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Dawn Camp's avatar

I decided yesterday my word of the year should be Finish, as in "finish that first novel you're writing." This morning I got up early and opened Scrivener, which says I'm at 34,605 words. (We'll ignore the fact I'm on Substack now, not Scrivener.)

When I started in nonfiction, I found "What if I don't do this?" more frightening than "What if I do?" I wrote like crazy in the middle of last year, then I hit four months of very real, inescapable distractions (life-changing, keep you awake at night distractions). My pace fizzled and I lost my way. But not writing isn't an option. I hope what I've dealt with on a personal level translates into a better understanding of how we grieve, and that it's stretched me in more ways than one.

Hug Winnie. That ache for a pup (or a babe) is a powerful thing.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Finishing what we start has such an incredible power in the life of a writer. I love your word of the year, and I hope you find the determination to keep going!

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Kris Camealy's avatar

Weeping and nodding as I read this, this morning. I’m surprised by this swell of emotion, and so I know that means something...poor Winnie. I’m sad for her loss and for yours too. A puppy is a bit of furry hope and joy, and the loss of that life is a grief to be observed.

I love the quote about being a “menace to society” when we aren’t living fully into our vocations. It’s so true. Thank you for this. I’m carrying this with me today as I consider my own creative efforts and how not to become a menace.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

You're right, Kris. A puppy IS a furry bit of hope and joy, and we really could have used that right about now.

Also, we should have t-shirts made to wear while we write--"Currently not being a menace to society." :)

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Kris Camealy's avatar

I would buy that shirt. 🤣

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Annelise Roberts's avatar

This was a wonderful read (but my heart hurts w/the puppy story. Having tended a few mommas with litters I can only imagine 😭).

I am also a “menace to society” (but mostly myself) when not writing. Sometimes I do look in the mirror and mutter the infamous words of Michael Scott, “Why are you the way that you are?”

But the fact remains: writers must write. And I guess my inability to stop makes me one.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Sometimes we do talk to our writer selves the way Michael talks to Toby. There's no doubt you're a writer. Proceed from there as you will. Personally, I hope you keep writing . . .

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Tresta Payne's avatar

Sheeesh. You kill me in the best ways. And again, I quote you back to yourself: “Writers who are writing are among the most hopeful of people.” I can’t remember what podcast you said that on, but it sticks. And the inverse, as well. Thank you.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Tresta. I can always count on you to bring my own words back to me :)

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Leslie A. Mills's avatar

This made me cry.

And this? This part was for me:

“Write for yourself. Forget the audience.”

Thank you for writing it.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for reading, Leslie.

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Karen Milioto's avatar

As I was reading this I was noticing that you have a way of pointing writers onward that feels so Steven Pressfieldish, though with your own personal tilt of poetic hand and heart. You both have a way of exposing those hidden hesitations and bringing them to light in a way that makes a reader feel as if they can, and must, keep putting one foot in front of the other and one more word down on that page. And then you quoted him and i thought that was perfect. This is beautiful Shawn, and so helpful as always. Thank you for being such a kind shepherd to the writer soul.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for the encouragement, Karen. These are very kind words.

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Kimi Harris's avatar

😭😭😭 just to all of this -- the lost puppy, your dog’s mama heart, and the ache to write.

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Amy Mantravadi's avatar

Fantastic article!

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Christina's avatar

So moving and convicting all at once

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Gina Dalfonzo's avatar

This was so moving. Your analogy will stay with me and inspire me for a long time. And please give sweet Winnie a big hug from us all.

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Jody L. Collins's avatar

Shawn, only you-especially you-can find a message for writers in the way Winnie goes about her days. Thank you again-always-for the inspiration--your work keeps me looking up and nudged towards being a better writer. Just right.

Just write.

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Rebecca F Hare's avatar

That quote from the War of Art really nails it. I finally started writing for myself for real this year. It's amazing how pressing through the fear, shedding the menace-to-society skin, feels like coming home. Thank you for sharing this!

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ann's avatar

So related to this. I am 58 and still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I wish I had started really looking years earlier. I have been busy and productive and useful in 1000 ways, but I still wander the house whining too. thanks for sharing your art.

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David Todd McCarty's avatar

And you begin. Exactly.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

It does seem to keep coming back around to that beginning again.

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