You get extra points today

And how to believe in your work again / Issue 1,090

Oh, hi friends!

It’s a billion degrees in New York and my brain feels like a hot smoothie, but I am so proud of us but I know we’re going to get a little bit of the important stuff done anyway. 

And it’s going to count for double, because it’s the middle of August. 

So pick that one thing you don’t want to have to think about again tomorrow.

Estimate about how long it’s going to take to finish.

Pick a start time (soon is good).

And knock it out.

Tomorrow will be cooler—and lighter—thanks to your effort.

“We can’t control the currents and trends of the industry, the business decisions of agents and editors and publicists, the nature of capitalism, the habits of readers. We can’t control book sales or who gets picked for what prize or fellowship or grant or residency. But we can write beautifully, meaningfully, interestingly, completely. Either you believe that what you’re doing is art—and is worthy of being treated as such, by you—or you don’t. That decision is yours, entirely.”

As I prepare to chase down yet another prestigious theater fellowship, I needed to read this illuminating essay from Carmen Maria Machado on the business of publishing, MFA programs, and much more. 

It made me want to simply write—not for the judges, or the chance at yet another life-changing opportunity, but because I want to believe again in what I’m doing.

Can I Ask You a Question?

I’m launching my new interview podcast soon and trying to figure out the best way to regularly share it. I love understanding some consumer behavior! 

So when you listen to podcasts, which platform do you use?

Thank you so much for your help. (I also wanted to try out Substack’s cute little poll feature.)

You can listen to my one-minute trailer here on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and subscribe to get new episodes at the launch…errr, next week?! Should I commit? Wow that feels scary. August 15 it is!