What to read if you're not perfect, feeling shitty, tired of the slush, need to make space for writing, or want to go into business for yourself
because it's our last... probably, let's throw in the kitchen sink
Good morning wordicorns and scribblers,
We’re going to link-dump things we loved and were excited to share with you.
It’s a very long one, but that seems fitting given that we have so much yet to share. It’s only time and energy that has us stepping away—not our love for writing or learning or giving.
We hope at least one of these articles makes your journey as little easier.
What to read if you're still not perfect
This article from the NYT aptyly called “Perfectionism Is a Trap”
On being a people-pleaser. Why is this relevant to today’s topic? Because maybe your lack of being perfect isn’t about how you feel at all. Just something to think about. —
“Every Monday, I disappoint myself.” —
What to read if you feel shitty after hearing someone’s opinion
This visual list of reviews/ Totally Normal Comments for Online Recipes really showcases how off-the-rails some people can go when reviewing things.
“When I write them now, they seem faintly ridiculous, over-the-top, easy to take in your stride. But at the time, alone and scrolling through comment after comment calling me self-absorbed, middling and poor, it didn’t feel that way.” —
This newsletter by
may seem like an odd choice at first, but read until the end of this poignant short musing, and you’ll see why it’s here.
Articles by yours truly
What to read if you're tired of the slush pile
“Assume you won’t get the award. Assume your work will be rejected. Assume the worst.” —
“TL;DR Welcome to my 9-part series on the 9 “R”s of rejection from my perspective as an editor, teacher, freelancer, author, therapy patient, and ex-girlfriend.” —
“I wanted to do a good job self-publishing, so I spent two years researching the market and learned a ton before launching the book.” —
What to read if you need help with making space/time for writing
“In today’s episode we dive into this question, share the lessons we’ve learned about putting our needs on the table in our business, and our encouragement for anyone who fears their humanness is an inconvenience in their work.” —
and
A lovely little thought by
Articles by yours truly
Not doing things —
What to read if you're thinking of going into business for yourself
Everything
learned about pitching from being a freelance journalist
“Don’t be a shitty boss” —
“about the process and value of publishing in literary magazines” —
Some thoughts on sharing on the internet —
About making an author (or writer) website —
Interesting thoughts if you want to take Substack to a professional level by
And a bonus article that’s just plain great from
And that’s it for us, here at A Million Ways!
We appreciate you joining us for these last nine months. We birthed a thing we’re proud of, but now it’s time to move on.
Find us on our own newsletters, buy our books, think of us fondly when you are out there making beautiful art, and don’t lose touch!
It was so nice to spend time with you all.
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