Mining for DiamondsAndrea's Writings, Thoughts and Inspiration is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.
I just read this article on Marianne William's substack. Every single word resonated and I subscribed immediately. After decades of writing for several government agencies and academics, I'm trying to find both my own writing voice - and more importantly - my own way of living authentically in the world. After years of being squished into a small and suffocating box of what information to share and how to share it, I'm so excited to find myself again and to be able to express my opinions. No more gag orders for this gal!
Many years ago (long before digital publications) I was very active in various organizations promoting and facilitating fathers' greater involvement in their children's lives. One year our local newspaper asked if I would write an article for Fathers Day. (I had previously published various pieces on the editorial page, but this would be in the people section.) Of course I agreed. I took the article to the paper, and the editor told me it was great, but I needed to cut it in half. Oh, and to simplify the language. I struggled with eliminating and changing sentences, but reduced it as requested. I took the revision in, and they asked me to cut that in half! That was far more difficult, but somehow I chopped it down. When they reviewed the heavily edited piece, they were happy and told me then what they pay for articles. It was such a tiny amount I suggested they needn't pay me. The article had lost my voice through all the cutting.
I just read this article on Marianne William's substack. Every single word resonated and I subscribed immediately. After decades of writing for several government agencies and academics, I'm trying to find both my own writing voice - and more importantly - my own way of living authentically in the world. After years of being squished into a small and suffocating box of what information to share and how to share it, I'm so excited to find myself again and to be able to express my opinions. No more gag orders for this gal!
Thank you for this! Very inspirational.
Many years ago (long before digital publications) I was very active in various organizations promoting and facilitating fathers' greater involvement in their children's lives. One year our local newspaper asked if I would write an article for Fathers Day. (I had previously published various pieces on the editorial page, but this would be in the people section.) Of course I agreed. I took the article to the paper, and the editor told me it was great, but I needed to cut it in half. Oh, and to simplify the language. I struggled with eliminating and changing sentences, but reduced it as requested. I took the revision in, and they asked me to cut that in half! That was far more difficult, but somehow I chopped it down. When they reviewed the heavily edited piece, they were happy and told me then what they pay for articles. It was such a tiny amount I suggested they needn't pay me. The article had lost my voice through all the cutting.