Maureen, thanks for reading. I also found the first song an intriguing idea! I am a much better singer than I am a dancer so this would probably have been a good idea for me as well!
What a lovely interview, Matthew. Tiffany sounds like such an interesting and remarkable person. (Also: I love the Murakami quote!!) Thank you for sharing this.
Tiffany’s come into my radar recently so it was great to hear more from her here. A great list of titles along the way. So interesting to hear about those formative years as well.
Thanks Rachel, glad you enjoyed this. I don't know if the personal stuff ever gets easier. I started writing some of my more personal articles in letter format, as if I am writing to my mom or a good friend. When I approach it that way, it makes it easier for me to write that first draft. Then I can go back and format as desired but the letter format seems to open up whatever mental block I have in place.
Thinking back, I think it has gotten easier. I once did a get-to-know-me post on Instagram where all I did was share that I got married young and talked about things like my education, and that TERRIFIED me. My heart was pounding and I deleted the app until the next day just so I wouldn't have to think about it.
So yes, much, much better now. What's helped is sharing little bits of myself now and again. Most people respond very kindly, which gives me courage to share a little more. What's also helped me a lot is having my go-to "first readers," I guess I'd call them, for everything I'm planning on posting. I send my draft links to my husband and one (sometimes two) other close friend for feedback. If they say it's good, then I feel pretty confident since they are the ones I have in mind as my "ideal audience."
I've never thought about asking people to read my drafts, that's also a good tip. I guess I could get my close friends for a feedback. A keen reader is important too.
Esme, thank you for reading and commenting. Tiffany is great. We were fortunate to meet early in our Substack journeys. She has been a great encouragement to me and I was excited to share her story.
"I’m an atmospheric writer; I will usually have an emotion and/or themes first, then I can attach them to characters. But then I have to come up with a plot, and like, why do things have to happen??" . . . I feel known! This is me, too, as a writer.
Thanks, Rebecca! I have a dear writer friend and we often lament how plot doesn't come easily to us, but at least we know our characters REALLY well haha.
Thanks for sharing so much of your life and story with us, Tiffany! I especially loved hearing you and your husband singing together. Lovely way to start my morning!
I relate so deeply to not being told what to read! Lately, however, I've really enjoyed jumping between recommended books because I've realized when people say "I think you'd like this", they are also saying "I loved this; I'd like you to love it, too." It's like discovering something about that person, and asking them about their favorite parts is such a beautiful way to invoke a deeper conversation. This is my first article read here, btw. Really enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed this interview. Thank you, both Tiffany and Matthew! I love understanding more about writers and how their background shapes their work and process. And the song at the end. Wow!
Maureen, thanks for reading. I also found the first song an intriguing idea! I am a much better singer than I am a dancer so this would probably have been a good idea for me as well!
Thanks, Maureen. Like Matthew, I cannot dance haha. My husband and I were both choir nerds, so singing made more sense.
Really enjoyed reading this interview! Thank you for sharing this with us, Tiffany and Matthew 💕🫶🏻
I'm glad you liked it!
Tiffany is awesome. Thanks for reading!
What a lovely interview, Matthew. Tiffany sounds like such an interesting and remarkable person. (Also: I love the Murakami quote!!) Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you, Kate. I always use that quote to justify why I won't read "Fourth Wing," for example haha.
Glad you enjoyed this Kate. Tiffany has been a great encouragement to me on my journey here and she has a wonderful story to share.
I say the same about you, Matthew. ^-^
Tiffany’s come into my radar recently so it was great to hear more from her here. A great list of titles along the way. So interesting to hear about those formative years as well.
Thank you, Kathleen! It's been lovely reading some of your work recently as well.
Kate, glad you enjoyed this and that you have discovered Tiffany. I think she has a lot to share and I am glad to be a part of her journey.
Love this interview and getting to know Tiffany even more! I share the same feeling about sharing personal pieces, will it get easier?
I have no idea. I hope so?? Thanks Rachel!
Thanks Rachel, glad you enjoyed this. I don't know if the personal stuff ever gets easier. I started writing some of my more personal articles in letter format, as if I am writing to my mom or a good friend. When I approach it that way, it makes it easier for me to write that first draft. Then I can go back and format as desired but the letter format seems to open up whatever mental block I have in place.
That is a such a great tip. I'll try that approach, thanks!
Thinking back, I think it has gotten easier. I once did a get-to-know-me post on Instagram where all I did was share that I got married young and talked about things like my education, and that TERRIFIED me. My heart was pounding and I deleted the app until the next day just so I wouldn't have to think about it.
So yes, much, much better now. What's helped is sharing little bits of myself now and again. Most people respond very kindly, which gives me courage to share a little more. What's also helped me a lot is having my go-to "first readers," I guess I'd call them, for everything I'm planning on posting. I send my draft links to my husband and one (sometimes two) other close friend for feedback. If they say it's good, then I feel pretty confident since they are the ones I have in mind as my "ideal audience."
Hope that helps, Rachel!
I've never thought about asking people to read my drafts, that's also a good tip. I guess I could get my close friends for a feedback. A keen reader is important too.
I loved this interview! Thanks for sharing.
Ingrid, glad you enjoyed. Thanks for taking the time to read.
Tiffany is a really lovely person, and I'm so glad that I got to read this.
Esme, thank you for reading and commenting. Tiffany is great. We were fortunate to meet early in our Substack journeys. She has been a great encouragement to me and I was excited to share her story.
Esmé, you know how much I admire you??
😭😭😭😭
"I’m an atmospheric writer; I will usually have an emotion and/or themes first, then I can attach them to characters. But then I have to come up with a plot, and like, why do things have to happen??" . . . I feel known! This is me, too, as a writer.
Tiffany, I can't wait to read your fantasy novel.
Thanks, Rebecca! I have a dear writer friend and we often lament how plot doesn't come easily to us, but at least we know our characters REALLY well haha.
Yes, exactly!
I am also a grieving mother and that connects me to you, Tiffany. Excellent interview on reading and writing and seeking to be brave.
Mary, thank you. It's an understanding I wish we didn't have, but I'm grateful not to be alone.
What a lovely interview, thank you. Nice to meet you, Tiffany!
Thank you so much, Jenn. It's wonderful to meet you too. ^-^
Thanks for sharing so much of your life and story with us, Tiffany! I especially loved hearing you and your husband singing together. Lovely way to start my morning!
What a great interview Matthew!
Chu on that^^
I relate so deeply to not being told what to read! Lately, however, I've really enjoyed jumping between recommended books because I've realized when people say "I think you'd like this", they are also saying "I loved this; I'd like you to love it, too." It's like discovering something about that person, and asking them about their favorite parts is such a beautiful way to invoke a deeper conversation. This is my first article read here, btw. Really enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed this interview. Thank you, both Tiffany and Matthew! I love understanding more about writers and how their background shapes their work and process. And the song at the end. Wow!
Thank you Maria. It has been a real pleasure getting to know Tiffany. I think we need to get you scheduled for an interview as well!
I would love that, Matthew!
She is awesome! Met her in Sarah Fay’s cohort.