This post inspired me to go searching for one of my most loved quotes from Patricia Highsmith which—interestingly enough—I’ve searched for in the last year but couldn’t find! It must have been waiting for this moment to reappear. Here’s the magic quote from the author of The Talented Mister Ripley: “You should have the feeling, as every experienced writer has, that there are more ideas where that one came from, more strength where the first strength came from, and that you are inexhaustible as long as you are alive.” I definitely need that on a mixtile, next to my favorite meme-ish photo of a little turtle trying to eat a huge strawberry.
I love this honest, wonderful post so much. Thank you, Caitlin, for sharing your struggles so openly. And so glad you enjoyed our writing support group, and I'm going to tell Molly that you mentioned her! She's right upstairs. :) Miss you.
I appreciate what it took you to share the candid ups & downs of your process. It also helped me contextualize some of my own current misgivings and crossroads meditations. Thank you for this.
Such a solid list!! I took an unintentional break from writing this fall while I waiting on agent feedback and now I’m trying to find my way back into my process and it’s so hard! Will be referencing this list for sure when I sit at my desk tomorrow morning.
Happy new year and happy writing! Thank you both for this great Substack. It’s been one of my favorites this year!
Caitlin, there is so much here that I find incredibly helpful, and I'm feeling very honored that you mention me. I'm grateful that our paths have crossed! It was wonderful to be in Donna's group together. I am going to use many of the ideas you share here, because (as you know) I am also really hoping to find my writing groove and it has not come easily. Sending you my very best wishes for fluidity and conviction in your writing in 2024 (and beyond)!
Once again your substack just lives rent-free in my brain. I've been struggling with this too (who hasn't lol) and finally realized my issue is fear not burnout and so I'm writing a minimum of 15 minutes a day in Jan. There's no way I can't squeeze that in, and so far, most days it's been more. My mantra as I open my computer: "The file cannot hurt you."
This post inspired me to go searching for one of my most loved quotes from Patricia Highsmith which—interestingly enough—I’ve searched for in the last year but couldn’t find! It must have been waiting for this moment to reappear. Here’s the magic quote from the author of The Talented Mister Ripley: “You should have the feeling, as every experienced writer has, that there are more ideas where that one came from, more strength where the first strength came from, and that you are inexhaustible as long as you are alive.” I definitely need that on a mixtile, next to my favorite meme-ish photo of a little turtle trying to eat a huge strawberry.
THAT PHOTO WAS MY LAPTOP BACKGROUND IN LAW SCHOOL!!!!
Also, that is a great quote. So mantra-worthy.
PS I miss Thirty Rock!
I could rewatch it a million times.
I love this honest, wonderful post so much. Thank you, Caitlin, for sharing your struggles so openly. And so glad you enjoyed our writing support group, and I'm going to tell Molly that you mentioned her! She's right upstairs. :) Miss you.
Please do tell Molly. (I wish I were the one upstairs, but THAT'S OKAY!!!)
Love the mantras!
Thanks Sky! They're keeping me afloat.
I loved reading these ideas. I go through ups and downs but do always love the reset opportunity I feel like the new year provides.
Same, even in areas that are going well for me, I always feel that “reset” energy this time of year!
I appreciate what it took you to share the candid ups & downs of your process. It also helped me contextualize some of my own current misgivings and crossroads meditations. Thank you for this.
It’s that time of year for misgivings and meditations, isn’t it!
Indeed. Still, I Wish for you a wave of strange and welcome breakthroughs in 2024.
Such a solid list!! I took an unintentional break from writing this fall while I waiting on agent feedback and now I’m trying to find my way back into my process and it’s so hard! Will be referencing this list for sure when I sit at my desk tomorrow morning.
Happy new year and happy writing! Thank you both for this great Substack. It’s been one of my favorites this year!
Thanks so much Kristin. (Happy teary emoji here, if I weren't on the computer.) It's SO HARD. I'm in it with you. We can do it.
Caitlin, there is so much here that I find incredibly helpful, and I'm feeling very honored that you mention me. I'm grateful that our paths have crossed! It was wonderful to be in Donna's group together. I am going to use many of the ideas you share here, because (as you know) I am also really hoping to find my writing groove and it has not come easily. Sending you my very best wishes for fluidity and conviction in your writing in 2024 (and beyond)!
Once again your substack just lives rent-free in my brain. I've been struggling with this too (who hasn't lol) and finally realized my issue is fear not burnout and so I'm writing a minimum of 15 minutes a day in Jan. There's no way I can't squeeze that in, and so far, most days it's been more. My mantra as I open my computer: "The file cannot hurt you."