Welcome to Writing Under the Writing
The compost pile for my writing ideas
Writing Under the Writing - What’s that mean?
I’ve been writing for fun most of my life. Stories, songs, poems, jokes, anecdotes, lists. One thing I’ve never been short on: ideas. I have ideas for novels and short stories, ideas for essays, ideas about theology or writing or teaching or parenting or, or, or, or. Sometimes I think, “That’s a great idea to put into a poem,” or “That’s a good idea for one of my characters to say or experience.” But even if the idea makes it into a creative form, it feels like I’ve only glimpsed the possibilities of it. Sometimes while I’m working on a writing project, I get stuck—how can I move forward on this idea? In other words, I need a space to explore the ideas behind my writing projects, what Natalie Goldberg would call the “compost” for my writing.
But why can’t I just keep this kind of writing to myself, behind the scenes? I have in fact invested in several journals, each matched with its own project. Writing my idea explorations by hand is a wonderful exercise (if you are a writer and don’t regularly write by hand, I highly recommend it!). I include quotes from other sources along with my own ideas. I view writing as a medium for discovery, for encountering new insights I wouldn’t have found otherwise. The journals show the progression of my thought.
I’ve learned, however, that sharing my ideas with others is also important. Ideally, my ideas would be published in stories, essays, and poems (maybe even in cartoons). But realistically, not every idea will be so lucky. Hence this blog. I hope that through this Substack, you may find yourself inspired or challenged or confused or comforted by what I write.
Another reason for this Substack: I need more discipline when it comes to writing and sharing my work. I work full-time, have a family, and like to waste my free time watching shows. It’s sometimes hard to find the time to write—this blog will help me stay regular.
I’ve been doing admin work at a university for 8 years. I’m good at what I do, but I don’t love it. I like my coworkers, I like the students I interact with. Ultimately, I want to write and teach writing. But I’d also like to contribute something to my household income with my writing. For now, this subscription newsletter will be free. In time, though, as I get into the rhythm of regularly posting, I intend to start a paid tier system. In summer 2025, my current admin job ends (the program will be cut from the university). By then, I hope I will be able to make some money with my writing on the side so I can pursue teaching and writing without having to worry about money. Please consider subscribing to help support me in this endeavor.
I am planning to post something each week, and I may post more. Sometimes it will be a short reflection. Other times it will be longer. It will always be interesting (at least to me). Here are the likely candidates for the next two posts:
About me (a little get-to-know-you, ya know?)
About my writing projects (a brief introduction to each so you can get a sense of what kinds of ideas/topics I will write about in the future)
If you’ve read this far—thank you! Blessings on your own thinking, reflecting, writing, reading, faithing, and living.
Nate