Recalibrating
Hello, Substack friends! It’s been a while. Yes, I’m still here. Life has a funny way of sneakin’ up on you, y’know? The past six months have been a whirlwind and really impacted my time on Medium. And my time here.
My friend
has inspired me. Today, he announced his shift from Medium toward Substack and other ventures. Because I follow everything Chris does, here I sit typing (when I really should be working).So as I rethink my Substack publication and what kind of content I want to provide, I’m stuck. I started this page as The Art of Memoir, but I don’t want to pigeonhole myself into just talking about memoir. I want the freedom to write what I want, when I want. If I want to vomit words out into the world, that’s totally what I want to do.
The thing is, I don’t want to start over with my followers. Do I keep the name—Art of Memoir—or do I change it? I could go with The Memoirist, but is that confusing? I could go with just my name…is that boring? Do I use our podcast name and go with The Unfocused Writer? I dunno. That’s probably best saved for if Chris and I want to collaborate on something for that. I had grand plans with Art of Memoir, but I just hate being confined. I like the idea of a name because — who the hell cares about KiKi Walter?
Honestly, I think that has been part of my writer’s block over on Medium. I feel like on that platform I can only write essays or memoirs. No poetry. No thoughts. No random photography. I know I have the freedom to write whatever the hell I want, but I feel like it goes against my Medium brand. (Insert gag noises here.) Money does that to a person. Even if it’s only a little.
Take this post for example. I’m writing about nothing. But, damn, it feels good to let my fingers fly and not worry about what I’m writing, if it will be boosted (likely not), and if I’ll make any money from it. What better way to block yourself?
I don’t even care if this goes unread. I really just wanted to pour my feelings out today.
Chris has left our tribe, which makes me feel a bit left alone in the great big world. Oh, he’s still around—he’s just a friend of the show now. To Chris—I’m grateful for all you brought to the Tranquil Tavern. I’m grateful for how much hard work you put in and I’m grateful that you were my partner in crime. And I’ll miss sharing the helm with you. Yes, I know we have our other projects—namely The Memoirist Quarterly and The Unfocused Writer, but you know what I mean.
I just can’t believe how much has changed over the course of a year. I lost a job. Went to treatment for depression. Got a new job. Moved to a new home with just my daughter. Struggled balancing everything. Went from talking to Chris every day to when either of us can come up for air.
I feel like my life’s quest is finding balance.
What does that even mean? Does it exist?
ADHD calling….
If I post a little of everything — stories, writing tips, word vomit like this—is that too hodgepodge? I’d like to have that freedom, but I’m not sure if that’s unattractive. What do you guys think?
Signed,
An Unfocused Writer
I guess I'm the type to feel like a memoir can be crafted in many ways, not just essays but with photography, and poetry, and hell even quilts and other needle art. What's really hindering you? Certainly not some short string of words, undoubtedly cool, but just a string of words. I wonder... if you want to explore, go for it. I think you've answered your own question. :)
Man, everybody's jumping ship from Medium and coming over to Substack now. At least I know where to find some of my old Medium acquaintances...
I'll have to look for Christopher's new thing here.
As for you, Kiki- you just write what you feel like writing...