I want to be a writer.
I remember the feeling so well. My mom got me a black and white composition notebook, just like Harriet's from Harriet the Spy. 📓
At nine years old, I knew nothing of writer's block.
I didn't consider whether I'd be good at it. I didn't wonder what people would think of my writing. I didn't procrastinate or debate endlessly about what I should write about.
I felt uplifted by wonder, curiosity, and possibility—the delight of creativity and youthful optimism.
I came to Substack to write, but not for the joy of writing.
Grown-up Alyssa was retiring from a successful career in corporate leadership and was thinking about writing as a piece of the business puzzle—a way to grow my email list, connect with my audience, and market my future coaching offers.
Content marketing serves a purpose. It just doesn't light up my soul, and it can't be the sole purpose of my writing.
I left corporate for several reasons, one being to experience more creative freedom and meaningful work.
I'm craving something more fulfilling.
I started reading The Artist’s Way last week, one of the many inspiring discoveries I've made through Substack (my new happy place).
The book is known for an exercise called Morning Pages, which is basically stream-of-consciousness journaling. I shared this note after my first attempt at Morning Pages.
When I did my first Morning Pages exercise the words poured out of me so fast I could barely keep up. My writing became illegible as I let my hand scribble to keep pace with my brain.
I looked at the seven handwritten pages completely perplexed. Where did these words come from? I started the practice to overcome a creative block, but writing freely came easily.
So where is the block? I’m still exploring this but I think it has something to do with my misinformed beliefs around content.
Content must serve a business purpose
Content must be consistently produced
Content must solve a problem or answer a question or help someone within my niche
Who feels inspired to write through that lens?
I spent over a decade in corporate following rigid rules. In this new chapter, as a creative, I want to shift my beliefs and my work.
Create to explore
Create to connect
Create to evoke awareness, emotion, and growth
Create to help others feel seen and reflected through your vulnerability, courage, and authenticity
Creatives are the new wave of leaders 🫶
So that’s where I’m at—the intersection of creativity and business, like many of us here on Substack or leading creative businesses.
I believe we can do both.
I don’t have it figured out yet, but coming face to face with our discomfort is how we learn to grow through it. And when we recognize something isn’t aligned with our values, we have to be honest with ourselves and adjust.
To use one of Brené Brown’s phrases, this is the Messy Middle.
I’d love to hear from you. How are you navigating creativity and business? Let’s chat in the comments.
I've just started reading the Artist's Way from the start! I'm up to the intro, and will be starting week 1 next week. So I'm a bit behind you. 😉
Also, welcome to a new way of writing. Not because you have to, but because you want to.
No need to totally niche down (and it helps that you have an open substack name), or perform. Just be you! 💕
I’m trying to strike a balance between information and inspiration in my posts. I want to educate my readers with facts AND my personal experience. I’m struggling but hope to find a formula that works. Good luck to those of us who are still trying to figure it all out!