Welcome to The Coherent Writer,
A newsletter that helps you craft a purposeful path to creative success, in writing, and in life!
As writers, we seek to express ourselves. We write because we can and because we want to. But we also want other things - money, fame, accolades, respect.
How do we combine our desires with our actions in a way that brings us satisfaction and makes sense for us personally?
The Coherent Writer is a newsletter for thoughtful writers eager to craft a purposeful path to creative success. It is a place for writers who:
want to choose wisely from the cacophony of conflicting advice
aim to consciously create a body of work that they are proud of
seek to show up authentically - in writing and in life
What does the Coherent Writer do?
By bringing a weekly dose of encouragement that is clear, practical, and relevant, it inspires you to think and act in a manner that builds coherence, a prerequisite for a meaningful life.
Each week you will receive a thoughtful essay, article or resource about the Art, Business and Craft of writing as well as a monthly reflective prompt to craft a coherent and satisfying life as a creative writer.
Who is the Coherent Writer for?
A creative life is supposed to be full of light and joy. Yet, so many writers struggle to feel the joy embedded in the act of creation.
Here’s a little quiz:
Do you often struggle to choose between
your art - write more (because you love it),
your craft - read more (to get better),
your business - outreach, marketing etc (to ensure it gets to the intended reader)?
Are you confused, conflicted and overwhelmed by all the ways in which you need to present yourself to the world as a writer (and as a person)?
Do you feel stretched and exhausted while trying to fit writing into the myriad demands of daily life?
If you answered yes to any (or all) of the above questions, stop here for a minute.
I was at the same crossroads in October 2021. As my book, Rewriting My Happily Ever After - a memoir of divorce and discovery, got close to publication, my body just quit on me. I could not drag myself out of bed or do simple everyday things for weeks.
The cause? Burnout!
Handling writing, editing, publishing, and marketing responsibilities while managing a full time job took a toll. Although I enjoyed every aspect of bringing my book to life and ensuring it reached intended readers, I also know how confused and tired I felt as I navigated the road to becoming a published author.
In this newsletter I share lessons from my journey so that you can craft a personalised coherent plan that brings you success and satisfaction.
Why subscribe?
If you are curious about the path to becoming a Coherent Writer, there are two ways to get onboard.
Subscribe for FREE and receive at least one issue each month with an essay about one of the aspects related to the art, business or craft of writing.
If you would like to commit to becoming a Coherent Writer, please consider a paid subscription of $50 per year (or $5 per month).
Perks of being a paid subscriber
✍️ Each month you will receive an original piece of writing in the form of essays, book reviews, recommendations for resources and lessons I have learned that provide practical insights for your creative journey on the path to becoming a Coherent Writer
🎤 Audio versions of posts to listen to when you are too busy to read the words
🔑 Access to the full archive on Substack
🖋 Ability to comment on posts, participate in discussions and share your experiences in the Coherent Writer community
📚 A monthly round up of responses to Ask Me Anything questions
🎧 First peek into a Coherent Writer Toolkit
💸 Discounts on future books, courses and more!
❤️ By becoming a paid subscriber you will also be supporting my work as a writer and enable me to keep supporting this community of thoughtful writers to which we belong.
A little bit about me
I’m originally from Mumbai, India, and spent my formative years as a young adult in the USA. While my day job as a scientist gives me professional satisfaction, my writing interests have steadily taken over as the primary source of personal joy.
I write non-fiction; mostly personal essays, memoir pieces on travel and life, and op-eds on topics of current interest. My writing has won some awards, and appeared in several digital and print publications and anthologies in India, USA and Singapore, where I now live.
This newsletter is my effort to not just write but to look deeper into the process of weaving together a successful creative life by making choices that allow us to show up Authentically, choose Boldly and create Consistently.
I firmly believe that showing up is more important than showing off. Leaving behind a legacy that you can be proud of is more valuable that going viral. And finding purpose in what you do enriches and adds meaning to your life.
You can check out my books and other writing on my website - www.ranjanirao.com.
