The fact that so many of you are subscribed tells me that my work still has value, and that the temptation to give up on being a writer (as if I could ever really accept this) is wrong.
You give me a reason to come back and keep trying to do this right.
Ha. As I pulled out of my driveway to go start doing my deliveries, I got another big dragonfly. Obviously dragonflies exist, and they are most active in the summertime. But they keep coming right up to me or my car.
You probably have gotten this advice before, but...
Across all your articles, it is always the case that the ones that are Catholic-themed are of the highest quality. They're just arresting and compelling in a way to an extent that your other articles are not. It isn't that your writing skills are better there - there is some enigmatic combination of respectability (from your knowledge and personal sacrifice), deep emotional investment and your immense erudition on Catholic topics that creates that effect. With other topics I can tell you are trying and have skills, but it doesn't have that "arresting" effect that I feel whenever I read your articles about Catholic topics.
As an example I can pick up any of your articles since "Crippled Religion" on Catholicism and I could put them in a top 10 of blog articles I have read ever.
I am almost certain you have considered this idea, but as a project, I could see creating a kind of "critical" or "post-Catholic" 1P5, which once again examines the church, but now from a more post-Catholic "these are all the skeletons in the closet" type of way. Since there are as many ex-Catholics as Catholics, there is obviously an audience for this type of stuff - people loaded down emotionally with some church-related trauma, and a blog that works through that could get a big audience. And you definitely have it in you to write at a high level on this topic (as I said, you have already, more than once). The only question is whether you feel you can put your heart into it.
I know you're right, because I see the stats. Sometimes I feel it. But I wish it weren't so. I don't want to be chained to this topic forever. And if I were to start such a project -- Hilary White suggested the same thing to me today, independently of you -- I have no idea what the purpose of it would be. What's the mission? I'm not trying to lure people away from faith. I don't just want to be negative all the time.
There are a lot of problems, it's true. But I have no solutions to offer. I'm at a loss about what to do.
Oh, I'm sure. Most people aren't as open about things as I am, but I'm kind of pathological about that. Some day, I'll learn to set proper boundaries, but hopefully it won't hurt my writing. I'm from the Hemingway school: "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."
I love how you write. I'm willing to wait. I sent you some cabbage. Keep hanging in there. And just try and have a positive mind set as often as possible. This too shall pass!
I’m praying for you and rooting for you, Steve. I really truly hope a big break is right around the corner for you & your family. You have unique writing talent and keen insight, and that’s especially valuable in today’s world. Hang in there. I know I’m an incurable optimist, but I do believe the best is yet to come. I’m praying for it, anyway.
What I didn't say, but should have, is this:
The fact that so many of you are subscribed tells me that my work still has value, and that the temptation to give up on being a writer (as if I could ever really accept this) is wrong.
You give me a reason to come back and keep trying to do this right.
Ha. As I pulled out of my driveway to go start doing my deliveries, I got another big dragonfly. Obviously dragonflies exist, and they are most active in the summertime. But they keep coming right up to me or my car.
Hard not to notice.
If you know, you know.
You probably have gotten this advice before, but...
Across all your articles, it is always the case that the ones that are Catholic-themed are of the highest quality. They're just arresting and compelling in a way to an extent that your other articles are not. It isn't that your writing skills are better there - there is some enigmatic combination of respectability (from your knowledge and personal sacrifice), deep emotional investment and your immense erudition on Catholic topics that creates that effect. With other topics I can tell you are trying and have skills, but it doesn't have that "arresting" effect that I feel whenever I read your articles about Catholic topics.
As an example I can pick up any of your articles since "Crippled Religion" on Catholicism and I could put them in a top 10 of blog articles I have read ever.
I am almost certain you have considered this idea, but as a project, I could see creating a kind of "critical" or "post-Catholic" 1P5, which once again examines the church, but now from a more post-Catholic "these are all the skeletons in the closet" type of way. Since there are as many ex-Catholics as Catholics, there is obviously an audience for this type of stuff - people loaded down emotionally with some church-related trauma, and a blog that works through that could get a big audience. And you definitely have it in you to write at a high level on this topic (as I said, you have already, more than once). The only question is whether you feel you can put your heart into it.
I would read it
I know you're right, because I see the stats. Sometimes I feel it. But I wish it weren't so. I don't want to be chained to this topic forever. And if I were to start such a project -- Hilary White suggested the same thing to me today, independently of you -- I have no idea what the purpose of it would be. What's the mission? I'm not trying to lure people away from faith. I don't just want to be negative all the time.
There are a lot of problems, it's true. But I have no solutions to offer. I'm at a loss about what to do.
I suspect a lot of us know what its like to go through tough times. Been married 23 years - been there. Sending you grace
Oh, I'm sure. Most people aren't as open about things as I am, but I'm kind of pathological about that. Some day, I'll learn to set proper boundaries, but hopefully it won't hurt my writing. I'm from the Hemingway school: "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."
I love how you write. I'm willing to wait. I sent you some cabbage. Keep hanging in there. And just try and have a positive mind set as often as possible. This too shall pass!
Thank you Jeannie!
You are valued and loved Steve.
Thanks, brother.
Hang in there dude!
Thank you!
A dumpster fire still provides light and with every word you write, so do you.
That's a cool way of looking at this. Thank you. I may need to turn that into an inspirational poster.
It needs work, but it's a start:
https://substack.com/profile/15664093-steve-skojec/note/c-134444968
I’m praying for you and rooting for you, Steve. I really truly hope a big break is right around the corner for you & your family. You have unique writing talent and keen insight, and that’s especially valuable in today’s world. Hang in there. I know I’m an incurable optimist, but I do believe the best is yet to come. I’m praying for it, anyway.
Thanks, Carrie, I always appreciate our interactions.
I love your honesty & genuineness in the way you write. Keep going