E29 - Content Creation Turned Me Into A Shadow Writer.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we explore a growing trend among content creators and how it may be affecting you as well. Have you noticed that many of your favorite YouTubers from pre-COVID days have become less active, retreating from the hustle of constant content creation? We're diving into why this is happening and what it means for creators and aspiring artists.

We discuss the concept of the Shadow Artist, a term coined by Julia Cameron in her influential book The Artist's Way. A Shadow Artist is someone who is closely linked to their art but is not fully pursuing it. Instead, they may find themselves in related but less fulfilling roles.

We'll look at examples from the world of YouTube, featuring creators like Matt D'Avella and Nathaniel Drew, who have transitioned from active content creators to seeking deeper, more meaningful creative pursuits.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the Shadow Artist: Learn how shadow careers can keep you close to your art without truly engaging in it. Discover how this concept applies to modern content creators and their struggles.
• The Case of Matt D'Avella and Nathaniel Drew: Explore how these YouTubers faced creative dissatisfaction and their journey to reclaim their artistic freedom.
• Personal Reflection: I share my own experience as a Shadow-Writer, grappling with the balance between creating content and pursuing genuine artistic expression.
• Flipping the Script: Discover strategies to prioritize your true art over content creation. Learn how to focus your time and energy on what truly fulfills you, and how to use supplementary content to support, not overshadow, your core creative work.

Actionable Steps:

1. Reassess Your Creative Priorities: Reflect on whether your current activities align with your true artistic goals.
2. Create Art First: Focus the majority of your time and energy on creating your primary art, whether it's writing, filmmaking, painting, or any other form.
3. Supplementary Content: Use content creation as a tool to support your art, rather than allowing it to consume all your creative energy.
4. Evaluate Engagement and Fulfillment: Regularly assess whether your current creative practices are bringing you joy and satisfaction.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron

• Matt D'Avella's YouTube Channel 1
• Channel 2
• Nathaniel Drew's YouTube Channel 1
• Channel 2

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Soul Writer vs. Social Writer - Find Out Which One Are You?, Why Is It Important, and Finding Your Sweet Spot.

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About Podcast -

Welcome to Becoming A Writer podcast, a space where we write freely, write fearlessly, and write forever.

In my writing life so far, one of the biggest realisations I have had is that it is not about writing and publishing a book but about becoming a writer who writes for life.

Your dream of seeing your books in your hand and in the hands of your readers is possible. But first, you have to become the writer your books deserve.

With this podcast, I want to give you the love, support, encouragement to realise, become and stay a writer for life and enjoy every moment. I want you to know that writing is not as difficult as it seems and that you can have a fun time.

Music by: Happy Lazy Loop by Serge Quadrado (At Adobe Stock)

About Me -

My name is Rubina Gauri Gomes, and I am a multi-genre writer, in touch with my writer soul since 2014.

I publish my essays on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rubinagomes.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and am the author of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Soul Writer vs. Social Writer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, my non-fiction book for my fellow writers.