Every so often, I get stuck in this self-deprecating mindset where I think, “What’s the point?” As in, what’s the point of writing? What’s the point of putting something out there that (most likely) nobody sees or cares about? It wasn’t until after I watched a recent conversation between Austin Kleon and Sarah Fay on Substack that I was reminded of the fact that there is a point after all.

If you haven’t heard of Austin, he is a writer who also draws. That’s what his bio says. But really, he’s a best-selling writer/artist with over 300,000 subscribers so he’s kind of a big deal. But despite those facts, what struck me about him is how comfortable he seems in his own creative practice. Of course, you get to be if you’re in that position.

In the talk, he said so many delightful things that I took notes. For example,

“I’m trying to find the proper creative tension between business and art, form and content.”

“Make something you would want to read yourself.”

“You wonder at the world and you invite other people to wonder with you.”

“I think a lot of people when they engage in art or writing, what they’re really looking for is a reflection of themselves.”

I’m aware that I’ve been a little inconsistent in my writing here lately. Sure, I write every day—in fact, I’ve been working on a book that I’ll tell you about when I’m done— but when it comes to actually publishing something for others to read, I cringe at the thought of putting something out there that isn’t entirely polished to a certain degree. Those diminishing thoughts come back again so I think, “What’s the point?”

There is absolutely a point in creating art. Whether you’re making things with your hands or using your brain to conjure up words, there is beauty in exercising your creativity. That said, I’m taking a cue from Austin Kleon and “stealing” a method he uses for his own newsletter — a list of things. This is how I’m going to trick myself into writing more — by sharing really, really good things with you.

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Here are five really, really good things this week.

1. Just finished reading How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman, a professor at Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, considered to be the best business school in America. And I have to say — there isn’t anything that was truly mind blowing for me, given that I’ve read a fair share of psychology books from various authors like Malcolm Gladwell, Oliver Burkeman, Carol Dweck, Daniel Pink, etc. but one thing that really stuck out for me was the chapter on unsolicited advice. Milkman made a case that unsolicited advice can end up doing more harm than good. Rather than giving advice, why not encourage people to figure out their own advice? Instead, ask, ‘What advice would I give to myself’?'

2. As I’ve mentioned above, Austin Kleon is prolific in his attitude about creating art and writing. He seems to be able to do both and does not give into the current cultural attitudes about influencing/virality/chasing followers. I wish I could be that way. If you’re a writer or artist (or want to be!) then go watch his talk with Sarah. You will learn a lot!

3. Due to current government shutdowns, certain museums around the country are not operating at normal schedules. But their websites are functioning just fine. One in particular I love is the National Gallery of Art. I have been obsessed with them ever since I began browsing their website. Did you know that art museums have thousands (or hundreds of thousands?) of free art images for download? Even those images that aren’t available for download you can still learn from. What’s even better is that they have a Chrome extension called Artsy you can download, which presents you with a new image from their catalogue every time you open up a new tab on your browser. It’s incredible. I’ve learned so much about art; plus, it’s exciting because you never know what image will pop up.

4. The other day, I was digging through old files on my computer in hopes of finding something to submit to a writing contest and discovered a chapter I wrote for a middle grade novel at the end of 2023. Upon reading it, I was shocked because…well, it wasn’t bad. To confirm, I read the chapter out loud my husband who said, “Hmm…not bad.” I’m sure he was just being nice, but still. Perhaps I am getting better at writing fiction after all. Will I get a book published any time soon? Probably not. But it’s a reminder to keep going.

5. Lastly, did you know that Panera Bread has really, really good blueberry muffins? I’m lucky enough to live close to one and recently treated myself and oh my gosh…their muffins can change your day. With just enough blueberries and a soft, fluffy interior topped with crumbly streusel on top, it’s the ultimate treat.

See you next week!

Hoang

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