Hellooooo my lovelies!
I am finally here.
I may be late to the party, but it took a while to truly reflect and see if I wanted to be on Substack.
I have been writing nonstop since I was twelve – which given my current age—puts me at over FORTY years of writing. Writing books that never saw the light of day. Writing essays as I grew up and discovered who I was. Journaling and morning pages. Blogs and articles of everything that interested me over the various stages of life. And oh, so many rejections. If I’d framed them, I could boasted an achievement wall of failure.
Instead, when I received my very first form letter rejection, I hung it up right over my makeshift desk. Instead of being heartsick, I was exhilarated.
Why?
Because it meant I was a writer. A real writer. One who wrote and put stuff out there. One who was brave to try. One who kept going no matter who said no.
Perspective, right?
My dream of writing full-time finally came true fourteen years ago and I have not taken a break since. I spent that time publishing 57 books, and I have three releasing this year.
That’s a lot of words. And I can honestly say I’m as passionate about writing today as I was at twelve.
The passion has not diminished but the platforms have changed. In a world where we are pushed to be online, share authentically, show our faces since videos have better algorithm, find our niche, build an audience of organic, relevant followers to sell the work we’ve toiled on endlessly, ALONE, in a room, is kind of baffling.
Yet, here we are.
Here I am.
Substack reminds me of the days of the blog—where I could share my thoughts on writing, reading, and anything that moved me with an engaged audience just because. Not to sell or get followers.
To connect with READERS. Other writers. My tribe; my peers; the only ones who understand I live with voices in my head that end up as living, breathing people on a blank page.
Why am I here on this platform now?
Because I’ve been reading Substack subscriptions for almost a year now with a devout hunger. It feels like there’s a new spark of connection not found elsewhere; it’s about the words and thoughts, not to sell something, or gain something, but to almost…give something. If that makes sense?
Right now, it’s hard out in the world. I’m tired of the toxicity. I want to join in the playground here and write and explore like I used to. And I’d love for you to come with me for the journey.
Substack has already reminded me of an important lesson. I created this page almost a year ago. Each time I tried to post my first entry, I froze. It was too overwhelming. What could I possibly say that all of the other thousands of amazing writers and artists and celebrities haven’t already said? What if I end up writing and talking into the void again, with no responses? What if I have nothing new to offer? What if what I write…sucks?
Yeah, the demons don’t go away. They just hide in waiting for those seconds of hesitation to jump out of the closet and spook us. But I’ve had years of practice now, so this time, I laughed and told my asshole brain to go in the corner and be quiet until I’m done with my writing.
I reminded myself of the quote I tell all writers in my workshops and keynotes.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to start.” –Annette Funicello
I’m really excited to start now.
What will you find when you visit my Substack, Write Naked?
Everything about writing. I’ve written in all formats –books, novellas, shorts, essays, and even the 81 word story. I’ve written three nonfiction books on writing. I’ve written over fifty books in contemporary romance fiction. I’ve hit the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street bestseller lists. I’ve had a book spend twenty six weeks on the NY Times list. I’ve delivered keynotes, workshops, and did signings all over the world. All of this is impressive, and humbling and still exciting.
But for me, it’s all about the writing. Always was. Always will be.
For me, writing is life, so here I can do deep dives into craft, marketing, branding, lifestyle, blocks, burnout, and everything in between.
I’m a passionate reader who devours all genres so I’ll talk books. I will definitely talk about my books because I’m always learning stuff before, during, and after the process that will be share worthy. I love connection – Connectedness is #6 in my Clifton Strengths –shoutout to Becca Syme at Write Better Faster for changing my life.
I’m a boy mom to two teens and motherhood has been the hardest, most joyous adventure I’d love to share. My oldest was diagnosed with Stargardt disease at sixteen, so he lost most of his central vision and he’s now legally blind. Going through that type of journey is hard, but also beautiful in the way life can be turned by simple perspective. Life lessons are my thing, so there will be plenty to write about. (I’m also #2 Positivity so that could be a bit annoying since I always look on the bright side, but it makes me happy so I’m not apologizing.)
The rest? We’ll discover along the way!
See Substack. It’s not perfect but I started.
If you’ve been doing the same, I hope you write something that lights you up inside and share. Make sure to comment if you do so I can cheer you on.