on writing

(and a little news)

Dear You,

‘So what is it about writing that makes it — for some of us — as necessary as breathing? It is in the thousands of days of trying, failing, sitting, thinking, resisting, dreaming, raveling, unraveling that we are at our most engaged, alert, and alive.’

— Dani Shapiro (from Still Writing)

Someone said to me, a while ago, that they wished writing came as easily to them as it did to me. I was a little taken aback to think that my writing could possibly seem effortless, because what happens here in my tiny office is sitting and thinking — yes — but also trying and failing, drafting and re-drafting, raveling and unraveling. I often sit at my desk until my fingers feel frozen, and for every word that finally makes it onto the page, many more have been dreamed up and then deleted.

My words can never be perfect, but eventually the time comes to send them into the world — I must accept the uncertainty of pressing ‘publish’ and let them fly. When I first moved my email letters over to Substack, it was a little like the nerve-wracking moment I started sharing my writing online via a blog (around a decade ago). But the Substack community is warm, encouraging, lively and exciting, and this feels like a true home for my words. Thank you for joining me, for reading my letters, and for responding with your comments — this dialogue with you, the reader, is so important to me.

Writing may be as necessary as breathing — but it does not come as easily. The writing process is mysterious: sometimes thrilling, often frustrating, always thoughtful. It takes time, imagination and commitment, and so I do believe that people’s words are worth something.

Starting this week, I’m adding a paid subscriber option here on Substack. If you’d just like to keep receiving my monthly letter, you don’t need to do a thing — it will arrive in your inbox for free, as it always has. But if you would like to support my work in a meaningful way, become part of my community, and receive weekly content from me, then for around the price of a coffee (£3.50 a month), you can choose to become a paid subscriber and receive:

— All Small Stories letters

— My monthly Love List (the books I’m reading, as well as links and recommendations)

— Voice Notes from me

— Postcards (shorter, subscribers-only stories)

Of course I understand that a paying subscription is not for everyone, and I also know that times are tough. My monthly letters will always be free, and I’m thrilled that you read them.

If you want to, you can always support by sharing this letter with people you think would like to hear about it.

Thank you for reading.

Laura x

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PS: If there’s a type of post that you enjoy from me, or a topic you’d particularly like me to write about, do leave a comment and let me know.