Dear Fellow,
Twice this year, you received two despatches from me titled “Not Too Much for Today.”1
Your LetterMan,
Tongjal, W. N.
Today’s despatch is to explain the story behind two weird despatches this year. The first one was published on the 30th of September, and the second was published on the 18th of November. Excluding their titles, the first had 14 words, while the second had 47 words. I was expected to publish a narrative essay on the 30th of September, and a book review on the 18th of November. On either occasions, I was out of ideas. That last day of September found me in that situation where I had topics to write on, but I was exhausted at the eleventh hour, approaching due time for the despatch to get published. On the 18th of November, I had reviewed every book worth reviewing on this newsletter from my 2023 reading list. On both days, I was up against a challenge—to show up despite not having something tangible, according the initial plan for running this newsletter. Today, I am glad that I showed up regardless. I am glad that those weird despatches were published.
One of the 1,600+ people currently subscribed to this newsletter, reached out to say that both of the despatches described above taught great lessons on consistency. I didn’t know it was going to have that effect. All I knew was that I did not want to miss out on our bargain—since the commitment was to show up in your inbox at 7.30 a.m. every Saturday, I wanted to keep my own part of the bargain.
I have one more Saturday to go this year; I owe you one more despatch. In the despatch for next Saturday, I will be sharing a review of all that happened on this newsletter since the first despatch for this year went out. I hope it would be worth your time, because I see it as a partner of progress keeping another up to date.
Finally, this despatch is dedicated to my good fellow, Alex, who said the footnote is his favourite part of a book.
This footnote is perhaps the wierdest you have seen. I doubt if footnotes are paragraphed. I do not know enough.
It is safe to announce that I am thinking of a making a series next year through which I will be sharing my random thoughts on the parts of what makes a book. It will be something like this: In a despatch, I would discuss the cover; in another, I would discuss the spine; in that manner, on and on, until I discuss every part of what makes a book. Let me know if you get the idea clearly enough in the comment.
Until the next despatch, I hope you have not regretted spending time to read today’s despatch. I would appreciate a comment from you. Thank you.
Have a restful weekend, good Fellow.
Consistency is easily the most difficult virtue for a creative... thankfully, you've cultivated it strongly.
If anything, the ideas shared are clear, the prospects awaiting are understood and anticipated .
This is more than special, thank you for sparing the thought to what seems insignificant for many.
Haply, the footnote adds gloss to a book - whether as glossary or explainer.
Sounds interesting and promising, I look forward to it.