Sunday Letters has been on the go about 18 months or so and over the 77 odd issues, the format has been pretty much one dimensional and simple: an article. But now it's time for change.
When I started writing again I decided to forget about monetising and just write about things that interested me. That's how it needed to be. I was tired of trying too hard, and in the tune of The Artist's Manifesto, I began to write without much care for anything other than writing.
And that continues, but there feels as though there must be some kind of evolution in the nature of what I write.
For you folks who have been reading me for this long, you deserve more.
So comes a new format.
New Material
Each week I'll be bringing you a mix of content. Not only my own, but others that I think you should read, watch, or listen to. These are things and people that influence my thought and my writing. Content will be of an artistic and creative nature of course, but also of a scientific nature.
To me, it seems obvious in the exploration of this thing I call me, that I look at things outside of me; the apparent objective universe, nature and my entire content that comprises my exterior.
That material will there fore include;
✍️ The SL Article
The Sunday Letters article may be short, it may be a long one. It may be here under the Sunday Letters tag or reside on The Artist's Manifesto site. But it will essentially follow the theme you have been used to.
However, you will see more actionable content, stuff you can apply. Some of the articles will take an in-depth look at psychological research or philosophical ideas. Other pieces will offer a synopsis of a book I've read or life principle for successful living.
Once a month, I will include a Patron only article. Patron only content is exclusive content reserved for supporters of my work. Patronage starts at only $1/month.
This Weeks Article: Success
This week's Sunday Letters article has its home on The Artist's Manifesto site and looks into our almost obsessive pursuit of success. Included I've got a free book for you to download in today's article, written by British politician and media giant, Lord Beaverbrook.
The book, “Success” was published in 1921 and from its 100-year-old perspective, examines the process by which you and I may achieve our life and work goals. There is plenty I don't agree with in this book, but I do agree with the writer's commentary on “luck”.
Check out today's Sunday Letters article; How Success Happens
📃 A Poem
About a year ago I read an article on Brainpickings about the Pulitzer
I'm not sure why, but I was hooked.
She died on 17th January past, just as I discovered her material. Here's one of her poems I've selected to share today
Song of the Builders
On a summer morning
I sat down
on a hillside
to think about GodA worthy pastime.
Near me, I saw
a single cricket;
it was moving the grains of the hillsidethis way and that way.
How great was its energy,
how humble its effort.
Let us hopeit will always be like this,
Mary Oliver
each of us going on
in our inexplicable ways
building the universe
📕 A Book
I have so many books. Too many to digest in so little time, but I'm giving it a fair burst. Every week I'll share one of those books from my shelf with you.
I may have read it, I may not. I may be only partially through it, but I think it will be worth your while investing in a copy. This week is one of my favourites.
Zen in the Art of Writing is a compilation of articles penned by the great Ray Bradbury. You don't need to be a writer to appreciate its contents, you only need to be on your path.
It's great. You should buy a copy.
🎙A Podcast
Over the last ten days or so, on The Larb: Live, I've had a couple really great conversations. On Friday I spoke to a friend, Ray Heffernan about creativity, work and success. The conversation could have gone on all night if it were not for a technical hiccup that ended things after 50 mins.
In the last month I spoken with other creatives about their work and what creativity means to them. Here are those episodes;
- Steven Zeigler on Creativity
- Johnny Helleland on Breaking Free
- Robbin Milne on Art & Trees
- Ray Heffernan on Creativity & Success
Don't miss next week's livestream. I'll announce it here.
📝 An Article
In my Feedly account I gather a hape of articles from online sources. Categories include; creativity, science, art, philosophy, psychology, and worldview.
Here's a couple I think its worthwhile you read;
- The Creative Mind: Solitude & Creative Expression
- Austin Kleon: Let the Chips Fall Where They May
- Scientific American: When Does Your Intelligence Peak
🎭 Someone Worth Your Attention
A discussion about starlings on the Social Audio app, Limor, brought about the lengthy discussion with my fellow social audio enthusiasts on the nature and substance of the universe.
It was an easy transition.
Honestly.
SeekingPlumb (not her real name) is a deep thinker, articulate and easy to listen to. You would do no better than to give her a read or a listen. Here is where you'll find her;
The Audio Version
Don't forget, you can listen to the audio version of Sunday Letters every week. Here's the episode on Spreaker.
Until next Sunday, Gluc!
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