Medium

Hello all you beautiful people,

In case you missed it, I recently shared a poem over on Medium. I’ve had an account on that platform for some time now, although I’ve never used it effectively or properly. I will be now. As I mentioned, I am am a member of the local chapter of League of Utah Writers. I haven’t bumbled my way through writing since joining the league and chapter. I am trying to improve on that. I have a horrible case of imposter syndrome. It’s said that that is normal for creative writers, but I feel so misfit among misfits. I’m an imposter trying to fit in with other imposters. It’s been a struggle to say the least.

Why am I telling you this? Well, I hope to continue to post to Medium on a regular basis, specifically to Salt City Genre Writers literary magazine.  If you have Medium, I encourage you to subscribe, follow, and show some love.

I hope to build a network, following, repertoire and maybe even make some money, in the process. It requires a paid membership to be able to subscribe and read publications regularly on Medium. It’s like an online publication or magazine site. They offer a minimum quantity for free. But I encourage any readers to do so.

Finally, my plan for this blog – to hopefully transition it over to an official website, not just one hosted on WordPress (although that will take some planning and funding).

Here’s to a successful 2020 journey.

Much Love,

Alan

Slow Down

The title says it all. However, in the context of this post I’m referring to writing.

This is a post reminder to myself more than anything. Years ago, I would get frustrated due to ‘lack of inspiration’ or ‘writer’s block’, which I’ve now discovered were situations where I simply couldn’t get out of my own way. Now, inspiration flows unrestrained, stories are on the edge of my lips, and the desire burns more than ever before.

I have a Patreon, this blog, a Medium account, and numerous drafts in Google Docs. I’ve written a few short stories and countless poems.

The problem with it all now? I’ve put way too much pressure on myself. I have to write and release content once a month for Patreon, I have to submit a flash fiction post to Medium once a month, or ‘I haven’t written anything of substance for days now’.

Patreon is a must. People pay to read my content, so ultimately that wins out. As for Medium, I’ve learned to write if something comes up or I have a moment outside of normal writing to do so.

Writing on the reg? Well that’s where I get frustrated most. I have so many tasks and things that fill my days lately, I barely have more than an hour or two every few days to write. So I get flustered and push harder to write, instead of just letting go. My writing hours have consisted of editing novels and occasionally writing a poem. That’s all the time I’ve had.

What am I saying? It’s time to prioritize. Perhaps this will be a reminder to more than just me. Learn to let go, to not put undue pressure where it just isn’t worth it.

Patreon matters, even if I have but a few readers. They pay, I post.

I’ll write a poem as it comes to me, no pressure. I continue to edit novels as a new priority, knowing I can’t publish if I don’t have a completed manuscript. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter. It’s not worth the headache and stress.

I go a million miles an hour per day. Time to slow down, let go, and release the pressure on myself.

That’s my thoughts today.

Alan

A Journey

It’s been a little over 8 years since I started this blog. Today, I was notified that I reached 200 posts. Coincidentally it came only about a month after I was notified I reached the 200 follower mark.

It’s been a journey of self discovery, introspection, creativity, and more. I’ve written dark pieces, poetry, short stories, even deeply personal vulnerable posts.

Thank you all who have been here since the beginning. Thank you to those who have recently joined. Thank you for your support and for your encouragement. Thank you for reading.

You each have inspired me in one way or another.

Thank you. Much love, Alan.