I’m always dubious about the concept of coherence.
When I look back at my posts from a few months ago, I’m amazed at how different they are from my current ones.
I almost feel like someone else wrote them.
I believe this coherence and the structures underlying it are constantly developing.
I really like your point about identifying recurring words and repeating them in a repetitive pattern.
I’d add, however, that this pattern is constantly developing. Like musicians who, after endlessly repeating other musicians’ scales, begin to construct their own.
Consistency, from this perspective remains a guideline that doesn’t depend on content but remains the compass of our growth as writers.
I really love the Link to music. Although I am not into Jazz a lot, I can still relate to those words. "The sense that people are scrolling past your soul like it’s wallpaper" is striking me hard. Keep writing - I love to hear your voice.
I recently have come to Substack (still learning this platform), but one of the things I have kept stalling out on is that I LOVE what I write (I have a lot written sitting on my laptop), and it feels awful when it feels I'm just putting it out into a void. I do like the Notes feature so will start using that. If you have any advice on when to start posting long-form, and when to use Notes, I'd love to hear it! I'm curious if I should just use Notes for awhile before I start sharing my long-form.
This line hit hard "But when you give your work a shape and a repeatable format your voice begins to surface without much forced effort." And i really liked the way you criticised the generic and vegue advice of being consistent!
Is the 15 Notes System still available? I'm a new publisher and looking to get off on the right foot. Thank you for providing such valuable food for thought.
Ah,voice. It is so elusive. It might be long-winded if it talks about a convoluted topic, or short and urgent when you shout "fire!" The only way I can ever find mine, filled as it is with digressions, (paranthetical asides), and bullet point alerts, is to LISTEN to it as it meanders over rocky passages in the stream or eddies beneath an undercut riverbank. To me, it's the flow that matters. Sometimes it rushes on rapidly, at other times, it moves sluggishly around a fallen tree. What's the point of it all? If your voice is the unique expression of your mind at work, then your only choice is to keep it flowing, keep it moving. If you're lucky or skilled (or often it's both), you may discover it in the undercurrent ... ;-)
I love the idea of a 15 noted system. I’ve been trying to post 3 notes per day but keep getting side tracked 🙈 may have to give this a go 🙂
I’d love for you to try it Shelly. Launching tomorrow so watch this space :)
Hi Ben,
Your launch of the 15 Notes System sounds intriguing. I'm looking forward to seeing what you've put together. ✍️
Thanks lulu…I’ve finally got it ready. Launching next week 😀
I’m always dubious about the concept of coherence.
When I look back at my posts from a few months ago, I’m amazed at how different they are from my current ones.
I almost feel like someone else wrote them.
I believe this coherence and the structures underlying it are constantly developing.
I really like your point about identifying recurring words and repeating them in a repetitive pattern.
I’d add, however, that this pattern is constantly developing. Like musicians who, after endlessly repeating other musicians’ scales, begin to construct their own.
Consistency, from this perspective remains a guideline that doesn’t depend on content but remains the compass of our growth as writers.
Thanks for the post, Benjamin.
I agree it is constantly developing and an awareness of that is key. If you are always looking to finally arrive you will always be disappointed
I really love the Link to music. Although I am not into Jazz a lot, I can still relate to those words. "The sense that people are scrolling past your soul like it’s wallpaper" is striking me hard. Keep writing - I love to hear your voice.
Thanks a lot Marita
I recently have come to Substack (still learning this platform), but one of the things I have kept stalling out on is that I LOVE what I write (I have a lot written sitting on my laptop), and it feels awful when it feels I'm just putting it out into a void. I do like the Notes feature so will start using that. If you have any advice on when to start posting long-form, and when to use Notes, I'd love to hear it! I'm curious if I should just use Notes for awhile before I start sharing my long-form.
This line hit hard "But when you give your work a shape and a repeatable format your voice begins to surface without much forced effort." And i really liked the way you criticised the generic and vegue advice of being consistent!
Yep all insights gained by trying the commonly advertised advice and realising it doesnt really apply to me..or quite a few others
Is the 15 Notes System still available? I'm a new publisher and looking to get off on the right foot. Thank you for providing such valuable food for thought.
I haven’t actually launched it yet…should be ready next week.
Cool. I would love to be a part of it.
Ah,voice. It is so elusive. It might be long-winded if it talks about a convoluted topic, or short and urgent when you shout "fire!" The only way I can ever find mine, filled as it is with digressions, (paranthetical asides), and bullet point alerts, is to LISTEN to it as it meanders over rocky passages in the stream or eddies beneath an undercut riverbank. To me, it's the flow that matters. Sometimes it rushes on rapidly, at other times, it moves sluggishly around a fallen tree. What's the point of it all? If your voice is the unique expression of your mind at work, then your only choice is to keep it flowing, keep it moving. If you're lucky or skilled (or often it's both), you may discover it in the undercurrent ... ;-)
Beautiful
Please take a look at mine on creation of art and non duality
https://substack.com/@collapseofthewavefunction/note/p-167021101?r=5tpv59&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Looking forward to the launch of your 15 notes system.
The main questions is: Are you listening?
Grounding and inspiring!
I have a voice but like Sia I need to hide my persona in a giant performative wig so that I'm judged for the work first.
https://open.substack.com/pub/gaslightphoenix/p/pavlovs-pyramid?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=5m7s99
Yes review and reflection is the key part that most people just skip