Um, I’m sorry, but i subscribed to a Substack for the first time ever so I could read the work of the world’s kindest fellow (selection) juror and discovered not only a shoutout but that she’s an incredible writer?! Consider me hooked.
Aww. You’re so sweet, Cat! I’m all verklempt. Thank you! I’m honored to be your very first Substack subscription. Hope wedding prep isn’t too stressful. Look forward to seeing photos on Instagram. 💕
Hope your shoulder is feeling better and your cold has subsided. I loved your sketches. Over the years, I've been selected to be a juror in not one but TWO murder cases (two different juries!) In both cases, I learned so much about trials, my fellow humans, and my own capacity as an active listener. I think often about these two experiences and feel very grateful for both of these opportunities to do my civic duty. I love your essay collection idea (and your essays, in general) and am excited to hear about this new press. I think there is a bit gulf between what agents think we want to read and what we actually want to read. I, for one, will always read what you write.
😍Thank you, Tanya! I love your writing and your encouragement means so much to me. TWO murder cases! Wow. Would love to hear about it sometime. I do hope I get to be a juror one of these days. I’d like to have that experience. Sending a hug to you. ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear you have been under the weather, H2! I think you have internalised all of the recent anxiety. As my mum used to say, "it doesn't go to the wall". Apart from your own excellent tips, may I recommend Germaine Greer's "The Change" ?I bought the updated edition a few years ago and it pulled together all the (then) current wisdom about menopause and aging, and I found it invaluable.
Congratulations to Cat on her impending wedding! 🎊
Is there no end to your talent? Those drawings are wonderful! I've never done jury duty but some people seem to be called up multiple times so I don't think the selection process is that random! The process over there sounds as inefficient as it is here. I used to work in the criminal justice system so I know whereof I speak!
So annoying that the publishing industry is so selective that it will not even publish books it recognises as brilliant. If they don't make good work available to the public it will never be a success. This new enterprise sounds like Virago. Marvellous idea 💛
Oh, Jules! You're the absolute best! Thank you for your lovely note and for the constant encouragement. You always give me a lift. I'm still learning how to draw and I don't practice enough, but I'd love to illustrate some of my stories. My plan for 2025 is to draw more and sharpen my skills if I can. I'm signed up for a couple of great drawing lesson Stacks and would like to take an in person class as well. Re: Jury Duty, you know, you're probably right. Jared has served on 3 juries whereas I've never been called up. Love the word "virago!" That should be the name of our midlife movement. And thank you for the recommendation of "The Change." I will order it forthwith! I used to feel a bit self conscious writing about the menopause struggles, but I think it's important to share this info and erase the taboo. So many of us are dealing with it! ❤️
You have real talent. Those sketches are charming.
"The Change" is so helpful, just make sure it's the updated version. Sorry you're getting these horrible sweats. I don't get them any more thank heaven.
Yes Virago Press started in the UK in the seventies, I think. Great publisher for women writers. So glad to discover this new one thanks to In With The Old. Have subscribed to their Substack.
3 times on jury service! Jared must be a legal expert now. If they ask him again it must be because he's so good at it!
Hilary - FWIW - as a middle-aged man tipping closer to AARP age, I would absolutely enjoy reading your musings in Old Soul. Don't give up on getting it published.
Aww, Doug! You're too kind. Thank you for the encouragement. Hope all is well with you. Sending a hug your way. I guess I haven't entirely given up, but if all else fails, I will publish the essays here. :)
Aww. Thanks, M! That's the dream! I want to work on my drawing skills in the coming year to see if I can illustrate some of my stories. You get me. xoxo
Hilary... Thanks so much for the kind shout-out :) I'd love to read Old Soul. One of the things that struck me after writing a memoir, comprised of comedic essays, is that if I'd just written the same events as auto-fiction--the book probably would have done much better, and I wouldn't have even needed the dreaded platform, so often required by non-fiction. There are loads of debut novelists who don't have massive platforms. In their case, it's all about the story and whether it's gripping/engaging/riveting. Not what color shearling-lined Birkenstock the author prefers, lol.
Lol. Too true, Alisa! I've thought about auto-fiction as a potential way in to the trad publishing world and perhaps I'll give that a go some day. That said, my favorite genre to read is memoir and essay collections, which is why I just ordered your book from my local book seller and I can't wait to read it! Love your writing. Thanks for offering to read Old Soul. That is so very kind. I'm hoping to add some illustrations to the stories and see what that looks like.
I love Shaun Evans who starred in Endeavour as the tortured detective. He's the baddie in this and very sinister. The show is VERY dark and the heroine is a challenging personality, but I did think it was very good. It's based on a true story, which makes it even creepier.
Um, I’m sorry, but i subscribed to a Substack for the first time ever so I could read the work of the world’s kindest fellow (selection) juror and discovered not only a shoutout but that she’s an incredible writer?! Consider me hooked.
Aww. You’re so sweet, Cat! I’m all verklempt. Thank you! I’m honored to be your very first Substack subscription. Hope wedding prep isn’t too stressful. Look forward to seeing photos on Instagram. 💕
Hope your shoulder is feeling better and your cold has subsided. I loved your sketches. Over the years, I've been selected to be a juror in not one but TWO murder cases (two different juries!) In both cases, I learned so much about trials, my fellow humans, and my own capacity as an active listener. I think often about these two experiences and feel very grateful for both of these opportunities to do my civic duty. I love your essay collection idea (and your essays, in general) and am excited to hear about this new press. I think there is a bit gulf between what agents think we want to read and what we actually want to read. I, for one, will always read what you write.
😍Thank you, Tanya! I love your writing and your encouragement means so much to me. TWO murder cases! Wow. Would love to hear about it sometime. I do hope I get to be a juror one of these days. I’d like to have that experience. Sending a hug to you. ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear you have been under the weather, H2! I think you have internalised all of the recent anxiety. As my mum used to say, "it doesn't go to the wall". Apart from your own excellent tips, may I recommend Germaine Greer's "The Change" ?I bought the updated edition a few years ago and it pulled together all the (then) current wisdom about menopause and aging, and I found it invaluable.
Congratulations to Cat on her impending wedding! 🎊
Is there no end to your talent? Those drawings are wonderful! I've never done jury duty but some people seem to be called up multiple times so I don't think the selection process is that random! The process over there sounds as inefficient as it is here. I used to work in the criminal justice system so I know whereof I speak!
So annoying that the publishing industry is so selective that it will not even publish books it recognises as brilliant. If they don't make good work available to the public it will never be a success. This new enterprise sounds like Virago. Marvellous idea 💛
Thank you for another wonderful read.
Oh, Jules! You're the absolute best! Thank you for your lovely note and for the constant encouragement. You always give me a lift. I'm still learning how to draw and I don't practice enough, but I'd love to illustrate some of my stories. My plan for 2025 is to draw more and sharpen my skills if I can. I'm signed up for a couple of great drawing lesson Stacks and would like to take an in person class as well. Re: Jury Duty, you know, you're probably right. Jared has served on 3 juries whereas I've never been called up. Love the word "virago!" That should be the name of our midlife movement. And thank you for the recommendation of "The Change." I will order it forthwith! I used to feel a bit self conscious writing about the menopause struggles, but I think it's important to share this info and erase the taboo. So many of us are dealing with it! ❤️
You have real talent. Those sketches are charming.
"The Change" is so helpful, just make sure it's the updated version. Sorry you're getting these horrible sweats. I don't get them any more thank heaven.
Yes Virago Press started in the UK in the seventies, I think. Great publisher for women writers. So glad to discover this new one thanks to In With The Old. Have subscribed to their Substack.
3 times on jury service! Jared must be a legal expert now. If they ask him again it must be because he's so good at it!
Hilary - FWIW - as a middle-aged man tipping closer to AARP age, I would absolutely enjoy reading your musings in Old Soul. Don't give up on getting it published.
Aww, Doug! You're too kind. Thank you for the encouragement. Hope all is well with you. Sending a hug your way. I guess I haven't entirely given up, but if all else fails, I will publish the essays here. :)
How did they not pick you for the jury? You'd be awesome. Also, Congratulations Cat!
Ha! Thanks, Sanj! I kind of wanted to be picked, but since I was juror 55, I never even made it into the jury box. Next time I hope. It's all copy!
Your sketches from jury duty made me want to read a version of Old Soul accompanied by your illustrations, Maira Kalman style ❤️
Aww. Thanks, M! That's the dream! I want to work on my drawing skills in the coming year to see if I can illustrate some of my stories. You get me. xoxo
Hilary... Thanks so much for the kind shout-out :) I'd love to read Old Soul. One of the things that struck me after writing a memoir, comprised of comedic essays, is that if I'd just written the same events as auto-fiction--the book probably would have done much better, and I wouldn't have even needed the dreaded platform, so often required by non-fiction. There are loads of debut novelists who don't have massive platforms. In their case, it's all about the story and whether it's gripping/engaging/riveting. Not what color shearling-lined Birkenstock the author prefers, lol.
Lol. Too true, Alisa! I've thought about auto-fiction as a potential way in to the trad publishing world and perhaps I'll give that a go some day. That said, my favorite genre to read is memoir and essay collections, which is why I just ordered your book from my local book seller and I can't wait to read it! Love your writing. Thanks for offering to read Old Soul. That is so very kind. I'm hoping to add some illustrations to the stories and see what that looks like.
I love that idea.
So is "Until I Kill You" any good? I was wondering about it. I'm also quite a fan of the British mysteries.
I love Shaun Evans who starred in Endeavour as the tortured detective. He's the baddie in this and very sinister. The show is VERY dark and the heroine is a challenging personality, but I did think it was very good. It's based on a true story, which makes it even creepier.