15 Comments
Sep 19Liked by Rob Tourtelot

I feel this one. Even my very successful artist friends report feeling anxiety, shame, nausea, etc. when launching their work into the world....

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Thank you, Matt. I've so often heard the same thing.

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Haha, man, I most certainly could not have said it better than:

"We pretzel up on the floor, we wonder what we’ve done, and then we find out from other writers that this, over and over again, is pretty much the gig."

Great reflection, and major congrats on the first of many paid subscribers.

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Thanks man, I really appreciate it!

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Sep 19Liked by Rob Tourtelot

This feels 100% accurate to me. A commitment to being a contribution in the world=permanent vulnerability hangover.

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For sure. That's a great way of putting it. I appreciate the thoughtful comment, as always.

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Sep 19Liked by Rob Tourtelot

Exactly what I needed to hear today, thanks for sharing Rob, I think you’re awesome & a great writer!

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Thank you, Caitlin—so good to see you here!

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Brilliant man. Felt this one in my heart: "Every time I hit publish on Substack, I immediately want to take it back." Somehow I think that's exactly our indicator that we've said something worth saying.

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Thanks, Jeremy—I love thinking of it that way. Glad this one landed (as, of course, I had my doubts!)

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Whenever I watch a singer/band, especially in a bar where no one may even be listening, I always think how brave they are. To me, that’s 100x more intense than writing, where at least you don’t have to physically see people not reading or watch their faces as they do. Pass on props to your daughter.

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This is so true. I'll pass along props, for sure. Thanks so much for reading, and commenting. I really appreciate it, Mikaela!

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Congrats Rob! And the story about your daughter is so poignant. She’s lucky to have a dad like you to guide her. And none of us truly ever escape that feeling of vulnerability I think.

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Thanks so much, Emily. I agree—when we don't feel vulnerable at all, we're probably holding something back. I appreciate your being here!

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What a beautiful moment to share with your daughter. I hope it's her first of many songs and your first of many paid subscribers. Congrats to both of you for putting yourselves out there for others to find. 💛

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