I needed to read every bit of this today. Thank you for the reminder that I need to face the fear, and THANK YOU for facing the fear and putting your whole self out there 💛
I really enjoyed reading this, Lindsay. I don't know what it is about 'expressive writing' that makes me feel good inside. And I agree it is often the difficult stuff that is the most worth pursuing. I like you are at a threshold, having just delivered my book, and seen the back of the film. And I am desperate to start writing but am not confident, sure enough of what it is I want to write about. I need to give up the anxiety I think and just start fearless writing and see where it takes me. Thank you for helping me get to that decision!
Fearless writing! Let’s call it exactly that. Congratulations on both the book and the film - I watched the other night and was completely horrified by it. So chilling. It was incredibly well handled, though. I’ve got such admiration for the bravery and tenacity of everyone involved in bringing this story to the screen. You included x
"I had become unable to articulate certain feelings, so my body became their cultivation dish.” oof! the penne baker method sounds v interesting. I have got your Thursday night session in my diary and really hope to be there! And of course looking forward to Friday, so will hopefully see you two nights in a row! x
That Pennebaker method seems interesting, I have no doubt it will bring all those benefits but there's something about writing and then discarding, not looking at my words, that seems almost impossible! I feel like that's probably a sign I should try it 🤔
"Who are we kidding?" - this question is something Melissa Febos touches on in the first essay of her book Girlhood, which I'm reading at the moment. Can't wait for your chat with Layla!
Friday night is going to be so much fun, Annette. So glad you are going to be there and can't wait for your reflections. Hoping, too, you're free on Thursday evening for the Seasonal Journaling Session. x
“We do this, perhaps, when the kind of story we really need to tell is at odds with the one we wish we were able to tell.”
This right here is why I haven’t been able to write for my Substack for a year.
I’ve gone back and re-read things I did post and can see that my writing at times alluded to what was unfolding before I was fully conscious of it. I think that’s left me a bit worried that if I do write for public consumption again I’ll share more than feels safe or right. And so… while I do have a few scathing scribbles across many journal pages, I’d also have to admit, most of my personal writing has been self-edited.
I haven’t been able to write the way I long to and I really need to find my way back. Thanks for your call-in here Lindsay.
It's so interesting, isn't it Amanda. We are our own worst enemies at times, aren't we? Really glad to hear that this resonated with you, and hoping to see you virtually over the next wee while (and in person soon, too). Lots to catch up on and reflection to do... Take care and I'm so glad to see you're back.xx
Thank for this, Lyndsey, there is something I want to write about and have been afraid to. I also thank you for the jog to pick up Melissa Febos' book which has been gathering dust on my shelf for too long. I've signed up for your memoir in a month course. I hope there is room for me.
Absolutely delighted to see this message, Sue. I can't wait to work with you and will drop you an email specifically about Memoir in a Month. Hoping you can make this Thursday's Seasonal Journaling Session and Writing for Better Mental and Physical Health from next Tuesday, too. Max out the membership, I say! X
I needed to read every bit of this today. Thank you for the reminder that I need to face the fear, and THANK YOU for facing the fear and putting your whole self out there 💛
So glad to hear this, Shazelle (and how ARE you!) Lets’s meet the fear head-on…
Its not fear, it’s shame that stops me from writing. ✍🏽 😳
I really enjoyed reading this, Lindsay. I don't know what it is about 'expressive writing' that makes me feel good inside. And I agree it is often the difficult stuff that is the most worth pursuing. I like you are at a threshold, having just delivered my book, and seen the back of the film. And I am desperate to start writing but am not confident, sure enough of what it is I want to write about. I need to give up the anxiety I think and just start fearless writing and see where it takes me. Thank you for helping me get to that decision!
Fearless writing! Let’s call it exactly that. Congratulations on both the book and the film - I watched the other night and was completely horrified by it. So chilling. It was incredibly well handled, though. I’ve got such admiration for the bravery and tenacity of everyone involved in bringing this story to the screen. You included x
I did some ‘fearless writing’ this morning - see, I was inspired by you!
"I had become unable to articulate certain feelings, so my body became their cultivation dish.” oof! the penne baker method sounds v interesting. I have got your Thursday night session in my diary and really hope to be there! And of course looking forward to Friday, so will hopefully see you two nights in a row! x
Two nights in a row would be LUSH, Chloe! Can’t wait for both Thurs AND Fri! xx
That Pennebaker method seems interesting, I have no doubt it will bring all those benefits but there's something about writing and then discarding, not looking at my words, that seems almost impossible! I feel like that's probably a sign I should try it 🤔
I’d LOVE you to, Sophie! Aware of the time difference, so there’s a replay available if it’s hard for you to do live!
"Who are we kidding?" - this question is something Melissa Febos touches on in the first essay of her book Girlhood, which I'm reading at the moment. Can't wait for your chat with Layla!
Friday night is going to be so much fun, Annette. So glad you are going to be there and can't wait for your reflections. Hoping, too, you're free on Thursday evening for the Seasonal Journaling Session. x
“We do this, perhaps, when the kind of story we really need to tell is at odds with the one we wish we were able to tell.”
This right here is why I haven’t been able to write for my Substack for a year.
I’ve gone back and re-read things I did post and can see that my writing at times alluded to what was unfolding before I was fully conscious of it. I think that’s left me a bit worried that if I do write for public consumption again I’ll share more than feels safe or right. And so… while I do have a few scathing scribbles across many journal pages, I’d also have to admit, most of my personal writing has been self-edited.
I haven’t been able to write the way I long to and I really need to find my way back. Thanks for your call-in here Lindsay.
It's so interesting, isn't it Amanda. We are our own worst enemies at times, aren't we? Really glad to hear that this resonated with you, and hoping to see you virtually over the next wee while (and in person soon, too). Lots to catch up on and reflection to do... Take care and I'm so glad to see you're back.xx
Thank for this, Lyndsey, there is something I want to write about and have been afraid to. I also thank you for the jog to pick up Melissa Febos' book which has been gathering dust on my shelf for too long. I've signed up for your memoir in a month course. I hope there is room for me.
Absolutely delighted to see this message, Sue. I can't wait to work with you and will drop you an email specifically about Memoir in a Month. Hoping you can make this Thursday's Seasonal Journaling Session and Writing for Better Mental and Physical Health from next Tuesday, too. Max out the membership, I say! X
It's a date 😘
Yay!