"Today it feels impossible"
3 quotes for doubting writers + 3 questions for you
🙋♂️ Welcome, writer
I’m Blake Atwood, a nonfiction editor, author, and ghostwriter. My literary claim to nominal fame is as an early developmental editor on Atomic Habits, but I’ve worked on more than 60 books, including a few of my own.
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If you’ve lately doubted your work as a writer, take heart.
That means you’re a writer!
Consider these three quotes, the last of which is among my all-time favorites.
After, I have three questions I’d love your feedback on.
3 quotes for doubting writers
“The muse comes and, and then the muse plays hide-and-seek. But if there is one constant I have learned in writing this [book], it’s that everyone is freaking out about their work. From the veteran bestsellers to the writers who are preparing their manuscript for agent queries, everyone approaches their workspace wondering how the hell they managed to get something good onto the page the day before, because today it feels impossible. Until they start to write.”
—Courtney Maum, Before and After the Book Deal
P. S. If you’re seeking traditional publishing, don’t sleep on Courtney’s Substack—and pay for it, especially for access to The Savannah Project.
"I had lunch with a producer a few years ago, a very successful producer, not somebody I've worked with, and he was curious about my process.
At some point, I said, 'Every film I do, I have to believe that I'm making the best film that's ever been made.'
He was absolutely shocked by this. It just never occurred to him that someone would think like that.
And that, to me, was truly shocking, because films are really hard to make.
I'm not going to say it's the hardest job in the world—I've never tried coal mining—but they are all-consuming. Your family life, everything goes into it for a couple of years.
So it had never occurred to me there were people doing it who weren't trying to make the best film that ever was. Why would you otherwise?
Even if it's not going to be the best film that's ever been made, you have to believe that it could be.
You just pour yourself into it and when it affects someone that way, that is a huge thrill for me—huge thrill. I feel like I have managed to wrap them up in it the way I try to wrap myself up."
—Christopher Nolan, The Nolan Variations
P. S. I eyed this book for months on end at my local bookstore and finally purchased it a few weeks ago. I’m devouring it.
“Are you a born writer? Were you put on earth to be a painter, a scientist, an apostle of peace? In the end the question can only be answered by action.
Do it or don't do it.
It may help to think of it this way. If you were meant to cure cancer or write a symphony or crack cold fusion and you don't do it, you not only hurt yourself, even destroy yourself. You hurt your children. You hurt me. You hurt the planet.
You shame the angels who watch over you and you spite the Almighty, who created you and only you with your unique gifts, for the sole purpose of nudging the human race one millimeter farther along its path back to God.
Creative work is not a selfish act or a bid for attention on the part of the actor. It's a gift to the world and every being in it. Don't cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you've got.”
― Steven Pressfield, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
P. S. This book dispelled the deep doubt I once had as a writer. I could argue it even inspired me to go all-in on myself in seeking a career in writing. If you’ve yet to read it, I can’t recommend it highly enough, especially if you battle the unending, unyielding war against doubt. The doubt won’t die; even Steinbeck wondered if East of Eden was any good! But being faithful to your work does wonders.
3 questions for you
1. What questions about writing, editing, publishing, or marketing would you like me to address in future issues?
2. What problem(s) are you currently facing in your work as a writer?
3. If I were to launch a paid monthly book club in which we work through a writing craft book every month or so, would you be interested?
You’d get access to members-only articles, chat via Substack, and (possibly) virtual meetings to discuss how the book practically transfers to your work.
Feel free to reply to this email or, if you’re OK with public feedback, leave a comment on this issue at Substack.
🧹 Housekeeping
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