11 Comments
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Tom's avatar

Wow! I absolutely loved this topical exchange. I’m going to have to talk to my librarian about some of these read recommendations. Keep up the great writing. I’m looking forward to your 2025 posts. Wishing you both large quantities of success in 25.

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Kristin Offiler's avatar

Thank you, Tom! What a kind comment. And I'm sure your librarian will ensure you get your hands on some good reads from this list!

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Lindsey Smith's avatar

Thank you, Dad! For reading and for the sweet comment! (As your librarian, I have taken note!)

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Wendy's avatar

This was a flurry of excitement for me! I felt like I was eavesdropping on some incredibly important information. As a reader, not a writer, I was being carried along by both of your enthusiastic gifts being handed out freely and with joy!

Thank you both for being so generous with your thoughts and great ideas for the writing community!

Substack needs your voices!

Even non writers like me can appreciate your ideas and your book recommendations! ❤️❤️

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Lindsey Smith's avatar

Thank you for reading, mom!! This means so much 🫶

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Kristin Offiler's avatar

This comment made my day!! Thank you for reading and being so lovely about this post, Wendy! xo

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Wendy's avatar

You two are such lovely humans 🤩🤩

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Jenny's avatar

I have tried the Artist's Way so many times but the morning pages never feel magical to me. Would love to hear more about how they've hit differently this time.

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Lindsey Smith's avatar

Hi Jenny! Thank you so much for being here and reading. Your comment makes me think I will maybe write a dedicated post about the ol' WAY, because I've also tried it so many times with lackluster results. So. Many. Times.

I wonder if some of the magic of this time is the craving I've had to get back to a journaling practice. I've missed thinking on the page in that organic way that has nothing to do with output or productivity. So when the Artist's Way occurred to me this time, it was in answer to something I've wanted to change. Something very concrete.

Kristin gifted me a journal with very smooth pages and I found an unserious green pen with lots of slip, and the whole thing feels very low stakes and ephemeral rather than a task I must do to please Julia Cameron/check a box/save my writing life. You know?

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Steph VanderMeulen's avatar

I'm really enjoying these conversational posts, you guys, and I'm impressed that I make it all the way to the end of each one—not impressed with myself but with your ability to hold my ever-wandering attention. Thanks for sharing the literary stuff you're excited about!

Kristin: I loved Sandwich too (as well as God of the Woods, which surprised me because it never felt long) and bought We All Want Impossible Things as a result. It's on my bedside table. Also, totally counting down the days till your release. I've known this was coming the moment I read the first draft you shared. Your writing always sticks with me. I have so many scenes from your stories in my head... Lindsey: I really, really loved Nightbitch when it came out. Looking forward to the movie!

Keep writing, you guys! Thank you for being a bright spot in the day and for sharing others' good work too.

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Kristin Offiler's avatar

Steph, thank you for reading, as always! So glad you enjoyed this post! xoxo

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