Well that went quick.
I’ve really enjoyed writing these things, but I still don’t know what to call them. Essays isn’t right because it suggests academic language and lots of footnotes, whereas I’m aiming for spirited language and a lack of footnotes. Letters isn’t right either because these things usually not addressed to anyone in particular. It’s just whatever wants to come out when I sit down to write them.
Often I have an idea for something I want to explore like Movement as Resistance or Blessing Deficit Disorder, and I challenge myself to just write once sentence that feels juicy, alive, unusual or provocative, then allow that sentence to lead the next.
Since I don’t identify at all as an academic, I feel much more free to be playful with ideas and try things out. Mostly I want the language and ideas to feel alive and be enlivening, otherwise they aren’t talismans since they would offer no vitality to the soul.
Talismans Against Boring Culture was initially intended as a fortnightly newsletter to bring people a little boost to their psychic defences which we all need in this world of hyper-bureaucracy, pale language, addictive technologies, and the various global crises we get pelted with by the News every day. It wouldn’t be so bad if they mixed in some inspiring stuff, but they pretty much don’t, and it’s all delivered in that abstract, authoritative language that has become the normal way a lot of us speak and think.
Looking over this last year’s output here on Talismans, it seems like I’ve shared something with you about every three weeks on average, with some periods being more prolific than others. With two children, bills to pay, and other creative projects in works, this feels like a rhythm I can sustain, and I want to sustain it, not just because these are fun to write, but also because people seem to appreciate them. Sometimes I think ‘Is anyone reading this?’, then folk from my local community will tell me they’re really digging that thing I just sent out, which is awesome and makes me want to do more.
If you look around Substack you’ll find a lot of writers releasing the majority of their work to paid subscribers. That’s what the platform was partly designed for - to make it easier for people to support the writers they love. Since this is Talisman’s first anniversary, I’ve been asking myself ‘A lot of people are pledging money to support writers on Substack newsletters… would they do the same for mine?’
At present, the lowest amount Substack will allow me to set monthly subscriptions at is £3.50, with discounts for annual subscribers. My feeling is that even though £3.50 is only as much an overpriced cappuccino, I’d still need to write two delicious articles per month in order for it to feel worth it. If I’m wrong about that please tell me, or better yet, upgrade your subscription! But if I’m not wrong, then what I’m going to do is this…
I’ll continue writing these Talismans when I feel like it and giving them all out for free. Come Imbolc 2024, I’ll take stock and decide what to do from there. Maybe I’ll to stop (unlikely), maybe I’ll carry on as I am, but if I had to guess, in February next year, I’ll be aiming to write two excellent pieces every month, most of which will only be available to paid subscribers. I’ll set the subscription fee as low as possible, so people like me on relatively low incomes can still enjoy them. I’ll also keep putting out filmed conversations with inspiring people over on my YouTube channel - Fantasy Creates Reality - as well as the occasional free short story or bits of poetry over on my website.
That’s quite a lot of free stuff, and I want it to be good, so the next year or so is going to be hard work. But it’s work I love, and work isn’t really the right word for it. ‘Serious play’ is better.
The biggest challenge for me has been finding a rhythm of making these Talismans and YouTube videos in a way that doesn’t steal focus from the more ambitious projects I’m working on, which at the moment is a fantasy novel I’ve just finished researching for and have begun writing. If you’re curious about this, then I’ll be sharing some behind-the-scenes stuff over on Patreon, which, by the way, is the best method of supporting my overall work if you feel inclined to throw me a few silvers.
Anyway, that’ll do for now. The next talisman you receive from me will contain as much magic, wildness and wit as I can cram into it. Spirited language is one of the best antidotes for boring culture. Don’t let the Machine grind you down.
Love,
Ben
You are writing essays, which are defined as "a short piece of writing on a particular subject". Academic pieces with footnotes are generally called articles. And have you read Terry Pratchett? Definitely not academic, and he's known for his footnotes. :) Have you googled "books of essays"? Many many, the vast majority of which are not academic at all. But if you don't like the word "essay", call it "creative non-fiction pieces". (Sorry, the teacher and editor in me came out!)
Regardless of what you call your writings, I enjoy them. And I also appreciate the struggle between creators needing to be paid, and being disabled without 'extra' money.