11 Comments
Sep 12, 2022Liked by Sofia A Koutlaki

Sofia, thank you for your honest writing, there were so many things I wanted to write down and think about after reading your newsletter. When you outlined the why of your writing, " I have the overwhelming urge to tell my stories (for there are many); to meet my younger self, those long dead and those still alive on the page; to work out what we did to ourselves and each other and why; perhaps, to find some resolution." - I've never read a description about writing that so closely and eloquently describes the why of the process, it resonated so much, thank you. I'm really interested in Bethany Websters work and would love to hear more about your experience with that. I also found this exercise, from a short story workshop very freeing - it was to take a known person with a clear personality trait and trace back to the moment this trait began to appear and the why of it. I wrote a scene about my father as a little boy, it was imagined but based on real facts. The compassion I felt for him writing this was so deep, it was a powerful exercise and one I've repeated with other people if I'm ever in difficulty with them.

Expand full comment

I agree with Jenny, such brave writing! Just reading this newsletter felt comforting and helpful so I can only imagine how reading your whole book would feel. Maybe have a younger you in mind who might be helped from reading it to keep you moving forward? And you are right, the only way is through (but with lots of support, breaks and treats I think ;). (Also, I love Bethany Webster, her course was quite life changing for me).

Expand full comment

Such brave writing Sofia! ❤️

Expand full comment
Sep 10, 2022Liked by Sofia A Koutlaki

"Over the coming days, I intend to reflect on what difference my life is making, no matter how small."

For one thing, you're committed to spending a full year leading people through exercises to help them become better people. That's no small thing.

Expand full comment

Narcissism makes everything so much more difficult. I’m at the same stage as you; I’ve realised the fault isn’t/wasn’t mine, which is a huge shift in mindset and memory. I guess the solution is just to write without the thought of making it public - for now. The decision to do so can be made down the line. Taking off that pressure and allowing yourself to release it on to the page may be the cathartic action you need right now x

Expand full comment