How to write for two worlds without having a total identity crisis. Also: a fresh website, a sushi rolling session, and a new profile to add to my scammer collection!
Thank you for writing this piece. As a 9-5er that works in a decidedly uncreative industry, this resonated strongly with me. It’s always nice to hear from others who are in similar situations and your daily routine sounds very fulfilling :) if you have time, I’d love for you to check out my newsletter which I cofound with my friend. We are building a community of office workers who hold equal (sometimes more) importance in their creative projects as well as their careers.
Thanks so much for this kind comment! I'll definitely check out your newsletter. I love connecting with other folks who are trying to balance creative pursuits with other careers. We're in good company!
I also write for two worlds, and when I went freelance this year I had an existential question about how much to split my personal Substack from my professional brand, even considering a pseudonym. Did I want my corporate clients to read very personal things about my life? But six months in, ironically, people reading my personal blog are also sending me work. They know me as a whole person, not just as a Comms person. It’s totally unexpected and pretty great. Congrats on the promotion and glad to find your blog.
I love this! Such a great example of how our worlds can work together and coexist peacefully. I've also gotten a few freelance gigs as a result of this newsletter, and many of my coworkers read it, too. This is a great reminder that's it not always black and white, cut and dried. Thank you for sharing!
So relatable, indeed! I’m glad you’ve found the balance, and an appreciation for that balance, too. I hope, however, that your best work does not remain the least read. ❤️
Another vote for this being relatable. Competing identities (professional vs. artist) have been weighing on me lately. Are you a creative writer if no one sees your creative work? How do you present yourself to others if you have a professional life but are also an artist?
Where I've settled, for now, is that I write creatively for me, for my health. It's no different than exercising or eating healthy. Maybe one day there's something publishable and shareable, but for now it's enough that I write stories I want to write and because I need to write them.
It's a mindset not that different from some of what's in the "giving up on your dreams" piece that you shared. Thanks for your newsletter and recs.
I am loving this conversation! I also love the idea of thinking about your creative work as something you do for your health, like going to the gym and eating vegetables. Such a good perspective, and one I need to keep in mind. Thank you for sharing!
I started following CC a few months before The Cut article came out - such a wild time. Part of me really wants to buy her book that I am 99% sure doesn't exist!!!
SO relatable! Thank you, looking forward to checking out your recommendations... especially the sushi making - I’ve been wanting to do that for years. No time like the present!
Thank you for writing this piece. As a 9-5er that works in a decidedly uncreative industry, this resonated strongly with me. It’s always nice to hear from others who are in similar situations and your daily routine sounds very fulfilling :) if you have time, I’d love for you to check out my newsletter which I cofound with my friend. We are building a community of office workers who hold equal (sometimes more) importance in their creative projects as well as their careers.
Good luck with next steps on the novel!
Thanks so much for this kind comment! I'll definitely check out your newsletter. I love connecting with other folks who are trying to balance creative pursuits with other careers. We're in good company!
I also write for two worlds, and when I went freelance this year I had an existential question about how much to split my personal Substack from my professional brand, even considering a pseudonym. Did I want my corporate clients to read very personal things about my life? But six months in, ironically, people reading my personal blog are also sending me work. They know me as a whole person, not just as a Comms person. It’s totally unexpected and pretty great. Congrats on the promotion and glad to find your blog.
I love this! Such a great example of how our worlds can work together and coexist peacefully. I've also gotten a few freelance gigs as a result of this newsletter, and many of my coworkers read it, too. This is a great reminder that's it not always black and white, cut and dried. Thank you for sharing!
So relatable, indeed! I’m glad you’ve found the balance, and an appreciation for that balance, too. I hope, however, that your best work does not remain the least read. ❤️
Another vote for this being relatable. Competing identities (professional vs. artist) have been weighing on me lately. Are you a creative writer if no one sees your creative work? How do you present yourself to others if you have a professional life but are also an artist?
Where I've settled, for now, is that I write creatively for me, for my health. It's no different than exercising or eating healthy. Maybe one day there's something publishable and shareable, but for now it's enough that I write stories I want to write and because I need to write them.
It's a mindset not that different from some of what's in the "giving up on your dreams" piece that you shared. Thanks for your newsletter and recs.
I am loving this conversation! I also love the idea of thinking about your creative work as something you do for your health, like going to the gym and eating vegetables. Such a good perspective, and one I need to keep in mind. Thank you for sharing!
Good luck with the book!
Yay for next steps for the book! 🎉🥳🤞
Cheering on your book's next steps!!!
Thanks, friend! You've always been the best supporter and cheerleader.
Now I want sushi! It looks so good. Also that CC piece was bananas, I loved it.
I started following CC a few months before The Cut article came out - such a wild time. Part of me really wants to buy her book that I am 99% sure doesn't exist!!!
SO relatable! Thank you, looking forward to checking out your recommendations... especially the sushi making - I’ve been wanting to do that for years. No time like the present!
Sushi making is much easier than it looks! Plus it doesn't have to be pretty to taste good. :)