YES. I've been a songwriter for years -- I released a solo record early last year and immediately ~knew~ the songs came from a head space, not a heart space. The process of making a full-length record was so heavy and time-consuming and wonderful that I found myself caught up in production and aesthetic and marketability over the power of raw spirit. It took me almost the full year to start writing again, to go back into the quiet and secret places where the music really originates. Thank you for putting words to this - thoughtful and beautiful.
I belong to the band called Recovering Serious People. InterPlay is its sponsor. (No, there's no real band.) I'm a meaning monger with high sensitivity. I process process process. I absolutely need humor, play, and mental ice-breakers to stay real. The Clown is my hero. So glad you are on Substack Michael. Makes it easier to recommend you. And thank you for the article on Dancing. I'll read that.
I love it so much! Such a wise poem. I love how it's not just "about" getting out of the way to see others. The poem gives us that process in real time.
Sara! I've never heard of you until I listened to Krista's interview with you yesterday on a plane from Seattle to home. I loved the conversation so much and then, lo, I see your name here on one of my favorite newsletters. I added your book to my cart yesterday and I can't wait to get to know your work more.
Thank you, Lore! This feels like the serendipity of the properly slow internet (good long newsletter and longform podcast as network). Thanks for the kind words, and all best to you.
Yes to this, Michael. You're doing this work so well: "there is no center, and the more we can stoke creative humility and a genuine interest in others, the faster we get to that larger, shared world where we actually live."
I loved this, Michael!
thank you, Joy!
Thank you...beautiful
Thanks for reading, Lisa
YES. I've been a songwriter for years -- I released a solo record early last year and immediately ~knew~ the songs came from a head space, not a heart space. The process of making a full-length record was so heavy and time-consuming and wonderful that I found myself caught up in production and aesthetic and marketability over the power of raw spirit. It took me almost the full year to start writing again, to go back into the quiet and secret places where the music really originates. Thank you for putting words to this - thoughtful and beautiful.
"the power of raw spirit." Lovely way to say that, Lindsey. I'm definitely on that search too, and congrats on the album!
"here's the secret: there is no center" 🙏
So glad we've connected!
Yep, long journey and so worthwhile. I'm still working on it.
It truly is. Journey of a lifetime.
I belong to the band called Recovering Serious People. InterPlay is its sponsor. (No, there's no real band.) I'm a meaning monger with high sensitivity. I process process process. I absolutely need humor, play, and mental ice-breakers to stay real. The Clown is my hero. So glad you are on Substack Michael. Makes it easier to recommend you. And thank you for the article on Dancing. I'll read that.
Grateful for the work you do, Cynthia!
Wonderful installment, thank you!
Thanks for reading, Michael.
This is beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks for reading, Lore!
So beautiful, Michael. Thank you.
Thanks for reading, Lisa. Head to heart is a long road, isn't it?
Wow. I also needed this today. I will be returning to that poem often.
I love it so much! Such a wise poem. I love how it's not just "about" getting out of the way to see others. The poem gives us that process in real time.
Needed this — right on time. Cheers.
Sara! I've never heard of you until I listened to Krista's interview with you yesterday on a plane from Seattle to home. I loved the conversation so much and then, lo, I see your name here on one of my favorite newsletters. I added your book to my cart yesterday and I can't wait to get to know your work more.
Thank you, Lore! This feels like the serendipity of the properly slow internet (good long newsletter and longform podcast as network). Thanks for the kind words, and all best to you.
Thanks for reading, Sara. I'm glad to learn of your work.
Yes to this, Michael. You're doing this work so well: "there is no center, and the more we can stoke creative humility and a genuine interest in others, the faster we get to that larger, shared world where we actually live."
Coming back here to say THANK YOU. I hope your writing is going well friend!