16 Comments
Feb 5Liked by Jen Pollock Michel

One of the reasons that I like to write very early is that my inner critic is not awake yet. Also I have befriended her- she’s actually quite smart, though a bit shallow at times.

Expand full comment
author

I like this strategy! And my inner critic is a good one for noting when I’m being lazy, though she really does unfairly insist I know everything!

Expand full comment

I really appreciated this reminder about the value of faithfulness in the small and unseen. And I downloaded Obsidian to my phone to fiddle with. Thanks for the heads up!

Expand full comment
author

Here’s a link to an smart notes/Obsidian tutorial that’s been helpful to me. https://youtu.be/L9SLlxaEEXY?si=ALy2TJ2GgqMaO9CN

Expand full comment

🩵Thank you!💙

Expand full comment

Oh my goooooodness. I just watched this and my mind is blown.

I always wondered how writers captured and organized their notes and thoughts from research. It always seemed like things could get wild pretty quick without a good system. haha

Expand full comment
Feb 7Liked by Jen Pollock Michel

"I think I went into the MFA hoping very much to quiet the relentless inner critic, to wave a diploma in her face and tell her to get lost." Girl, I RESONATE.

Expand full comment
author

Lots of money down on this hope!

Expand full comment

I committed to 500 words a week on seeing God in ordinary life more than 20 years ago. I haven't missed a week. Book contracts have come from it. So have friendships. And long conversations. And plenty of rabbit trails and curiousities. It's like the "school figures" of my writing, and I can't imagine now not crafting SOMETHING each week. Some are only average, some are genius, and some I'd like to do over, but I keep moving forward and that has been the gift.

Expand full comment
author

That’s incredible, Leigh! I love hearing your witness of the rewards of this habit!

Expand full comment
author

Another reader sent me a whole bunch of videos to watch! I think you could go down this rabbit hole far!

Expand full comment

Thank you for your words - you’ve given me some good things to consider. “daily work that is often subterranean” really resonated with me. If I’m looking for external marks of progress it’s easy to forget the work of writing often lays under the surface and in forgetting I then neglect that important work. I always cheer when Walking on Water is mentioned - it is such a gift!

Expand full comment
author

I’m glad that was helpful language for you! And yay for WOW!

Expand full comment

The idea of a Zettlekasten is new to me but REALLY intriguing. I have so many notes in various places of my phone that aren't connected--and I need a method of helping connect them. Can you clarify--is Zettlekasten a method and Obsidian is the took you recommend to follow the method? Or are they both tools you're using together?

Expand full comment
Feb 6Liked by Jen Pollock Michel

Okay, I should have watched the video you just linked to above, in the comments, because not only did it answer my question but it's kind of blowing my mind! Thanks for sharing. :)

Expand full comment
author

It’s pretty amazing, and I had a subscriber share a whole bunch of videos to me for more learning. Email if you want more info. Also, read How to Take Smart Notes! It explains the zettlekasten really well!

Expand full comment