This came up in my Substack 'Weekly Stack' and I am so glad I have read it. I have wanted to delete socials for a long time and I feel like with every post like this, I get a little closer. I am ready to take my writing more seriously, and Substack reminds me of my old blogging days, which I love.
I loved this monthly digest. The videos are great to listen to also - interesting to learn about your inspiration, research and creative writing process! Blending fact with fiction and being a 'collector of words'. I'm going to feel more relaxed now trying to write and see where it takes me without knowing exactly where the story is going. I also have a daughter who started at uni this year and moved into student accommodation. She's not that far away but I miss her presence and laughter in our house. Love that you jumped on a plane to be with your daughter!
Wow, I loved this post Natasha! Sorry I have not been around for a while, but I'm back now! That reunion with your daughter sounds super special, I am so happy you caught the look of love on her face. You're obviously an awesome Mum! And well done for following your heart and doing what makes you happy; your readers will always be ready and waiting for you! Books and how you make people feel, and how you celebrate the past to create incredible stories, will be your legacy! Enjoy the final editing process and I'll see you more on here too xxx
so glad to know I'm not the only one who gets the military dudes! Poor lonely fellas. Ugh, all caps shouting is no fun, I don't blame you at all. I'm really enjoying the substack format where the form is a little longer and more in depth. Enjoy your immersion x
I am so sorry that you have to endure negative comments! I could feel your stress lifting as soon as I read this. I hope to hear you on podcasts & this monthly newsletter. I will miss all your lovely photos of history like Christian Dior and all the lovely gowns that inspired you. You show how little known people had such an enormous impact on history. Thank-you from Indiana.
I love everything about this, Natasha. Especially how in-tune you are with what you need to continue making the novels that fill my heart with joy and inspire me to keep on, keeping on. If you never grace Instagram again, I'll still pre-order, read and spread the word about your glorious work. xoxo Happy writing!
Your discussion of social media for authors is so interesting because I’ve been struggling with the same issue. After following some advice I had to post every day, I was burnt out after a week and had no time or energy to write. Since then, I’ve decided to prioritise writing my next book and make it the best it can be.
You make an interesting point that social media following does not equate to sales and that as authors we have little control over that.
I’m sorry people have been so unpleasant over social media. Sometimes I think they forget they’re talking to a real person with feelings. My policy is I never say anything online that I wouldn’t say to someone’s face.
With talk of TikTok being banned and the way Twitter has declined it seems that social media is not the be all and end all anyway. It’s the connections we form with each other that matter, and the quality is so much more important than the quantity.
Awww ... this brought tears to my eyes, Natasha. Crossing the country to be with your girl! So precious and beautiful.
I too ditched Insta and Twitter earlier this year - I'd come to really I was allowing my mind to be filled with too many non-positive things ... that's not say these platforms don't have positive things - they absolutely do.
I loved your thoughts on delighting ... to be a delight we need to be filled with delight, I guess. So that's what I'm trying to do more of. And Bijoux certainly does that, so thank you.
Who knew the Kimberleys had a writers festival. And Sally Hepworth will be there with you. What fun. I thought your fellow WA-ian, Tim Winton, might be there as he's got a new book coming out in October, I think.
So glad you are giving up social media for now. I got out years ago and survived. It has done more harm than good to our society. We are meaner and becoming a bunch of narcissistic blowhards. Enjoy your Bijoux very much. Thank you for giving us an insight into your craft. Carolyn
The weird men in military uniforms 😂
Loved this piece. So true what you write about social media. And you’re such a lovely mum ❤️
This came up in my Substack 'Weekly Stack' and I am so glad I have read it. I have wanted to delete socials for a long time and I feel like with every post like this, I get a little closer. I am ready to take my writing more seriously, and Substack reminds me of my old blogging days, which I love.
I loved this monthly digest. The videos are great to listen to also - interesting to learn about your inspiration, research and creative writing process! Blending fact with fiction and being a 'collector of words'. I'm going to feel more relaxed now trying to write and see where it takes me without knowing exactly where the story is going. I also have a daughter who started at uni this year and moved into student accommodation. She's not that far away but I miss her presence and laughter in our house. Love that you jumped on a plane to be with your daughter!
Wow, I loved this post Natasha! Sorry I have not been around for a while, but I'm back now! That reunion with your daughter sounds super special, I am so happy you caught the look of love on her face. You're obviously an awesome Mum! And well done for following your heart and doing what makes you happy; your readers will always be ready and waiting for you! Books and how you make people feel, and how you celebrate the past to create incredible stories, will be your legacy! Enjoy the final editing process and I'll see you more on here too xxx
Sure wish you didn't have to cut the 1,000 or so pages. The more you write, the better!!! :)
So much truth here, Natasha!! 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻
so glad to know I'm not the only one who gets the military dudes! Poor lonely fellas. Ugh, all caps shouting is no fun, I don't blame you at all. I'm really enjoying the substack format where the form is a little longer and more in depth. Enjoy your immersion x
I am so sorry that you have to endure negative comments! I could feel your stress lifting as soon as I read this. I hope to hear you on podcasts & this monthly newsletter. I will miss all your lovely photos of history like Christian Dior and all the lovely gowns that inspired you. You show how little known people had such an enormous impact on history. Thank-you from Indiana.
Also, is there any chance you will offer your Writing Historical Fiction and Dual Timelines workshop as a Virtual class?
I love everything about this, Natasha. Especially how in-tune you are with what you need to continue making the novels that fill my heart with joy and inspire me to keep on, keeping on. If you never grace Instagram again, I'll still pre-order, read and spread the word about your glorious work. xoxo Happy writing!
I love this so much. I do think that social media is a waste of time too. So many more worthwhile ways to connect with readers. Xo
Brilliant! Focus on what matters 👌 I love your books, you are such a talented writer. Blessings x
Your discussion of social media for authors is so interesting because I’ve been struggling with the same issue. After following some advice I had to post every day, I was burnt out after a week and had no time or energy to write. Since then, I’ve decided to prioritise writing my next book and make it the best it can be.
You make an interesting point that social media following does not equate to sales and that as authors we have little control over that.
I’m sorry people have been so unpleasant over social media. Sometimes I think they forget they’re talking to a real person with feelings. My policy is I never say anything online that I wouldn’t say to someone’s face.
With talk of TikTok being banned and the way Twitter has declined it seems that social media is not the be all and end all anyway. It’s the connections we form with each other that matter, and the quality is so much more important than the quantity.
Awww ... this brought tears to my eyes, Natasha. Crossing the country to be with your girl! So precious and beautiful.
I too ditched Insta and Twitter earlier this year - I'd come to really I was allowing my mind to be filled with too many non-positive things ... that's not say these platforms don't have positive things - they absolutely do.
I loved your thoughts on delighting ... to be a delight we need to be filled with delight, I guess. So that's what I'm trying to do more of. And Bijoux certainly does that, so thank you.
Who knew the Kimberleys had a writers festival. And Sally Hepworth will be there with you. What fun. I thought your fellow WA-ian, Tim Winton, might be there as he's got a new book coming out in October, I think.
Big love, Natasha. Write well. xx
Here! Here!
I love reading Bijoux. It's different from socials. You just get bogged in socials & I'm over it. I need to make changes to my habits there.
I loved reading why & how & stuff for your reasons. Very interesting. Obviously a lot of thought has gone in.
So glad you are giving up social media for now. I got out years ago and survived. It has done more harm than good to our society. We are meaner and becoming a bunch of narcissistic blowhards. Enjoy your Bijoux very much. Thank you for giving us an insight into your craft. Carolyn