Help me build
This is Western Coffee—notes on building the creative body. Last time: The map of your effects. The whole series is here. Please share this email; you can sign up free below.
For almost three years, I’ve been writing here about the ties between athletics and creativity—with some sizable detours into pain, grief, and AI, though I would argue these aren’t really detours, since it all comes down to embodiment and what we choose do with that while we can.
Writing this newsletter is fun and stimulating, and I plan to keep at it as long as the ideas and the audience keep coming.
At the same time, I’ve been on a long journey away from the security of a well-paid career in stable institutions to a more self-determined—and vulnerable and contingent—path.
This year, I’m working to finish my novel about Joseph Smith, as well as writing something more substantive about the personal losses of the last year. I also have a few projects in the works for publication elsewhere, along the lines of the work I’ve done for The Atlantic. Eventually, I hope that some or all of these endeavors will go a long way toward paying the bills. (I’m also working on building out a coaching practice.) But we’re not there yet, not even close.
So I’m asking for help in three ways:
Forward an edition of the newsletter you enjoyed to one or more other people, with a short personal note of recommendation, and ask them to subscribe for free. If you have an audience of your own, here or on another platform, share Western Coffee with them. The whole series is here.
Pledge to become a paid subscriber, at a pricing tier of your choice. If you’re an existing free subscriber, you’ll see pledge buttons in the middle and at the end of each email. The newsletter will continue to be available in its entirety free to everyone, so this isn’t really a transactional exchange; it’s a plea, just for those who are able, to help me build into this new era. I’ll be turning on paid subscriptions in April, and if you’ve pledged, you’ll be charged starting then.
Reach out about working with me as a coach. (You can just reply to this email.) I’m an experienced leader and innovator. You can trust me for insight and grounded support as you do your own building, of a life that honors your experience and passion. Every one of us has a creative body that is worthy of attention, nourishment, building. Nothing could make me happier than getting behind that work for you.
Thank you for reading and for being part of my community. Know that I make these requests of you, just as I regard your attention, with humility and gratitude.
All the best,
Michael
Kindly send me your thoughts, questions, and provocations: dmichaelowen@gmail.com.