A Look Back at the Midwest Creative

Reflecting on how my voice has developed + An offer for paid subscribers

Hi friends,

I attended the Okoboji Writer’s Retreat the first part of this week. I was so engrossed in talking and learning about writing that I didn’t have time to do that thing I was supposed to do—actually write. I am so sorry! Stay tuned next week for a book essay on a memoir from a Minnesota writer. (I like to call my writing on books “book essays” rather than reviews. It feels truer to how I write about my experience reading books, rather than the books themselves.)

Lake Okoboji

I was able to spend some time this week with my budding writing friend/mentor, Brianne Sanchez (please check out her work!). She is delightful and has a sweet laugh and has offered to help me in my career in innumerable ways. I can’t thank her enough!

She said something to me Monday that has stuck with me.

“I’ve been following you since the beginning of your Substack, and it’s just amazing to see how you have grown as a writer.”

In an effort to accept praise and honor the work I’ve been putting into myself, I wanted to reshare some of my older pieces for newer subscribers. I’m proud of this work, I’m proud of the work I continue to do, and I’m proud of myself for embracing this writer identity I’ve cultivated for myself.

• The first artist I profiled: Mary Mathis

• My first piece on a community event: Poetry Palooza

• Which led to this profile of one of the most fascinating Iowan artists I’ve had the pleasure of meeting: Akwi Nji

• My first piece on my favorite place in the world: Camp Hertko Hollow

• My first piece about experiencing grief

• My first book essay: The Late Americans by

  Brandon
  Taylor

• This piece and this piece about living with Type 1 Diabetes, which felt much more elevated than stuff I’ve written about this topic in the past

• And this piece that marked the first time I wrote about creativity itself, rather than other creative people. This opened up a new door for my Substack writing and I’ve felt much more creatively fulfilled ever since.

I’m deeply appreciative of the support I’ve received since beginning this Substack in January 2023. This sustained practice of sharing my writing has been instrumental in developing my voice and believing more in my ability to turn this voice into a career.

If you’re a paid subscriber, you have the opportunity to join the Iowa Writers Collaborative for our monthly lunchtime Zoom meeting for paying subscribers.

This event, called The Office Lounge, is a chance to interact with writers and readers who are part of our community. The discussions are in-depth and fruitful and lead to a better understanding of what’s going on in our state. The meeting runs from noon until 1:00 pm, and we always leave plenty of time for questions or suggestions.

If you are a paying subscriber to this newsletter, you’ll find a link to the Zoom meeting at the end of this message.