Yeah, it didn’t go great. I’m not sure what I was expecting. But whatever it was, those expectations turned out to be profoundly unrealistic. That being said, I didn’t die so that’s a win.
I liked what you said. But it also came from the perspective of being established and having a base to work from. There’s a comfort level between writer and reader. That’s the key to success: sender & receiver. I just had a different experience and I definitely wish that I would’ve done things differently. I think my experience would’ve turned me out quite a bit differently. Also, I should’ve added all this as context to my comment. Apologies.
Ah, I get it. As for comfort levels, it could be that there's my problem: I work hard to establish that comfort level at each of my blogs, and it seems to work--until I get political. So in that sense maybe I am apologizing here. Maybe I want my readers to know it's the same old me but I'm having a panic attack. I don't know.
What was your experience, if you don't mind my asking? What would you have done differently?
I get the panic attacks very well. I tried my hand at "creative non-fiction." (The phrase alone inspired me - so I thank you for that.) I didn't expect the end result to be the size that it was, but that's okay. I don't know that I would've done it differently because I wouldn't have seen any of the pitfalls or problems. It was rewarding. It sort of triggered a strange existential crisis, though. I wished I could've dabbled with some other areas first, but I couldn't really write until I got that out of the way. But now I feel a lot less comfortable - kind of a TMI sensation.
Actually, that's a little bit of obfuscation... I feel like I should've waited to find out if I could've built more of a subscriber list. When everything happened, very few people cared. There wan't cruelty. It was just your basic apathy. This is the society we now live in. So when almost nobody read of it, it hurt for reasons which had nothing to do with anybody but myself. I should've been ready for that but I wasn't. I'm angry at myself because of that.
From our end apathy IS cruelty. There is nothing worse for me than to write a piece that feels uncomfortably personal and finding the courage to push the 'publish' button only to hear...crickets.
It's sad and infuriating and of course I blame myself. If only I had said something more interesting or written it better or put my finger to the pulse...
We writers couldn't possibly do what we do without a healthy ego, but it's also our cross to bear. We get our feelings hurt. No getting around it.
"Nobody is asking me to do it. Nobody would even notice if I stopped. But I would know. And I have to live with myself." I think people would notice if you stopped. But that's not why I'm commenting. I'm commenting because i love these lines: "I would know. And I have to live with myself." That's all that really matters. We have to do the things we have to do. I applaud you for fighting the good fight, though sometimes you feel you are screaming into the void. There's a lesson for everyone in your words here, not necessarily having to do with politics. We all must live with ourselves in one way or another. When someone has convictions, when someone is doing what's in their heart, when someone writes their own truths, it's simply inspiring. Every day, each of us has a new opportunity to make a difference--of course, you know that already. And you have no idea who may be reading your words here and how they may be thinking "she's right. I need to do something, too. I need to live my own truth." Many people squander that opportunity. But you do not. It's really wonderful.
I couldn't agree more, Mary, that this can apply to everyone and their own truths. I thought about including that in my piece but it kind of got away from me. So thank you for your words here. We each have to live with our own truths. If we can talk about them we can live with them more easily. ❤️
I do try to remember that, but at the same time I feel an obligation to my subscribers. Subscribing to a newsletter takes more commitment than simply reading an essay. I've been invited into their inboxes. I don't take that lightly. I want them to know that. ❤️
I also took a break when I broke my leg and after the fall of Twitter. I spent 15 mos in rehab and needed to heal. I didn't need the toxic emotions I get from being politically engaged these days. Now, I'm slowly becoming active again, but I have a much different attitude and perspective. It ain't easy being anything but red.
Sometimes taking a break is the perfect temporary remedy. We can come back from it more focused and more energized. At least that's the way it usually works for me. My problem is I don't take enough breaks!
If we don't deal with this now - doing what we can, we might not be able live the life we had, which could include writing about topics that are in our hearts. To me, that is the crossroads we are at.
That's the panic I feel. There's too much distraction and not enough pointing fingers at the proper culprits. That feeling that Donald Trump will ALWAYS get away with anything he does and that, as ludicrous as it would have seemed even a few years ago, he could very well be considered the worst president ever, he could very well be convicted of multiple crimes, and enough voters in America might still award him the prize that is the highest, most important job in the land.
I have found Substack to be a perfect platform to share our truths, meet likeminded people (and well, sometimes not so likeminded 😂) exercise our brains, and open our souls. I enjoy your writing very much. Cant blame you one bit from backing off from politics now and then...yesterday was brutal for me out there! These are very unique times in American history, and sharing our collective concern is therapeutic. Keep writing!! ✌️
Thank you. I think if I were only known as a political writer I wouldn't be thinking twice about what I put out there. But I've set myself up as a multi-topic essayist, some of it from the heart, some of it just innocuous every day living, and I understand how the contrast could be jarring. Yet these are my spaces. I don't have the energy or the inclination to start from scratch with an all new page just for politics. I've thought about it, but I like what I've built here and I want to stay. And I want to keep everybody happy. 😏
Yep!!! That's the truth of it. And he has announced what he will put into place and who he will support if he is the President. It should alarm everyone.
Ramona, I really like how honest you are about the need to do political writing and the panic you feel. I would say voicing those vulnerabilities is a service in itself, and I have my own struggles in this regard. Here’s one thing I wonder about those who are tired of hearing about politics: what makes them tired? can they be specific? I think there’s room here for an excellent discussion about why political culture, especially in the US, feels so toxic and the role mainstream media plays in stoking the panic, rage, and sense of doom.
What does a positive piece about politics look like? How do we stand up for the values we believe? How do we list them, enunciate them clearly and specifically, make them personal and real for readers?
Those are questions I ask myself, as I struggle with my own exhaustion about the state of political play. You are not alone - does it help to know that? Sometimes that helps me.
What makes them tired of hearing about politics? Ah, there's the question. If I'm honest, I'll admit the fact that they can't find any interest in an election that could very well change everything about the way we live and destroy everything we've worked for is maddening.
When I promised that reader I'd write something more gentle and less disturbing I went against everything I was trying to do.
On the one hand I'm busting my brain trying to send out warning signals that will finally get through and on the other I'm saying, "There, there, never mind. Not your worry, honey, we'll get back to the nice stuff." I'm my own hypocrite!
But you said this and I'm feeling energized again: "I think there’s room here for an excellent discussion about why political culture, especially in the US, feels so toxic and the role mainstream media plays in stoking the panic, rage, and sense of doom. What does a positive piece about politics look like? How do we stand up for the values we believe? How do we list them, enunciate them clearly and specifically, make them personal and real for readers?"
This is our role, any of us who want reporting and opinionating to be better: Keep it real. Keep it honest. Make it about US. What do we want? What do we need? How close or how far are we from getting it? What would it take? What is getting in the way?
We're all in panic mode right now and it shows. If we weren't, nobody would be questioning Biden's age instead of focusing on Trump's many faults. Nobody would be telling a president whose success record is astonishing to just give it up and turn it over to some unknown who happens to be younger. And everybody would be working to make sure Trump and the Republicans never stepped foot in a government office again.
But instead, too many of us are out here wringing our hands, trying to find the magic words, the magic formula that will turn the madness around and bring the rest to their senses.
It's no wonder people want to give up. But that's exactly what the other side wants. We have to be stubborn about it. No quitting now.
And, yes, it does help to know I'm not alone. Thank you! ❤️
Life in its most inclusive sense is the subject many of us are writing about, and the unease and downright dread inspired by the current direction of our politics is a central part of life for millions of people. So I don't see any need to stick the subject into a separate box. My only requirement for a piece of writing about politics is that it be interesting and not just the kind of repetitious rant you tend to see on social media.
Yes, interesting and truthful. I do get tired of pieces that are nothing but rants, but I eat up those pieces that show insight and thoughtful solutions, written in a way that anyone can understand.
I haven't been following long, but I've appreciated your recent writing. I share your perception of what's at stake. It's hard to know how to best participate. I'm not a fan of sacrificing my own mental health for no benefit; I understand stepping back. Your writing has prompted me to think again about how to counter what's happening.
Thank you, Rita. It's as if we've all had PTSD since November, 2016. We've been watching and reporting on the Trump debacle for that long and we're still faced with the very real prospect of another Trump presidency.
This shouldn't be happening, but it is. I wish I could step back, but right now it's not an option. This is a battle we can't afford to lose. But having said that, I honestly don't know where to go from here, other than to react to every insane thing the other side comes up with, knowing it'll only get worse.
If you come up with any suggestions, let me know. ❤️
I can't afford to react to every thing. I note them, and move on. We're all not even having the same conversation, fighting the same fight--so responding as if we are is futile and sometimes does harm, I think. I guess my primary strategy is conversation with those who haven't crossed over, and it's about the importance of us showing up and using what means we have. Boring and talking with those we know. In a way, that's what you're doing in your writing here.
I think we all have the same goal in mind. At least I hope so. But doing nothing is not an option. It's fine if we come at our ultimate goals from different directions, but as I've said many times, I see no problem with preaching to the choir, with trying to light a fire under them. It's getting them to react that's the problem.
“Nobody would even notice if I stopped. But I would know. And I have to live with myself.” You are so not alone in this feeling. I’m so grateful for the work you do and to read your words. Thank you for being YOU!
Ramona, it's your party, your house-rules and if people don't like it they have the ability to unsubscribe.
What matters is what matters to you and others who believe the same way.
I applaud your courage and conviction and read with profound interest here in Australia. But periodically, stand on your porch and give yourself permission to breathe and observe the minutiae of what surrounds you. Let it refresh you before mounting up and riding into battle again.
The Democrats need you whole, not exhausted and battle-thin...
Good advice, Prue. Thank you. But if I stand on my porch right now I'm in danger of falling icicles! (No, seriously, I'll be sure to take more R&R breaks.)
I'm here to say that you should write exactly whatever you want to write about. No one, and I mean NO ONE (not even me! ha ha!) gets to tell a writer or artist or cartoonist what they should write/make art about. We all have the choice to read or not to read, and no, if they choose not to read, there is really no reason for them to tell you all about it. They do not have leave to dump their emotional trash in your comments.
As you can probably gather, I have had a person or two tell me that they "don't like the direction my work is taking". Oddly, for me, I resisted the urge to rip them a new one, and calmly (no, really!) explained that my work was my work and came from my brain and heart, and they were welcome to unsubscribe.
I expect there will be quite a bit of this happening in the next year. Keep writing whatever the hell you want. I enjoy it, and if I don't, you won't hear about it from me. :-)
Did I just dump my emotional trash here? Oops! My bad.
You are most welcome. I value your writing and your viewpoint. We are in more or less the same (or close) age bracket, and I think by now we have earned the right to speak our own truth. I try not to be mean, or at least not excessively so. But despite my 40+ years on the western edge of the crumbling empire, I have retained my east coast bluntness, which gets me in trouble sometimes.
Ramona, I know I’ve irritated you at various times, and most likely will again. But we are colleagues— I flatter myself when I say that— and the idea that you might wonder for even one moment whether you ought to continue with whatever you’re driven to write; I can’t say I love that. We’re all small parts of something big, here, and while I support your decision to take mental health breaks from politics sometimes, I hope you don’t ever take a break from your voice or from your conviction. People need you.
Yeah, it didn’t go great. I’m not sure what I was expecting. But whatever it was, those expectations turned out to be profoundly unrealistic. That being said, I didn’t die so that’s a win.
Sorry...??
I liked what you said. But it also came from the perspective of being established and having a base to work from. There’s a comfort level between writer and reader. That’s the key to success: sender & receiver. I just had a different experience and I definitely wish that I would’ve done things differently. I think my experience would’ve turned me out quite a bit differently. Also, I should’ve added all this as context to my comment. Apologies.
Ah, I get it. As for comfort levels, it could be that there's my problem: I work hard to establish that comfort level at each of my blogs, and it seems to work--until I get political. So in that sense maybe I am apologizing here. Maybe I want my readers to know it's the same old me but I'm having a panic attack. I don't know.
What was your experience, if you don't mind my asking? What would you have done differently?
I get the panic attacks very well. I tried my hand at "creative non-fiction." (The phrase alone inspired me - so I thank you for that.) I didn't expect the end result to be the size that it was, but that's okay. I don't know that I would've done it differently because I wouldn't have seen any of the pitfalls or problems. It was rewarding. It sort of triggered a strange existential crisis, though. I wished I could've dabbled with some other areas first, but I couldn't really write until I got that out of the way. But now I feel a lot less comfortable - kind of a TMI sensation.
Actually, that's a little bit of obfuscation... I feel like I should've waited to find out if I could've built more of a subscriber list. When everything happened, very few people cared. There wan't cruelty. It was just your basic apathy. This is the society we now live in. So when almost nobody read of it, it hurt for reasons which had nothing to do with anybody but myself. I should've been ready for that but I wasn't. I'm angry at myself because of that.
From our end apathy IS cruelty. There is nothing worse for me than to write a piece that feels uncomfortably personal and finding the courage to push the 'publish' button only to hear...crickets.
It's sad and infuriating and of course I blame myself. If only I had said something more interesting or written it better or put my finger to the pulse...
We writers couldn't possibly do what we do without a healthy ego, but it's also our cross to bear. We get our feelings hurt. No getting around it.
Oh no no no don’t stop writing about this. We have to stay alive in this fight.
Thanks, Isabel. I helps enormously to know we're not alone.
"Nobody is asking me to do it. Nobody would even notice if I stopped. But I would know. And I have to live with myself." I think people would notice if you stopped. But that's not why I'm commenting. I'm commenting because i love these lines: "I would know. And I have to live with myself." That's all that really matters. We have to do the things we have to do. I applaud you for fighting the good fight, though sometimes you feel you are screaming into the void. There's a lesson for everyone in your words here, not necessarily having to do with politics. We all must live with ourselves in one way or another. When someone has convictions, when someone is doing what's in their heart, when someone writes their own truths, it's simply inspiring. Every day, each of us has a new opportunity to make a difference--of course, you know that already. And you have no idea who may be reading your words here and how they may be thinking "she's right. I need to do something, too. I need to live my own truth." Many people squander that opportunity. But you do not. It's really wonderful.
I couldn't agree more, Mary, that this can apply to everyone and their own truths. I thought about including that in my piece but it kind of got away from me. So thank you for your words here. We each have to live with our own truths. If we can talk about them we can live with them more easily. ❤️
Please remember: this is YOUR Substack. To write as you feel called.
Keep it coming!
I do try to remember that, but at the same time I feel an obligation to my subscribers. Subscribing to a newsletter takes more commitment than simply reading an essay. I've been invited into their inboxes. I don't take that lightly. I want them to know that. ❤️
I also took a break when I broke my leg and after the fall of Twitter. I spent 15 mos in rehab and needed to heal. I didn't need the toxic emotions I get from being politically engaged these days. Now, I'm slowly becoming active again, but I have a much different attitude and perspective. It ain't easy being anything but red.
Sometimes taking a break is the perfect temporary remedy. We can come back from it more focused and more energized. At least that's the way it usually works for me. My problem is I don't take enough breaks!
I understand every single thing you typed there, Ramona.
You care because you are a true patriot. I am very thankful for you and all the people, who rage and fight and cry and worry for our country.
Sure, there are other things we could be doing, and writing about, but our heart nags at us otherwise.
My email is always open to you.
This means so much to me, D. Earl. I'll take this to heart. 💕
If we don't deal with this now - doing what we can, we might not be able live the life we had, which could include writing about topics that are in our hearts. To me, that is the crossroads we are at.
That's the panic I feel. There's too much distraction and not enough pointing fingers at the proper culprits. That feeling that Donald Trump will ALWAYS get away with anything he does and that, as ludicrous as it would have seemed even a few years ago, he could very well be considered the worst president ever, he could very well be convicted of multiple crimes, and enough voters in America might still award him the prize that is the highest, most important job in the land.
I really can't stand the thought.
I have found Substack to be a perfect platform to share our truths, meet likeminded people (and well, sometimes not so likeminded 😂) exercise our brains, and open our souls. I enjoy your writing very much. Cant blame you one bit from backing off from politics now and then...yesterday was brutal for me out there! These are very unique times in American history, and sharing our collective concern is therapeutic. Keep writing!! ✌️
Thank you. I think if I were only known as a political writer I wouldn't be thinking twice about what I put out there. But I've set myself up as a multi-topic essayist, some of it from the heart, some of it just innocuous every day living, and I understand how the contrast could be jarring. Yet these are my spaces. I don't have the energy or the inclination to start from scratch with an all new page just for politics. I've thought about it, but I like what I've built here and I want to stay. And I want to keep everybody happy. 😏
Yep!!! That's the truth of it. And he has announced what he will put into place and who he will support if he is the President. It should alarm everyone.
Yes, it should. I stay awake at night wondering why it doesn't.
Ramona, I really like how honest you are about the need to do political writing and the panic you feel. I would say voicing those vulnerabilities is a service in itself, and I have my own struggles in this regard. Here’s one thing I wonder about those who are tired of hearing about politics: what makes them tired? can they be specific? I think there’s room here for an excellent discussion about why political culture, especially in the US, feels so toxic and the role mainstream media plays in stoking the panic, rage, and sense of doom.
What does a positive piece about politics look like? How do we stand up for the values we believe? How do we list them, enunciate them clearly and specifically, make them personal and real for readers?
Those are questions I ask myself, as I struggle with my own exhaustion about the state of political play. You are not alone - does it help to know that? Sometimes that helps me.
What makes them tired of hearing about politics? Ah, there's the question. If I'm honest, I'll admit the fact that they can't find any interest in an election that could very well change everything about the way we live and destroy everything we've worked for is maddening.
When I promised that reader I'd write something more gentle and less disturbing I went against everything I was trying to do.
On the one hand I'm busting my brain trying to send out warning signals that will finally get through and on the other I'm saying, "There, there, never mind. Not your worry, honey, we'll get back to the nice stuff." I'm my own hypocrite!
But you said this and I'm feeling energized again: "I think there’s room here for an excellent discussion about why political culture, especially in the US, feels so toxic and the role mainstream media plays in stoking the panic, rage, and sense of doom. What does a positive piece about politics look like? How do we stand up for the values we believe? How do we list them, enunciate them clearly and specifically, make them personal and real for readers?"
This is our role, any of us who want reporting and opinionating to be better: Keep it real. Keep it honest. Make it about US. What do we want? What do we need? How close or how far are we from getting it? What would it take? What is getting in the way?
We're all in panic mode right now and it shows. If we weren't, nobody would be questioning Biden's age instead of focusing on Trump's many faults. Nobody would be telling a president whose success record is astonishing to just give it up and turn it over to some unknown who happens to be younger. And everybody would be working to make sure Trump and the Republicans never stepped foot in a government office again.
But instead, too many of us are out here wringing our hands, trying to find the magic words, the magic formula that will turn the madness around and bring the rest to their senses.
It's no wonder people want to give up. But that's exactly what the other side wants. We have to be stubborn about it. No quitting now.
And, yes, it does help to know I'm not alone. Thank you! ❤️
Life in its most inclusive sense is the subject many of us are writing about, and the unease and downright dread inspired by the current direction of our politics is a central part of life for millions of people. So I don't see any need to stick the subject into a separate box. My only requirement for a piece of writing about politics is that it be interesting and not just the kind of repetitious rant you tend to see on social media.
Yes, interesting and truthful. I do get tired of pieces that are nothing but rants, but I eat up those pieces that show insight and thoughtful solutions, written in a way that anyone can understand.
I haven't been following long, but I've appreciated your recent writing. I share your perception of what's at stake. It's hard to know how to best participate. I'm not a fan of sacrificing my own mental health for no benefit; I understand stepping back. Your writing has prompted me to think again about how to counter what's happening.
Thank you, Rita. It's as if we've all had PTSD since November, 2016. We've been watching and reporting on the Trump debacle for that long and we're still faced with the very real prospect of another Trump presidency.
This shouldn't be happening, but it is. I wish I could step back, but right now it's not an option. This is a battle we can't afford to lose. But having said that, I honestly don't know where to go from here, other than to react to every insane thing the other side comes up with, knowing it'll only get worse.
If you come up with any suggestions, let me know. ❤️
I can't afford to react to every thing. I note them, and move on. We're all not even having the same conversation, fighting the same fight--so responding as if we are is futile and sometimes does harm, I think. I guess my primary strategy is conversation with those who haven't crossed over, and it's about the importance of us showing up and using what means we have. Boring and talking with those we know. In a way, that's what you're doing in your writing here.
I think we all have the same goal in mind. At least I hope so. But doing nothing is not an option. It's fine if we come at our ultimate goals from different directions, but as I've said many times, I see no problem with preaching to the choir, with trying to light a fire under them. It's getting them to react that's the problem.
Yes, lighting a fire is what I meant. Not sure what got corrected to "boring"!
Ha! I was trying to pretend I didn't see that. 🙄
“Nobody would even notice if I stopped. But I would know. And I have to live with myself.” You are so not alone in this feeling. I’m so grateful for the work you do and to read your words. Thank you for being YOU!
Thank you for being here! 💕
Ramona, it's your party, your house-rules and if people don't like it they have the ability to unsubscribe.
What matters is what matters to you and others who believe the same way.
I applaud your courage and conviction and read with profound interest here in Australia. But periodically, stand on your porch and give yourself permission to breathe and observe the minutiae of what surrounds you. Let it refresh you before mounting up and riding into battle again.
The Democrats need you whole, not exhausted and battle-thin...
Good advice, Prue. Thank you. But if I stand on my porch right now I'm in danger of falling icicles! (No, seriously, I'll be sure to take more R&R breaks.)
I'm here to say that you should write exactly whatever you want to write about. No one, and I mean NO ONE (not even me! ha ha!) gets to tell a writer or artist or cartoonist what they should write/make art about. We all have the choice to read or not to read, and no, if they choose not to read, there is really no reason for them to tell you all about it. They do not have leave to dump their emotional trash in your comments.
As you can probably gather, I have had a person or two tell me that they "don't like the direction my work is taking". Oddly, for me, I resisted the urge to rip them a new one, and calmly (no, really!) explained that my work was my work and came from my brain and heart, and they were welcome to unsubscribe.
I expect there will be quite a bit of this happening in the next year. Keep writing whatever the hell you want. I enjoy it, and if I don't, you won't hear about it from me. :-)
Did I just dump my emotional trash here? Oops! My bad.
Not at all! You told your own truth as only you might do. I needed that! ❤️
You are most welcome. I value your writing and your viewpoint. We are in more or less the same (or close) age bracket, and I think by now we have earned the right to speak our own truth. I try not to be mean, or at least not excessively so. But despite my 40+ years on the western edge of the crumbling empire, I have retained my east coast bluntness, which gets me in trouble sometimes.
Ramona, I know I’ve irritated you at various times, and most likely will again. But we are colleagues— I flatter myself when I say that— and the idea that you might wonder for even one moment whether you ought to continue with whatever you’re driven to write; I can’t say I love that. We’re all small parts of something big, here, and while I support your decision to take mental health breaks from politics sometimes, I hope you don’t ever take a break from your voice or from your conviction. People need you.
LOL. Oh, that first line!
Thank you, Karl, for your thoughts here. Nice of you to take the time.