16 Comments
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John K Adams's avatar

The best pirates have eyes in the back of their heads. Beware!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Aye. They be tricky like that.

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John K Adams's avatar

Art museums provide great inspiration for activities not directly related to art. More than once, my wife and I have been admonished not to pose with the statues for funny pictures.

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Mark Starlin's avatar

🤣 I have often been confused for a statue. Not sure if that is good or bad.

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Fawzi Ammache's avatar

Wordle is great for the soul 😂❤️

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Mark Starlin's avatar

I am a rookie. I have only done four so far. But I got one in two tries.

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Jack Herlocker's avatar

Keep experimenting with format & content, Mark. Worked for Medium!

(Bad example?)

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Jack. I feel like I am getting a handle on things now.

Yeah, Medium is not the best example. 🤣

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Elle Griffin's avatar

Love that idea! And I love knowing the backstory of Captain Peanut Butter and getting some of your personality behind the fiction! (The louvre story is my fave in this issue 😍)

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Elle. I had to do something. I had foolishly taken on too much and the deadline stress was burning me out. My inspiration was gone and writing became a chore. Switching my newsletter to a "patron" paid option and getting rid of the deadlines made all the difference. I feel like writing again.

Wordle is on fire. 🤣

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Elle Griffin's avatar

Such a great move!!! Writing should never feel like a chore!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Agreed. I would rather writing be a fun side gig (hobby) and enjoy it than a (poorly-paying) job and dread it. Anyway, I am much happier with the path I am on now. And I have some ideas I will be exploring in time. 🙂

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Elle Griffin's avatar

Hahahahaha. So true....

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Justin Deming's avatar

Loved the stories, Mark. They’re always a delight. If I ever end up dueling a pirate I’ll definitely keep this advice in mind! 😉

Also, I like your idea of combining the newsletters. Best of luck moving forward, though you won’t need it!

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Mark Starlin's avatar

Thanks, Justin. I had to combine the newsletters to save my love of writing. I had taken on too much and was burning out. Things are much better now. 🤓

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Justin Deming's avatar

Happy to hear that, Mark!

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