Thank you so much for this. This is an amazing read of becoming. It’s a good life if it can be that. This is one I am going to read again and again. Again thank you.
Thank you for writing about your path. So vulnerable, so strong!
I have published some of my poems 9 years ago. I chose an on-demand publishing company in Denmark/Germany. I suppose there will be some of those in your area, too! It is fine that they only print a book when it is ordered, so no huge bunches of unsold stuff!
Beautiful, Bill, both the journey and the story. You're in a well-deserved chorus of compliments here, so I'll just add that re: writing a book, there are so many paths you can follow now. Substack can be one path, publishing chapter by chapter to paid subscribers. But even if you're thinking about a traditional agent/publisher path, I would suggest you focus on the writing end of the equation for now. What book do you want to write? Someone here may well know more about this, but I'm guessing a publisher would be more drawn to a full-length illustrated narrative than a book of essays. Essays can become chapters in a longer thread, certainly. Think about the book-length story you have in mind until it becomes a familiar companion; doing so will make it easier to write a proposal. Also, look around for books that best resemble what you want to do. That will help map the path forward. And finally, know that a book is just another version of what you're already doing. You've already crossed the threshold.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I also stopped drinking alcohol . I recently lost my last job and decided to retire. Birds are a source of beauty and bring moments of uplift. I took my first Audubon birding walk yesterday and spotting the birds with a small group was affirming. Definitely want to start journaling. Thanks so much for your writing.
Thank you for sharing your story and your love of birds with us, Bill. I look forward to your post every week, for insights and photographs, but also just because you are a really compassionate, intelligent person who cares about things that also matter to me.
And I want to thank you for mentioning your tinnitus. Me, too. I appreciate you describing how it became a positive impetus in your life, rather than a barrier. Every day I am so thankful for the birds and other soul-feeding sounds that I can hear!
Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey so personally. I fell in love with your writing when I first came across it thanks to a recommendation from Substack. We share many interests and life experiences, but despite a lifetime trying to clear the fog, I haven’t found the peace and developed the clarity of vision and purpose you express here. Your writing gives me hope.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing your vulnerability and connection to birds. Going to therapy is a strength! And wow about M. Atwood!!
@bethkempton has a Book Proposal Masterclass starting in a couple of weeks or so. I haven't taken it yet, but plan to in the future. You might like to check it out. She also has a free class over several days just before that class week going over the process of getting a book deal. You can sign up on her website dowhatyouloveforlife.com
Also, I meant to mention to check out Courtney Maum, Before and After the Book Deal here on Substack! I have gained so much great knowledge and insight about the book publishing process. You should definitely follow that nudge to write a book! 💛
I subscribe to too many Substacks and have to pick and choose where I pause and read one through. I am so glad that I paused here. In my own Substack, I have been hiding somewhat the personal side of my writing out of a healthy fear of the havoc the internet can do. But you have shown that this makes what you write that much more compelling. Thank you for your honesty and for being nuts about birds.
Thank you so much for this. This is an amazing read of becoming. It’s a good life if it can be that. This is one I am going to read again and again. Again thank you.
Thank you for the beautiful essay and the perfect poem to close it.
Thank you for writing about your path. So vulnerable, so strong!
I have published some of my poems 9 years ago. I chose an on-demand publishing company in Denmark/Germany. I suppose there will be some of those in your area, too! It is fine that they only print a book when it is ordered, so no huge bunches of unsold stuff!
Take it, or leave it! 🦉
Beautiful, Bill, both the journey and the story. You're in a well-deserved chorus of compliments here, so I'll just add that re: writing a book, there are so many paths you can follow now. Substack can be one path, publishing chapter by chapter to paid subscribers. But even if you're thinking about a traditional agent/publisher path, I would suggest you focus on the writing end of the equation for now. What book do you want to write? Someone here may well know more about this, but I'm guessing a publisher would be more drawn to a full-length illustrated narrative than a book of essays. Essays can become chapters in a longer thread, certainly. Think about the book-length story you have in mind until it becomes a familiar companion; doing so will make it easier to write a proposal. Also, look around for books that best resemble what you want to do. That will help map the path forward. And finally, know that a book is just another version of what you're already doing. You've already crossed the threshold.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I also stopped drinking alcohol . I recently lost my last job and decided to retire. Birds are a source of beauty and bring moments of uplift. I took my first Audubon birding walk yesterday and spotting the birds with a small group was affirming. Definitely want to start journaling. Thanks so much for your writing.
Wow-a-woweee
Inspiration pure. Fresh air.
Nourishment. Images so great.
And the writing, again richly rewarding.
Thank you for sharing your story and your love of birds with us, Bill. I look forward to your post every week, for insights and photographs, but also just because you are a really compassionate, intelligent person who cares about things that also matter to me.
And I want to thank you for mentioning your tinnitus. Me, too. I appreciate you describing how it became a positive impetus in your life, rather than a barrier. Every day I am so thankful for the birds and other soul-feeding sounds that I can hear!
Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey so personally. I fell in love with your writing when I first came across it thanks to a recommendation from Substack. We share many interests and life experiences, but despite a lifetime trying to clear the fog, I haven’t found the peace and developed the clarity of vision and purpose you express here. Your writing gives me hope.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing your vulnerability and connection to birds. Going to therapy is a strength! And wow about M. Atwood!!
@bethkempton has a Book Proposal Masterclass starting in a couple of weeks or so. I haven't taken it yet, but plan to in the future. You might like to check it out. She also has a free class over several days just before that class week going over the process of getting a book deal. You can sign up on her website dowhatyouloveforlife.com
Thank you for writing this. Congratulations on your success here, it is very inspiring to read!
What an inspiring essay! Thank you so much. I will definitely read this again and again.
Bill, you are an inspiration in my life journey. Even at 71, I am looking for purpose. Sharing your essays feels good.
You swam across an ocean and found fertile ground on the distant shore.
And the birds gave you a symphonic standing ovation.
Congratulations.
Also, I meant to mention to check out Courtney Maum, Before and After the Book Deal here on Substack! I have gained so much great knowledge and insight about the book publishing process. You should definitely follow that nudge to write a book! 💛
I subscribe to too many Substacks and have to pick and choose where I pause and read one through. I am so glad that I paused here. In my own Substack, I have been hiding somewhat the personal side of my writing out of a healthy fear of the havoc the internet can do. But you have shown that this makes what you write that much more compelling. Thank you for your honesty and for being nuts about birds.
Amazing journey! Thanks for sharing this. I hope to see your article about that awesom local park in Landscape Architect Magazine soon.