[SB 223] Hitting the Links

I’m Matt, and welcome to Steady Beats. If you like to walk for a better life, and also like Dire Straits’ “Walk of Life,” you just might like this newsletter.

My writing tank is empty.

This is partly due, most likely, to the aftereffects of finishing another Write of Passage cohort. After three cohorts on the full time team, I have learned that the energy off-ramp from non-stop adrenaline and deadlines is not abrupt, but long and gently sloping.

Brain-fry does not set in immediately when a cohort ends. Instead, it simmers. Creative energy evaporates into steam slowly for a few weeks afterwards.

The steam has risen. And the creative energy will return, probably soon.

But in the meantime, I can share the work of some others, who are crushing it on Substack.

First up,

Tobi Emonts-Holley

fresh off a trip to the Scottish Highlands, shares some stunning photos, like this one:

Tobi is a non-stop inspiration, pushing himself physically and mentally and setting up adventures for his family.

Second is

Michael Dean

, who wrote about the secret architecture of great essays. He encapsulated his thoughts, as only he can, in this Dean-ified diagram:

What is the text version of must-see TV? Because that’s what Michael Dean’s work is whenever he shares his thoughts on writing.

And finally, a behind-the-scenes read from

Elle Griffin

on how she became a full time writer on Substack:

I am not any more privileged than any other writer, I made my own privilege. I sent a pitch letter every day during the first year of this newsletter asking to be featured by other writers and major media outlets—that’s why I have a large following today.

Elle is a Substack superhero, and has worked hard to build her formidable audience.

I’m grateful for the creativity of others, and glad I can share it when the tank is empty.

Here’s to filling up.

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Thank you for reading.

Let’s keep the Steady Beats going. 💚

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