Patty Mayeux Blog

I’ve recently jumped on Substack, an excellent social engagement platform, especially for writers. I’m surprised and encouraged that readers crave these often-lengthy essays. While I strive to keep these Monday and Wednesday blog posts at 200 words, I can let loose on Substack, even inching toward 1k. It’s fun to write away, at least for draft one. But rambling writers beware; it is not a free for all. We know it can be more difficult to write short than long, but one can run the risk of neglecting better writing to serve a higher word count. I must remind myself of my purpose in posting. I don’t seek the exhibitionistic social media mindset of look at me, see me, hear me for the mere sake of engaging with an unknown audience. I’m not interested in revealing my whereabouts or fantastic feats or new and flashy fill-in-the-blank. These posts hold the lofty goal of encouraging or inspiring readers, a gift more than an ask. While it is fun to ramble in draft one of any post, this writer strives to pay attention to every word of each one. May I succeed in the long and short of it.