Lol this is hilarious. I absolutely get more respect from others (including family) for my paid-client projects than for my independent/creative ones. The people who are exceptions to this are wonderful and I treasure them :-)
It was my dad who was more likely to discourage writing than my mom. But after the grades I had in high school, I think he was somewhat happy I was pursuing *anything*.
I LOLed many times reading this. Yes, according to my parents, my life's calling is to be the best at dishwasher loading. Sometimes I do wish I had a more conventional career, but then again, I've never once been conventional, so why start now?
Loved the Mom and child dialog. This topic made me think. Much like PARTICIPATION in activities in school (elementary, middle, high and secondary) are not required, they enrich the experience. Homework hounds who do nothing else or kids who just play soccer are missing out on the diversity of life. Why does that kid who is going to engineering school also play baseball or is involved in the theatre? This is the path to the well-rounded individual. I think a writer who exclusively writes for a living is merely on the continuum of writing because it enriches the soul. Why do people play golf even though they are not interested in the PGA or LPGA tour? Because it is fun and brings joy. The great irony of all this in my estimation is those who theatre often say why sports with disdain. Likewise the weekend sportster seems likely to say why write or theatre? In truth, the well-rounded individual ends up happy pursuing things (like Substack, or tennis, or Community Theatre). It sounds like your Substack brings you joy -- that seems the point of it to me. One is not greater than the other and those who diminish those things that bring others joy should look in the mirror.
So glad to see that Jane's mom told her to keep her 'pride' in check. Clever!
I love how you used history and moms to showcase how writers have to forge their own paths....even if mom says no.
Regarding how the universe was formed and all those other questions we want answered...I've just started a book by Bill Bryson called 'A Short History of Nearly Everything'. Recommended by Mike Sowden. In just 2 chapters I have become an expert on our universe lol!
PS - Happy Cancerversary... somehow I missed that post and I'm sorry for that. Epic milestone.
Mum never understood my writing or that I was published. And as for my friends? They never ask and I don't tell anymore. It's easier that way. A writer's life is such an odd one and they don't get the self-imposed isolation and solitude. C'est la vie!
BWAHA!! Lurved this. So great. I loved the pics and the accompanying captions.
Oh wow, loved this!!! 🙌
This is so relatable! Love it.
That's a handsome pen. Also, nice piece.
Money is validation. It's also money, so it's a twofer : )
Lol this is hilarious. I absolutely get more respect from others (including family) for my paid-client projects than for my independent/creative ones. The people who are exceptions to this are wonderful and I treasure them :-)
What’s a better living legacy: your writing or a stack of W-2s?
It was my dad who was more likely to discourage writing than my mom. But after the grades I had in high school, I think he was somewhat happy I was pursuing *anything*.
I LOLed many times reading this. Yes, according to my parents, my life's calling is to be the best at dishwasher loading. Sometimes I do wish I had a more conventional career, but then again, I've never once been conventional, so why start now?
Loved the Mom and child dialog. This topic made me think. Much like PARTICIPATION in activities in school (elementary, middle, high and secondary) are not required, they enrich the experience. Homework hounds who do nothing else or kids who just play soccer are missing out on the diversity of life. Why does that kid who is going to engineering school also play baseball or is involved in the theatre? This is the path to the well-rounded individual. I think a writer who exclusively writes for a living is merely on the continuum of writing because it enriches the soul. Why do people play golf even though they are not interested in the PGA or LPGA tour? Because it is fun and brings joy. The great irony of all this in my estimation is those who theatre often say why sports with disdain. Likewise the weekend sportster seems likely to say why write or theatre? In truth, the well-rounded individual ends up happy pursuing things (like Substack, or tennis, or Community Theatre). It sounds like your Substack brings you joy -- that seems the point of it to me. One is not greater than the other and those who diminish those things that bring others joy should look in the mirror.
Very chortleworthy and interesting. Plato thought writing would mess up people's memory. I can't remember if I have said that before.
1. Thankfully, my family knows how hard I'm "working" as a writer.
2. I'm a professional wife, mother, writer, and wise-ass. Sadly, I get paid for none of these professions.
3. I want to be the next Judy Blume.
"Whatever happened to that novel you were writing?"
"Mom, I'm writing essays now."
"Why don't you write something people want to read?"
--- My mom (who gets a pass because she reads what I write)
This was fabulous! Between massive bouts of self recognition, I laughed the whole way through!
I'm very happy you didn't listen to your mom and instead remain devoted to your Subster.
So glad to see that Jane's mom told her to keep her 'pride' in check. Clever!
I love how you used history and moms to showcase how writers have to forge their own paths....even if mom says no.
Regarding how the universe was formed and all those other questions we want answered...I've just started a book by Bill Bryson called 'A Short History of Nearly Everything'. Recommended by Mike Sowden. In just 2 chapters I have become an expert on our universe lol!
PS - Happy Cancerversary... somehow I missed that post and I'm sorry for that. Epic milestone.
Mum never understood my writing or that I was published. And as for my friends? They never ask and I don't tell anymore. It's easier that way. A writer's life is such an odd one and they don't get the self-imposed isolation and solitude. C'est la vie!