This week, I did something very different: I wrote a personal article about my daughter, who has ASD. This year, I have decided to let my writing go in the direction it wants. I felt like writing an article about my family, so I did.
I was working on the premise that none of my family would read it, but I was pleasantly surprised when my amazing mum left me this comment.
Anyone who knows this child will agree she is a beautiful loving clever little girl. From her very proud grandmother
I have written personal stories before, so this is not a new outing, but this time, I have found a supporting Medium publication to which I will enjoy submitting—a big shout out to The Narrative Arc.
Everyone has something in their life that is worth sharing, but some of you may have areas you feel embarrassed to share; this is where a pen name can save your blushes.
Pen names have positives and negatives; if you have two profiles, that is twice the work and financial outlay. However, it does hide your identity. Writers tend to write more freely if they use a pen name. I use a pen name for the erotic fiction I write. No teacher wants their student stumbling on that.
There are many things to consider if you use a pen name, such as whether you have a fake biography. I would advise keeping as close to your real life as you can. It is that age-old story; the more lies you tell, the harder it is to remember them all.
Whether you use a pen name or not, I will tell you that half the people you expect to read your article don't, so don't worry too much.
Do you use a pen name?
If you enjoy this email, please share it so more readers can find it.
Until next week stay safe
Sam 😊
Weekly Three
Three recommendations to check out to make you a better creative.
Victor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning - Man's Search for Meaning is Viktor Frankl's story of his struggle for survival in Auschwitz and other Nazi concentration camps. This book completely changed my life when I read it.
Daily Stoic - For those of us who live our lives in the real world, there is one branch of philosophy created just for us: Stoicism. It’s a philosophy designed to make us more resilient, happier, more virtuous and more wise–and as a result, better people, better parents and better professionals. Stoicism has been a common thread though some of history’s great leaders. Every day, Ryan Holiday shares stoic insights. I have read this daily for a couple of years.
The Narrative Arc - The Narrative Arc publishes memoir, creative nonfiction, and superior personal essays. We want to read your words, crafted with thought, feeling, and human experience.
Quote of the week
There is no happiness like that of being loved by your fellow creatures and feeling that your presence is an addition to their comfort. - Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
Short-Story of the week
For as long as my memory holds, I remember having a twin. Throughout our short time on earth, we have had moments of being side by side, literally lying together and times of being further apart. We have always been together, though.