Your mistaken identity moments have made me chuckle. I’ve archived all my Substack posts as they really ought to be going towards auto fiction rather than the splurge they have been. But it’s a been a good thing in general and has stopped me from stopping writing, at times. Keep going in whichever way suits you. You owe us freeloaders nothing. 🤓
I don’t know how you have managed to write each day but I am v grateful that you have. I can see the problem with Lott confusion, maybe we could crowdfund some new glasses for one of you :)
I thought this was c interesting. Is substack just another type of social media that we do for the endorphin likes which stops us writing or do we need the fuel of feedback to get us through the long slog of writing a book?
I have found that I've had to pull back on my posts here on Substack, as well. Being here has helped me in some ways and hindered me in others. I'm sure that whatever you will do going forward will bring you joy!
Speaking of coincidences, I obtained, then lost and found again today, a copy of Frank Tallis’s “Killing Time” on the cover of which was praise from yourself. Nice to see this.
This was a both witty and thought-provoking essay, Toby. I'm sure that many of us find it easy to fritter away our time on Substack. I'm sure I do. But then again, I could do that elsewhere too. And I probably have. What struck me as remarkable about Lott's comments was how they assumed that real writing was writing a novel and that everything else was not. That may be the case for him. But I'm surprised to see the novel being put into such a privileged position in the 21st century. Novels, books, are great and I love them. But do they represent the apex form of writing any more, if they ever did? I'm not sure they do.
Not having been an accomplished writer I can't say for sure if Substack is a hinderance to me. Lately I've wondered though. I've just "discovered" it and already it has become somewhat of a worry stone in my daily life. Meanwhile I work on ideas for book writing and recently stumbled on one I'm running with. I have no-one to mistake my identity with so perhaps my concern is just a silly fantasy. Thanks for these nourishing thoughts!
I see my time here as learning to fly. I’m building discipline and holding myself accountable for finishing something. Especially with serials that are due each week, I work through story issues and get the best product released that I can.
Your piece came at the right time since I wonder about this too. I could be finishing more. It didn’t happen before but maybe it’s possible now.
I’m a fiction author and I just started my Substack journey. I think it’s making me a better author, because it means I have to do research on author biographies. It gives me a wider view of history. It also has been phenomenal for my discipline. I’m here for the long game and I look forward to growing an audience here. Great post!
Lott's thoughts I've also thought as a silent witness to Substack. It has prevented me jumping in with abandon. Traditional human publishers, editors, and agents are capable of relationships and loving good writing whereas Big Tech platforms are not. Why not? That's more than a comment.
Your mistaken identity moments have made me chuckle. I’ve archived all my Substack posts as they really ought to be going towards auto fiction rather than the splurge they have been. But it’s a been a good thing in general and has stopped me from stopping writing, at times. Keep going in whichever way suits you. You owe us freeloaders nothing. 🤓
I don’t know how you have managed to write each day but I am v grateful that you have. I can see the problem with Lott confusion, maybe we could crowdfund some new glasses for one of you :)
I’m glad you’re not giving up. Your advice is so generous, and I’m so grateful for your entries. Ps. I think you’re much more handsome than Tim Lott
I thought this was c interesting. Is substack just another type of social media that we do for the endorphin likes which stops us writing or do we need the fuel of feedback to get us through the long slog of writing a book?
Yes, I think that’s true. But the little hits are addictive. The big submissions are nerve shredding.
I have found that I've had to pull back on my posts here on Substack, as well. Being here has helped me in some ways and hindered me in others. I'm sure that whatever you will do going forward will bring you joy!
Lottleganger!
and Littleganger.
Speaking of coincidences, I obtained, then lost and found again today, a copy of Frank Tallis’s “Killing Time” on the cover of which was praise from yourself. Nice to see this.
Toby Litt. coincidence shurely?
I enjoyed this fwiw. Your call, Tobys.
This was a both witty and thought-provoking essay, Toby. I'm sure that many of us find it easy to fritter away our time on Substack. I'm sure I do. But then again, I could do that elsewhere too. And I probably have. What struck me as remarkable about Lott's comments was how they assumed that real writing was writing a novel and that everything else was not. That may be the case for him. But I'm surprised to see the novel being put into such a privileged position in the 21st century. Novels, books, are great and I love them. But do they represent the apex form of writing any more, if they ever did? I'm not sure they do.
I understand completely and commend your course of action.
Not having been an accomplished writer I can't say for sure if Substack is a hinderance to me. Lately I've wondered though. I've just "discovered" it and already it has become somewhat of a worry stone in my daily life. Meanwhile I work on ideas for book writing and recently stumbled on one I'm running with. I have no-one to mistake my identity with so perhaps my concern is just a silly fantasy. Thanks for these nourishing thoughts!
Great read
I see my time here as learning to fly. I’m building discipline and holding myself accountable for finishing something. Especially with serials that are due each week, I work through story issues and get the best product released that I can.
Your piece came at the right time since I wonder about this too. I could be finishing more. It didn’t happen before but maybe it’s possible now.
I’m a fiction author and I just started my Substack journey. I think it’s making me a better author, because it means I have to do research on author biographies. It gives me a wider view of history. It also has been phenomenal for my discipline. I’m here for the long game and I look forward to growing an audience here. Great post!
Lott's thoughts I've also thought as a silent witness to Substack. It has prevented me jumping in with abandon. Traditional human publishers, editors, and agents are capable of relationships and loving good writing whereas Big Tech platforms are not. Why not? That's more than a comment.