"I feel like I am at my best when I am writing with a light fluidity as if I were talking to someone as we walked comfortably on a path or beach or boardwalk. A sort of walking meditation to be read out loud at their pace. Words as music with a cadence and rhythm."
I totally resonate with this. This is exactly how I feel about my writing. Very well-put. Thank you for articulating it. And thank you for this story.
Though I am not young, I am just starting out on this journey of getting my writing out to the world, and this piece feels like a smile, a bit of eye contact, and a word of encouragement to me.
If this is a first-draft sentence, you're a Gifted Genius as well as a Writer to admire:
"That soft case exists because it is what a person wants when the thing they care most about is having the thing inside it with them almost all of the time."
If the cadence, the rhythm, the read-it-again mandate are the result of polishing, burnishing and buffing, then you're a Careful Craftsman as well as a Writer to admire.
I think the thing you always leave out when describing yourself is storyteller. The bridge between the noticer and the writer. The three things in concert is what makes your writing so compelling.
I didn't read the last pieces and you don't know how hard that was for someone with low impulse control and an abundance of curiosity or maybe you do.
But you are right that you need to be the center of your storytelling. Being brought along in your head as you lead the way is what makes it so much fun.
And Ava is definitely talented. So as always thanks for sharing.
Herdmusic vibes. Being out there discovering new talent, taking joy in them, supporting them.
(If she needs flyers for her gigs, I’d happily volunteer 😄).
Writer vibes. And writer vibes. Loved your explanation on the distinction. Spot on as ever.
Mike vibes. The Noticer. This is so you.
I’d like to say though, that I also see you as a Writer. Not “just” a writer.
The combo of the Noticer and the Writer in you is what makes your pieces here, at the old site, the new site and basically everywhere so indefinitely unique.
Because two talents merge to something .... just more.
Great writing as usual, and I understand what you are saying about the articles you deleted. As I had already read them (and enjoyed them) I am moved to comment that actually you WERE in those stories - perhaps not as directly as usual, but your way of looking and "noticing" was front & centre. However, YOU are the driver/Writer and we the passengers/readers who are happy to let you choose how and what to present here. 💜👍
In THIS story, I am so happy that Ava got a good reception and encouragement to keep working towards her dream - you seem to be able to pick em' so I guess we should keep an eye/ear out for her 🤔
"Being a Noticer once saved me, now it serves me". I don't know why this sentence has resonated with me, I may need to think about that for awhile but damn Mike, it pierced hard.
Mike, not only are you a Writer, but you are, more importantly, a Storyteller. I remember your fight with the hornets and it still makes me laugh.
"I feel like I am at my best when I am writing with a light fluidity as if I were talking to someone as we walked comfortably on a path or beach or boardwalk. A sort of walking meditation to be read out loud at their pace. Words as music with a cadence and rhythm."
I totally resonate with this. This is exactly how I feel about my writing. Very well-put. Thank you for articulating it. And thank you for this story.
Though I am not young, I am just starting out on this journey of getting my writing out to the world, and this piece feels like a smile, a bit of eye contact, and a word of encouragement to me.
Fluidity. Perfect word for your writing. Thank you for this one!
You got this, keep on keepin on🌹
https://cwspangle.substack.com/p/flamme-en-el-lobscurite
If this is a first-draft sentence, you're a Gifted Genius as well as a Writer to admire:
"That soft case exists because it is what a person wants when the thing they care most about is having the thing inside it with them almost all of the time."
If the cadence, the rhythm, the read-it-again mandate are the result of polishing, burnishing and buffing, then you're a Careful Craftsman as well as a Writer to admire.
Superb either way, Mikle.
I think the thing you always leave out when describing yourself is storyteller. The bridge between the noticer and the writer. The three things in concert is what makes your writing so compelling.
I didn't read the last pieces and you don't know how hard that was for someone with low impulse control and an abundance of curiosity or maybe you do.
But you are right that you need to be the center of your storytelling. Being brought along in your head as you lead the way is what makes it so much fun.
And Ava is definitely talented. So as always thanks for sharing.
This piece strummed so many cords with me.
Herdmusic vibes. Being out there discovering new talent, taking joy in them, supporting them.
(If she needs flyers for her gigs, I’d happily volunteer 😄).
Writer vibes. And writer vibes. Loved your explanation on the distinction. Spot on as ever.
Mike vibes. The Noticer. This is so you.
I’d like to say though, that I also see you as a Writer. Not “just” a writer.
The combo of the Noticer and the Writer in you is what makes your pieces here, at the old site, the new site and basically everywhere so indefinitely unique.
Because two talents merge to something .... just more.
https://cwspangle.substack.com/p/girls-girls-girls
"Failure is light; regret is heavy." This hits deep.
The fact that I, having a hard time reading long texts, read it all with great interest, says it all.
This is the kind of content I'm here for. Honest, soulful and real. Also beautifully written. 😊
"Go towards your passion not away from your fear," reinforces the depth of what Mike wrote a paragraph earlier.
The man writes tight, bright, memorable sentences.
‘The Noticer’. Great title for a mystery story. I can just imagine this exchange between two main characters:
She: (amazed) “But how did you know it was him? Are you psychic?
Mike: “Nah. I just notice things”
(Fade to black)
lol
“The Notalist”
“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.” -William Shakespeare (Hamlet)
Indeed.
Great quote 😍
Failure is light, regrets is heavy. Now that is music....
Great article!
Great writing as usual, and I understand what you are saying about the articles you deleted. As I had already read them (and enjoyed them) I am moved to comment that actually you WERE in those stories - perhaps not as directly as usual, but your way of looking and "noticing" was front & centre. However, YOU are the driver/Writer and we the passengers/readers who are happy to let you choose how and what to present here. 💜👍
In THIS story, I am so happy that Ava got a good reception and encouragement to keep working towards her dream - you seem to be able to pick em' so I guess we should keep an eye/ear out for her 🤔
"Being a Noticer once saved me, now it serves me". I don't know why this sentence has resonated with me, I may need to think about that for awhile but damn Mike, it pierced hard.
Being a noticer also comes with the territory when you're a photographer. I pick up on things that my non-photojournalist friends and family miss.
Carrying around a camera has probably heightened your sense of noticing whether you realize it or not. ;)
I almost lost it at “With a little tape, I could have been a poster.” Way to set a scene!
By the time Ava began her set, I was deeply invested in her success. I’m so glad she’ll have you among her supporters, if she chooses.
You are a magnificent storyteller. I’m really happy to be on this journey.
“Other people’s joy is a helluva drug” and so much else here. I see you.
Also Ava is really good. Agree that she should focus on originals, and not just because I just lost Whamageddon. So thanks for that. Mike. 🙄 😁