I know because the words flow and I am happy to publish right away. If I'm writing and I can hear the way I talk in my head I know it's congruent. Sometimes I read out what I've written as if writing to a friend to see if I can improve it, make it more personable. I was really proud of this piece on my other publication which is more around life writing/ behind the scenes of my business - https://creativelyconscious.substack.com/p/notes-from-the-sea
What a beautiful post Claire and thank you for opening this space. I have limited time this morning but can’t wait to delve into this chat later today.
I really resonate with the adoration you talk about.
It’s in my moments of wonder about nature that capture the words I put in my poetry.
Looking forward to reading everyone’s work and connecting 🌼
I heard a saying somewhere that if your writing isn't upsetting at least one person you're probably not being honest. And as a relentless people pleaser that has always stuck by me. I try not to self censor. When I started writing I often left out things because I thought "no, can't say that, that person might not like it". Now I care less, I'm finding my voice on and off the page. This is a link to an older article but I'm choosing to share this one because I feel it was the first time I was leaning in more to how I want to write, not what I think might work well on the internet.
Mindset is so key Sophie and I struggle daily with mindset, whether that’s the imposter syndrome or comparing myself to someone else and their journey or circumstances. It’s where the rubber hits the road for me 🙏
I know, because it’s the same way that I talk to my dearest friends. There’s deep-thinking, a bit of humor and cuss words intertwined to communicate what’s on my heart. I know, because the words are guiding me - not the other way around. I am especially proud of this piece because it encompasses all of these things equally. It’s also a post that had me smiling the entire time I was writing it. 🧡
I really appreciate that, Blythe. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read this piece. It’s one of my favorites so I’m really glad that you could sense the joy between the words. 🥰
I find that the writing that resonates well are the pieces that come from my journaling. My daily writing practice follows my sadhana, or personal morning practice. This combination of yoga, breath and meditation helps align me for the day. From this centered place, I write and create. Some of the bits and pieces are put into posts. This recent one was sharing part of this practice and how it manifested in my Italy trip. I try to read my posts, so there is an audio that accompanies it.
Hi Blythe! You won a spot on the podcasting course! Would you like to jump in now or join the evergreen version? We’re running for the whole of November!
I love that phrase of yours “easy breezy” Blythe and I too use those types of notebooks, they tuck into the smallest of bags for spare of the moment writing in a coffee shop 💛
Thank you Beverly for reading. Having notebooks on the go makes me feel like a "real" writer. It reinforces my love of writing, especially when I take it on the go.
For me, voice comes through when I just let go and feel as if I was writing carried through a flow. That usually means longer pieces and a more ‘stream of consciousness’ approach, which might not be of everyone’s taste, but that’s ok there needs to be something for everyone right? For example this note that I wrote today, which starts with an overdue library book but really ends with a personal story that is one of all too many:
Wow, what a magical story and I’m curious now to read the book Paterson. Who would have thought such a personal story to come from an overdue library book ☺️
Thank you so much Berverley, we can all use a bit a magic these days and I am happy to find anywhere, everywhere and especially in library overdues! Really glad this resonated. :)
I love this thread! Since I often read and record my writing for the podcast portion of my publication, it is actually in the act of doing that that I catch things that might not really be my voice. I'll even find myself adding some words or flair as I read it, and then I add it to the written essay. I've always preferred to write like I talk (and have always liked writing from other writers that do the same).
Hi Marcy, I love your question, “when the heck can I just calm down and be okay with where I'm at?” I so relate to this as I’m always comparing myself or viewing myself as unworthy or as imposter. Thank you for your honest words 💛
Thank you so much for reading, Beverley! Clearly seeing my own value outside of the external accomplishments—and impostor syndrome—is something I’m always working through. May we slowly but surely lessen its power over us!
Same Marcy! I write my piece and then when I record audio, I find other parts just spontaneously coming out, and it feels more me. I love that part of the process.
I am excited for you. I enjoy audio but in a way it feels more revealing than writing doesn't it? I have just recorded my first video as an intro to my substack, and it felt pretty vulnerable to do it, but like you I found it quite comfortable.
This was an unintended post, but I was so moved and taken back by the experience, that I felt compelled to write about it. This post is just a raw unfiltered piece that really just fell out of the keyboard! How weird is that (well it was fo me). Anyway reading it back I was captured by the sadness and the joy in equal measures. I was also quite pleased to discover MY writing style that feels like my authentic self and I hope that comes through. https://mindfulcolouringcreations.substack.com/p/my-little-big-wardrobe-adventure
The words simply flow, I write my pieces long hand first and I find this flow where I don’t feel the need to think, it’s as if my hand, the pen and my mind are in full sync.
I know it’s myself and what I’m meant to share when I feel really strongly about it. When my heart is bubbling with excitement, and my mind won’t shut up about it; when I think about it before I go to sleep, and early in the morning. When I can’t wait to sit down to write; and then I look up and realize I’ve written way too much. XD
But most of all, when I can feel, as I write, how what I’m saying can make someone feel less alone. More hopeful. More like themselves.
When I’m smiling, and I can feel the person reading it will smile back. :)
<3 The things and people I've read that have changed my life for the better always did that - helped me feel more like myself. Like it's okay to be myself, imperfect and messy and flawed as I may be. So that's what I strive for - to pass it along to others. 😄
Hi Nospheratt, I was definitely smiling back reading this. I too believe there is strength in being joyful and I love the journal prompts and other resources you provided. 💛
I’m very new to Substack so I still need to find my footing.
I used to write in the past on a whole other subject and I’ve been writing for others for many years in my job. But this writing journey feels totally different because this time it’s truly MY voice and the inspiration comes very differently to me than when I write for work. I really need to feel connected with my soul in some way. So meditation and morning pages are a great help. And I know that the words are ready to be shared when I feel in my whole body a mix of fear and excitement.
What’s been the most puzzling part for me so far is that my creative flow comes in a language that isn’t my native language - I’m French but when it comes to writing, even in my morning pages, I think and write in English. I have no explanation for that but I stopped questioning it and went for it.
I know because what I write draws from my experiences and deep contemplations. I have this desire to communicate it and be understood. I believe what I share can enrich someone else—help them feel seen or heard, provoke them to think, widen their perspectives, inspire them—and this fulfills me.
This post is where I share my personal journey and articulate the term conscious living, which is also the name of my publication.
My writing voice rarely comes to me when I sit down at the computer, I tend to hear what I have to say when I'm in forests, or when I wake in the middle of the night. Sometimes I catch myself in deep emotion, and can feel the words pouring through me and I try to capture them. When my soul is still, and feels connected, I know the time to write is right. I started writing this piece when I was sat in my empty flat, I had taken a big leap of faith, quit my job and decided to move back to live with my parents. Starting over again at 38. There was no plan. And as I sat there in complete silence, that moment was heavy with it's presence and this piece made it's way out https://theburnoutrebellion.substack.com/p/notes-from-the-garden-the-power-of and *spoiler alert* it's turning out better than I could have imagined.
I know I'm speaking in my voice when I what I've written is a result of deep listening. When I listen to a multitude of tiny sparks - my intuition, what lights me, the threads of inspiration in my mind, i find an honesty and authenticity in the story I have to tell. For me, this comes from taking space away from social media, specifically in nature, so that I can tune out from culture and reconnect with my true nature, with what matters to me, and what stories I feel inspired to share.
I know because the words flow and I am happy to publish right away. If I'm writing and I can hear the way I talk in my head I know it's congruent. Sometimes I read out what I've written as if writing to a friend to see if I can improve it, make it more personable. I was really proud of this piece on my other publication which is more around life writing/ behind the scenes of my business - https://creativelyconscious.substack.com/p/notes-from-the-sea
What a beautiful post Claire and thank you for opening this space. I have limited time this morning but can’t wait to delve into this chat later today.
I really resonate with the adoration you talk about.
It’s in my moments of wonder about nature that capture the words I put in my poetry.
Looking forward to reading everyone’s work and connecting 🌼
Thank you! 🙏 ✨✨✨🌳✨✨✨
I heard a saying somewhere that if your writing isn't upsetting at least one person you're probably not being honest. And as a relentless people pleaser that has always stuck by me. I try not to self censor. When I started writing I often left out things because I thought "no, can't say that, that person might not like it". Now I care less, I'm finding my voice on and off the page. This is a link to an older article but I'm choosing to share this one because I feel it was the first time I was leaning in more to how I want to write, not what I think might work well on the internet.
https://open.substack.com/pub/thisissophietoday/p/the-answer-is-not-a-cabin-in-the?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3emw0m
Caring less - oh my goodness yes Sophie! That’s it, that’s the core of it isn’t it. ✨🗣️✨
Hi Sophie! You won a spot on the podcasting course! Would you like to take it in the live round happening now? Or join in with the evergreen version?!
oh and thanks so much, I don’t win things often so this is very exciting 😁😁
probably the evergreen version, I had a quick look at the time of the live session and it’s at 3am for me 😴😅
Perfect! So the chat group is open for the month and it’s open 24hours. Shall I let you in there or are you feeling too full for that? ✨
I'd be keen on joining the chat group, absolutely 😊
Lovely! I’ll give you access to the course via email and you need to request access to this one https://clairevenus.substack.com/welcome
Lovely piece, Sophie. I rambled quite a bit over in the comment section. I live in a cabin in the woods!
Me too! I'll go and read your ramblings 😅
Mindset is so key Sophie and I struggle daily with mindset, whether that’s the imposter syndrome or comparing myself to someone else and their journey or circumstances. It’s where the rubber hits the road for me 🙏
I know, because it’s the same way that I talk to my dearest friends. There’s deep-thinking, a bit of humor and cuss words intertwined to communicate what’s on my heart. I know, because the words are guiding me - not the other way around. I am especially proud of this piece because it encompasses all of these things equally. It’s also a post that had me smiling the entire time I was writing it. 🧡
https://thesleepywildflower.substack.com/p/home-sweet-home?r=1kh0o4
Oh this is so beautiful to read. Saving your post for later. ✨
Thank you, Claire. 🥰
You write beautiful poetry and I love the gentle music option. I love that you smiled the whole way through writing this 💛
Thank you, Beverley. Writing in this way makes me so happy. Thank you for reading. 🧡
I just listened and read your amazing piece. I love that the words are guiding you. I can feel that in this piece. Your joy shines through.
I really appreciate that, Blythe. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read this piece. It’s one of my favorites so I’m really glad that you could sense the joy between the words. 🥰
You're welcome. I am grateful to have found it.
I find that the writing that resonates well are the pieces that come from my journaling. My daily writing practice follows my sadhana, or personal morning practice. This combination of yoga, breath and meditation helps align me for the day. From this centered place, I write and create. Some of the bits and pieces are put into posts. This recent one was sharing part of this practice and how it manifested in my Italy trip. I try to read my posts, so there is an audio that accompanies it.
https://blytheedwards.substack.com/p/easy-breezy-girl-in-italy?r=18bfd
Hi Blythe! You won a spot on the podcasting course! Would you like to jump in now or join the evergreen version? We’re running for the whole of November!
I love that phrase of yours “easy breezy” Blythe and I too use those types of notebooks, they tuck into the smallest of bags for spare of the moment writing in a coffee shop 💛
Thank you Beverly for reading. Having notebooks on the go makes me feel like a "real" writer. It reinforces my love of writing, especially when I take it on the go.
Wonderful Blythe. I’m fascinated with creative practise as you know. ✨🫖
For me, voice comes through when I just let go and feel as if I was writing carried through a flow. That usually means longer pieces and a more ‘stream of consciousness’ approach, which might not be of everyone’s taste, but that’s ok there needs to be something for everyone right? For example this note that I wrote today, which starts with an overdue library book but really ends with a personal story that is one of all too many:
https://substack.com/@thesketchyanthropologist/note/c-75019225?r=2ry4xs&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Love a stream of consciousness!! Thanks for sharing!! ✨✨✨✍️✨✨✨
Aww! Thanks for the love Claire, will keep sharing! 🫶
Wow, what a magical story and I’m curious now to read the book Paterson. Who would have thought such a personal story to come from an overdue library book ☺️
Thank you so much Berverley, we can all use a bit a magic these days and I am happy to find anywhere, everywhere and especially in library overdues! Really glad this resonated. :)
I liked this so much that I restacked it!
Thank you so very much Gregory! 🙏🫶💫
I love this thread! Since I often read and record my writing for the podcast portion of my publication, it is actually in the act of doing that that I catch things that might not really be my voice. I'll even find myself adding some words or flair as I read it, and then I add it to the written essay. I've always preferred to write like I talk (and have always liked writing from other writers that do the same).
I feel this is the most honest and therefore more "me" pieces I've done: https://souljournalingsessions.substack.com/p/the-so-called-unimpressive-life
A “me piece” I just love that Marcy!
Hi Marcy, I love your question, “when the heck can I just calm down and be okay with where I'm at?” I so relate to this as I’m always comparing myself or viewing myself as unworthy or as imposter. Thank you for your honest words 💛
Thank you so much for reading, Beverley! Clearly seeing my own value outside of the external accomplishments—and impostor syndrome—is something I’m always working through. May we slowly but surely lessen its power over us!
Same Marcy! I write my piece and then when I record audio, I find other parts just spontaneously coming out, and it feels more me. I love that part of the process.
If I'm scared to share it, then it means I probably need to. Here's an example of sth that I sat on for a lonnngg time, but it's ended up being my most popular post! https://lanivcox.substack.com/p/heartbreak-and-healing-a-writers
Thanks, Claire 🙏
Isn’t that the way! I accidentally removed a paywall from one before I scheduled it and it went to 3000 instead of 60 ☺️✨💜
This was me starting to branch out into audio. Talking is definitely a more comfortable space for me than writing. I really felt passionate about sharing this piece. https://open.substack.com/pub/theliteraryassistant/p/do-it-scared
I am excited for you. I enjoy audio but in a way it feels more revealing than writing doesn't it? I have just recorded my first video as an intro to my substack, and it felt pretty vulnerable to do it, but like you I found it quite comfortable.
Thank you! I’m excited for you too!
This was an unintended post, but I was so moved and taken back by the experience, that I felt compelled to write about it. This post is just a raw unfiltered piece that really just fell out of the keyboard! How weird is that (well it was fo me). Anyway reading it back I was captured by the sadness and the joy in equal measures. I was also quite pleased to discover MY writing style that feels like my authentic self and I hope that comes through. https://mindfulcolouringcreations.substack.com/p/my-little-big-wardrobe-adventure
Love it when that happens Liz! ✨✨✨
That is one of the unexpected joys of being on here, it gives you a fresh set of eyes. (what a bonus) x
The words simply flow, I write my pieces long hand first and I find this flow where I don’t feel the need to think, it’s as if my hand, the pen and my mind are in full sync.
This poem is raw and full of a pain I could no longer keep in my heart, it had to find a way out of my body or else I feared my soul would break https://open.substack.com/pub/marbellyswrites/p/torn-in-shadows?r=4xgwu&utm_medium=ios
And I can be found on https://marbellyswrites.substack.com
https://garbledtoughts.substack.com
Full sync - yes yes! Oh my goodness that’s it. Thank you for sharing ✨
Thank you for offering this opportunity to share our writing to a wider audience ❤️
Truly painful and rawness spilling onto your page Marbellys and I hope you are finding healing 🙏
Thank you Beverley, I’m taking one day at a time 🙏🏽
I know it’s myself and what I’m meant to share when I feel really strongly about it. When my heart is bubbling with excitement, and my mind won’t shut up about it; when I think about it before I go to sleep, and early in the morning. When I can’t wait to sit down to write; and then I look up and realize I’ve written way too much. XD
But most of all, when I can feel, as I write, how what I’m saying can make someone feel less alone. More hopeful. More like themselves.
When I’m smiling, and I can feel the person reading it will smile back. :)
This is me, what I believe, what I do, what I fight for, my creed: joy is not only possible, but necessary. https://nospheratt.substack.com/p/the-quest-for-joy
More like themselves oh my goodness how beautiful! What a joy. 🤩
<3 The things and people I've read that have changed my life for the better always did that - helped me feel more like myself. Like it's okay to be myself, imperfect and messy and flawed as I may be. So that's what I strive for - to pass it along to others. 😄
Hi Nospheratt, I was definitely smiling back reading this. I too believe there is strength in being joyful and I love the journal prompts and other resources you provided. 💛
I’m very new to Substack so I still need to find my footing.
I used to write in the past on a whole other subject and I’ve been writing for others for many years in my job. But this writing journey feels totally different because this time it’s truly MY voice and the inspiration comes very differently to me than when I write for work. I really need to feel connected with my soul in some way. So meditation and morning pages are a great help. And I know that the words are ready to be shared when I feel in my whole body a mix of fear and excitement.
What’s been the most puzzling part for me so far is that my creative flow comes in a language that isn’t my native language - I’m French but when it comes to writing, even in my morning pages, I think and write in English. I have no explanation for that but I stopped questioning it and went for it.
Here’s my first post on the platform:
https://open.substack.com/pub/sipofcorsica/p/where-it-all-began?r=22f2hi&utm_medium=ios
I know because what I write draws from my experiences and deep contemplations. I have this desire to communicate it and be understood. I believe what I share can enrich someone else—help them feel seen or heard, provoke them to think, widen their perspectives, inspire them—and this fulfills me.
This post is where I share my personal journey and articulate the term conscious living, which is also the name of my publication.
https://open.substack.com/pub/rachelooi/p/why-conscious-living-is-the-key-to?r=3e7vn&utm_medium=ios
My writing voice rarely comes to me when I sit down at the computer, I tend to hear what I have to say when I'm in forests, or when I wake in the middle of the night. Sometimes I catch myself in deep emotion, and can feel the words pouring through me and I try to capture them. When my soul is still, and feels connected, I know the time to write is right. I started writing this piece when I was sat in my empty flat, I had taken a big leap of faith, quit my job and decided to move back to live with my parents. Starting over again at 38. There was no plan. And as I sat there in complete silence, that moment was heavy with it's presence and this piece made it's way out https://theburnoutrebellion.substack.com/p/notes-from-the-garden-the-power-of and *spoiler alert* it's turning out better than I could have imagined.
When my soul is still… oh so beautiful Anna! ✨✨✍️✨🥹
Thank you Claire ❤️
I know I'm speaking in my voice when I what I've written is a result of deep listening. When I listen to a multitude of tiny sparks - my intuition, what lights me, the threads of inspiration in my mind, i find an honesty and authenticity in the story I have to tell. For me, this comes from taking space away from social media, specifically in nature, so that I can tune out from culture and reconnect with my true nature, with what matters to me, and what stories I feel inspired to share.
https://open.substack.com/pub/lucywadham/p/generational-delight?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=fg64c
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing Lucy! ✨❤️
Wow! What a wonderful surprise! I'd love to join live, but could you point me toward the calls? Thanks again!