Hi Andrew, would you happen to know if there are any support groups for dads who worry about these things? I've had similar worries and very much connected with this. : )
Thanks a lot for reading, Daniel, and I'm very glad to hear it resonated with you. I don't know of any formal support groups, but I've certainly found support around these topics from other dads here on Substack that I've connected with. Seems a lot of us dad writers, particularly the newer ones, are working through this.
I'll be sure to root around in your comments sections to find some connections for myself. xD. And also read your lovely and heartening thoughts and musings of course.
I turn 43 in a few weeks and I started writing full-time as a passion project at 38. I had the luxury of financial security and success in my previous lives, so I was always able to approach my work with fearlessness.
Ironically, your work suffers when it's the only thing in your life. If I never sell my novel, I'm still a dad, a husband, a loyal friend, and a writer through and through.
Amen to that brother. Thank you for circling back on this one, glad to hear that it resonated with you. And best of luck with the querying/submission process! Rooting for you.
It's sad that so many artists like yourself fall into the trap of chasing. The goal cannot be social status. The goal also cannot be some internal purity. But artists can't learn this because there are so few mentors.
The only reason I ever cared if my work made money is because that means I buy more time to work on the next piece. It's the only thing that matters when trying to live a sustainable life as an artist - the time you have to dedicate to your work. I'm happy that you have found a way to galvanize that time more effectively. It's too bad mentorship is so lacking that the wisdom had to come from your children. But then again, children are excellent teachers.
Hi Andrew, would you happen to know if there are any support groups for dads who worry about these things? I've had similar worries and very much connected with this. : )
Thanks a lot for reading, Daniel, and I'm very glad to hear it resonated with you. I don't know of any formal support groups, but I've certainly found support around these topics from other dads here on Substack that I've connected with. Seems a lot of us dad writers, particularly the newer ones, are working through this.
I'll be sure to root around in your comments sections to find some connections for myself. xD. And also read your lovely and heartening thoughts and musings of course.
Appreciate those kind words, Daniel! Hope you enjoy the newsletter.
Had this one bookmarked. Good stuff.
I turn 43 in a few weeks and I started writing full-time as a passion project at 38. I had the luxury of financial security and success in my previous lives, so I was always able to approach my work with fearlessness.
Ironically, your work suffers when it's the only thing in your life. If I never sell my novel, I'm still a dad, a husband, a loyal friend, and a writer through and through.
Amen to that brother. Thank you for circling back on this one, glad to hear that it resonated with you. And best of luck with the querying/submission process! Rooting for you.
Thank you! Will be circling back on that very shortly. Stay tuned.
love this man. powerful reflections. i've been thinking a lot about kids lately, and this is one of the many straws currently bending the camels back
Thank you, Kia! Appreciate you reading.
It's sad that so many artists like yourself fall into the trap of chasing. The goal cannot be social status. The goal also cannot be some internal purity. But artists can't learn this because there are so few mentors.
The only reason I ever cared if my work made money is because that means I buy more time to work on the next piece. It's the only thing that matters when trying to live a sustainable life as an artist - the time you have to dedicate to your work. I'm happy that you have found a way to galvanize that time more effectively. It's too bad mentorship is so lacking that the wisdom had to come from your children. But then again, children are excellent teachers.