I Want to Write Like Nobody’s Watching
By Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise)
Dear Son,
Today’s letter was sparked by a moment from a podcast.
I was listening to The Prof G Show with Scott Galloway, and he said something that hit me right between the eyes:
“I want to write and act as if nobody’s reading or commenting on what I’m doing.”
He went on to describe a time he saw a couple get up and dance in a fancy restaurant — just the two of them, fully in the moment, moving like nobody was watching. He said it was beautiful.
And I thought: That’s it. That’s exactly how I want to write.
Not for likes. Not for approval. Not to be impressive.
Just honest. Just free.
I grew up in the 1950s, and back then, I never once thought I’d grow up to be a writer. Writing seemed like something other people did — people who knew all the rules.
When I bought my first computer in 1994 — an Intel 486 with Windows 3.0 — I was already in my 40s. I typed using the hunt-and-peck method. Still do. Just two fingers dancing across the keyboard.
Spelling? Not my strong suit.
Grammar? Let’s just say me and run-on sentences are old friends.
But here I am. Writing anyway.
These days, I’m working on one simple thing: remembering to breathe between ideas. To drop a period. To pause.
And here’s the kicker — even if no one reads these letters, or someone does and thinks they’re garbage, I’m okay with that. Because writing like nobody’s watching is how I free myself.
So I want to ask you…
What would you do, if you knew no one would judge you?
What’s something you secretly wish you had the guts to try — even if you’re terrible at it at first?
Because the truth is, being terrible is how all of us begin.
If I had a son, I’d want him to hear this…
You don’t need permission to be creative.
You just need a little courage and a quiet place to start.
Your old man,
Fred
📌 This letter was written by Fred Ferguson (GeezerWise). If it spoke to you, I’d love to hear back—just hit reply.
💭 Got a question, memory, or topic you'd like me to write a letter about? Hit reply and let me know—I won’t respond individually, but I may turn it into a future letter. Consider it a suggestion box for the soul.
💌 Know someone who’d appreciate this? Forward it or invite them to subscribe at www.geezerwise.com.
⚠️ If you see a message below about pledging support—that’s Substack’s way of letting readers chip in if they want. Totally optional but always appreciated if this work means something to you.
—Fred [GeezerWise]