What is Subtle Maneuvers?
From Mason Currey, author of the Daily Rituals books, a biweekly newsletter on routines, rituals, and wriggling through a creative life.
The title comes from a letter Franz Kafka sent in 1912. He wrote:
Time is short, my strength is limited, the office is a horror, the apartment is noisy, and if a pleasant, straightforward life is not possible then one must try to wriggle through by subtle maneuvers.
Anyone trying to pursue an ambitious creative project has probably felt this way from time to time. And reading about how other people have done it—how they made time and found strength for their creative work in the face of intractable daily obstacles—can be tremendously inspiring and comforting.
Hence this newsletter. Every other Monday, subscribers will get a glimpse into how writers, artists, and other inspired minds actually got it done (or didn’t get it done!).
Periodically, I’m also trying my hand at writing an advice column. To submit a question or dilemma for that, email me at subtlemaneuvers@substack.com and I’ll do my best to provide some concrete advice based on my research into great minds’ work habits.
Is it free??
Yes! But if you’re feeling generous, here are a few ways you can support my work:
Order my Daily Rituals books from Bookshop or (if you must) Amazon
Forward the newsletter to a friend, or share it on social media
