Welcome back to A Writing Life, our series of monthly articles written by long-time 26 member and contributor Rob Self-Pierson.
Like many of us, Rob straddles the line between commercial and creative writing. Each month, we’re inviting him to share the trials and triumphs of a writing life – and what he learns along the way.
It’s July, and Rob marks a year of this series with a special invitation for us. First, he’s finding encouragement in the words of others…
I’ve been searching in my mum’s loft for something.
Where’s the backpack my brother took to Thailand? I need it for my charity ride to Paris but I can’t find it. David?
Oh well. I’ve come across something more intriguing. A browned, faded greetings card from Auntie Jan, congratulating Mum on the birth of her first child. That’s my other brother, Nick.
The card, like Nick, is almost 50 years old. The words carefully handwritten inside it, each happy and heartfelt, will live on forever. Time passes but two things remain: the memories we cherish, and the messages shared with us in warmth and wisdom.
Last month I reflected on AI, and some reasons for not turning to it in my writing life. One of those is I get my inspiration and motivation from other people and the warmth and wisdom they offer.
That was reinforced at a recent Dark Angels workshop, led by Neil Baker and Martin Lee. ‘Words Together’ gave me prompts to explore my writing life. One exercise paired me with another writer, and challenged us to combine our favourite quotes into a new one.
Ella shared, ‘The chaos is all in the mind’. A ski instructor had said it to encourage her through her fears. I was moved listening to Ella and others in October Gallery share words that mean so much to them.
‘A Writing Life’ began in August 2024. To mark this first year of articles, I’d like to offer more words from other people. Messages I’ve heard or read that stay with me. Warmth and wisdom that continues to encourage me and my writing life – and might encourage you too.
Here you go, starting with the quote I shared with Ella:
“Experience is my biggest enemy – it makes me believe I know what I’m doing.” Michael Wolff
I met Michael at an event after going freelance. I told him I enjoyed his bold views on brand – and how I was I was struggling to win work because creative studios kept telling me I needed more experience.
“I’ve learned to say yes more than no.” John Simmons
This last year has tested me. To protect myself, I’ve been saying ‘no’ more than I usually would. I met with 26’s John Simmons in June and asked how he manages to achieve so much. What’s his secret?
“Why are we reading, if not in hope of beauty laid bare, life heightened and its deepest mystery probed?” Annie Dillard
I’m re-reading The Writing Life (whose title inspired this series of articles) for the first time since university. I realise now I live with this sentiment. For me, it’s as true of writing as it is reading.
“Share your ideas with others. Clear the pipeline for more ideas to appear.” Daniel Oparison and his father
Dan is both a dear friend and smart strategist. Perhaps the only person wiser than Dan is his dad. They gave me this advice early in my career, when I was locking ideas away in case they got stolen.
“Find your win.” John Jessup
No matter what you’re doing, look for the reward. That’s what JJ, former Leo Burnett creative director and today my good friend, encourages. Life and work can be tough. But joy is never far.
“Focus on the little things you can control.” Fiona Thompson
Do you worry about what you can’t control? In life, we can hope for lots, influence a bit but control little. Fellow 26 member and friend Fiona gets that – and therefore knows where to put her energy.
“It’s not what happens to you that makes you who you are. It’s what you do in response.” David Bate
A friend shared this when I suffered loss. In his life, David had lost far more. He’d lived long enough to see how struggle shapes you. These words became the message of my travel memoir, Moonwalking. It feels good to write these out and share them with you. Often, it’s at times we share with others that we learn the most ourselves.
Together we go
If all’s gone to plan, I’ve made it to the Eiffel Tower (with a new backpack). Cycling over 300 miles from London I’ll have kept this new quote, crafted with Ella, in my tired mind: All I am is all I need.
While I recover, I’d love it if you’d say yes to my invitation. Would you like to contribute to ‘A Writing Life’? You could be a guest writer if I’m away, or appear alongside me on a theme we choose. Yes? Great! Email Max and we’ll share how things might work.
Oh and if you’d like to sponsor my ride, which I did for my late Uncle Donald, Gwen and Epilepsy Action, thank you – just head to justgiving.com.
See you back here in August as we continue to explore a writing life.
Onwards,
Rob
If you’d like to share in response, message Rob via Max at 26. Also, find out more about Rob’s studio or connect with him.