the process

The Process Substack explores the nuances of creative living amidst digital distractions, focusing on the intersection of technology, self-expression, mental health, and cultural criticism. It offers insights into the challenges of writing, the pursuit of authenticity in art, and the importance of mental wellness for creatives.

Creative Process Writing Challenges Mental Health Technology and Society Cultural Criticism Self-Expression Literature and Reading Seasonal Changes

The hottest Substack posts of the process

And their main takeaways

Writing and fear

471 implied HN points • 22 Feb 22
  1. Writers can be afraid of criticism on social media, leading to self-censorship.
  2. Facing fears in writing can lead to discovering what resonates with readers.
  3. It's important to push past fear and speak your truth clearly without self-imposed limitations.
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A thing worse than envy

275 implied HN points • 12 May 22
  1. Ignoring creative urges can lead to self-criticism and dissatisfaction.
  2. Blocked creative people may project their frustrations onto others.
  3. Envy can be a powerful motivator if understood and used positively.

Can we have too much mental health?

216 implied HN points • 22 May 22
  1. Germany has a taboo around discussing therapy, which can make it difficult for people to seek help.
  2. The article points out fallacies in thinking about mental health, like assuming it is separate from physical health.
  3. The piece challenges ideas that too much therapy is harmful, emphasizing the importance of mental health resources.

In defense of criticism

255 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
  1. Criticism of books and other works is important for readers to make informed decisions.
  2. Authors should be open to honest criticism that can help them grow as writers.
  3. Negative or mixed reviews can provide valuable insights and encourage nuanced discussions.

Speaking Things

275 implied HN points • 11 Feb 22
  1. The author emphasizes the importance of finding a central question to drive their writing.
  2. Creating a sense of play and rebellion can be helpful in sparking creativity.
  3. Using prompts like prosopopoeia can inspire new ideas and writing.

How to do everything

314 implied HN points • 07 Nov 21
  1. Having wide interests can be seen as both positive and negative.
  2. Balancing breadth and depth in pursuits can be challenging.
  3. Writing can help integrate various interests and hobbies.

In tongues

314 implied HN points • 23 Oct 21
  1. The writer overcame writer's block by writing in her mother tongue, which felt liberating and allowed for a childlike creativity.
  2. Translating the essay from Romanian to English brought a unique authenticity, imperfectly existing in both languages.
  3. Writing in Romanian helped capture the essence of memories more authentically compared to translating experiences into English.

What do we lose when we have everything?

235 implied HN points • 05 Feb 22
  1. Digital media has made certain creative outlets less enjoyable by providing immediate results and reducing the need for manual processes.
  2. Constant access to digital media can lead to a decrease in the quality of attention and emotional engagement, especially in activities like listening to music.
  3. Interpersonal relationships may also suffer from the effects of digital media, but light connections can still offer value alongside in-person interactions.

Rough times with rough drafts

196 implied HN points • 06 Jan 22
  1. Many writers find comfort and community in sharing writing advice.
  2. Writing practices should be personalized to suit individual needs and preferences.
  3. Experiment, adapt, and redefine writing rules to enhance your writing process.

Can literature save your life?

176 implied HN points • 18 Dec 21
  1. Literature carries high expectations to make people more ethical and critical thinkers.
  2. Reading literature may not automatically improve behavior or critical thinking, but it can still save lives and offer solace.
  3. Each personal connection between a reader and a book is unique, not all literature serves a life-saving purpose, and art should not always be expected to have a utilitarian value.

Winter has come

58 implied HN points • 29 Nov 21
  1. Winter can bring changes and challenges, like the first snow in the neighborhood.
  2. Sometimes we need to embrace fallow times and accept reality as it is.
  3. Balancing rituals and adjusting to new seasons or levels of activity is key to transitioning successfully.

What I'm reading, writing, and making

117 implied HN points • 01 Nov 20
  1. The author shares new writing and occasional pieces from the archive with readers.
  2. She discusses what she's reading, whether articles, books, or interesting research tidbits.
  3. The author also reflects on the creative life in her writings.