We can spend years developing it, but is there such a thing as our authentic writer’s voice? Or are we searching for something that will inevitably shift with time?
Oh my goodness Christina, this is such a great read. I smiled, nodded in agreement, felt stirrings of old traumas and marvelled at your turns of phrase - ‘mental laundry and lists of limescale’ must rank up there in truly great metaphors. I love the way you duck into other people’s words, so skilfully, in a way that creates a rounded and rich reading experience. It feels like an event, this essay. I always tend towards writing briefly - I run out of steam or ideas, but this has inspired me to think how I can work something into a longer form essay. I think this is why the idea of actually writing a book is quite terrifying. I loved this exploration of voice, thank you x
What a beautiful response, thank you for sharing Lynne! I might have to print it out and keep it by my desk for those days when I wonder if I have anything of interest to say. ☺️
I’ve been enjoying exploring the essay format. This one just seemed to pour out in a morning. And then over the following week it evolved and emerged further. Look forward to seeing where the longer form style takes you!
And I’m with you on the book front. So far this essay is longer than the bits and pieces of memoir writing I’ve been starting to pull together. Only took me three years to write them. 🫣
I’ve been thinking about the books / genre crossing life-writing that are made up of essays. It feels a little more manageable when broken down into smaller parts. And way less overwhelming. I might try this approach next, and break things up by themes.
Lots to think about, as always. But in the meantime, we write on. x
Oh Christina, my heart aches for the younger you, learning that your privacy had been invaded in this way. What a concoction of emotions you must have felt! And that last paragraph - I'd much rather be imperfect, too, than regret never giving it a go.
Oh, I had no trouble making it through the end, it was quite compelling. In fact, didn't notice the length. It deals with so many issues that I have to fight through everyday with my writing. Except I think I have more self-doubt and a good amount of self-hate and dread. That's when I usually have to add some music to the mix, to push me forward. This morning it is Saint Etienne.
Oh my goodness Christina, this is such a great read. I smiled, nodded in agreement, felt stirrings of old traumas and marvelled at your turns of phrase - ‘mental laundry and lists of limescale’ must rank up there in truly great metaphors. I love the way you duck into other people’s words, so skilfully, in a way that creates a rounded and rich reading experience. It feels like an event, this essay. I always tend towards writing briefly - I run out of steam or ideas, but this has inspired me to think how I can work something into a longer form essay. I think this is why the idea of actually writing a book is quite terrifying. I loved this exploration of voice, thank you x
What a beautiful response, thank you for sharing Lynne! I might have to print it out and keep it by my desk for those days when I wonder if I have anything of interest to say. ☺️
I’ve been enjoying exploring the essay format. This one just seemed to pour out in a morning. And then over the following week it evolved and emerged further. Look forward to seeing where the longer form style takes you!
And I’m with you on the book front. So far this essay is longer than the bits and pieces of memoir writing I’ve been starting to pull together. Only took me three years to write them. 🫣
I’ve been thinking about the books / genre crossing life-writing that are made up of essays. It feels a little more manageable when broken down into smaller parts. And way less overwhelming. I might try this approach next, and break things up by themes.
Lots to think about, as always. But in the meantime, we write on. x
Fascinating questions/thoughts here - and thank you for the links out to other essays/writers...
Thank you Tanya x
I enjoyed this so much , thanks a million x
Thank you Kerri. For everything. Also, very excited to read your new book. x
Oh Christina, my heart aches for the younger you, learning that your privacy had been invaded in this way. What a concoction of emotions you must have felt! And that last paragraph - I'd much rather be imperfect, too, than regret never giving it a go.
It was pretty awful. And also, a great moment of clarity.
Here’s to being perfectly imperfect. x
Wow! This is so good, so open. I really love your writing. Thanks.
Thank you! It was so long I wasn’t sure that anyone would make it to the end. 😅
Oh, I had no trouble making it through the end, it was quite compelling. In fact, didn't notice the length. It deals with so many issues that I have to fight through everyday with my writing. Except I think I have more self-doubt and a good amount of self-hate and dread. That's when I usually have to add some music to the mix, to push me forward. This morning it is Saint Etienne.
Haven’t listened to Saint Etienne in a long time - great choice! Keep going.
Foxbase Alpha was the album yesterday morning.