Matthew, you mentioned that you can't recall the exact moment writing first came into your life. It's a fascinating question: where does our inspiration to write truly come from? Is it a spark that ignites within us, or is it something we cultivate over time? Does it come from within, or from the world around us? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the mysterious origins of inspiration.
Alexander, sorry I didn't get to this sooner. I thought I responded to everything then realized I forgot to answer you.
Yes, so this is the whole nature vs nurture bit isn't it. Honestly I think there is a bit of both involved. I think that people who are inspired have a natural curiosity about the world around them that ignites the process but then it needs to be fed by either themselves or others. In my own life my parents, grandparents, and teachers recognized that spark and fed the flame. Once it was going it became my responsibility to tend it, just like a good campfire. But in the beginning don't think I would have inherently known to do that on my own. So environment has to play a part I believe. That means, opportunity, access, and willingness from role models in our lives. My family was very poor but parents utilized the resources available to them such as after school programs, community programs, free library resources, etc...
It is a fascinating line of thought and I imagine a whole series of essays could be done on the topic.
What an engaging and comforting interview. I feel slightly more relaxed having read it, and I look forward to exploring your Substack, Matthew. Congrats on your growth spurt!
Thank you Jamie for the kindness of your words. It means a great deal to me that you took the time to read and comment. I hope that readers will always find my publication a place of welcome where kindred souls can share ideas. All the best.
" I also try really hard to respond to every comment on my articles and every comment on my Notes." I think that is really really important. I have ended up not engaging) with a few Substacks where I've written quite incisive (in my view) comments and had a non-response. Even a 'like' is better than that. As you've indicated, writing here is about community, and interacting is a necessary part of that. What spreadsheet? Sheets or Excel? (I'm a spreadsheet afficionado too!)
Yes, the engagement is a very important part of this entire process for me. At times it has become more challenging due to the growth I have experienced. When an article or Note receives a large number of comments I tend to prioritize paid subscribers and then go back and catch up as I can. I have done pretty good so far I think. Appreciate you being here Terry and thanks for reading.
I use Google Sheets. Very simple. Nothing fancy. Just helps me stay on track.
A very reasonable approach, Matthew. Thanks for kind words. I used Sheets a lot these days. At one time I was known by work colleagues as the Excel guru. I created loads of interactive spreadsheets (and Word docs) using Visual Basic that saved us loads of time and made it harder to make errors.i loved it. I even posited using a spreadsheet for literary criticism instead of the usual kind of book reviews (https://open.substack.com/pub/terryfreedman/p/use-a-spreadsheet-for-literary-criticism?r=18suih&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false) I oughtta write about my spreadsheet adventures one of these days.
Nice and informative interview. I enjoy all of your essays. I also do not have a paywall and on my way to 100 subscribers! Yay! I write because I love to.
That is great to hear Nancy! Getting 100 readers is a huge accomplishment and something to be proud of. I appreciate you reading. It is always great to hear what others are thinking and feeling about the things I write.
What a lovely interview! Just confirmed what I already suspected: that Matthew is someone you really want to pull up a chair and have a good conversation with.
Hi Matthew, thanks for sharing that! The questions were very focussed and the replies contained plenty of good advice. Particularly as I'm keen to make the move into more substantive writing on Substack. While on here, I wanted to let you know that I did get your 2024 recommendation The Requisitions and have reached a point in it where if I really have to put it down then I hurry to get back to it. Thanks for directing us to it. I'm also keeping up with the deep read of the Iliad. I'm using the Emily Wilson translation and tempted also to get the Fagles version, just to compare. Thanks for the videos you posted by the way. Here's looking forward to your Book 3 essay. Renewed thanks and continued success. Chris Tracey
Chris, so glad to hear that you are enjoying The Requisitions! That makes me very happy. I appreciate you tagging along for the Homer journey. It is such a rewarding read and I am glad that others are finding it fruitful. Always great to hear your thoughts.
This was a great interview and I agree with the paywall thing. I tried it for a little while but I noted how I feel when I get a Substack I subscribed to in my inbox and either the entire thing is paywalled (so why did I become a free subscriber?) or the best parts of an essay are behind a paywall. It's a negative emotion. so I took my paywall down as well. I write because I love to write. I really appreciate how much time and care you put into your Substack, Matthew!
Thanks Linda and I am glad to have you here. I desire to get paid like anyone else but not at the expense of gatekeeping. Just my thoughts, no judgement on those who do paywall. Since this interview took place I have implemented an archive paywall on articles that are over a year old. But I don't think that will have much if any impact on anything.
This was great, thank you both!!
Thanks Henny. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for taking the time to read through the interview, Henny
Matthew, you mentioned that you can't recall the exact moment writing first came into your life. It's a fascinating question: where does our inspiration to write truly come from? Is it a spark that ignites within us, or is it something we cultivate over time? Does it come from within, or from the world around us? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the mysterious origins of inspiration.
Alexander, sorry I didn't get to this sooner. I thought I responded to everything then realized I forgot to answer you.
Yes, so this is the whole nature vs nurture bit isn't it. Honestly I think there is a bit of both involved. I think that people who are inspired have a natural curiosity about the world around them that ignites the process but then it needs to be fed by either themselves or others. In my own life my parents, grandparents, and teachers recognized that spark and fed the flame. Once it was going it became my responsibility to tend it, just like a good campfire. But in the beginning don't think I would have inherently known to do that on my own. So environment has to play a part I believe. That means, opportunity, access, and willingness from role models in our lives. My family was very poor but parents utilized the resources available to them such as after school programs, community programs, free library resources, etc...
It is a fascinating line of thought and I imagine a whole series of essays could be done on the topic.
I am so grateful to have been introduced to you and your work through Tiffany Chu, Matthew!
What an engaging and comforting interview. I feel slightly more relaxed having read it, and I look forward to exploring your Substack, Matthew. Congrats on your growth spurt!
Thank you Jamie for the kindness of your words. It means a great deal to me that you took the time to read and comment. I hope that readers will always find my publication a place of welcome where kindred souls can share ideas. All the best.
" I also try really hard to respond to every comment on my articles and every comment on my Notes." I think that is really really important. I have ended up not engaging) with a few Substacks where I've written quite incisive (in my view) comments and had a non-response. Even a 'like' is better than that. As you've indicated, writing here is about community, and interacting is a necessary part of that. What spreadsheet? Sheets or Excel? (I'm a spreadsheet afficionado too!)
Yes, the engagement is a very important part of this entire process for me. At times it has become more challenging due to the growth I have experienced. When an article or Note receives a large number of comments I tend to prioritize paid subscribers and then go back and catch up as I can. I have done pretty good so far I think. Appreciate you being here Terry and thanks for reading.
I use Google Sheets. Very simple. Nothing fancy. Just helps me stay on track.
A very reasonable approach, Matthew. Thanks for kind words. I used Sheets a lot these days. At one time I was known by work colleagues as the Excel guru. I created loads of interactive spreadsheets (and Word docs) using Visual Basic that saved us loads of time and made it harder to make errors.i loved it. I even posited using a spreadsheet for literary criticism instead of the usual kind of book reviews (https://open.substack.com/pub/terryfreedman/p/use-a-spreadsheet-for-literary-criticism?r=18suih&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false) I oughtta write about my spreadsheet adventures one of these days.
Nice and informative interview. I enjoy all of your essays. I also do not have a paywall and on my way to 100 subscribers! Yay! I write because I love to.
That is great to hear Nancy! Getting 100 readers is a huge accomplishment and something to be proud of. I appreciate you reading. It is always great to hear what others are thinking and feeling about the things I write.
What a lovely interview! Just confirmed what I already suspected: that Matthew is someone you really want to pull up a chair and have a good conversation with.
Thanks so much Kate! One these days I am going to make it across the pond so I can visit you and Jon. I am sure we would have a wonderful time of it.
Hi Matthew, thanks for sharing that! The questions were very focussed and the replies contained plenty of good advice. Particularly as I'm keen to make the move into more substantive writing on Substack. While on here, I wanted to let you know that I did get your 2024 recommendation The Requisitions and have reached a point in it where if I really have to put it down then I hurry to get back to it. Thanks for directing us to it. I'm also keeping up with the deep read of the Iliad. I'm using the Emily Wilson translation and tempted also to get the Fagles version, just to compare. Thanks for the videos you posted by the way. Here's looking forward to your Book 3 essay. Renewed thanks and continued success. Chris Tracey
Chris, so glad to hear that you are enjoying The Requisitions! That makes me very happy. I appreciate you tagging along for the Homer journey. It is such a rewarding read and I am glad that others are finding it fruitful. Always great to hear your thoughts.
This was a great interview and I agree with the paywall thing. I tried it for a little while but I noted how I feel when I get a Substack I subscribed to in my inbox and either the entire thing is paywalled (so why did I become a free subscriber?) or the best parts of an essay are behind a paywall. It's a negative emotion. so I took my paywall down as well. I write because I love to write. I really appreciate how much time and care you put into your Substack, Matthew!
Thanks Linda and I am glad to have you here. I desire to get paid like anyone else but not at the expense of gatekeeping. Just my thoughts, no judgement on those who do paywall. Since this interview took place I have implemented an archive paywall on articles that are over a year old. But I don't think that will have much if any impact on anything.
Yes…I’m not against it either…at all! We’re all just exploring here, right?
Thanks Jana! I had a great time answering these questions. I appreciate the opportunity.
My pleasure, Matthew! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience ❤️