Let's Talk About Crossing the Finishing Line

By returning to the starting line.

Hi friends.

I know everyone reads these letters I send for different reasons. Some of you are starting out as writers, perhaps trying to write an essay or a story. Maybe you just want to get into the practice of writing again, or maybe you already have a practice, and want to write in tandem with me. Perhaps you are not writing at all but you just like thinking about writing. Maybe we just know each other in real life and you want to keep up with how I’m doing. (Hi, Mom!)

Today I’m writing this letter thinking of those of you who want to finish a long-form project, in particular a novel. Because: Me, too. Desperately. I am trying to share with you my process every step of the way, and this keeps me (and hopefully you, at least a little bit) going. But I have to tell you when my energy is lagging over the long haul of creating a book, I think less about the finish line and more about the starting line. That is, I think about my reason for beginning the book in the first place. I have found when I tap into the spirit of that original purpose it often renews me.

I have talked before about how making art is an optimistic act. You can feel sad or depressed or frustrated about it during the process, but your original intention, when you sat down and decided to make this thing, was most likely borne out of optimism. You had something you wanted to say, and you believed you could finish saying it. You knew deep down inside that you had what it took to execute your vision.

But often there is another reason alongside that. One that is deeply personal.