And just to prove how capricious my creativity is, I have reset the vote and added back in While I Was Drawing as an option, which reset the votes to zero - oops 🙈 - if you already voted, please vote again..
I read this yesterday just as Rosies train was pulling in thinking, 'nooo, don't change While I was Drawing...'Emily its perfect because while you're drawing you're thinking and dreaming and creating all those other things that you magic onto these pages - I am so glad you added it into the poll, I voted for that!
Maybe in your about page explain further - if you haven't already - but I love the name you loved to begin with just as much as I love you and all you send out to us! Happe Easter weekend lovely 🐣xx
Dear Susie, thank you thank you. Always. When I started second (third/fourth/fifth...etc) guessing myself, I worried that I'd wasted everyone's time with this post (including my own), after thinking that perhaps, While I Was Drawing might not change after all. But it is such a gift to read through the comments from everyone and learn what the words have meant outside the confines of my own head. I love what you have written and I love to too. Happy Easter weekend, dear friend. Enjoy your Rosie time. I hope that you get some sunshine and walks. We have rain, but also sun, although it is quite chilly 🍃🌿
Not wild at all, I regret not changing my URL to my name back when I could, but I was so certain that While I Was Drawing would be the only name I'd ever want!!
I do like While I Was Drawing, to me it just shows that you have found so much more than "just drawing" while you were drawing. If it makes sense?
I completely get the struggle of trying to fit into a niche, especially since that is what we have been told since the beginning that to be successful you have to have a niche. However...nobody is just one thing. How boring would we be as humans if we were? I mean, my niche are reviews and books but books give me so much insight on so many more things in life, that it cant just be about books all the time. Sometimes I want to talk about stuff that a book made me think about, and it might not fit into the niche of book reviews, but who cares 🫢
but if I have to pick one I would go for Because Creativity ✨
Thank you so much Gabby, yes - exactly that! I love how you put it: While I Was Drawing has always felt like a doorway to so many unexpected places. I still love it so much, but also all the others too - hence my indecision 🙈
And you’re right, none of us are just one thing. Even when we try to fit into a niche, our creativity finds ways to spill out at the edges. I love that your book reviews make space for everything books stir up in you, those tangents and sparks are often the most meaningful parts.
Thank you for reading and commenting. After spending so long putting together this post and then finding actually, maybe, While I Was Drawing is still 'right', I was berating myself for wasting everyone's time, but everyone's generosity in sharing their thoughts is actually priceless.
I find it really refreshing, that you shared your thoughts on this! Sometimes one just needs a little input, and it’s so nice to be able to be part of a community that shares their thoughts ☺️
I think ‘while I was drawing’ has a lovely flow to it. The new names don’t have that same flow! They sound harder, if that makes sense. You could maybe go with ‘while I was creative’ ? But I think your original is the best out of the choices. 💛💓👑 x
Thank you Rachel - it means a great deal to read your comment. I loved While I Was Drawing from the first moment the words entered my head, and my dilemma has been that I love it but also all the others!! I put it back into the vote as an option 🤣✨💛
Oh Emily, yes... I hear you!!!!! ...."tried to conform, to pick one thing, to niche, to narrow, to focus, to move in only one direction, because apparently, that’s what it takes to be ‘successful’. But each time I try, it makes me so very sad."
Be You!!! Because that is where the magic is created on both a professional and personal level.
I like While I was Drawing. The name itself suggests that other things come up while you are drawing. To me it suggests that who knows what might happen!!!
I like the idea of your name as suggested by some below including Susan.
But if you really want to go with one of those you have listed then ...."Because Creativity."
Because that is exactly why you do this and you say it in all of your posts.
Hope that doesn't confuse things for you. We can really get bogged down by this stuff which is actually not what is important at the end of the day. 💛💛💛
You are very wise Jo, thank you! And it doesn’t confuse at all, it helps so much. We do let ourselves get bogged down in things that don’t matter at the end of the day, and I certainly did with this!! Thank you for being here, and your ever supportive and kind comments 💛
I honestly love While I was Drawing! But I get you wanting to change it to better align with what you’re doing now. In all honesty, I’m not sure the name of the Substack matters too much. I remember the names of all the writers I follow, but in most cases, I couldn’t tell you the name of their Substack.
Thank you Ben, I love it too, I love them all and so, this post 🤣 Thank you though, for your comment about it not mattering too much - I think you are right - the publications that I love and I subscribe to are for the people behind the publication, not the name..... I almost put staying with While I Was Drawing as an option - now I wish I had! Ah she's so fickle, my creativity - gets me every time. I also had my head turned by a post about the names our our publication being prime real estate.... ugh...
Emily, I have often struggled with my substack name also. What I like about your current name is that it includes a verb. It is action. And I find it a big enough roof that all of your creative projects can fit into it, honestly. So from all the names you ponder I still go with your current one :-)
PS: I agree with Susan, what about your actual name? What about "While I was drawing, with Emily...?
Almut, thank you, you are always so kind and generous. I nearly put staying with While I Was Drawing as an option, and I now wish I had!! My creativity is a fickle beast, but that's what's exciting 💛✨
The poll is long gone -but I just want to share how much I love “While I was drawing”. It is so in the moment, as if you gave us permission to spy at your creative world through a tiny key hole and we discover you with the universe - all of it - and it is gorgeous!!!!
Dear Andrea, thank you so much for your kindness. It feels like there is something extra special in this place where we can spend time in each other's company, quietly enjoying beautiful writing, and creativity. I'm so grateful to read your beautiful words 💛🌸
I like the original. Maybe it first meant drawing literally, but has now expanded to include drawing up ideas for other projects and creative expression. :) Author Beth Kempton includes reading, wandering, daydreaming all under the umbrella of "writing."
Thank you Lindsay, you are absolutely right. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. And reading, wandering, daydreaming are absolutely writing 💛 makes perfect sense.
I've not read all the comments, so apologies if someone has already suggested this, but as I was reading the last paragraph and you said "A patchwork celebration of all kinds of creativity." I thought why not name it "A Patchwork of Creativity" or "A Creative Patchwork" - Just thought I'd throw it out there 🤷🏻♀️ But, I love "While I Was Drawing" and "A Festival of Creativity" is great too 🥰 It's so hard to decide - I'll love anything you choose... because really it's you and what you do that we love.. regardless of the name 💖
Thank you so much Eva, and I love that idea - a patchwork of creativity is so very descriptive of what it’s like here!! It’s interesting that after all my flapping about, I think While I Was Drawing may not after all need to change 🙈 thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts x
I’m just coming here to chime in alongside everyone else that While I was drawing is such a beautiful publication name and to me it still encompasses everything you do because it’s like someone said above, that’s just the starting point for your imagination!
Linn, thank you 💛 it means such a lot that the overwhelming consensus is that While I Was Drawing is ‘right’. I so appreciate each and every one, and that so many have taken the time to respond. Love this place! ✨
I will of course support whatever you choose, Emily - and also wanted to say that I think all that marvellous kaleidoscope of creativity can sit very comfortably and positively under 'While I was drawing...' because doors can open from anywhere! and it feels to me more original. It's as if, while you were drawing, lots of byways and possibilities opened up, none of which negate the drawing... if that makes sense!! x
A process like this is such a necessary part of creativity. To arrive home again. I learned from it and recognised it in myself. I don't draw at all and probably never will but when I read your posts from time to time I like the way you talk about creativity in general.
And just to prove how capricious my creativity is, I have reset the vote and added back in While I Was Drawing as an option, which reset the votes to zero - oops 🙈 - if you already voted, please vote again..
I read this yesterday just as Rosies train was pulling in thinking, 'nooo, don't change While I was Drawing...'Emily its perfect because while you're drawing you're thinking and dreaming and creating all those other things that you magic onto these pages - I am so glad you added it into the poll, I voted for that!
Maybe in your about page explain further - if you haven't already - but I love the name you loved to begin with just as much as I love you and all you send out to us! Happe Easter weekend lovely 🐣xx
Dear Susie, thank you thank you. Always. When I started second (third/fourth/fifth...etc) guessing myself, I worried that I'd wasted everyone's time with this post (including my own), after thinking that perhaps, While I Was Drawing might not change after all. But it is such a gift to read through the comments from everyone and learn what the words have meant outside the confines of my own head. I love what you have written and I love to too. Happy Easter weekend, dear friend. Enjoy your Rosie time. I hope that you get some sunshine and walks. We have rain, but also sun, although it is quite chilly 🍃🌿
Following the Spark
Thank you so much for sharing, that’s beautiful 💛
Possibly a wild idea that you might not like, but why not rename it as your actual name?
Not wild at all, I regret not changing my URL to my name back when I could, but I was so certain that While I Was Drawing would be the only name I'd ever want!!
I do like While I Was Drawing, to me it just shows that you have found so much more than "just drawing" while you were drawing. If it makes sense?
I completely get the struggle of trying to fit into a niche, especially since that is what we have been told since the beginning that to be successful you have to have a niche. However...nobody is just one thing. How boring would we be as humans if we were? I mean, my niche are reviews and books but books give me so much insight on so many more things in life, that it cant just be about books all the time. Sometimes I want to talk about stuff that a book made me think about, and it might not fit into the niche of book reviews, but who cares 🫢
but if I have to pick one I would go for Because Creativity ✨
Thank you so much Gabby, yes - exactly that! I love how you put it: While I Was Drawing has always felt like a doorway to so many unexpected places. I still love it so much, but also all the others too - hence my indecision 🙈
And you’re right, none of us are just one thing. Even when we try to fit into a niche, our creativity finds ways to spill out at the edges. I love that your book reviews make space for everything books stir up in you, those tangents and sparks are often the most meaningful parts.
Thank you for reading and commenting. After spending so long putting together this post and then finding actually, maybe, While I Was Drawing is still 'right', I was berating myself for wasting everyone's time, but everyone's generosity in sharing their thoughts is actually priceless.
I find it really refreshing, that you shared your thoughts on this! Sometimes one just needs a little input, and it’s so nice to be able to be part of a community that shares their thoughts ☺️
It really is, and it's been so enlightening 💛
I think ‘while I was drawing’ has a lovely flow to it. The new names don’t have that same flow! They sound harder, if that makes sense. You could maybe go with ‘while I was creative’ ? But I think your original is the best out of the choices. 💛💓👑 x
Thank you Rachel - it means a great deal to read your comment. I loved While I Was Drawing from the first moment the words entered my head, and my dilemma has been that I love it but also all the others!! I put it back into the vote as an option 🤣✨💛
Whatever you choose will be amazing ☺️ go with your heart 💓
Oh Emily, yes... I hear you!!!!! ...."tried to conform, to pick one thing, to niche, to narrow, to focus, to move in only one direction, because apparently, that’s what it takes to be ‘successful’. But each time I try, it makes me so very sad."
Be You!!! Because that is where the magic is created on both a professional and personal level.
I like While I was Drawing. The name itself suggests that other things come up while you are drawing. To me it suggests that who knows what might happen!!!
I like the idea of your name as suggested by some below including Susan.
But if you really want to go with one of those you have listed then ...."Because Creativity."
Because that is exactly why you do this and you say it in all of your posts.
Hope that doesn't confuse things for you. We can really get bogged down by this stuff which is actually not what is important at the end of the day. 💛💛💛
You are very wise Jo, thank you! And it doesn’t confuse at all, it helps so much. We do let ourselves get bogged down in things that don’t matter at the end of the day, and I certainly did with this!! Thank you for being here, and your ever supportive and kind comments 💛
💛💛💛 Look forward to seeing where you go with the feedback. Your heart will give you the best feedback - while you are drawing.....
I honestly love While I was Drawing! But I get you wanting to change it to better align with what you’re doing now. In all honesty, I’m not sure the name of the Substack matters too much. I remember the names of all the writers I follow, but in most cases, I couldn’t tell you the name of their Substack.
And just to prove how capricious I am, I've now added back While I Was Drawing as an option and managed to reset the vote count to zero 🙈
Thank you Ben, I love it too, I love them all and so, this post 🤣 Thank you though, for your comment about it not mattering too much - I think you are right - the publications that I love and I subscribe to are for the people behind the publication, not the name..... I almost put staying with While I Was Drawing as an option - now I wish I had! Ah she's so fickle, my creativity - gets me every time. I also had my head turned by a post about the names our our publication being prime real estate.... ugh...
Emily, I have often struggled with my substack name also. What I like about your current name is that it includes a verb. It is action. And I find it a big enough roof that all of your creative projects can fit into it, honestly. So from all the names you ponder I still go with your current one :-)
PS: I agree with Susan, what about your actual name? What about "While I was drawing, with Emily...?
Almut, thank you, you are always so kind and generous. I nearly put staying with While I Was Drawing as an option, and I now wish I had!! My creativity is a fickle beast, but that's what's exciting 💛✨
Looks like your friends like your current title also, Emily. Lot's of creativity can spark while you are drawing :-)
The poll is long gone -but I just want to share how much I love “While I was drawing”. It is so in the moment, as if you gave us permission to spy at your creative world through a tiny key hole and we discover you with the universe - all of it - and it is gorgeous!!!!
Dear Andrea, thank you so much for your kindness. It feels like there is something extra special in this place where we can spend time in each other's company, quietly enjoying beautiful writing, and creativity. I'm so grateful to read your beautiful words 💛🌸
I like the original. Maybe it first meant drawing literally, but has now expanded to include drawing up ideas for other projects and creative expression. :) Author Beth Kempton includes reading, wandering, daydreaming all under the umbrella of "writing."
Thank you Lindsay, you are absolutely right. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. And reading, wandering, daydreaming are absolutely writing 💛 makes perfect sense.
I've not read all the comments, so apologies if someone has already suggested this, but as I was reading the last paragraph and you said "A patchwork celebration of all kinds of creativity." I thought why not name it "A Patchwork of Creativity" or "A Creative Patchwork" - Just thought I'd throw it out there 🤷🏻♀️ But, I love "While I Was Drawing" and "A Festival of Creativity" is great too 🥰 It's so hard to decide - I'll love anything you choose... because really it's you and what you do that we love.. regardless of the name 💖
Thank you so much Eva, and I love that idea - a patchwork of creativity is so very descriptive of what it’s like here!! It’s interesting that after all my flapping about, I think While I Was Drawing may not after all need to change 🙈 thank you for being here and sharing your thoughts x
🤣 It’s often the “threat” of changing something that makes us see how much we actually love it after all! 🤦🏽♀️🤣
So true Eva! 😊
I’m just coming here to chime in alongside everyone else that While I was drawing is such a beautiful publication name and to me it still encompasses everything you do because it’s like someone said above, that’s just the starting point for your imagination!
Linn, thank you 💛 it means such a lot that the overwhelming consensus is that While I Was Drawing is ‘right’. I so appreciate each and every one, and that so many have taken the time to respond. Love this place! ✨
I think "While I was Drawing still works", But also, i think just "Because" would be pretty great name too.
Thanks Duane, I so appreciate everyone sharing their thoughts on this, and that While I Was Drawing still works makes me happy!
I will of course support whatever you choose, Emily - and also wanted to say that I think all that marvellous kaleidoscope of creativity can sit very comfortably and positively under 'While I was drawing...' because doors can open from anywhere! and it feels to me more original. It's as if, while you were drawing, lots of byways and possibilities opened up, none of which negate the drawing... if that makes sense!! x
Thank you Janie! Perfect sense. I’ve been reminded why I chose While I Was Drawing in the first place and why I love it 🥰 capricious as ever!! ✨
While I was drawing still seems good. I like it
Thank you Claire 💛 I think you might just be right!
What did you decide on?
At the risk of having wasted everyone’s time, I’m going to keep While I Was Drawing 💛✨
A process like this is such a necessary part of creativity. To arrive home again. I learned from it and recognised it in myself. I don't draw at all and probably never will but when I read your posts from time to time I like the way you talk about creativity in general.