After a long hiatus, I promise we’re back for good. I’m going to try for a schedule of every 2-3 weeks for the rest of the year as I get back on my feet.
I hate writing books—it’s painful, torturous, sadomasochistic. There are reasons that writers drink; it’s a compulsive, painful experience of stamina. I’m not a huge drinker, but for me, weed helps my writing stamina at night, although I’m cutting that out now. While it’s been mostly silent on this column, in the background, I’ve been up till about 1:30am, 5-6 nights a week, writing for the last year and a half. It’s time to turn that off.
The book is ambitious, to say the least. And while it was a profound experience based on an idea I’ve had itching in the back of my head for probably 20 years, not much about it was enjoyable except for reading it back (that part feels incredible). Writing for this newsletter, however, is profoundly enjoyable because I can spitball whatever’s on my mind or anything I’m into that week. I love writing here.
The book is 80% finished and fully edited (about 500 pages)—just 2.5 more very difficult chapters to go. I used the time to shore up my writing as well, with the help of my editor, thank you John! For each successive chapter, I tried to improve how many edits came back, and by the end, the difference was astounding. I decided to lean into an ADHD tangent style of writing that mimics the way my brain thinks, with the random associations that fly into my head at any moment.
But coming down from an experience like that, re-entering the real world, so to speak, is tough and anxiety-inducing. I cut my income to do this, while our country and city are experiencing profound turmoil. Suddenly having to turn on the drive to make a living is quite depressing, but so it goes. For those of you feeling similar, I see you.
I don’t want to say the title yet, but the idea for it is: Masked as a ‘How To’ photography book, [Book title] explores the intersection of art, neurodivergence, and the mind of the passionary, taking the reader on a ride through the ADHD brain. The book explores modern Western society from the point of view of someone who feels its structures were not set up for them. And not to worry, it continually weaves its way through the world of photography.
During this time, I cut out workshops but continued the events and other aspects of my business. I just didn’t have the stamina for both. I stopped shooting for myself besides protests. Thankfully, the events and portraits kept me sharp. But I have to get back to much more walking, and probably knock off 15 pounds.
But anyway, I do have to go back to making money. While the photo workshops and city history tours themselves are my favorite part of what I do, having to promote them is not very fun! But if you are interested in anything at all, whether it’s private or group workshops, reviews, prints, anything, please send me a reply. Let me know if you’re local. I’m going to start reintegrating these things now, and I also think I’m going to try some more frequent small group workshops with less lead time, which hopefully will work well for those in close proximity to New York. And hopefully a few other new additions.
So thank you everyone, you all are the first step in my coming back. I deeply missed you.
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Hi James, I’m glad you’re back. Your column and your guides have been my go-to resource for my frequent visits to NYC. I wish I were local.
I’m very interested in your book! I’ve recently started writing a substack mostly about my own photographic journey and how I’ve discovered where and how my creativity manifests itself. I think a lot of creatives are similar, so it will be fascinating to read about yours.
Thanks so much Denice! And yes, that is the goal, really to shed light on a lot of things people are going through that aren’t spoken about enough. Appreciate the kind note, it’s very energizing.
Hey James, it’s good to see your columns & to hear from you again. I missed your images. To refresh your memory, I have had an acquaintance with your work through your Glass City columns over the past few years. I have followed your columns for the past few years because of the b&W photography that drew me to your site and the fact that my son went to Columbia U for 4 years. Visiting him several times, I became familiar with street scenes. He was happy to finally graduate and leave the streets for FL. I guess if you are raised in NY, you become accustomed to the streets life and events. I am glad that I had to opportunities to walk the streets with him and his wife during our visits because I would not have an association with your work and scenes from the streets. If not for him, otherwise, I would have stayed at 42nd and Broadway—lol. My only regret with his education at Columbia is that the school turned him into a Marxist and we don’t speak any longer–he was raised as a progressive conservative–(Yes, there is such a thing as “progressive conservatism” that doesn’t involve burning cars and throwing bricks at LEOs)
Anyway, I digress from my original intent of welcoming you back to your Glass City column writing and I look forward to seeing the release of your book. I am 77 years old, shoot sports photography for our local parks and rec, and spend many hours at 0100-0200 processing the games–but as you know that wreaks havoc on your body and mind/consciousness. I deeply admire your desire to see this book completed—my contributions to authorship take the form of assistance to other sports photographers on FB sites, which at times is overwhelming in its own way.
Man, am I wordy as crap…gotta end this so you can resume your work
Regards, Tom Rains
Haha Tom – I am wordy as well so you are in good company. And it’s great to learn about the people to read. I’m sorry to hear about your son as well, it’s a tough time for everyone right now and a lot of tempers are high, as they should be given what’s going on in the world. Stay strong and really appreciate your note.
So glad you are back again, I have missed your column.
Ingrid
Thank you Ingrid! Really appreciate the comment, the encouragement helps a lot as I recenter myself.
Hi James,
As an ADHD sufferer, I can’t wait to read your book! Thanks for writing it!
Thanks Liz!! You are who the book is intended for!
Hi James
Nice piece once again. I’ll be watching for details of the book – I’ll be buying a copy.
Cheers
Chris
Thanks Chris, really appreciate the comment and support!!
Hi James, and welcome back! I’ve been working on short stories for past five years and the deep dive it takes to complete one is so mentally emotionally exhausting, it’s hard to climb back into the seat to start another one. Photography gets me recalibrated and balanced and your website, and all you offer is part of that. Thanks for all you put out into the world. Looking forward to seeing your book.
Best to you,
Barb Bausch
Thanks so much Barb! You explained the experience very well. I’m not sure I’ll ever want to write a book again after this, but it has been a really important experience. But I’m looking so forward to getting it finished and behind me.