Happiest belated birthday, Jeff, and happy 11 year anniversary of doing what you're meant to do. Eleven is my lucky number and I do need to hear it from someone that I'm a writer. Thank you for "the sign."
This was so impactful for me…describes not my anniversary of fully stepping into a writer’s life, but published on the day I did just that. Wonderful piece.
Thank you for sharing with us! I have that book in print on my bookshelf :) I think it was the first of your writing works that I've come into contact with.
I write a newsletter hoping to help other writers feel encouraged and motivated to keep writing, if that is what they want to do. I agree that it makes a difference when we do what is in our hearts. I have learned over the years that writing is beneficial to me in multiple ways.
I think that maybe there is an art form for everyone...
Jeff--Happy Birthday and THANK YOU for your generous spirit and the work you do here at The Ghost. When I saw the "This is the sign" image this morning, I had to laugh as I went to bed last night asking the universe to 'show me a sign." I just finished the latest draft of my novel and I'm ready to pitch it again with the knowledge that I might not find an agent. (But still was looking for that sign!) But after reading this post, I'm starting to understand that my life as a writer really has little to do with external circumstances. It begins with my claiming the space for myself, with giving myself that permission--even if I can't ever make a living doing it professionally. So thanks for this well-timed post!
I have been reading your writing since BEFORE you published that little gem. Readers. Yes. We want someone to read our words, to validate our thoughts expressed, to know that they create a connection within another soul.
I once displayed my poetry in frames and other forms at a craft show. I didn't sell much of anything, but it was such a fulfilling experience to have people stand there and read my words, moving from one to the next. And the tears… seeing tears on cheeks as their hearts connected with the words, that was enough payment to last a lifetime.
It will be a wonderful year. The time was right for you 11 years ago. Thank you for starting Tribe Writers. I'll always remember being in the first 'class'. You helped in more ways than you'll ever know.
It was a challenge to call myself a 'writer'. Your course gave me the extra confidence boost. I have self- published two short haiku books and look forward to branching out with other genres.
I feel you when it comes to the self-doubt of limiting "authorship" to "books-on-shelves." I've been a writer all my life, but it's been poetry and blogs as opposed to books.
Thank you for being an author! For being authentically you, and for sharing that. <3
Living my life until fourteen years ago in the “I’m going to be a writer” pretense, until I read your advice- I’m a writer, now. I don’t have to wait until I’m retired. I am a writer, now.
In the first four years, after declaring that, I started a blog, self published four novels and wrote for a local historical publication. I did radio interviews. I had articles written about me. All while working full time as a nurse and going through some shake up days as a family.
2017, I slogged. I’d think this month, this day, this year, I’m going to get the drive back. This lasted in fits until last year.
I always wrote. My journal had entries every day since 2000, when I first was challenged if I wanted to be a writer, write for yourself every day. I got over the early private hours of writing and felt I could write any time.
This year, I published my fifth novel and have two more to complete this year. The drive returned. I write short fiction now for Substack, although I did first do so on Medium. Simily was for fiction, but I felt after a year it was a scam of some sort. I lost my writing friends slowly as they faded away.
I’m glad to have reconnected with Jeff. We have both changed on our journeys. I admire him for quitting to write full time. It’s hard for me to give up my identity as a nurse, so both endeavors are part time this year, yet.
Happiest belated birthday, Jeff, and happy 11 year anniversary of doing what you're meant to do. Eleven is my lucky number and I do need to hear it from someone that I'm a writer. Thank you for "the sign."
I got this book all those years ago. Just opened the PDF again, so I can have another read. Good times, and many happy returns for yesterday, Jeff! 🥳
This was so impactful for me…describes not my anniversary of fully stepping into a writer’s life, but published on the day I did just that. Wonderful piece.
happy belated birthday!
this post made me nostalgic over xanga.
Thanks Jeff! Happy birthday!
Thank you for sharing with us! I have that book in print on my bookshelf :) I think it was the first of your writing works that I've come into contact with.
I write a newsletter hoping to help other writers feel encouraged and motivated to keep writing, if that is what they want to do. I agree that it makes a difference when we do what is in our hearts. I have learned over the years that writing is beneficial to me in multiple ways.
I think that maybe there is an art form for everyone...
Jeff--Happy Birthday and THANK YOU for your generous spirit and the work you do here at The Ghost. When I saw the "This is the sign" image this morning, I had to laugh as I went to bed last night asking the universe to 'show me a sign." I just finished the latest draft of my novel and I'm ready to pitch it again with the knowledge that I might not find an agent. (But still was looking for that sign!) But after reading this post, I'm starting to understand that my life as a writer really has little to do with external circumstances. It begins with my claiming the space for myself, with giving myself that permission--even if I can't ever make a living doing it professionally. So thanks for this well-timed post!
I have been reading your writing since BEFORE you published that little gem. Readers. Yes. We want someone to read our words, to validate our thoughts expressed, to know that they create a connection within another soul.
I once displayed my poetry in frames and other forms at a craft show. I didn't sell much of anything, but it was such a fulfilling experience to have people stand there and read my words, moving from one to the next. And the tears… seeing tears on cheeks as their hearts connected with the words, that was enough payment to last a lifetime.
Thanks for this Jeff! Receiving your words straight to the heart and writing fuel tank.
Happy Birthday Jeff!
It will be a wonderful year. The time was right for you 11 years ago. Thank you for starting Tribe Writers. I'll always remember being in the first 'class'. You helped in more ways than you'll ever know.
It was a challenge to call myself a 'writer'. Your course gave me the extra confidence boost. I have self- published two short haiku books and look forward to branching out with other genres.
Thanks again and you are much appreciated.
:)
Sincerely,
Sylvia K.
I feel you when it comes to the self-doubt of limiting "authorship" to "books-on-shelves." I've been a writer all my life, but it's been poetry and blogs as opposed to books.
Thank you for being an author! For being authentically you, and for sharing that. <3
Thank you!
Thank you.
Happy birthday Jeff. Keep writing my friend and thanks for inspiring me.
One of these days I will be a full-time writer too.
Living my life until fourteen years ago in the “I’m going to be a writer” pretense, until I read your advice- I’m a writer, now. I don’t have to wait until I’m retired. I am a writer, now.
In the first four years, after declaring that, I started a blog, self published four novels and wrote for a local historical publication. I did radio interviews. I had articles written about me. All while working full time as a nurse and going through some shake up days as a family.
2017, I slogged. I’d think this month, this day, this year, I’m going to get the drive back. This lasted in fits until last year.
I always wrote. My journal had entries every day since 2000, when I first was challenged if I wanted to be a writer, write for yourself every day. I got over the early private hours of writing and felt I could write any time.
This year, I published my fifth novel and have two more to complete this year. The drive returned. I write short fiction now for Substack, although I did first do so on Medium. Simily was for fiction, but I felt after a year it was a scam of some sort. I lost my writing friends slowly as they faded away.
I’m glad to have reconnected with Jeff. We have both changed on our journeys. I admire him for quitting to write full time. It’s hard for me to give up my identity as a nurse, so both endeavors are part time this year, yet.
Happy Birthday.
An outrageously generous birthday gift from you to us. Thanks, Jeff!