“Somewhere along the way, I had started to create things because I had followers instead of having followers because of what I created.” 🤯
Thanks for writing such a relatable essay. I’m also struggling with my own version of this as my life transitions more into *author things* vs *influencer things.*
Loved your book so much! As a fellow Quirk author, I was lucky enough to get an ARC from the team. SABI had incredible twists up until the very end. Congrats on finishing another book, too!
Wow! This may be my favorite post of yours. It was SO interesting to hear your experiences and perspective. Personally, I prefer writing more than "influencing" too and for me I found a good middle ground for that in prioritizing blogging over social media. I absolutely love connecting with people and book people are always the nicest, but I totally agree that influencing can also distract you from living, make you feel bad, etc. You gave such an honest and smart take on it all, and I'm thrilled to see you finding what works for you personally.
Sooo good. I remember my exe boyfriend used the terms “trying to be an influencer or “something” against me when I first started creating online. I wish more people knew the creativity and work that went into it like many other communications jobs.
Love this. I left a job as a school principal two years ago to go back into the classroom. I think people are still confused but I am SO much happier. I think we need to normalize less stuff and making “enough” money doing jobs we prefer over the higher paid ones.
This is so fascinating. And good for you for doing the thing that felt best for you regardless of what is deemed more "successful." It's hard!! But worth it, I'm sure.
I wish more of us had the space and flexibility and support to do this.
Nice work on this. Always appreciate your authenticity in all subject areas. I love watching you grow in your writing and photography and all the things. I especially love to see your confidence and self assurance steading and you still giggle at yourself. Its a privilege. Keep up the great work!
As someone in the process of tapering off from working in sellevision and into full-time writing, I really relate to this. Finishing my second book now!
"It was a career I had stumbled into, one that allowed me to be comfortable instead of facing failure at something I really cared about. I think I always sort of knew that I was using it as a way to delay chasing other dreams, ones that scared me more. To stay just busy enough to never push myself, or be able to call myself a real writer."
It's not writing for me, but this hit me deep in my soul. Thank you for chasing your dreams and sharing them with us!
Such transparency, such honesty, such insight. I appreciate this.
Thank you very much, Kelly!
Here for your writing, not your links 😘
(though I did send your target pants link to a friend who bought them immediately)
Listen, I am flattered by both of these sentiments. The pants are, indeed, excellent.
“Somewhere along the way, I had started to create things because I had followers instead of having followers because of what I created.” 🤯
Thanks for writing such a relatable essay. I’m also struggling with my own version of this as my life transitions more into *author things* vs *influencer things.*
Loved your book so much! As a fellow Quirk author, I was lucky enough to get an ARC from the team. SABI had incredible twists up until the very end. Congrats on finishing another book, too!
Thank you so much, Tawny! It really is a strange line to walk. And it's scary to figure it out!! But possible, I think. I appreciate you reading. <3
Wow. Beautifully done. Brave. Brava. Thank you! We needed this.
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the essay.
And support reproductive rights! I’m in!
Absolutely!
Nodding my head to all of this you genius!!!
I'm so flattered. Thank you, Erika!!
Very insightful read. Thanks for sharing!
And thank you for reading <3
Wow! This may be my favorite post of yours. It was SO interesting to hear your experiences and perspective. Personally, I prefer writing more than "influencing" too and for me I found a good middle ground for that in prioritizing blogging over social media. I absolutely love connecting with people and book people are always the nicest, but I totally agree that influencing can also distract you from living, make you feel bad, etc. You gave such an honest and smart take on it all, and I'm thrilled to see you finding what works for you personally.
Thank you so much, Jules! I really appreciate this. I'm definitely still figuring a lot of it out, too. It's a process!!
This is whip smart and crazy insightful, both from an inward reflection for you and an outward reflection for your audience. Nicely done, Olivia.
Thank you, Kristen!! That means a lot to me.
Sooo good. I remember my exe boyfriend used the terms “trying to be an influencer or “something” against me when I first started creating online. I wish more people knew the creativity and work that went into it like many other communications jobs.
Agree! The stigma and judgment is unreal.
Love this. I left a job as a school principal two years ago to go back into the classroom. I think people are still confused but I am SO much happier. I think we need to normalize less stuff and making “enough” money doing jobs we prefer over the higher paid ones.
Well said, Olivia!
This is so fascinating. And good for you for doing the thing that felt best for you regardless of what is deemed more "successful." It's hard!! But worth it, I'm sure.
I wish more of us had the space and flexibility and support to do this.
This is so good and it takes a lot of bravery to give something up and chase something else!
Thank you! I really appreciate that, Robin. <3
Nice work on this. Always appreciate your authenticity in all subject areas. I love watching you grow in your writing and photography and all the things. I especially love to see your confidence and self assurance steading and you still giggle at yourself. Its a privilege. Keep up the great work!
This is so kind. Thank you, thank you.
Great piece… excited to read your book 📕 💪🏼🥰
Thank you so much!!
As someone in the process of tapering off from working in sellevision and into full-time writing, I really relate to this. Finishing my second book now!
I've never heard the term 'sellivision' and now I am very curious. Off to google.
In any case, though, wishing you the best of luck. It's not easy but you're definitely not alone!
https://www.hsn.com/products/homedics-body-flex-back-stretching-mat/9709365?query=9709365&isSuggested=true
Ahhhhh!
"It was a career I had stumbled into, one that allowed me to be comfortable instead of facing failure at something I really cared about. I think I always sort of knew that I was using it as a way to delay chasing other dreams, ones that scared me more. To stay just busy enough to never push myself, or be able to call myself a real writer."
It's not writing for me, but this hit me deep in my soul. Thank you for chasing your dreams and sharing them with us!
Thank you. Good luck in whatever your particular dream is, too :) Wishing you the best.