I’ve thought a lot about writing this year.
And about the value of writing.
Writing has felt like an act of defiance.
After catching Covid early April, I’ve felt lethargic. And, sometime in June, my inner critic tried to tell me writing was a waste of my energy.
You’re burnt out, she told me. Or maybe it’s a serious writer’s block? It would be better to give up. Quit writing!
But I didn’t want to listen to my inner critic.
I told her that sometimes life is hard but that it would get better again. Everything shall pass.
I asked my inner critic to be patient. I asked her to stop scaring me and to allow me to keep trying.
Why?
Because writing makes me feel alive, and it allows me to be my best self. I didn’t want to give that up. I knew that feeling of aliveness would come back.
I realized that for me writing had become an essential part of being human.
2023 has, of course, been the year of AI
Everyone seems to talk about Artificial Intelligence and how to use it to be more productive.
I understand that.
There is an extraordinary pressure to produce more, to publish more.
And writing is hard.
The process of creating something new is full of doubts; you’re never sure where you’ll end up at.
Over the years, I learned to be okay with that discomfort, to acknowledge it, and to keep writing. I learned to be patient and to trust my writing process.
I even learned to appreciate the difficult parts of writing. Because it’s often thanks to the chaos, the uncertainty, and the unease that new insights arrive.
Of course, I’m extraordinarily lucky. I write for my own business. The pressures are different when you write for clients.
Writing this blog is not just a business venture
I don’t think of it as content marketing.
Of course, it’s true that I make my living writing and that my blog helps me sell my writing courses.
But writing is so much more than that.
Writing helps me formulate my ideas. It has taught me what matters to me. It taught me about my values and even who I am.
As Elizabeth Gilbert suggests, creativity allows us to become deeper and truer versions of ourselves. I believe in that. I’ve witnessed it.
Writing is also an opportunity to connect with you.
Even if you stay quiet, this feels like a conversation with you. You read what I’ve written and interpret it in your way, add your own ideas, make it your own. This is such a wonderful thing about writing: It’s an opportunity to connect, to recognize each other’s humanness, to be human.
Asked about AI, songwriter and musician Nick Cave writes:
I’m a songwriter who is engaged, at this very moment, in the process of songwriting. It’s a blood and guts business, here at my desk, that requires something of me to initiate the new and fresh idea. It requires my humanness.
I also think of writing as an embodied practice. I don’t just write with my brain. I write with my whole body—with my heart, with my gut, with that softness that nestles in my belly, with that fierceness that races through my veins.
Just like we sing or make music or dance with our whole bodies, we write with our bodies, too.
Writing is an expression of life
Living with low energy has changed my perspective on life.
Before my car accident, I wanted to cram as much into my days as possible. I was always busy.
Slowing down has allowed me to be more present and appreciate the small moments of life, such as waking up in a warm bed; cooking and eating nasi goreng—my favorite comfort food; seeing the moon through the trees—that benevolent, waxing crescent was so beautiful yesterday.
And yes, writing is part of that, too. Being present. Paying attention.
As Zadie Smith said:
The very reason I write is so that I might not sleepwalk through my entire life.
There’s much pressure online to produce more content, and that makes the call of AI so tempting. But I resist. How much I produce feels less important to me. Instead, I want to be present in my writing.
I want my writing to be human. I want this to be a conversation between you and me.
Writing as an act of human defiance.
My spark is back
In recent weeks, my lethargy has dissipated. My energy is flowing back. I started working on a new course.
We might be on the cusp of winter but I’m tiptoeing out of my winter cave. My heart is ready for spring. My creative soul is ready for renewal.
I feel excited about exploring creativity afresh. I want to keep writing, drawing, exploring, learning, connecting.
New creative adventures are waiting.
Thank you for reading me this year.
I wish you happy holidays and a sparkling new year full of creative adventures.
See you in 2024?
In a world increasingly dominated by AI, your passionate defense of the written word stands as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable value of human creativity and insight.
That’s a lovely way to put it, Grace: The irreplaceable value of human creativity and insight. Even if AI could replace human creativity, I wouldn’t want to miss out on creating and thinking by myself. It makes me a better human being.
Thank you for stopping by!
I think you have been the best writing guide I have ever experienced. I shared this thought with a friend this afternoon and showed her one of your posts. She was also impressed.
The thing is, your blogs are dynamic, specific, & provide doable exercises that always succeed in the improvement in my writing.
So, thank you, thank you & thank you again for sticking to your writing. The world would lose a great voice if you surrendered to AI.
Awww, what a lovely compliment, Bamboo. Thank you. You know, I’ve recently been thinking that what I like doing most is giving people a voice through their writing. And that’s what AI can’t do.
Thanks for the efforts. I’ve been enjoying your blog from over here in Sydney, Australia. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for reading and for cheering me on, John. I appreciate that.
Happy 2024 Henneke,
I agree, you can’t imagine how much with you. I don’t have a business, I write for myself but for the same reasons as you.
Thank you for this and all the other wonderful posts you write.
Thank you, Claudia. And happy 2024 to you, too.
Henneke, Happy 2024.
I found your website in 2018 and since that I can not stop reading your posts, e-mails. You are definitely an inspiration to me as translator English to Brazilian Portuguese or anyone else who is looking for finding their own voice in this world.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Evelyn. And Happy New Year to you. May 2024 be full of joy and creative adventures.
Thanks Henneke. All the Very Best in 2024.
Best wishes to you for 2024, too, Barry. Thank you for continuing to read my work. I appreciate it.
You continue to inspire me. Happy, healthy, beautiful 2024 to you!
Thank you, Karin. How lovely to see your name pop up again. Wishing you a joyful, healthy and creative 2024!
Happy New Year Henneke!
Thank you for sharing your spirit with written words. Words are from the soul, it has lead me to healing, to protecting myself and nurturing my soul. Like all humans, like you, when I help myself, I am driven to share.
I wish you many great encounters with your muse, your soul; and all of the health and happiness you can bare to share🙋♀️💗
Happy New Year to you, too, Lee-Anne. I’m wishing you joy and health and many creative adventures in 2024.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. Words are so powerful, aren’t they?
I discovered you through an advanced writer I am following and boy oh boy, was I glad. Your content is rich, loving every second of it.
Welcome, Emogene. And thank you for your lovely compliment.
Oh how I love this Henneke!
Your writing has been such an inspiration, and motivation to me this past year- through the many challenges, of sickness and moving to a new place. (while still trying to motivate myself to keep writing)
Wishing you a blessed new year!! I’m looking forward to reading more from you and to hear about your new course!
Happy New Year!🥰🎉
Thank you so much for stopping by, Laura. I’m sorry that 2023 was such a challenging year for you. Sometimes, getting through a year is a magnificent achievement on and of itself.
Wishing you peace and joy in the new year! I’m sending hugs. ♥️
“World Within A Song: Music That Changed My Life and Life That Changed My Music”-Jeff Tweedy
I started reading this here beautiful book on an icky, gray, rainy winter day and I thought of this post.
The Nick Cave part about A.I. and humanness was what I was remembering as I pulled this title off the new non-fiction rack at the local library.
Love this post. I’m sure I’ll revisit it again for inspiration.
I hope this message finds you well.
Thanks so much for the book recommendation, Phil. I read one of Jeff Tweedy’s other books (How to Write One Song) and also enjoyed it. His new book sounds interesting, too.
If you haven’t already, Nick Cave’s The Red Hand Files (https://www.theredhandfiles.com/) is also worth reading. It’s his blog where he answers questions from fans.
Wishing you a joyful start to 2024. Let’s hope the weather improves. It’s been stormy, gray, and rainy here, too.
Thank you, Henneke. I’ve read this just now, on the eve of Christmas Eve. A friend (and colleague) and her writer husband have invited me to join them for Christmas dinner. She phoned this morning to ask if I would read one of my poems there, because her aged mum – who will be with us – had not heard it. And her mum will be sharing a family story. I hope the others will also share a creative piece, and I’ve decided that my new favourite thing for a Christmas meal would be to share our creative gifts, not just (or instead of?) material gifts.
You inspire me, Henneke. All good things to you for Christmas, the holidays and the New Year. Warm greetings from Canada’s east coast.
Such a lovely idea to be sharing creative gifts. I like that. I think it’s much better than sharing material gifts. There’s too much stuff in the world already.
Sending you my best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a joyful, creative new year.
Thank you for being here.
I couldn’t agree more, Henneke. Loved this conversation ;).
Thank you, Liesje. It’s lovely that you’re here. ♥️
Absolutely love this perspective, Henneke!
Makes me feel so refreshed.
Oh, how lovely. Thank you, Kushagra!
What a wonderful piece! I feel exactly the same. Thank you!
Thank you, Richard.
I thought you lived in New Zealand. Winter is six months away, Henneke?
Never mind. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Kind rgds. I enjoy receiving your emails. 🙂
Nope. I live in the UK. Winter officially starts the day after tomorrow.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, too.
What a wonderful reflection on the age of AI. I absolutely loved this paragraph:
‘Writing helps me formulate my ideas. It has taught me what matters to me. It taught me about my values and even who I am.’
We learn through writing, to be, to express ourselves but also to discover who we are becoming – it’s a way to process information and organise ideas. AI has no business in this space of writing as the purpose is self-expression.
One thought on AI, people are writing less and losing the habit. In the future, we’ll need more and more people who know how to convey ideas powerfully like a human, hence practising continuously is a necessity if you work with words.
Cheers to more of these posts for 2024!
I’ve wondered that, too, whether there’ll be a backlash against AI at some stage. Will people rediscover the power of writing as a human?
See you in 2024!
AI has indeed been a life-changer for many people who use a pen to express their feelings. At one point it was almost scary to think that a robot can write like a person. Yet, I found out that a robot, AI, has no feelings, and as yet can’t write like a human can. AI has no sentiments, no emotions, no joy or pain, no sadness or happiness whatsoever as it lives in an electric circuit…
That’s so true. It’ll be up to us to tell our stories. And that’s a beautiful thing.
I very much enjoy your blogs, you are so good.
AI cannot replace human creativity, it’s as simple as that. I’ve tried AI and of course it cannot be as good as I am.
I’ll keep following you in 2024.
Best wishes
Louisa Davis
Thank you so much, Louisa. Let’s keep treasuring our human creativity.
Best wishes to you for 2024.
You know I tell my yoga students, I wish I could do yoga for you. I love to do yoga, but my doing it would not bring you the results you are looking for. AI can do the writing for you, but truly it won’t bring the results you are looking for. To be more connected to the heart and soul of being human.
Yes, that’s so true and an excellent comparison. Thank you for sharing, Kathy.
Thank you much for this inspiring tale. One more from your soul.
Keep your act of defiance for the good of all your readers.
Have a wonderful holiday season.
Best wishes.
Tarcisio
Yes, you’re right. It was straight from the soul. I feel like I’m back. But then again, I never really was away.
Sending you my best wishes for the holiday season, too. Thank you for stopping by!
I’m not a copywriter, or a blogger like many of you. I’m a poem maker, a writer, a scribbler, a scribe, self editor, and harsh self critic.
For me, writing is a journey through a process. Not an end in itself..
AI Seems to want to produce an end, and hack out the journey? Avoiding all emotional feelings, the Lows, and highs that make the journey worthwhile.
I tried to answer Henneke’s question a couple of years ago when I muttered the question to myself. I wrote the answer and refer back to it regularly. I still ask myself the same question. And this answer, quiets the inner critic. If only for a little while.
Poem Making
Poem making is the,
natural expression,
of the human heart,
divining the human condition.
Then sending it out,
to the natural world,
In hopes of being heard.
And understood.
Dennis Morris 4-7-22
Yes, I’m so with you, Dennis. It’s about the process. And I find joy in writing when I focus on the process, not on the result.
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your poem.
Happy poem making!
How grateful I am that I’ve stumbled into your world this year! I was sad you got Covid but have been so impressed with your brave and noble way back. Thank you. Please keep on keeping on; your space is a refreshing place to reboot.
That’s such a lovely thought: That you come here to reboot. Thank you, Juliet. And thank you for being here.
Wonderful insight! Thanks to you I keep writing — from my heart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and yes, I’ll see you next year!
That’s so lovely. Thank you, Terry. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
And a Happy New Year to you Henneke.
Keep writing, you’re quite inspiring.
Cliff
PS – I’ve now seen some of the other comments and inspiring pops up quite a few times. x
Thank you for your encouragement, Cliff. I appreciate it.
And Happy New Year to you!
This is exactly what I needed to read today.
I ignore the SEO recommendations to use AI to create my content because the purpose of my blog is to share the lessons we’ve learned while caring for our elderly loved ones.
We share our joy & pain in an effort to inspire people to plan early for their old age.
AI cannot replace life.
That is so true. Well put: AI cannot replace life.
And what a beautiful mission for your blog.
“AI cannot replace life.”
This sentence made my day.
The comment section today is gold.
Happy holidays and New Year to you, Henneke!
Thank you for your inspiring writing. Your blog is always a joy to read.
Thank you for your lovely compliment, Jan. Happy holidays to you, too!
Yes!
I hope so see you all the 2024, dear
You inspire
Keep up!
Thank you, David. See you in 2024! 🙂
Unfortunately, I haven’t been in luck with getting projects because most clients are in their AI Copywriting era.
The only good thing that came out of it? I lost clients who just wanted to get by with content writing for the sake of it ( who were a lot ) and got left with clients who appreciate the ‘humanized’ essence I bought to the table.
No matter how many AIs the world develops, I am certain my ideas are unique and less likely to be generated with the same POV by anyone else.
Though this thought is comforting, it is often disheartening to experience the tough financial spot I find myself in. Hopefully it will all get better soon 🙂
I hear you. There will always be clients that are looking for cheaper solutions. That’s very tough and I’m sorry you’ve lost clients. I know it’s been a tough year for many freelancers.
Sending you my best wishes for a joyful and more successful 2024!
I love this post. Thank you for writing it! I write every day, I don’t think I could live without it.
But mainly, I’m an artist and an art educator. The arts make it possible to reflect on all of life in the most beautiful ways.
We are so incredibly fortunate to have these gifts of being human.
I’m glad you found yours again
This is so true: “The arts make it possible to reflect on all of life in the most beautiful ways.” I used to think that arts were for a select few talented people only. I’m glad I learned I was wrong and find started writing and drawing. It’s made my life so much richer. Thank you for stopping by, Lauren. Best wishes to you for a creative and sparkling new year!
Thanks so much Henneke, and to you! By the way, if you’re interested I wrote a book about creativity. I’ve been teaching art for 40 years and this is my philosphy on creativity as well as the stories of the women who’ve taken my classes. It’s called Studio Stories, Illuminating Our Lives through Art. If you’d like, here’s the amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Studio-Stories-Illuminating-Lives-Through/dp/1941830897/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
Thanks very much for all you do, Lauren
Beautifully put, Henneke. Happy New Year to you.
Thank you, Christy. Happy New Year to you, too.
Writing is ethereal, not some “effective” buzz, I like to write free, a fat sheet of paper on a clip board with an arsenal of writing utensils within reach, a pleasant scent in the air, with some light ambience. I have no interest in A.I. regardless of its “effectiveness”.
I like drawing with colored pencils on paper. So, I understand the attraction of writing on paper, too (even though I prefer typing as it’s quicker for me).
As you and Cathy Miller said – writing is “so much more than producing content and an income stream.”
Yes, I read all the comments because each of us counts in this immense bubble that is planet Earth. Before reading this entry, Henneke, I was asking myself this very question – would it be better for me to stop writing publicly? (mainly in French via a blog and newsletters).
I understood that I could never stop. Just like you, I feel alive when I write. Which has taken on another dimension since I do it for free, no longer needing to produce for my survival. Writing allows me to simply be me.
Thank you for your wishes, which I return to you a hundredfold, the imagination offering this possibility.
I like what you write: “Writing allows me to simply be me.” I feel the same. And I wouldn’t want to outsource that to AI.
Thank you so much for stopping by again, Monique. I appreciate it, as I appreciate all comments here. My blog wouldn’t be the same without people like you participating and encouraging me.
Sending you my best wishes for a healthy and happy 2024. Let’s write on!
Writing is the articulation of a deep wordless ocean of sentience made portable through the crafting of words. AI is nothing but a surface tool, clever but lacking any ability to dredge into the hidden fabric of the universe and deliver new and novel meaning, it is language as farce when attempting composition, I have played with it, very fine for facts and figures, without merit for creation.
I hope AI will never become good enough to replace writers completely. I like feeling the presence of writers in their writing and get a feel for who they are.
Absolutely see you in 24!
In the 70s I attempted to pass on some table manners and the like to 2 younger girls, things I had been taught by my mom. I knew I was having limited positive influence.
About 2019, one researched me me to thank me for what I taught.
I was floored! Who knew the ripple effect could go so far.
Your influence is strong.
What an uplifting story. Thank you so much for sharing, Janet. See you in 24!
Dear Henneke, please never stop writing! The way you write brings sunshine into my days! It is essential to your readers. By the way, AI would not manage to write like you do! AI is good, but the human touch cannot be replaced. Have a great holiday and a creative 2024!
Thank you so much for your encouragement, Rhia. I do hope that AI will never get so good that it’s able to replace the human touch. Sending you my best wishes for a joyful and creative 2024. Happy holidays!
Thanks so much for this, Henneke. I really needed this. I am blessed to be a caregiver for my 100-year-old mother. Balancing life is not always easy and I am working on a new phase of my writing journey. At times, I want to give it up, too. But you’re right, Henneke. It’s so much more than producing content and an income stream. Wishing you a blessed holiday season and much happiness and good health in 2024. Write on. 😊
Yes, so true. Balancing life is not always easy, and sometimes we need to lower our goals to keep going. Yet, even a little work on a regular basis (it doesn’t even need to be daily) can give us joy and it can add up to a surprising amount of work. I hope you’ll find a good way to balance the different demands of life. Wishing you happy holidays and a joyful and healthy 2024. Let’s all write on!
Amen. 😉
Thank you Henneke.
What you have to say matters, and I am glad you have not given in or given up. Your defiance is my glimmer of hope.
Much love
Thank you, Kim. I appreciate that. Let’s keep hope alive.
Much love to you.
Beautiful writing and message, Henneke! Clear, deep, real, and fun.
Thank you.
Im glad you’re feeling better.
The inner caves are daunting. I know. And delightfully special, in retrospect.
Giving us lots to write about.
AI doesn’t spend time in the caves of despair (I don’t think) so we get the advantage on cave writing.
1+ for team human 🙌🏻
Thank you, Gina.
That’s so true about the inner caves. We emerge with a new insights in what it means to be human.
AI can only mimic the human experience—whether that’s despair or wonder or joy.
Here’s to team human!
🙂
Thanks for sharing yourself with us this year, Henneke. Wishing you a more productive and fulfilling 2024.
Thank you, Elo. Wishing you a joyful, healthy, and creative 2024!
After reading this post, I feel the comfort that comes when meeting a kindred spirit. My own spark has also rekindled after too long burning low. I appreciate your words and efforts to encourage us, Henneke.
That’s lovely. Thank you, MJ.
I caught myself nodding in agreement with you several times. What a great, vulnerable, honest, important piece you wrote!
If I may add, your writing also serves as a great inspiration to many, including myself. It acts as a guiding light, reminding us that everything is achievable. And even though talent is necessary, it also takes courage, stamina, investment in ourselves and our businesses (in every sense of the word).
Wishing you a healthy, inspired, and successful 2024. Thank you for your words, wisdom, and encouragement.
Thank you for your lovely compliment, Maggie. I appreciate you being here!
One thing: I’m not sure about talent. Up until my early 40s, I never believed I could write. I didn’t think I was creative. I certainly didn’t think I had any writing talent. I think a willingness to learn is more important, and patience, and finding a way to be okay with the doubts.
Wishing you a healthy and inspired 2024, too!
“… seeing the moon through the trees-that benevolent, waxing crescent was so beautiful yesterday.”-Henneke
Yesterday?
You mean today?
Just now.
Thousands of miles away across the Pond?
Through my trees as I walk the hound I’m not so sure that same moon wasn’t mocking me.
Smirking and snickering as I shivered in the predawn ice and snow of a Midwest December Tuesday.
Pretty basic, but important.
Not exciting but engaging.
I hope this message finds you well.
Phil
P.S. Happy Holidays.
I wrote that sentence yesterday, so the moon was the day before yesterday. It was a young moon (I do find that a strange expression because the moon doesn’t seem young). The narrow crescent was lovely. It seemed to encourage me. I find the presence of the moon comforting.
Happy Holidays to you, too! Keep warm.
Reading you is always finding inspiration, my dear Henneke, previously from Argentina, now living in Spain. I love how your words flow and push me to generate ideas within me. Enjoy these happy holidays and thank you for sharing your words. See you in 2024!
That’s such lovely feedback. Thank you, Fran. Happy holidays and see you in 2024 🙂
Happy holidays, Henneke! What a great post. I love your defiance! As I get older, I realize we have to pick our battles. Some change we must accept and adapt to. But some we can push back against and stick to our guns. Happy you’re choosing the latter as you head into a new year. I wish you much energy, peace, and creativity in the new year!
Thank you, Eric. I like your way of looking at this—accept some change and adapt to it; but push back to some change. Choose when to push back and when the adapt. I’ll try to remember that. Wishing you a joyful new year, too.
Happy Christmas to you, too, Henneke. I’ve taken inspiration from you and gained belief in myself as an emerging writer.
Thank you, Anita. That’s the biggest compliment you could give me. Happy Christmas to you, too.