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Charlotte's avatar

I actually used to feel this way about reading too!! I’d be so upset with myself if I missed a day or two of reading because I felt, for whatever reason, like I’d never read again lol. Writing feels a lot like this for me now, but I’m reminding myself that other big things in my life matter too!

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Nina Michiko Tam's avatar

I love this--can definitely imagine it especially if people are sort of counting on you for your thoughts about what you've read! Putting pressure on yourself can def make it harder.

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Cherry Lou Sy's avatar

Congrats on selling the book!

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Nina Michiko Tam's avatar

Thank you, @Cherry Lou Sy!

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Kristen L. Berry's avatar

This should be required reading for all writers 🤍 Also I think I need to tape your take on Coach Bennett's quote to my desk as a daily reminder.

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Nina Michiko Tam's avatar

So much about running applies to writing. I think it's easy to beat ourselves up when it's about the long game 🤍

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Smart Romance by Rena Rani's avatar

I love this so much. Here from Kristen Berry’s quote earlier today.

I wonder how you feel about writing away from your manuscript? I’m launching my substack and have been working on essays rather than my novel. I fear I’ll find my voice has changed when I go back to my manuscript. But, I too, am trying to trust myself and hoping that all writing ultimately strengthens the same muscles.

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Nina Michiko Tam's avatar

I feel terrified about it! I think I'm struggling to figure out how to balance my time, especially now that I have edits to turn in on my manuscript to my publisher. But I don't think I'm getting worse as a writer--I do agree that writing consistently and well makes you better, and that you actually find your voice through many rounds of revision. It's really the zero-sum time thing that I am trying to figure out!

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Smart Romance by Rena Rani's avatar

Well it makes me feel so much less alone to know that. I’m excited for your debut! Also it’s so nice to see another professional writing on the side (I work in big tech). Excited to follow along your journey!

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