why i write when no one reads
remembering why i write in the first place! also, the weekly releases, bestsellers, and one of my favorite reads of the summer.
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I am dramatic, and I know it. I know people do read these articles. More, in fact, than I ever really anticipated. It’s genuinely unfathomable that hundreds of people open my emails and read them. At the same time, though, it’s impossible to prevent the comparison that sneaks in, the lick of perfectionism that tries to steal my joy.
My brain tells me that I could be better. What can I do differently? What isn’t working? How can I be better?
How exhausting is that? Writing with a critical voice in your head is really difficult. It makes me edit while I write, which is counterproductive to getting the words on the page. It makes me want to scrap a whole article after reading it back the first time, even if I don’t have the time. In fact, I have always greatly feared sharing my creative work with groups. I’m just now realizing that it’s maybe because I am so harsh on myself that I expect others to be too.
It may sound silly, but sometimes I really pretend that I am writing journal entries or things just for myself. A lot of the things I post on here are reflective and vulnerable — perfect journal entries! It is easiest for me to work through my thoughts and feelings about things by writing them down. Basically, I’m writing a digital diary that you all get to read. The book I’m working on is really honestly for me. It’s about something I am struggling with and not doing it alone anymore has given me a sense of peace. Writing out the struggle, then watching how my own brain resolves it gives me peace and reassurance that I can do it for myself too.
So, I write whether or not someone reads for me, or I am trying to. When I recenter my thoughts while I write, I remember that above all, writing is something I enjoy. It’s something I’ve made the active decision to show up for day after day. And ultimately, that writing is for me.
I am dramatic when I say why I write when no one reads because I read it. I write it for myself, and I read it as a reminder when I need to. It is a form of self care for me and an expression of my inner most self.
To my fellow creatives, whether you write, paint, sing, dance, take photos, cook, or whatever brings you joy, I urge you to remember why you started in the first place. It is because you wanted to. It is because it brings you joy. Do not let anyone take that away from you.
These 12 prints come from Love, a series of color lithographs that form a disjointed narrative about a woman who experiences love, although it is unclear if she is falling in love with a man, nature, or her faith. Each soft and dreamlike image is paired with a caption of fragmented poetry that serves as its title, but these phrases do not directly describe their corresponding images. Maurice Denis, who was also a writer, crafted these puzzling yet evocative captions to add layers of meaning through the interplay of text and image.
- Art Institvte Chicago
It’s interesting, is it not, that a fellow writer and creative made a twelve print series about a woman falling in love seemingly with creativity? In the print above, it looks like she is writing something or perhaps looking at piano sheet music? Whatever it may be, it is creative, and it speaks to the heart of humanity.
All links to books are affiliate links through bookshop.org to help support indie bookstores.
The Happiness Experiment by Carl B. Barney (Self-Help): July 8, 2025
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto (Fantasy): July 8, 2025
The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware (Mystery/Thriller): July 8, 2025
The Irresistible Urge to Fall for your Enemy by Brigette Knightley (Fantasy): July 8, 2025
Rage by Linda Castillo (Mystery/Thriller): July 8, 2025
The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani (Fiction): July 8, 2025
Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncroft (Mystery/Thriller): July 8, 2025
Dinner With King Tut by Sam Kean (Science and History): July 8, 2025
These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean (Fiction): July 8, 2025
Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild (Fiction): July 8, 2025
All The Men I’ve Loved Again by Christine Pride (Romance): July 8, 2025
Books I’ve compiled from a variety of bestseller lists. I add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell (Thriller)
A Mother’s Love by Danielle Steel (Fiction/Romance)
Severed Heart by Kate Stewart (Romance)
The Dragon Republic by RF Kuang (Fantasy)
note: specifically the new special edition, but it is $40 so I linked the normal copy. Either way this is an amazing fantasy trilogy.
If you have a book recommendation to share, send me a DM or email me at thesundayreads@gmail.com!
Spectacular Things by Beck Dorey-Stein
Giving this book another shout out because it became a Reese’s Book Club pick! The surprise of the summer for me. I loved it a lot.
That’s all for today. Much love
Izzy
I read! Not every edition sadly owing to time but that’s on me, not you. Love reading your work, and I relate with the journal vibes.
I always adore your pieces Izzy!
And I know just how you feel: it's daunting seeing any number pop up on my dashboard. Lots of my essays start in my journal and then they're edited for public consumption, hahah.