Hi. This is Just Write Mama. Start Here.
Who I am, why I'm here, and hello. I'm only a little bit terrified. | No. 001
The Smart Cookie Lesson
I debated starting this Substack for more time than I’d like to admit before actually doing it. About two hours after I decided to finally own the mentality of the Substack name I chose - “Just Write Mama” - and just write my first draft of this post, my son asked me to read him a book. He always asks me to read to him, but 95% of the time he asks me to read non-fiction books about insects, animals, sea life, and other science and nature topics. 4.9% of the time he likes a fun graphic novel series read to him like “Pizza and Taco,” “Wings of Fire,” or “Norma and Belly.” Approximately 0.1% of the time, he chooses a stand-alone children’s fiction book. The afternoon I began my first draft, he asked me to read “The Smart Cookie” by Jory John and Pete Oswald, which falls in the stand-alone children’s fiction book category.
Do you ever get hints or clues dropped along your journey, a little rock cairn on the side of the trail, letting you know you’re on the right track? Maybe I’m not as observant as I think I am, but I don’t feel like these little signs happen for me very often. Maybe I’m too in my head, maybe I’m not watching closely enough, I don’t know. But, The Smart Cookie was full of wisdom that I needed the day I decided to write this first post.
In the story, Smart Cookie, an adorable sprinkle-covered sugar cookie, doesn’t feel confident to share ideas in class or speak up. Smart Cookie’s teacher, Ms. Biscotti, gives an assignment to create something original and it’s due the following day. That’s it. But Smart Cookie is worried and self-conscious. Smart Cookies goes home and tries baking, building, and sculpting, all with no success.
Smart Cookie finally decides to write an original poem. When it’s time to share with the class, Smart Cookie is so worried they will crumble to pieces. But, alas, shaking hands and all, they read their poem. They are proud of sharing something with their world. The class even really likes the poem. Ms. Biscotti hands Smart Cookie a note afterwards that says they should keep on writing, no matter what.
After this, Smart Cookie has more courage to try new things and says, “You don’t have to have the answers to every question or suddenly be great at everything, all at once.”
I think this was the book I needed to read the day I wrote my first Substack post.
1. Why Substack, Why Now
My name is Breeann Adam. More about me later, but in a nutshell, I am an introvert who as a kid used to feel shy around my own shadow. While I have evolved immensely since then (with no small amount of “fake it ‘til you make it” dust being sprinkled on all my daily activities), putting myself out into the world in new ways still feels incredibly challenging.
I’ve always been drawn to writing though. My first diary was hardly bigger than a deck of cards and had Tweety Bird on the front and it locked with a tiny gold metal key clasp. I was 7 years old and that diary is now a time capsule to very important information, mostly a look into my first-grade tragedies; dramas such as “today we ate beef stroganoff for lunch today at school - YUCK!!!!” and “David has such a messy desk.” (Nobody ever accused me of not being a Type A personality at heart). Before my first diary, I would write my lists of kindergarten spelling words over and over again and then make up my own spelling lists when I wanted to write more words just because I liked writing words. In the nearly 30 years since I attended Mrs. Gray’s kindergarten class, I have simply always loved writing. So here I am.
Why this platform? Why now? I first discovered Substack as a reader of good writing, my very first introductions to Substack being through two of my favorite authors/teachers/creators
and . Right now, as it is (stay away, trolls!), Substack seems to have the best of what I love about other social media platforms and none of the worst that makes me sad or anxious. It’s not a cesspool of political sewage, advertisements, fake profiles spewing hate, spam, or strong opinions on. every. last. thing. on. Earth.It does seem to be people connecting, communicating meaningfully, sharing stories, inspiring and supporting one another, and cultivating bravery, creativity, awareness and beauty.
I want more of the latter, so here I am. Additionally, on a more emotionally neutral note, as a lover of plain old-fashioned words, I am drawn to a platform that isn’t primarily fueled by filtered photos, professionally curated videos, and clever one-phrase captions. Those features are on Substack, but they are not the gas driving the car, and that’s a huge thing for writers.
2. The Just Write Mama Community
I hope this community authentically celebrates and shares imperfect stories of motherhood, parenting kids from all walks of life, foster care, adoption, creativity, and the little moments and details that make up the composition of our lives. I hope to interact with you, the reader, too. Show up in my email, comments, DMs, all of it. I want to hear your thoughts!
The name “Just Write Mama” has a couple meanings. I want to remind myself more than anything that writing doesn’t have to be overly serious or immaculate to be out in the world. I tend to be an overthinker and even though my college English degree happened a long time ago, “just writing” is still hard for me most days. I want to lean in to showing up, as I am, in this season. On the note of perfectionism, I wanted a name that conveyed that we are all just right, just as we are. We don’t need to wait for some futuristic ideal self to appear to be on the correct side of our own lives or potential, but we are exactly where we need to be as is (this is a belief I am striving to manifest, not a value I have mastered).
3. So, When Does New Content Happen?
Posting regularly is what I want to commit to - okay, great, but what does “regularly” mean? I’m not sure yet, and I think it’s best to be transparent about that at this point. Right now, all content will be free of cost to all subscribers. Something cool about Substack is that readers can support writers’ work by subscribing to their content for a few bucks a month, if the writer elects to use that feature. I might choose to do that in the future, but for now, it’s all free.
4. Starting in the Mess
I don’t know what the future holds for writing or life in general (if you do, let me know), it’s all pretty messy right now. But, I want to see creativity and inspiration even in the mess and create what I can, how I can, when I can.
5. What’s next? If ya feel like it, subscribe and share.
Have you followed me or my stories on Facebook the last few years? If you’re one who has, first of all, THANK YOU. I have loved that space and engaging with people on there despite all its flaws (and I still do love it!), but it’s time for this mama to stretch her wings out a bit. “Subscribe” below with your email address to follow along. You’ll get new posts sent to your email. Think someone else might enjoy this space? Share the love!
See ya soon,
Breeann