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Krwheel's avatar

I am happy you create art. I do not have that skill, however I do have other skills. It is good to be in a world where we all contribute with our different skill. Keep creating in any way you can.

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Cynthia Swanson's avatar

Absolutely. Creativity comes in many forms, and other skills are equally important. If it feeds your soul, you're doing it right.

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Susan Fisher's avatar

Nice read...glad you're doing all those events!

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Cynthia Swanson's avatar

Thanks! Busy times, but it's all good.

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Carl Vonderau's avatar

It's a difficult problem. I write because it speaks to me. But I also want it to speak to others. And the genre expectations require certain things. I try to fulfill those while doing something different. Most important of all is that it touch my heart. Because then it's not a job but something more meaningful.

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Cynthia Swanson's avatar

Well said, Carl. Overall, I agree completely. I'm also finding that giving myself grace to work on something right now that might or might not speak to others (and doesn't necessarily fit the genre expectations) is good for my spirit, as well as my growth as a writer. Not forever, mind you...but for now. We'll see. Happy writing!

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Judy's avatar

Really loved your Substack this week.

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Cynthia Swanson's avatar

Thank you, Judy! I'm so glad, and I appreciate you reaching out to comment.

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Marcy Goldman's avatar

This is a tough question since I’ve been online via my website newsletter for over 28 years! Increasingly, no matter what I write in my greeting/op ed, there is no response. I literally write my heart out and offer original content (recipes) and there is crickets -or occasionally someone asks why I don’t offer more ‘free’ stuff. So I took a hiatus. I winnowed down my monthly newsletter to about 25 words. No one missed the writing and creative address. But I DID! I missed ‘me’. So as long as i have no expectations, I will continue to write my heartfelt and literary aspiring newsletter but I am very clear now - it’s ‘for me’, no one is hearing or commenting and that’s fine but I had to accept that and figure out what “I” need as a writer.

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Cynthia Swanson's avatar

Sounds like you've found peace with where you are, Marcy. That's a good thing! I subscribed to your Substack but it doesn't look like you've posted yet...? Unless I missed something. If not, perhaps duplicate your heartfelt and literary aspiring newsletter here on Substack. (You could still also post it via your website.)

I really love the community here...so many thoughtful and insightful readers and fellow writers to connect with. Good luck!

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