It makes me wonder how often it has occurred that someone has earned, in their own mind, that capital "W" and in the same moment banished the heart of their muse. I would guess, and actually aspire myself, to never earn the capital version of any craft. writer, speaker, father, mystic — I can't think of a single life domain where feeling like I had made it would improve my service to that function. In fact, I fear it would disable it.
That's an interesting observation, Rick! We become so obsessed on this external goal that once achieved we barely breathe before we long for the next thing (and some times the next thing isn't obvious, so we are stuck in a void!)
Oh my this resonated so much! Such a great piece and one of the best things I’ve read about becoming a Writer. Funny too as usual.
I could quote the whole thing. A stand out, “You are willing to be misunderstood, perhaps ex-communicated from your social circle, in pursuit of an ambition that cannot be packaged as nicely as a job title on Linkedin.”
"Steven Pressfield isn’t a Writer because he became a published author 27 years after he started writing. He is a Writer because he wrote for 27 years and never gave up." My recollection from one of his interviews is that, often during those 27 years, Pressfield took odd jobs, lived in his car at times, and really struggled with his livelihood (but got by). But crucially (if my memory serves me correctly) it seems like he didn't let his artistic aspirations get tainted by his need for day-to-day survival. The beautiful thing about Substack (unlike Pressfield's typewriter) is that the inherent value of conversation, feedback, and connection are just on the other side of the "post" or "publish" buttons. And I know that those don't put food on the plate but what an incredible way to stay on the path of becoming a Writer.
It makes me wonder how often it has occurred that someone has earned, in their own mind, that capital "W" and in the same moment banished the heart of their muse. I would guess, and actually aspire myself, to never earn the capital version of any craft. writer, speaker, father, mystic — I can't think of a single life domain where feeling like I had made it would improve my service to that function. In fact, I fear it would disable it.
That's an interesting observation, Rick! We become so obsessed on this external goal that once achieved we barely breathe before we long for the next thing (and some times the next thing isn't obvious, so we are stuck in a void!)
Camilo, this piece started phenomenally, AND just kept getting better!
It was hard to pick just one pearl of wisdom as the whole essay was a strand.
“The world doesn’t owe us an audience, but we owe to the world to not stay silent if we have something to say.”
Thank you thank you thank you.
This same line is what topped the list of gems for me.
Thank you, James! I appreciate your comment and sharing it in the Circle community. Much appreciated!
Oh my this resonated so much! Such a great piece and one of the best things I’ve read about becoming a Writer. Funny too as usual.
I could quote the whole thing. A stand out, “You are willing to be misunderstood, perhaps ex-communicated from your social circle, in pursuit of an ambition that cannot be packaged as nicely as a job title on Linkedin.”
Amazing job Camilo!
Thank you friend! I mainly wrote this to remind myself that I don't need the capital "W." I'm glad it resonated!
You do not but for what it’s worth you’re a Writer in my eyes 💛
DUDE this is so good. You're one of the best writers I know. And you totally deserve the W! Also the LT is always a hard word to pronounce...
Thank you, Becky :). I'm also a big fan of your writing. We are both Writers.
Camilo – this piece so beautifully encapsulates the journey towards becoming a Writer 🤌🏼
"You become a Writer when you decide to face that resistance because you wouldn’t have it any other way."
" Do you write from the soul? Good. Then, I bestow this capital “W” unto you."
these two lines resonate so deeply after writing more 5 weeks of writing like I've never written before!
Thank you Cissy! As I said on the chat...we are kindred spirits and I'm very happy this resonated with you. It makes it all worthwhile.
Lovely Camilo. Really really enjoyed this.
Feel I’m in a somewhat similar place as you and it really spoke to me.
Yes, Tommy–I also feel like our writing is in similar paths as well!
Amazing write up , Camilo - straight from the heart !! - Loved it .
Thank you very much Hari!
"Steven Pressfield isn’t a Writer because he became a published author 27 years after he started writing. He is a Writer because he wrote for 27 years and never gave up." My recollection from one of his interviews is that, often during those 27 years, Pressfield took odd jobs, lived in his car at times, and really struggled with his livelihood (but got by). But crucially (if my memory serves me correctly) it seems like he didn't let his artistic aspirations get tainted by his need for day-to-day survival. The beautiful thing about Substack (unlike Pressfield's typewriter) is that the inherent value of conversation, feedback, and connection are just on the other side of the "post" or "publish" buttons. And I know that those don't put food on the plate but what an incredible way to stay on the path of becoming a Writer.
Thank you Anthony! Much appreciated!