56 Comments
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Rysh's avatar

I’m not sure if the post is directed at a real person or an imaginary one…but I definitely get it.

I see a lot of posts and notes (mostly notes) criticizing what other people are writing about. Saying, for example, that people that write about these specific things that this specific person considers boring are doing it wrong.🙄

People come to this platform for different reasons, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it imo

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much for reading and commenting on my post. I appreciate you sharing your insights here.

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Mary Pierce's avatar

Okay I love you even more now, Jane! 🤗❤️ Thank you for verbalizing all the things we say to ourselves, the doubts and fears. As Zig Ziglar used to say, "Others can slow you down temporarily but only you can stop you permanently." So write on, my ADHD friend. You have things to say and I look forward to reading them.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much, Mary! I thought I answered this but I guess not,blame ADHD haha. I appreciate you!

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Ryan Delaney's avatar

This is one of the most genuine, honest and sincere posts I've read on Substack. I applaud you, Jane. And the part about insulting yourself first, so no one has to? It reminds me of a letter my brother sent to my parents in college, shaming himself before they received his report card. It was heartbreaking, and he cried while reading it out loud a year ago. Thank you for connecting me to my heart.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much, Ryan! You made my day. I am trying. I get the report card thing with your brother. I've done that more than I can count. I think the first step is realizing it. I am shocked now how I constantly seem to do that

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Ryan Delaney's avatar

Oof, that hits hard. Seeing the depth and breadth of shame is alarming and humbling. I'm excited about your awareness and ongoing healing. As my friend likes to say, "If you're going through hell, keep going!"

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks, Ryan. You have to go through it not around.

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Holly's avatar

I really hope this didn't happen.

There is a holier than thou of some on this platform. It is not attractive.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

@Holly. The thing is it did happen. Also I feel guilty for calling this out and it will somehow be deflected to myself. That's on me though

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Holly's avatar

I want to know more.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Agree Holly

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Rob Riley's avatar

that was great, you covered all the bases, now go forward and kick ass

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thank, Rob

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Logan Darrow's avatar

Anybody who tries that with you better not let me catch them in act.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Lol. Thanks Logan!! Same here.

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Logan Darrow's avatar

I am old, unfuckwithable, have four adult daughters and always stand up for my girls 🥰

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Jane Deegan's avatar

I hear you as a mama bear myself

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Darcy Dudeck's avatar

This was a powerful read. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. And keep writing in whatever way feels best for you :)

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much, Darcy! I appreciate it

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Chris Stanton's avatar

I'm so sorry that happened to you, Jane. But I'm glad you wrote about it. I think it's important to shine a light on that kind of ugly behavior.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much Chris. It isn't easy, usually I keep scrolling

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Amy Gabrielle's avatar

Jane, you are such a kind and sensitive soul. What a blessing to have met you here on Substack. It's my tendency to try and rationalize other people's hurtful comments and my reactions to them, but that never changes how I FEEL. Our brain may know that other people's unsolicited criticism has nothing to do with us, but it still hurts. I am so sorry you had the experience where someone you admired was a jerk. That just sucks. I wish more people used their voices as you do, to build others up rather than tear them down. I know this was a vulnerable post, thank you for hitting publish.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much, Amy. I'm thankful I met you too here on Substack. The post was directed at me, but yet it was. It was directed at most writers that are human and make errors. It was disheartening, so much hate right now. I did reach out to the person twice and was ghosted. I'm glad she didn't respond to me. A blessing in disguise. It cost 0$ to be kind. Yet, I feel like crap sharing that too. Am I judging like they were? Am I exaggerating? No. At the same time I'm so tired of the arrogance and entitlement

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seamus gilkey's avatar

yer such a good writer. my guess is “fixin” yore writing would make it less effective

trust what you been doing. its working.

it works.

it connects. and people feel it

ol sterile writing so and so probly a little envious

that peepholes actually (actually) CARE what you say, ta read what yew write

(is my guess)

pretty sure only small peepholes try ta make others feel small

and they can put thaire comma whairever they want

dont make no difference to me

✊😜🙏💙

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks. We all have our style of writing and express. Not all of us on here are looking to be publish authors

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Rod Bluhm's avatar

A writer is a writer. We are all at different places as we develop our craft and we all have different reasons for writing.

Keep writing, keep learning, keep doing this for your reasons, keep touching readers along the way.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Well said Rod! The "critiques" weren't pointed at me, (this time) but it does make me question my ability. There other ways to educate writers that doesn't involve pointing out writing flaws in others, especially on a platform you share with them

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Rod Bluhm's avatar

I agree, Jane. I love how supportive the environment is here. I would never critique anyone’s work unless they asked me to. I think most people follow that.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

The majority is supportive here and I'm thankful for that

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Ashe's avatar

Personally I like humans. You’re a good human. I like this a lot. 🫂

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Aww thanks Ashe! You are a good human too! I'm glad you're back on Substack!

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Alina's Breaking Free Journey's avatar

People and their actions can trigger us. We all have wounds, and we’ve all gone through some sort of trauma. Your article is empowering! I’m sure many can relate to what you experienced, myself included! You are an amazing writer and creator! You are a magical being. I can feel your strength and energy! Never give up! Big hug!!!

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much, Alina for your kind words and encouragement. I appreciate you stopping by to read and comment. I almost didn't post this, but I needed too.

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Alina's Breaking Free Journey's avatar

❤️❤️❤️🧚‍♀️

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Mary Ellen Gambutti's avatar

I love this post, Jane, addressing, rightly, those hyper-critical, insensitive know-it-alls. :) You're brave, and you rock!

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much Mary Ellen! I never speak up. When it involves others it does. That's a start.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Jane, I'm so shocked that you have come upon writers who criticize the writing of others without their permission. I completely understand why you felt triggered. I've been writing consistently for over a decade, but I still doubt my writing occasionally. I love your writing because you're so authentic!

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much for commenting. It is disheartening to say the least. I think we all doubt our writing. It caused me to question the technical part of my writing, which isn't a strength.

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Ron White's avatar

This is a powerful read!

I am beginning to see more politics, more criticism, much more negative energy than when I first signed on to Substack.

It’s unfortunate, big time. However, mostly this forum is wonderful. Please continue to do what you do, Jane. Your posts, your notes make a huge difference to so many of us. Please don’t allow these exceptions, these individuals change who, and what you are!!!

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks, Ron. I appreciate your insights. The climate has changed here and on other platforms. I usually keep scrolling, but this one triggered me me. It struck me as bullying. We all have room for growth no matter how accomplished we think we are.

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