I especially loved: “It’s personal stories with beautiful thoughts in them, as well as the ability of the author to write in an open prose, where they leave space for the reader to float and imagine.”
And your reflections on Yehudis are perfect. She and her prose land on me the same way.
“ I write to leave a trace by making my thoughts immortal, regardless of whether others read them.” This is so powerful - what a great philosophy for all writers — those who write and those who haven’t (yet!)
This is beautiful. I am so glad I happened upon your Unsent Letter because @slake shared it in Notes. I think writing is something I never hate doing. Even when I cannot think of what to write, I still love writing. Out of all the many things I do not know in life, I do know that I must write or I am not.
I think this is one of your most important pieces, Silvio. The connection I felt reading these words. The idea, like in music, about the spaces. The things that aren't said that support, like a hidden iceberg, the words that are.
"And then I thought that I’m partial to this type of writing. One where the writer’s aim isn’t to package their knowledge, but to package themselves and their world." -- perfectly said. In fact, I could quote this whole piece, to emphasise how I connected with every word.
Also, I enjoyed how I felt I was dancing in and out of reality. I don't know who you are writing to, which gives this a sense of mystery, but then you speak to someone actually here on Substack and I'm pulling into reality, to then be blurred between the two. Magical!
Nathan! Thank you so much, my friend. I’m so glad these ideas resonate with you. I think that space in writing is essential. And in those spaces entire worlds unfold. I came to appreciate this with time, and it is the grasp of this very idea that made me decide, from some point on, to read only fiction.
I wish someone had seriously pushed me to write when I was younger, even if I wasn't publishing, it's certainly one of the most rewarding things out there. You should send this letter!
...such a great letter this round brother...i mean they always are but this one shone on me..."The music is not in the notes, but in the spaces between them, wrote Debussy. It’s not the notes you play; it’s the notes you don’t play, said Miles Davis."...there is something poetic about you writing this letter and not sending it that sings those silent missing songs...
Thank you, CansaFis! Those two lines are so essential, yet hard to understand profoundly. It took me a long time to grasp their real meaning, and I still am not sure I got them completely. And your parallel with me not sending this letter is brilliant. Much appreciated. :)
Loved this Silvio.
I especially loved: “It’s personal stories with beautiful thoughts in them, as well as the ability of the author to write in an open prose, where they leave space for the reader to float and imagine.”
And your reflections on Yehudis are perfect. She and her prose land on me the same way.
Thank you, James! Good to see you here. And yes, our common friend is really an example of natural and spontaneous connection between brain and pen.
My only question after reading this is, why wouldn’t you send it? It’s beautiful! Hahaha
Thank you, Charlie! If I sent them, I would not publish them. Plus there’s a component of autofiction in them. :)
What a beautiful invitation and call to action not just to your friend, but anyone really.
Thank you, Tai! Glad you liked it :)
“ I write to leave a trace by making my thoughts immortal, regardless of whether others read them.” This is so powerful - what a great philosophy for all writers — those who write and those who haven’t (yet!)
Real glad it resonates, Rose. Thank you so much!
This is beautiful. I am so glad I happened upon your Unsent Letter because @slake shared it in Notes. I think writing is something I never hate doing. Even when I cannot think of what to write, I still love writing. Out of all the many things I do not know in life, I do know that I must write or I am not.
Thank you, Minna, for your beautiful comment. Glad to have you as a reader!
I think this is one of your most important pieces, Silvio. The connection I felt reading these words. The idea, like in music, about the spaces. The things that aren't said that support, like a hidden iceberg, the words that are.
"And then I thought that I’m partial to this type of writing. One where the writer’s aim isn’t to package their knowledge, but to package themselves and their world." -- perfectly said. In fact, I could quote this whole piece, to emphasise how I connected with every word.
Also, I enjoyed how I felt I was dancing in and out of reality. I don't know who you are writing to, which gives this a sense of mystery, but then you speak to someone actually here on Substack and I'm pulling into reality, to then be blurred between the two. Magical!
Nathan! Thank you so much, my friend. I’m so glad these ideas resonate with you. I think that space in writing is essential. And in those spaces entire worlds unfold. I came to appreciate this with time, and it is the grasp of this very idea that made me decide, from some point on, to read only fiction.
I wish someone had seriously pushed me to write when I was younger, even if I wasn't publishing, it's certainly one of the most rewarding things out there. You should send this letter!
Thank you! I have the same regret, alas.
Another great letter. I'm getting inspired to try this technique out!
Thank you, Karena. You should! :)
❤️
...such a great letter this round brother...i mean they always are but this one shone on me..."The music is not in the notes, but in the spaces between them, wrote Debussy. It’s not the notes you play; it’s the notes you don’t play, said Miles Davis."...there is something poetic about you writing this letter and not sending it that sings those silent missing songs...
Thank you, CansaFis! Those two lines are so essential, yet hard to understand profoundly. It took me a long time to grasp their real meaning, and I still am not sure I got them completely. And your parallel with me not sending this letter is brilliant. Much appreciated. :)