More than one way to be a writer
Walking a new writing path
When I dreamed about being a writer when I was a kid, and when I talked about wanting to be a “writer” as an adult, it was always fiction I had in mind. I wanted to write novels and short stories. I was already a writer as I worked in editorial and communications roles, writing all sorts of things all day long, but I didn’t really consider myself one as, for me, writing was all about fiction. It was novels that had changed my world since I could read and I didn't really consider myself a “proper writer” until I had written one and had it accepted by a publisher.
Now, it’s been almost nine years since that first novel came out and since then my relationship with writing has changed completely. I used to view it as something you did as you wanted to tell fictional stories. And I do still want to tell them. But now, I have come to believe that writing, both fiction and non, is a journey of discovery. It’s teaching me important lessons about myself and about being human.
If you have ever taken a course or workshop with me, you’ll know that I believe I channel the fictional characters that appear in my novels. It feels like they come to me as there is something I need to learn in telling their story. That they are out there somewhere and I am a conduit for them. At the moment, I am working on a novel that I am slowly uncovering the meaning in. What I need to learn is being revealed to me bit-by-bit as I write. I have done no plot planning or outlining and the only preparatory work I’ve done is getting to know the characters that turned up by asking them questions. Then I just write and see what happens each time I turn up to the page. It always surprises me.
Do you write fiction? Do you feel something similar with the characters that come to you? Do let me know as I love to hear about your experiences too.
Now, I am coming to realise that the writing I am doing here, and the courses that I write, are also doing the same thing. They are teaching me every time I write them. How to express my ideas; how to share my passion and knowledge about writing with others in a way that empowers and inspires them rather than tells them there is one way to write and be a writer; and how to use my writing to process my experiences and my emotions in ways that can help others see they are not alone. It’s all about connection to myself, to others, to the craft, and to the non-material by exploring spiritual teachings, ideas about the nature of reality, and questions about how, why and what this human experience is. Questions I don’t have any answers to but love pondering on!
Now this kind of writing, and the work I do with other writers, has come to mean even more to me than fiction writing does. I do still love crafting stories but I love writing here even more. I love writing courses and connecting with others through them. And now I am hoping to connect with people who don’t yet consider themselves writers to help them find their voice through personal writing. As I believe we are all writers and that we can all use our words to explore how we feel about our lives and the times we find ourselves living in, to gain new perspectives and help ourselves find more inner peace no matter what might be going on. When we look around at what is happening in our societies, it feels like this really matters right now.
Since starting to write on Substack, I have come across so many people writing personal essays that have inspired me. Thank you to all of the writers I read but especially
, , , and for sharing your words and your lives in your way.So while I will still be writing and teaching fiction, I’ll be doing more of the life writing I do here, and creating new courses to help myself and others explore our lives, our world, and our emotions and try and make meaning from it all.
What about you? Have you discovered a new way of writing after a long time of writing something else? Or are you looking to take your craft in a new direction? Let me know!
With love,
P.S. Want to join me this weekend for a Mindful Writing Marathon where we’ll be writing without fear and freeing our inner voices? They’re included with paid subscriptions to this newsletter or just buy a ticket and come along.
“I must admit to being a bit nervous about a writing marathon, but from the start Amanda’s warm and friendly energy welcomed us all into a safe space to write and share our raw, unedited words and it was SO much fun. I loved it and can't wait for the next one”
I’ve been thinking a lot about this this week. I started a novel (my first effort) last year and then dove into Substack this year. When people ask what I write, I always lead with the novel, even though the draft is gathering dust. Maybe I do this because what I write about here is so much more personal? Because it is about that journey of self-discovery and sharing it with others. Ok, I’ll step off my soapbox now. Thanks for making me feel less alone in this feeling this week.
Thank you, Amanda! As you know, I don't write fiction, but my writing certainly teaches and heals me. I am excited for you as you follow this new direction:).