I felt every word of this, Jen. I've never felt part of the inner circle and only recently came to some of the conclusions you have. I love writing most when I write from my own voice and don't worry about the "result." Accolades absolutely do not last and chasing them is a waste of precious energy. Thanks for writing this!
Great essay. I’ve also experienced external validation for my work but it didn’t change my life, either.
Writing changed my life by opening a window to a deeper relationship with myself, someone who tracks the world in a particular way, sometimes peculiar and at other times synced up with the wind.
The business of a writing career is a totally different thing from being a writer, someone who mashes words together in order to express her vision of life.
I love the way you say this, Martina. "Sometimes peculiar and at other times synced up with the wind." Beautiful. To maintain values and alignment in any business is tough, but I think healthy creative output comes down to remembering why we do it in the first place. I feel so lucky to have found writing in the way I did, in the time I did.
"All unique voices are powerful if nurtured." In the wake of Gloria Steinem's passing from this reactive-not-reflective world, these words resonate deeply for me. Thank you, Jen. ❤️
"Even if a handful of folks are working damn hard to erase anyone with a unique perspective, all unique voices are powerful if nurtured.
If someone offers you a broken chair, it might not be the best place sit down no matter how tired you are. “
This may not be where you meant my brain to go, but I couldn’t help thinking of the Jewish authors who are having their book tours canceled, literary event events being scheduled on top of Jewish high holidays, and book contracts for Jewish American authors being canceled. So what did they do? Several of them are starting their own imprints. It’s not the best time for antisemitism to its head in the literary world, but these folks are not letting a broken chair be the place they rest. They’re building not just their own chair, but their own table.
I just returned from training with Dr. CP Estes. She took 20 years to accept a publication deal for Women Who Run With the Wolves — she would not allow them to water it down, change the meaning, or use polished language. She kept her word to her word, her way. It took 10 more years, and now it is in its 30th anniversary. I learn so much from people like you. Thank you!
Writing in my journals since age 12 saved my vision of self and kept it as safe as I could from my parents' subjectification. Then got me through 25 years in a marriage to a narc, oc. My authenticity kept me alive, clear, fighting, and writing a blog. Showing up week after week gave me a clear voice even though I was never allowed to be good enough. Now I am.
Thank you for championing AUTHENTICITY ❣️ The reminder is constantly necessary.
I felt every word of this, Jen. I've never felt part of the inner circle and only recently came to some of the conclusions you have. I love writing most when I write from my own voice and don't worry about the "result." Accolades absolutely do not last and chasing them is a waste of precious energy. Thanks for writing this!
This was just what I needed to hear today. “Don’t sell yourself or your work short.” Thanks!
Great essay. I’ve also experienced external validation for my work but it didn’t change my life, either.
Writing changed my life by opening a window to a deeper relationship with myself, someone who tracks the world in a particular way, sometimes peculiar and at other times synced up with the wind.
The business of a writing career is a totally different thing from being a writer, someone who mashes words together in order to express her vision of life.
I love the way you say this, Martina. "Sometimes peculiar and at other times synced up with the wind." Beautiful. To maintain values and alignment in any business is tough, but I think healthy creative output comes down to remembering why we do it in the first place. I feel so lucky to have found writing in the way I did, in the time I did.
Dear Jen: thank YOU thank YOU thank YOU.
It’s your voice that motivates me to use my voice.
Thank you for creating a welcoming community of the authentic word.
What a beautiful comment, Sara. And I know you influence many. I will always cheer you on.
Yes. And thank you. "Accolades do not last. Like-for-like transactional relationships do not last. Your authentic voice will."
Thanks for reading, John. I'm grateful to come full-circle with this whole writing thing.
"All unique voices are powerful if nurtured." In the wake of Gloria Steinem's passing from this reactive-not-reflective world, these words resonate deeply for me. Thank you, Jen. ❤️
She never wavered. We need that energy now. xo
Thanks, for this. Keep it messy.
"Even if a handful of folks are working damn hard to erase anyone with a unique perspective, all unique voices are powerful if nurtured.
If someone offers you a broken chair, it might not be the best place sit down no matter how tired you are. “
This may not be where you meant my brain to go, but I couldn’t help thinking of the Jewish authors who are having their book tours canceled, literary event events being scheduled on top of Jewish high holidays, and book contracts for Jewish American authors being canceled. So what did they do? Several of them are starting their own imprints. It’s not the best time for antisemitism to its head in the literary world, but these folks are not letting a broken chair be the place they rest. They’re building not just their own chair, but their own table.
Hi Jen,
Great essay, all of it.
I just returned from training with Dr. CP Estes. She took 20 years to accept a publication deal for Women Who Run With the Wolves — she would not allow them to water it down, change the meaning, or use polished language. She kept her word to her word, her way. It took 10 more years, and now it is in its 30th anniversary. I learn so much from people like you. Thank you!
Writing in my journals since age 12 saved my vision of self and kept it as safe as I could from my parents' subjectification. Then got me through 25 years in a marriage to a narc, oc. My authenticity kept me alive, clear, fighting, and writing a blog. Showing up week after week gave me a clear voice even though I was never allowed to be good enough. Now I am.
Thank you for championing AUTHENTICITY ❣️ The reminder is constantly necessary.