"One thing we can do is stop surrendering our self-worth to the whims of Submittable"--Amen! I am taking a break from submitting my poems for a few months, as I was definitely starting to feel like I was measuring my worth as a writer (and a person?) by my "acceptances." Also, always happy to see some love for Bernadette Mayer :)
it's so important, at every stage of the writing process! (and I'm so glad to have a different voice here--Sara's perspective is really wise and kind.)
Love this. “Do not be afraid of your own heart beating.” And writing past (or through) your self-doubt. I’ve been trying to outrun it and now I wonder if I should just embrace the tremors of uncertainty.
ah, that really feels like the question sometimes, doesn't it? do we outrun it, or do we sit with it? I think, ultimately, we have to do both. I've been trying to do the kind of cognitive behavioral therapy thing of "I hear that mean voice, and I'm setting it aside."
"One thing we can do is stop surrendering our self-worth to the whims of Submittable"--Amen! I am taking a break from submitting my poems for a few months, as I was definitely starting to feel like I was measuring my worth as a writer (and a person?) by my "acceptances." Also, always happy to see some love for Bernadette Mayer :)
ooh wise! submissions is a wild way that we turn poetry into productivity culture sometimes--smart to step back sometimes for sure.
It is so hard not to get caught in the end goal. Great reminder!
it really is so hard! I honestly feel like Sara could have written this directly for me.
Thank you again for sharing more on the topic of persisting with writing!
it's so important, at every stage of the writing process! (and I'm so glad to have a different voice here--Sara's perspective is really wise and kind.)
Love this. “Do not be afraid of your own heart beating.” And writing past (or through) your self-doubt. I’ve been trying to outrun it and now I wonder if I should just embrace the tremors of uncertainty.
ah, that really feels like the question sometimes, doesn't it? do we outrun it, or do we sit with it? I think, ultimately, we have to do both. I've been trying to do the kind of cognitive behavioral therapy thing of "I hear that mean voice, and I'm setting it aside."