here. xo
I'm very happy about this! I look forward to reading your writings while I have my morning coffee! What a better way to start the day than getting all riled up on Twitter. Thanks!
THank you Christopher! I hope I help make the mornings interesting! xoKV
I greatly admire you, not only because of the bands you have played in, but because you seem to be able to think outside the box. Loved your book. ❤ Was a Go-Go's fan when you all made it big...still am. I do , however, also love your Blue Bonnets group. 😁
Learning to get in motion and stay in motion since my husband's suicide in 2014 has been hard at times. Some days, are better than others and I am gratefully sober and have many people who love me and that I love very much. An attitude of gratitude, my church, A A. and God have kept me on track, thankfully. I am still a work.in progress even at 57 years of age. 😂 Sorry for the ramble. Looking forward to reading your posts.😀
Hi Karen, sorry I am just getting around to reading your comment. You've really had an unimaginable loss in your life, thank you for writing about it. One of the ways I deal with my own stuff is exactly this, knowing that there are a lot of terrible and tragic things that can happen and stay grateful for my burdens. xxK
New places, new perspective, a time to clear your head and think. I wish you well on this journey, and look forward to reading the missives from the field.
Honestly, I could read this every morning for an extra kick in my butt, or gentle and loving shove, to get in action! 💛 Thank you for sharing your process and your new start here 😊 So I have to ask, what’s up with the crummy keyboard, and how can it be remedied?
I'm looking forward to next time. Need to take laptop in for keyboard cleaning I guess. Tried the air blowing stuff
Sounds like the beginning of a great adventure! As the James Taylor song says..."The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time..." Thanks for taking us all along on your ride. I'm enjoying the passage of time right now by taking a sip of my coffee and reading your thoughts. Have a wonderful week.
yes anything can happen! have a great evening!
I love this idea! I'm interested in your writing, musings, ideas, etc. I think this the perfect time to try something different. Looking forward to your next book but excited to read your newsletter!
Hi Becky, thank you for checking it out!
"What's next?" is a question that is both scary and exhilarating at the same time. It's both my favorite and least favorite thing to ask.
Hi Neil!
So glad you are on Substack--I follow a number of people here!
I subscribe to quite a few but don't have them all visible
Awesome, Kathy! I absolutely loved your book, and am grateful to be on this newsletter journey with you and the rest of the readers! A lot of what you're saying is relatable, so I think you've got something here. Let's see where it goes.
PS For whatever it's worth: when I want to put thoughts on paper (figuratively speaking) but not in the mood to wrestle with the keyboard, I use a speech-to-text app to get the ideas down, and then edit for punctuation, etc. later. In any case, looking forward to the next update!
Thanks Laura, I think I'm going to like the smaller, more contact version of being online than social med - welcome here!
Kathy, I'm happy to see you taking this direction with your writing. You're a fantastic, thoughtful person and writer, and I really can't wait to see where you go with this and what you end up writing. I never get to see you/talk to you anymore, so I look forward to this method of checking in on you and your adventures.
Hi John, thank you for these very kind words! I think this is a much better way to stay accessible and to communicate with people. Glad you are doing well! xK