I love that idea as a block-breaking and general thinking tool, and I appreciate getting to read your author's note! I can't wait to read your memoir. (Also, I didn't know you could put a PDF directly into a Substack. How great is that?) At the moment, I am considering writing an essay about something that is really bothering me--AHEM, yes, THAT--and I have been asking myself "Why do I care this much?" and making a few notes here and there, trying to jump ahead to scenes or exposition that might explain my "why," but I should let it spill in uncensored free-write form as a note for myself, first. Thanks for the idea and the encouragement to do that!
I just learned you could add a PDF! I didn't know you could before this actually. And...I'm part dying to read your essay, and part cautiously screaming, "Don't do it, Andromeda!!!!" For reasons I've already conveyed. :)
I'm in the thick of writing my first book, a memoir, and have been feeling like I'm losing my way a bit. Thinking about "why do I want to write this book?" - such a simple question - holds a lot of promise in helping me feel reconnected to my message and mission. I'm curious, how did you do the "digging" to find the answer? Did you journal about it? Just sit with the question? Thanks, Donna!
Karla, I'd say, it's the paramount question you need to answer to give yourself direction. If you wanted to talk about it on zoom one day, I'd be happy to brainstorm it through with you! Let me know. (Really, I would!)
That is incredibly kind, Donna. I would absolutely love to take you up on that offer. What's the best way to set up a call with you? Also, happy release day on Wishful Thinking! I'm in the thick of reading it now!
Memoir is a powerful tool for understanding our lives. I love writing it, and though I’ve so far stuck to essay-length memoir, I love the clarity it brings to those experiences which I feel called upon to set in writing. Someday, I know, I will write a book-length memoir, but I don’t think I’ve done enough living yet. Still, this is very helpful advice, Donna, thanks!
I love that idea as a block-breaking and general thinking tool, and I appreciate getting to read your author's note! I can't wait to read your memoir. (Also, I didn't know you could put a PDF directly into a Substack. How great is that?) At the moment, I am considering writing an essay about something that is really bothering me--AHEM, yes, THAT--and I have been asking myself "Why do I care this much?" and making a few notes here and there, trying to jump ahead to scenes or exposition that might explain my "why," but I should let it spill in uncensored free-write form as a note for myself, first. Thanks for the idea and the encouragement to do that!
I just learned you could add a PDF! I didn't know you could before this actually. And...I'm part dying to read your essay, and part cautiously screaming, "Don't do it, Andromeda!!!!" For reasons I've already conveyed. :)
I'm in the thick of writing my first book, a memoir, and have been feeling like I'm losing my way a bit. Thinking about "why do I want to write this book?" - such a simple question - holds a lot of promise in helping me feel reconnected to my message and mission. I'm curious, how did you do the "digging" to find the answer? Did you journal about it? Just sit with the question? Thanks, Donna!
Karla, I'd say, it's the paramount question you need to answer to give yourself direction. If you wanted to talk about it on zoom one day, I'd be happy to brainstorm it through with you! Let me know. (Really, I would!)
That is incredibly kind, Donna. I would absolutely love to take you up on that offer. What's the best way to set up a call with you? Also, happy release day on Wishful Thinking! I'm in the thick of reading it now!
Karla, just email me: donnamariefreitas@gmail.com
And thank you!! That's so nice of you to read.
Memoir is a powerful tool for understanding our lives. I love writing it, and though I’ve so far stuck to essay-length memoir, I love the clarity it brings to those experiences which I feel called upon to set in writing. Someday, I know, I will write a book-length memoir, but I don’t think I’ve done enough living yet. Still, this is very helpful advice, Donna, thanks!