Also, what seems ordinary for one might be extraordinary for another. Princes and princesses could only dream of taking long uninterrupted walks with their mother.
I appreciate this so much. I think about the works that resonate with me, and how they caught my attention not because they were “ordinary” or “extraordinary,” but because of how the author/storyteller brought me into their world. I’m working to be a writer focused on how to best capture my corner of the universe and share with others, regardless of how (extra)ordinary it is.
(Also, who is to say what’s extraordinary and what isn’t?)
This comment right here, felt like gold to me - no, not just gold, it felt priceless, "For a long time, I believed life had to be exceptional to be worthwhile." Thank you. I have been actively and passionately chasing trying not to have an ordinary legacy for decades now, and this level of ambition and drive while great, is one of fastest routes to sheer burnout. Thank you so very much for your transparency around this topic. My goal in this life is most definitely not to try to be viral but be impactful - so scaling my ability to connect meaningfully with others is vital, but my aim is for those that uniquely connect to my topic. So, thank you immensely. Reading this felt refreshing, what a relief to put on this mindset.
This is so simple and brilliant. I've spent a good chunk of my life as a silent writer who always dreamed of having minimal success (even just a few sunscribers or a handful of books sold) but never valued my thoughts. I hate that I pigeonholed myself into thinking that I had to appear professional, polished, and well-researched. I'm finally at that point in my life where I can say FU to that inner critic. FU because I want to connect to others and I'm tired of getting in my own way. Thank you for this post 😀
I don't think I will ever go viral, as my content is quite niche. However, I do believe I am connecting with my audience. (Somedays its easier to tell than others! haha). The racy and "remarkable" things can be fun and interesting to read. Let's face it, we are curious creatures. But, I've found that most of the time, those do not make for points of connection. The things you listed you've written about that were "ordinary" did well precisely *because* they were ordinary. They are things that people can relate to and connect with. By writing it out, you are allowing others to be seen and validated... and isn't that what we want as readers? Anyway, thank you for this article! I really enjoyed it.
Thanks for this article, I was really obsessed with numbers and the thought of going viral when in first started my substack but I’ve gotten so much more out of meaningful connections and just a few likes and comments. I think going viral is like a shot of adrenaline but it won’t support your long term success.
“We want stories that can’t be written by a robot.”
I agree soooooooooooooo much. For this writer -- new to Substack -- also a writer with many books sold and many authorized foreign editions published, hello! Seems to me that it helps to aim to help the readers.
One related thought, as my way of thanking you for this article, Kelly Eden: Worse than stories that might as well have been written by a robot are stories designed to manipulate the reader. I can smell that in the first para, can't you?
Thank you for this ordinary subject about ordinary lives. Most of us don't live extraordinary lives, but this gives hope to all who are putting one foot in front of the other every day.
Wow Kelly. This was so encouraging to read - Especially for me who still is yet to make money from an essay. To be honest, I haven't tried much. I always thought my essays weren't good enough so I left them hidden away on Medium. But this month, I've decided to pitch some publications and this letter has given me faith in my ordinary stories. Thank you for sharing it.
Also, what seems ordinary for one might be extraordinary for another. Princes and princesses could only dream of taking long uninterrupted walks with their mother.
For sure. So true, Sophie.
I appreciate this so much. I think about the works that resonate with me, and how they caught my attention not because they were “ordinary” or “extraordinary,” but because of how the author/storyteller brought me into their world. I’m working to be a writer focused on how to best capture my corner of the universe and share with others, regardless of how (extra)ordinary it is.
(Also, who is to say what’s extraordinary and what isn’t?)
That’s right. I love that.
This comment right here, felt like gold to me - no, not just gold, it felt priceless, "For a long time, I believed life had to be exceptional to be worthwhile." Thank you. I have been actively and passionately chasing trying not to have an ordinary legacy for decades now, and this level of ambition and drive while great, is one of fastest routes to sheer burnout. Thank you so very much for your transparency around this topic. My goal in this life is most definitely not to try to be viral but be impactful - so scaling my ability to connect meaningfully with others is vital, but my aim is for those that uniquely connect to my topic. So, thank you immensely. Reading this felt refreshing, what a relief to put on this mindset.
I’m so happy to hear that. We certainly want to be passionate writers, not burnt out ones!
Just love this.
This is so simple and brilliant. I've spent a good chunk of my life as a silent writer who always dreamed of having minimal success (even just a few sunscribers or a handful of books sold) but never valued my thoughts. I hate that I pigeonholed myself into thinking that I had to appear professional, polished, and well-researched. I'm finally at that point in my life where I can say FU to that inner critic. FU because I want to connect to others and I'm tired of getting in my own way. Thank you for this post 😀
That’s so great that you got to that point. Our inner critics can be so loud!
Each ordinary life or event is uniquely ordinary and makes for great storytelling
Great post. Just joined. Looking for more like you out there. Thank you.
Welcome, Amy!
I don't think I will ever go viral, as my content is quite niche. However, I do believe I am connecting with my audience. (Somedays its easier to tell than others! haha). The racy and "remarkable" things can be fun and interesting to read. Let's face it, we are curious creatures. But, I've found that most of the time, those do not make for points of connection. The things you listed you've written about that were "ordinary" did well precisely *because* they were ordinary. They are things that people can relate to and connect with. By writing it out, you are allowing others to be seen and validated... and isn't that what we want as readers? Anyway, thank you for this article! I really enjoyed it.
Thank you, Kailey. I appreciate that.
Thanks for this article, I was really obsessed with numbers and the thought of going viral when in first started my substack but I’ve gotten so much more out of meaningful connections and just a few likes and comments. I think going viral is like a shot of adrenaline but it won’t support your long term success.
Great reminders in here. Thank you!
Thank you for this
“We want stories that can’t be written by a robot.”
I agree soooooooooooooo much. For this writer -- new to Substack -- also a writer with many books sold and many authorized foreign editions published, hello! Seems to me that it helps to aim to help the readers.
One related thought, as my way of thanking you for this article, Kelly Eden: Worse than stories that might as well have been written by a robot are stories designed to manipulate the reader. I can smell that in the first para, can't you?
Thank you for this ordinary subject about ordinary lives. Most of us don't live extraordinary lives, but this gives hope to all who are putting one foot in front of the other every day.
Wow Kelly. This was so encouraging to read - Especially for me who still is yet to make money from an essay. To be honest, I haven't tried much. I always thought my essays weren't good enough so I left them hidden away on Medium. But this month, I've decided to pitch some publications and this letter has given me faith in my ordinary stories. Thank you for sharing it.
That’s great to hear! Best of luck with pitching. It can be a really tough process at first so stick in there.