24 Comments

I enjoyed reading this so much Ben. You know what I sensed as I read this? That you have an unflappable trust in your creative process, and that it doesn’t exclude all the lows, the insecurities, along the way. You understand it’s all part of it, even necessary. To not be “strategic” with your long term plan, to jump into stories as you feel them speak to you, to abandon and shelve and then return again, I think these all point toward your profound, big-picture faith in your creativity. And boy is it bright. It’s an understatement to say how happy I am to be one of your fans and excited for all your future endeavors.

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Faith and dedication to creativity. So inspiring.

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Yeah, I am so NOT strategic or measured in my approach. It’s pretty much running with scissors over here. Thanks for always being here to receive my work with such kindness and generosity.

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So inspiring, Ben. Makes me think I should revisit my five books and see what drives them and connects them (to me and to each other) as I continue to struggle with bringing a new book into the world. It's an honor to be on this journey with you, friend. Keep on pantsing. It's the only way to fly. 😉

Happy holidays. 🥂

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Thank you, Meg. The feeling is mutual. Happy holidays to you and your family.

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A huge accomplishment, Ben. 👏👏👏 I hope you're taking a good few moments to be real proud of all you've achieved. I'm cheering for you.

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Thank you, Eleanor!

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Such an impressive resume of writing, Ben, and an important reflective piece to read from you.

I confess I still haven't made it to the copy of The Memory of My Shadow as I've been working through the list of books I'd picked up earlier in the year and dipping into some short story collections whilst away in Perth. I'll be getting to it very soon, though.

I'm sure it goes without saying how much I've thoroughly enjoyed being part of you serialisations here. I'm excited to see how Departures wraps up and what you have in store for the rest of the year.

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Thank you, friend. Having you as a reader means so much to me. I’ll be curious to see how my writing holds up for you when you can go at your own pace. Happy new year!

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Jester and shaman, yes! I so feel both those archetypes coming through in your work, Ben. You curate a whole experience for your audience, the ultimate guide.

Grateful for you, my friend. Let's catch up soon xo

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Thank you, Chloe. Let’s do catch up soon. I’d love to hear what’s going on in your world.

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I very much appreciated hearing about the cantilevered evolution of each book.

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Thank you, Caz. I’m glad you found some value in it. The essay felt like a slog to write!

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No, really?

Well, it didn't read that way. It read like someone who has a solid grasp of their creative process, and can clearly articulate underlying motivations and themes for their work.

🫣🙃

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That’s a relief. 😅 Thank you. 🙏

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Ah, Wally Lamb. I still think about that book.

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He’s an amazing writer.

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I share all these views on why we write and add only this: "If there is no risk, there is no writing." —Edmond Jabés

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This is absolutely true. Thank you, Mary.

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Absolutely fascinating Ben. And a good model to remind ourselves to trust the process.

And to trust yourself. The next book will come into your awareness when the time is write. The balance of needing to earn and income combined with your creative mind clambering to be heard is a day to day process. There’s no rush. You’re already succeeding.

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Thank you, Teyani. It is indeed a day to day process.

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What a great idea to reflect on past creative projects and start to see the patterns and through-lines. I hope it has the effect of a good friend reminding you how awesome you are. (Occasionally I have this inkling when I read my resume or browse through posts on my old blog . . . oh yeah! I did all that!) It's impossible to see how the threads connect at the time you're serving the muse.

I can already feel the pull of the ending of "Departures," though I (thankfully) have no idea how it will end. It's that same foot-dragging feeling when I'm nearing the end of a book that I want never to end. Whatever will I do on Tuesday mornings??

I'll console myself with the work it's going to take to serialize my novel from January thru June. Yikes. I'm both excited and terrified.

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This might be the most arduous thing I’ve written in a long time! I almost scrapped it for fear of succumbing to too much navel gazing. Thank you Julie for reading and commenting. You are a constant and I so appreciate you.

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It’s my pleasure. I’ve learned so much from you. Not to mention, the sheer enjoyment of reading your work.

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