Currently struggling to finish my manuscript after two deadline extensions and "I won’t die if this book doesn’t get written" is going to be my new mantra. Thank you for writing this.
Thanks for writing this, Emily. It matters to me. A reader's gratitude is hardly a substitute for the kinds of things that actually make a difference--time, space, money, a safe world, reliable childcare. But I wanted to share it all the same. I hope you keep writing if you can, if it nourishes you. I hope you and your family are healthy and stay well. I hope Greece is the muse you need. (Reading "The Colossus" while "A blue sky out of the Oresteia / Arches above" you--Can you imagine?!)
P.S. Screw Roche. Poetry doesn't kill; it saves. It's saved my life plenty of times. Plath's especially. Her books matter. Yours will too.
You write so beautifully Emily. I have the same confused reactions when I read your blog as when I read or see Chekhov well acted and I'm weeping and the stranger next to me is in stitches. Things are so fucked up but your honesty and enduring spirit is something to hold onto in the frigid waves.
Jan 12, 2022·edited Jan 12, 2022Liked by Emily Van Duyne
It matters because one way or another you will write this book. It's in you and you have to give it its space. And I can't wait to read it. You're a gifted writer, so hold tight. As a small side note, I have a poetry chapbook coming out this yr, and it was inspired by SP. So very many of us love SP, so please, bring us your words. I hope your family is well soon. We're rooting for you. ❤
This is really great. Many writers will understand these dilemmas. I think there are a couple of ways to look at it: if the book matters enough to you, one day it will get written. That's a big enough excuse to write it. But also, in the internet world with Substack, Medium and eBooks, does your Sylvia work need to be a heavy nonfiction old style book at all? Many people love audiobooks and have Kindles, and a few of us have found Substack. Why not just write it one paragraph at a time here? If it takes 20 years, that's fine. No deadlines. No pressure.
Currently struggling to finish my manuscript after two deadline extensions and "I won’t die if this book doesn’t get written" is going to be my new mantra. Thank you for writing this.
Thanks for writing this, Emily. It matters to me. A reader's gratitude is hardly a substitute for the kinds of things that actually make a difference--time, space, money, a safe world, reliable childcare. But I wanted to share it all the same. I hope you keep writing if you can, if it nourishes you. I hope you and your family are healthy and stay well. I hope Greece is the muse you need. (Reading "The Colossus" while "A blue sky out of the Oresteia / Arches above" you--Can you imagine?!)
P.S. Screw Roche. Poetry doesn't kill; it saves. It's saved my life plenty of times. Plath's especially. Her books matter. Yours will too.
You write so beautifully Emily. I have the same confused reactions when I read your blog as when I read or see Chekhov well acted and I'm weeping and the stranger next to me is in stitches. Things are so fucked up but your honesty and enduring spirit is something to hold onto in the frigid waves.
“When” is nothing. You will write, and it will matter.
It matters because one way or another you will write this book. It's in you and you have to give it its space. And I can't wait to read it. You're a gifted writer, so hold tight. As a small side note, I have a poetry chapbook coming out this yr, and it was inspired by SP. So very many of us love SP, so please, bring us your words. I hope your family is well soon. We're rooting for you. ❤
This was absolutely brilliant. My good thoughts to you and your family.
this was beautiful
reading this meant a lot to me, today. thank you for writing it.
This is really great. Many writers will understand these dilemmas. I think there are a couple of ways to look at it: if the book matters enough to you, one day it will get written. That's a big enough excuse to write it. But also, in the internet world with Substack, Medium and eBooks, does your Sylvia work need to be a heavy nonfiction old style book at all? Many people love audiobooks and have Kindles, and a few of us have found Substack. Why not just write it one paragraph at a time here? If it takes 20 years, that's fine. No deadlines. No pressure.