You can tear a thing apart and tape it back together, and it will still be torn and whole. There is no other way. Also: the tyranny of time and the wild abandon found in starting right here, right now
When I first subscribed to your Substack, I thought it was mainly for helpful writing tips -- which you deliver in spades -- but it's so much more: It's a beautiful and articulate roadmap, not only for writing, but for how to look at the life you've lived with more courage and honesty. Thank you for constantly sharing so much of yourself. I've lived enough of a life to know how difficult that must be at times. Thank you.
The story of Mary Ann made me weep. The story of how your memoir came to be made me hope. And the story Bent with Billie made me dream of one day writing something with one of my kids, of discovering together how my life has soaked into them, and how their lives have soaked into me. What a gift. Thank you for sharing this, and everything else.
Every single part of this interview resonated, and I found myself standing still in my front hallway, reading it word for word, laughing and crying and feeling understood as a writer and as a woman. The part that really stopped me and made me sit down was about the retreat you ran. You put into words every single fear I have about imposter syndrome and worries about filling my spots and “who am I to do this?” I feel so much less scared to take this leap of my own, especially after seeing that beautiful photo of the dock jump. Thank you for sharing your work with the world. I’m reading your book now and can’t put it down.
Jeannine,
When I first subscribed to your Substack, I thought it was mainly for helpful writing tips -- which you deliver in spades -- but it's so much more: It's a beautiful and articulate roadmap, not only for writing, but for how to look at the life you've lived with more courage and honesty. Thank you for constantly sharing so much of yourself. I've lived enough of a life to know how difficult that must be at times. Thank you.
The story of Mary Ann made me weep. The story of how your memoir came to be made me hope. And the story Bent with Billie made me dream of one day writing something with one of my kids, of discovering together how my life has soaked into them, and how their lives have soaked into me. What a gift. Thank you for sharing this, and everything else.
Every single part of this interview resonated, and I found myself standing still in my front hallway, reading it word for word, laughing and crying and feeling understood as a writer and as a woman. The part that really stopped me and made me sit down was about the retreat you ran. You put into words every single fear I have about imposter syndrome and worries about filling my spots and “who am I to do this?” I feel so much less scared to take this leap of my own, especially after seeing that beautiful photo of the dock jump. Thank you for sharing your work with the world. I’m reading your book now and can’t put it down.