How do you get over the thought that nobody will want to read what you want to write about, or, in case that one isn't available, how do you make yourself write and publish it anyway? Asking for a friend 😅
Fantastic question. I suppose you may never get over the fear entirely, but the more you do it, the likelier you are to attract readers, and thus to have actual evidence that there is, in fact, an audience for your work - even if it is "just" friends and friends of friends for a good long while. I think if it's on your heart to say something, you will follow through and finish it and put it into the world regardless of whether anyone reads it. It's rather lovely, too, to consider that if nobody does read it - well, fuck it, at least you proved to yourself you could finish something! This builds enormous confidence over time.
I went to a wonderful holiday singalong of opera and seasonal tunes at Del Rio Restaurant in Highwood, and I visited the Chicago Botanic Garden (which is actually in Glencoe) but no, not yet! I look forward to getting a used vehicle once I pass my IL drivers license written test.
Your writing is excellent, and your posts never fail to cheer me up. The met gala robe lol. Also the cute photos of your cat are so good! Honestly I have a soft spot for gray cats; those fluffy felines are the best creatures on earth (I consider my cat Dillinger as a superior being to me in every way.) My questions are related to your gray cat: how is the cat/mouse hunter doing? What is she up to lately? Do you think that cats experience the world like us (see colors, understand words, feel emotions) or do their cat senses perceive the world in an entirely different manner than people? Okay anyhow, thank you for making hilarious and intelligent writing. I wholeheartedly agree that cloudy rainy days are much preferable to the unrelenting sun. Thanks for making me feel less alone in my appreciation for the beauty of rain. You’re a gifted writer and brilliant satirist!
Thank you, Jessica! This is so incredibly kind of you. I needed to read it, keeps me motivated, so thank you again. I think they perceive the world in a largely different manner because of brain structure, and the incredible power of their noses, the ability to see well in low light, etc. However, I do think they clearly bond, look out for their family/crew (human or otherwise), and experience love, tenderness, and sorrow as well. Like today, somebody was yelling in the hallway and somebody else was yelling back, so I saw my cat get very alert, and then eventually walk over to the front door as if to do something about all that yelling. I figure she's no dummy, she knows she's smaller than the humans making the human noises, but she's also decided her job to ATTAC and PROTEC and that means a lot to me. I try to treat her as well as I can. She loves climbing on her cat tree and looking at the many birds flying near Lake Michigan. And I have noticed she knows when I'm sad or sick and will groom my head!
I do think a ton of women of all backgrounds and various religious affiliations are highly motivated by the desire to have autonomy over our own reproductive healthcare choices. So we may not know the specific laws on the books in every state or jurisdiction, or all agree on when an abortion should be legal (at what gestational time, etc.) but we tend to think of ourselves and any friends who may be able to get pregnant, and who may or may not wish to carry a pregnancy to term, and we certainly think of those who have it forced upon them through violence. Further, we generally want to be able to access various birth control methods, and we see that when Republicans come for abortion, they come for birth control, too. And I think that is the one factor that motivates lots of women to show up, time after time, in my own lifetime. As for a blue tsunami, I don't know. Democrats are hampered by Biden's participation in a genocide that we see covered in real time before our eyes every day. Some people will stay home. But reproductive freedom will be a motivating factor for many voters on the left, in the shrinking middle, and even in some segments on the right.
I have grown up with a lot of white privilege, so yes, I do consider myself white. Irish, Italians, Ashkenazi Jews, and plenty of other so-called "ethnic whites" typically walk with all the privileges of whiteness even if and when they may experience some prejudice and hate, too, as in the case of anti-Semitism. When we look at who is likelier to be pulled over for a broken taillight and beaten to death, it is not "ethnic whites," no matter their income or social status. In some cases, our own ancestors scrambled to be seen as part of the white supremacist power structure, sometimes at the expense of neighbors of color. It can sound strange when folks say "whiteness is a construct," but I get it because the whitest shade of pale didn't matter on somebody who was the wrong kind of immigrant - UNTIL they/their community climbed the ladder of whiteness, often by stepping on somebody else.
I'm a fake ginger, and a natural brunette! I am a ginger pretender!
I always loved Adriana so much and I have always refused to watch the episode where she is murdered. To me she is FOREVER ALIVE.
I actually don't know about MD readers! I do enjoy it, though tuck pointing is very loud and construction noises happen nearly every day, it seems. The view is wonderful and that is part of what keeps me here. I'm very grateful for it.
Ooh I would be rather literal and wear some beautiful bespoke designer version of the dress worn by the model in Sleeping Beauty in the Wood by Maxfield Parrish or The Sleeping Beauty by Jean Francois Rafaelli or Flaming June by Frederic, Lord Leighton. I would do long fairy tale princess hair and some type of woodland/garden-adjacent crown.
I tend to lean toward gold but I'm open! I have always loved how Klimt used gold, and the way the metal seems to have harnessed some of the power of sunshine. I believe topaz is my birthstone (October?) but I do enjoy an emerald or a sapphire. I have a friend who runs a vintage jewelry business, and when it comes to anything with gemstones I'd prefer to buy vintage if possible.
Kendrick is the more talented poet and rapper, but Drake is unstoppably charming, has a great sense of plot and storytelling, and is insanely rich. Money is always going to attract the hangers-on, the yes-men, and the sycophants. Granted, they BOTH have money - Drake just has so much more of it. I think they both took it to a really ugly place because they genuinely fucking dislike each other, but Kendrick has stored-up years of rage and hate coming through, while Drake has an irritated, wounded ego. It's been a minute since we saw a big rap beef that actually breaks through to mainstream coverage, but then again, rap IS mainstream and has been for a long time. It was highly entertaining, but I wouldn't want to be a part of it. J. Cole is wise.
Don’t have a question, just want to say how funny and enjoyable your writing is. So thank you for sharing! Hope you eventually do an event or something in Philly, I would definitely be there 🙂
How do you get over the thought that nobody will want to read what you want to write about, or, in case that one isn't available, how do you make yourself write and publish it anyway? Asking for a friend 😅
Fantastic question. I suppose you may never get over the fear entirely, but the more you do it, the likelier you are to attract readers, and thus to have actual evidence that there is, in fact, an audience for your work - even if it is "just" friends and friends of friends for a good long while. I think if it's on your heart to say something, you will follow through and finish it and put it into the world regardless of whether anyone reads it. It's rather lovely, too, to consider that if nobody does read it - well, fuck it, at least you proved to yourself you could finish something! This builds enormous confidence over time.
Curious as a DuPage Co resident if you've explored or enjoyed any suburbs?
I went to a wonderful holiday singalong of opera and seasonal tunes at Del Rio Restaurant in Highwood, and I visited the Chicago Botanic Garden (which is actually in Glencoe) but no, not yet! I look forward to getting a used vehicle once I pass my IL drivers license written test.
Your writing is excellent, and your posts never fail to cheer me up. The met gala robe lol. Also the cute photos of your cat are so good! Honestly I have a soft spot for gray cats; those fluffy felines are the best creatures on earth (I consider my cat Dillinger as a superior being to me in every way.) My questions are related to your gray cat: how is the cat/mouse hunter doing? What is she up to lately? Do you think that cats experience the world like us (see colors, understand words, feel emotions) or do their cat senses perceive the world in an entirely different manner than people? Okay anyhow, thank you for making hilarious and intelligent writing. I wholeheartedly agree that cloudy rainy days are much preferable to the unrelenting sun. Thanks for making me feel less alone in my appreciation for the beauty of rain. You’re a gifted writer and brilliant satirist!
Thank you, Jessica! This is so incredibly kind of you. I needed to read it, keeps me motivated, so thank you again. I think they perceive the world in a largely different manner because of brain structure, and the incredible power of their noses, the ability to see well in low light, etc. However, I do think they clearly bond, look out for their family/crew (human or otherwise), and experience love, tenderness, and sorrow as well. Like today, somebody was yelling in the hallway and somebody else was yelling back, so I saw my cat get very alert, and then eventually walk over to the front door as if to do something about all that yelling. I figure she's no dummy, she knows she's smaller than the humans making the human noises, but she's also decided her job to ATTAC and PROTEC and that means a lot to me. I try to treat her as well as I can. She loves climbing on her cat tree and looking at the many birds flying near Lake Michigan. And I have noticed she knows when I'm sad or sick and will groom my head!
I’m fairly certain Sara’s cat is at least part Russian blue.
Really?! I don't know anything about them!
What's your sense as a woman of how many voters are motivated by Dobbs? Are we going to see a blue tsunami because of that?
I do think a ton of women of all backgrounds and various religious affiliations are highly motivated by the desire to have autonomy over our own reproductive healthcare choices. So we may not know the specific laws on the books in every state or jurisdiction, or all agree on when an abortion should be legal (at what gestational time, etc.) but we tend to think of ourselves and any friends who may be able to get pregnant, and who may or may not wish to carry a pregnancy to term, and we certainly think of those who have it forced upon them through violence. Further, we generally want to be able to access various birth control methods, and we see that when Republicans come for abortion, they come for birth control, too. And I think that is the one factor that motivates lots of women to show up, time after time, in my own lifetime. As for a blue tsunami, I don't know. Democrats are hampered by Biden's participation in a genocide that we see covered in real time before our eyes every day. Some people will stay home. But reproductive freedom will be a motivating factor for many voters on the left, in the shrinking middle, and even in some segments on the right.
Who is your favorite character on The Sopranos?
Has being a ginger been more of a gift or a burden?
As an Italian, do you consider yourself white?
I have grown up with a lot of white privilege, so yes, I do consider myself white. Irish, Italians, Ashkenazi Jews, and plenty of other so-called "ethnic whites" typically walk with all the privileges of whiteness even if and when they may experience some prejudice and hate, too, as in the case of anti-Semitism. When we look at who is likelier to be pulled over for a broken taillight and beaten to death, it is not "ethnic whites," no matter their income or social status. In some cases, our own ancestors scrambled to be seen as part of the white supremacist power structure, sometimes at the expense of neighbors of color. It can sound strange when folks say "whiteness is a construct," but I get it because the whitest shade of pale didn't matter on somebody who was the wrong kind of immigrant - UNTIL they/their community climbed the ladder of whiteness, often by stepping on somebody else.
I'm a fake ginger, and a natural brunette! I am a ginger pretender!
I always loved Adriana so much and I have always refused to watch the episode where she is murdered. To me she is FOREVER ALIVE.
How many readers from Maryland? And are you loving your new place? The view is spectacular.
I actually don't know about MD readers! I do enjoy it, though tuck pointing is very loud and construction noises happen nearly every day, it seems. The view is wonderful and that is part of what keeps me here. I'm very grateful for it.
how would YOU dress (money no object and everything looks good on you) for sleeping beauties: reawakening fashion?
Ooh I would be rather literal and wear some beautiful bespoke designer version of the dress worn by the model in Sleeping Beauty in the Wood by Maxfield Parrish or The Sleeping Beauty by Jean Francois Rafaelli or Flaming June by Frederic, Lord Leighton. I would do long fairy tale princess hair and some type of woodland/garden-adjacent crown.
Gold or silver and why? Any gemstone you prefer?
I tend to lean toward gold but I'm open! I have always loved how Klimt used gold, and the way the metal seems to have harnessed some of the power of sunshine. I believe topaz is my birthstone (October?) but I do enjoy an emerald or a sapphire. I have a friend who runs a vintage jewelry business, and when it comes to anything with gemstones I'd prefer to buy vintage if possible.
Opal is your birthstone, you October Scorpio. November is gold topaz.
What is your take on the Drake-Kendrick Lamar beef?
Kendrick is the more talented poet and rapper, but Drake is unstoppably charming, has a great sense of plot and storytelling, and is insanely rich. Money is always going to attract the hangers-on, the yes-men, and the sycophants. Granted, they BOTH have money - Drake just has so much more of it. I think they both took it to a really ugly place because they genuinely fucking dislike each other, but Kendrick has stored-up years of rage and hate coming through, while Drake has an irritated, wounded ego. It's been a minute since we saw a big rap beef that actually breaks through to mainstream coverage, but then again, rap IS mainstream and has been for a long time. It was highly entertaining, but I wouldn't want to be a part of it. J. Cole is wise.
Don’t have a question, just want to say how funny and enjoyable your writing is. So thank you for sharing! Hope you eventually do an event or something in Philly, I would definitely be there 🙂
Thank you so much, Caroline, I hope so, too! I love Philly!
Ok, I’d like to ask…when are you coming to the U.K. to visit?
As soon as somebody pays for my trip, I'm doing it!
I’m sure we could have a fund raiser. What would you like to do in the U.K.?
Woot woot from Australia