Loved this Tom. For me the act of completing something is so important for my confidence as a writer, and short stories are a great way to achieve that initial bit of confidence
"The ability to concentrate on a narrative, to utilise your imaginative capabilities and visualise the scenes the writer is laying out become deconditioned much like how muscles atrophy as a result of prolonged sedentary lifestyles." Boy, do I know this! Though damage to my concentration was from a source other than the internet, it was nearly impossible to retrain that ability, by reading randomly ON the internet. It wasn't until I came across one of your Substack essays and then later became a paid subscriber, which gave access to the the STSC, that I found a source that linked me to quality, shorter essays and stories. In just a few months my concentration has returned and after struggling for several years, I think you are indeed on to something. I just want to say, and say it sincerely, Thank you Thomas, this is the way.
Loved this Tom. For me the act of completing something is so important for my confidence as a writer, and short stories are a great way to achieve that initial bit of confidence
"The ability to concentrate on a narrative, to utilise your imaginative capabilities and visualise the scenes the writer is laying out become deconditioned much like how muscles atrophy as a result of prolonged sedentary lifestyles." Boy, do I know this! Though damage to my concentration was from a source other than the internet, it was nearly impossible to retrain that ability, by reading randomly ON the internet. It wasn't until I came across one of your Substack essays and then later became a paid subscriber, which gave access to the the STSC, that I found a source that linked me to quality, shorter essays and stories. In just a few months my concentration has returned and after struggling for several years, I think you are indeed on to something. I just want to say, and say it sincerely, Thank you Thomas, this is the way.
Excellent essay, Tom. This is something I need to remind myself with writing. Start small and build over time.