AMA: A post on how I write a book about collapse on Substack
Oct 29, 2024
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Listeners dive into the host's writing process for a serialized book on societal collapse, exploring the creative journey shaped by audience feedback. The emotional weight of reflecting on collapse sparks discussions about personal accountability and societal responsibility. Insights reveal how embracing mortality can ease anxiety and foster deeper connections. The host invites participation for future interactive sessions while reflecting on the unique calm found in confronting fears, encouraging a community dialogue on these pressing themes.
Writing in a serialized format encourages reader engagement and community input, which enrich the author's exploration of complex themes.
Confronting mortality offers a calming perspective that promotes authenticity in living, ultimately fostering personal growth and deeper understanding.
Deep dives
The Impact of Serialization on Writing
Writing a book chapter by chapter in a serialized format fosters a dynamic creative flow and enhances engagement with readers. This process allows for real-time feedback and interaction, which can significantly influence the content and direction of the writing. The author emphasizes the importance of community input, as comments from readers often spark new ideas and deepen their understanding of complex themes. This iterative approach not only holds the author accountable but also helps them remain authentic in their exploration of critical societal issues.
Threads of Meaning in Complex Topics
The author employs the concept of 'threads' to weave together core themes throughout their writing, particularly in addressing the idea of societal collapse. These threads emerge from extensive contemplation and research, often taking the form of key insights that challenge conventional wisdom or offer new perspectives. For instance, they discuss the necessity of embracing truth over hope, recognizing that hope has not adequately prepared society for impending challenges. This layered approach allows readers to see how various themes interconnect and culminate in a deeper understanding of humanity's current state.
Facing Death as a Path to Acceptance
The author discusses their unique relationship with the concept of death, expressing that confronting mortality can alleviate anxiety and foster a sense of calm. This perspective emerges from a belief that recognizing the inevitability of death can encourage individuals to live more fully and authentically. Personal anecdotes illustrate how, in moments of crisis, they find peace in acceptance rather than fear, suggesting that grappling with existential questions can lead to growth. This idea resonates with broader philosophical teachings that encourage individuals to embrace their mortality as a means of unlocking deeper meanings in life.
Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of “Ask Me Anything” questions about the minutiae of writing about - and having to live through - collapse. I try to cover most of these kinds of questions as we work through the book Serialisation process, but a few get left behind. And so this week’s Wild episode covers these off.
You are welcome to join the 55,000 subscribers who are following the book, chapter by chapter, week by week, here. You’ll be invited to upgrade (sorry to have to use such commercial language) to a paid subscription…this helps me to be able to dedicate most of my working week to writing said book. But don’t feel obligated. You can stay a free subscriber and read these first few chapters here and a preview of every other one!
SHOW NOTES
Here’s where you can start reading the first chapter of the Book Serialisation