Beginnings are hard
The ending that brought me to this beginning was even harder, but that’s a story for another day.
Watch your step. That first one is a doozy.
Yes, this is the default Substack template and I’m just filling it out for my first post. Why? Because the first step is the hardest and I want to hold onto the railing for now.
1. Why this, why now
In 7th grade, a friend of mine from middle school - my crush, ok? - my crush from middle school told me that one day I would write The Great American Novel. Well, it’s been almost 40 years and I thought I’d better get started. This isn’t the the novel, though. Substack is the writing practice to find my voice; I know it’s in there somewhere.
2. What kind of community are we looking to build here
Feeling adrift in the constant shifting of the social and political tides? Are you an imperfect human just hoping to be accepted for who you are, share your gifts whatever they may be, and meet cool people along the way?
It’s a yes for me on both counts, so the vibe I’m going for is safety, peace, curiosity, discourse, love. Constructive criticism and debate of ideas is absolutely welcome but only if grounded in care for each other as humans. If that sounds cool, please join and help turn the vision into reality. Come and put the “you” in community and all that.
3. What to expect?
Well, right now, I’m just trying to figure out how to do all this stuff again. If you’re looking for a properly polished publication, you may want to come back in a year. I’m trying to build the plane and fly it at the same time, and it’s going to feel like it.
Substack said that readers love clarity, and that I should be clear and explain what you should expect when you subscribe: how often will I be posting? Can you expect certain posts on specific days? What will the free subscribers get? What does a paid subscription buy them?
I love clarity too, and I will tell you when I know. I hope that’s ok.
In the meantime, share the love. Subscribe to This is WryZen, tell your friends, and buy yourself a cookie from Michael’s Cookie Jar (pictured above) to celebrate.