18 Comments
User's avatar
Paul McCutchen's avatar

My wife asked me once "Why do you post your stories for these people to read?" I told her substack lets me create my stories and, sometimes, other people find a little humor and a little comfort in what I create, and I do the same with the articles they create. It's a win, win.

Expand full comment
Aaron Waddell's avatar

Yes it did! The creative urge created EVERYTHING.

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks @Aaron Waddell

Expand full comment
C.J. Heck's avatar

As a writer creating, I have felt the very same frustration. Well said, Jane. The pull to write is always there controlling.

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks, C.J. Trying to find balance. At the same time the lure of social media and the scroll is a tempting fix

Expand full comment
C.J. Heck's avatar

Ewww, I thank my lucky stars I don’t have a social media lure anymore … I don’t know how I got out from under that, but I did. I only put my posts in groups now.

Facebook suddenly reminded me of standing in my yard talking to a neighbor over the back fence trading gossip, recipes photos of grandkids, and griping about spouses and family members.

No one gave a rat’s patootie about any kind of writing there. I keep the accounts open for messages and the groups.

Have a great day, Jane! 💞❤️

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much, C.J You too

Expand full comment
C.J. Heck's avatar

😊😊💞

Expand full comment
Lori K's avatar

Love this!!

Creativity is oxygen.

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

I guess. I look at my business and I put so much energy in it and now - all I want to do is write. Did I screw things up in the process or did I screw it up by burning myself out in the first place. Writing doesn't pay the bills

Expand full comment
Lori K's avatar

The balance beam can be slippery.

Is there a way to delegate some things off your plate?

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

Am I searching for validation in what I do, my business my writing? Probably. I've hired help in my pet sitting business. I am doing more administrative work and less in the field, although I have help. I see other businesses rising to the top where I once was and that's so hard. Do I suck? I don't know

Expand full comment
Lori K's avatar

Are you playing that comparison game?

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

Yes, I am my friend. You know me too well. My life is shifting once again and I don’t know where it’s taking me

Expand full comment
Lori K's avatar

I see writing as my self-care. It’s not paying the bills… yet. You never know who might see your work and it could bloom into so much more. Keep keeping on, but protect your energy at all costs.

Expand full comment
Lori K's avatar

And don’t forget, you’re great at what you do!!!!!!!!!

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks so much, Lori!

Expand full comment
Jane Deegan's avatar

So true. I have to remind ask myself if I am writing or am I scrolling? There is a difference -ha ha! Dopamine hits

Expand full comment