Lore, as you describe the perennial plant and how you just want to be, this thought came to mind. Your book, and often your writings online, have such good questions. I wonder if you are entering a season of listening. Listening to perhaps answers to some of your questions. Listening to God. And maybe giving the gift of listening to others in your realm who have a desperate need to being truly heard. To offer the hospitality of your heart by listening and just being with. 🤔♥️
I think a lot of creators are tired, in every field. I was watching something completely unrelated (actually, a make-up video on youtube), and she was tired. Tired of hustling content. Tired of the platform she was trying to share her creativity on being more interested in chasing the latest fad than supporting the form of content it is best suited for.
As human beings, of course we all get tired. But I think creators, in all fields, have this extra struggle: wanting to make and share and connect. Wanting not just to create but to connect those creations to an audience that actually values it. But creating is one thing, and content distribution is another.
People can get cranky at the distributors --if social networks were more healthy, if youtube didn't do x, if book publishers actually handled your publicity. But I also remember being profoundly struck by listening to an interview with a book publisher. He said of course he 100% believes every book he takes on will make a meaningful impact; he wouldn't take them on if he didn't. It's just what actually sells is some rock-bottom low number that I don't remember (somewhere between 10% and 1%, probably, but don't trust me with numbers).
I think part of the exhaustion is we all kind of accepted this idea that with the ability to reach "everyone" (whether it is the distribution network of publishers or the globalization of the internet) was that it was going to be *so much easier* to connect with people. And really it's like a huge crowded room and everyone is talking at the same time and it's so hard to hear anyone. And really maybe it was easier to connect in the smaller rooms and softer voices.
And then there is also just being tired. I've often noticed that when I am overwhelmed, overdrawn or tired, creativity is the first thing that goes. Even if I have the time and the space and the energy, the inspiration completely evaporates.
And I think you touched on about 50 different other kinds of tired, too. For some reason I always find it comforting that while a storm was raging and tossing the boat, Jesus was asleep on a pillow. I feel a little guilty that I'm not indignant with the apostles, but really I'm just relieved. So Jesus also experienced bone-gnawing exhaustion. Me, too, Jesus. And a good pillow is amazing. Amen.
Lore, you put words to how I feel. Like a plant that has been uprooted and replanted so many times that my leaves are withering. I get it. Here’s to e v e n t u a l l y being able to dig deep and thrive someday in the future. Thank you for writing! 🌱
I saw in your IG stories you like the Galbraith mysteries, and I’m guessing you haven’t read the newest one yet since you’ve been in such a busy season. 🙂 When you get to it, I think it’s exploring some of the things you’re hinting at here and have written about before--human “embodiedness” and the effects of living online. I’m at about 70%, and I think it’s very well done. A little harder to read due to all the online convos, but worth it.
Lore, as you describe the perennial plant and how you just want to be, this thought came to mind. Your book, and often your writings online, have such good questions. I wonder if you are entering a season of listening. Listening to perhaps answers to some of your questions. Listening to God. And maybe giving the gift of listening to others in your realm who have a desperate need to being truly heard. To offer the hospitality of your heart by listening and just being with. 🤔♥️
I think a lot of creators are tired, in every field. I was watching something completely unrelated (actually, a make-up video on youtube), and she was tired. Tired of hustling content. Tired of the platform she was trying to share her creativity on being more interested in chasing the latest fad than supporting the form of content it is best suited for.
As human beings, of course we all get tired. But I think creators, in all fields, have this extra struggle: wanting to make and share and connect. Wanting not just to create but to connect those creations to an audience that actually values it. But creating is one thing, and content distribution is another.
People can get cranky at the distributors --if social networks were more healthy, if youtube didn't do x, if book publishers actually handled your publicity. But I also remember being profoundly struck by listening to an interview with a book publisher. He said of course he 100% believes every book he takes on will make a meaningful impact; he wouldn't take them on if he didn't. It's just what actually sells is some rock-bottom low number that I don't remember (somewhere between 10% and 1%, probably, but don't trust me with numbers).
I think part of the exhaustion is we all kind of accepted this idea that with the ability to reach "everyone" (whether it is the distribution network of publishers or the globalization of the internet) was that it was going to be *so much easier* to connect with people. And really it's like a huge crowded room and everyone is talking at the same time and it's so hard to hear anyone. And really maybe it was easier to connect in the smaller rooms and softer voices.
And then there is also just being tired. I've often noticed that when I am overwhelmed, overdrawn or tired, creativity is the first thing that goes. Even if I have the time and the space and the energy, the inspiration completely evaporates.
And I think you touched on about 50 different other kinds of tired, too. For some reason I always find it comforting that while a storm was raging and tossing the boat, Jesus was asleep on a pillow. I feel a little guilty that I'm not indignant with the apostles, but really I'm just relieved. So Jesus also experienced bone-gnawing exhaustion. Me, too, Jesus. And a good pillow is amazing. Amen.
Talitha, what a thoughtful, thoughtful response. Thank you for taking the time to say it all. I heartily agree with it all.
Thanks. . .thoughts come easy, but the internet hides the facial expressions that help you know when it's time to be quiet and sit down, lol
Yes to this and you and Smith. Tired is an apt word. It's what I am, too.
Lore, you put words to how I feel. Like a plant that has been uprooted and replanted so many times that my leaves are withering. I get it. Here’s to e v e n t u a l l y being able to dig deep and thrive someday in the future. Thank you for writing! 🌱
Thank you for reading! I'm glad you're here =)
Sheesh, yes. All of this.
Solidarity, friend.
My goodness. If this is you just being beautifully present online, I'm here for it. Your words bring life and hope to me. Thank you.
Aw. Thank you 🧡🧡
I saw in your IG stories you like the Galbraith mysteries, and I’m guessing you haven’t read the newest one yet since you’ve been in such a busy season. 🙂 When you get to it, I think it’s exploring some of the things you’re hinting at here and have written about before--human “embodiedness” and the effects of living online. I’m at about 70%, and I think it’s very well done. A little harder to read due to all the online convos, but worth it.
I actually listened to it on my 52 hour road trip this fall! Loved it :)
I’m listening and reading. Audiobook is well done.