This issue marks the twenty-fifth occasion on which I have not released a short story.
Let me level with you.
I know you love reading them, and I love writing them. However, they take a bit longer to write and require a lot of effort, because I would never release something that wasn’t of high quality. That being said, I’ve decided to pursue something I’ve been putting off for years.
Reading the fifth Harry Potter book, the idea came to me that I, too, could write a book.
Not for the money or potential fame, but because I had a story to tell and a wild imagination.
For twenty-two years, I've been trying to write a version of this book that pleases me, first. The last draft I wrote was in 2018. So here I am once more at a crossroads. I can continue to write short stories, or I can pivot and get this freakin novel done.
I want to write this novel once and for all, and I want to take you along for the ride.
Soon, I should have the first three chapters written and edited well enough to share. Not all at once. Likely throughout a handful of weeks. But they will take the place of the short stories for a while.
Until then, I want to take you along for the ride the best way I know how.
Through this newsletter.
Because frankly, I'm the potential paradox.
You could be, too.
We don't think like the rest of them. We don't want what they want. We don't need the things they horde. We move with purpose through life. We want what we want, and will do anything to get it--outside of killing someone for game.
Book of the Week
I'm like five books deep into trying to catch up on this year's reading goal.
I recently finished a book called Superfan by Pat Flynn, where he shares how to move people in your audience from casual to superfans. He posits that you only need 1000 truefans to make a living. I've even seen out there that you really only need 100, but that depends on your math.
Nevertheless, I found a lot of value in this book because it shed light on the things I wasn't doing.
As much as I love having my little corner of the world, I want to grow.
I want to be able to write for a living, and whatever else I can imagine. Hence, I picked up this book. I wanted another perspective on audience growth, and I got that and more.
If you're looking to get into the audience-building game, I would highly recommend checking out Superfan by Pat Flynn.
The next book I'm currently reading of five is called Content, Inc. by Joe Pulizzi.
I'm about 15% finished with it, and it's reshaping the way I look at this content game I've been playing. More on that in another issue.
What I'm Watching
I don't often make time to watch content, outside of a tutorial or course.
However, lately I've been really into the new series on Disney+ called Iron Heart. I've been waiting four years to see this show, and it doesn't disappoint for a Marvel superfan.
Later today, the final three episodes will be released, and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all culminates.
I don't mind seeing representation in film and TV, but only when it's original characters of color and not a race swap.
Anywho, if you like Iron Man and are intrigued with seeing Chicago through the lens of a new Marvel character, check it out on Disney+.
Quick Tip: Growth Through Literature
When you're starting off on a new project you've never done before, the very first thing you should do is get a feel for it.
Watch a few videos on YouTube of what it's like to do that thing, take an introduction course, or read a few how-to articles to get a preview of what's ahead.
Once you have a shallow understanding and you feel as if this is for you, then you want to dive in deep.
The best way I found to do this is to pick up a book on the topic. You won't learn everything on your first go around, but you'll begin to get a lay of the land. You'll begin to get an idea of the different levels of difficulty involved.
Once you've received an introduction to your chosen skill and you've begun to go deeper, now is the time to start building.
The only time you refer to the book or a tutorial is when you hit a wall and can't figure out what to do.
Then you watch one or two videos max on your solution, and then you get back to work.
Simple.
ChatGPT called this meta-learning.
Doesn't really fall off the tongue.
That's what I got for you today. See you Friday!
As a mom working full-time, there are so many days when my creative dreams take a backseat to survival mode. But reading about you finally choosing to write your novel after all these years reminded me that it’s never too late and that the spark doesn’t die just because life gets full. I’ve had a story in me for years too but I keep pushing it aside. Your honesty gave me the green light to stop waiting for the perfect time and just start showing up, even if it’s 20 minutes after my daughter goes to bed. Congratulations Idris Elijah and can’t wait to read it when you’re ready!
This whole issue felt like a defining moment for you and for anyone wrestling with whether to finally say yes to their biggest project. There’s a big difference between creating to share and creating to satisfy your own wild vision. I felt and could relate to that shift here. Thanks for letting us witness it. Now I’m thinking about what I want to say yes to. I’ll be journaling about it for sure. A very inspiring read Idris Elijah!!