I wonder if everyone who pursues writing had inklings when they were young? It's not as if every career or passion takes root in childhood, so perhaps not.
Your journey to being able and willing to call yourself a writer is admirable. So glad you kept poking away at it! I especially related to your comments about being afraid to take a break here. I've had similar conversations with myself and continue to land on this: It's okay to skip a week (or more), but unless it's an emergency, it's best to plan it in advance. I'll be traveling in September, so there's a good chance I'll give myself a break then. I'll keep plugging along in them meantime, bolstered by stories like yours!
Getting out of our own way is such a hurdle to overcome. I cannot begin to imagine how you got over being inadvertently cc'ed on an email not meant for you.
I've dedicated so many journals to so many different causes. This one's for workouts. This one's for prayer. This one's for poetry. This one's for collaging. This one's my journal. This one's going to be fun, for whatever I want, grocery lists, to do lists, recording notes, quotes, and all the cute little things that happen every day.
Now I have a ton of notebooks, mostly blank, that I can't write in because I don't work out anymore, I don't believe in prayer, I don't collage, I'm not in the mood for poetry...ad nauseam.
Someday I'll rip the pages out and start something else.
So I feel you on that. I found my way to writerhood at some point, too. But performance? No thank you. Yours was, however, delightful!
Oh! JUSTIN! We were meant to cross each other's paths. I love this comment and I completely relate. Never say never to things...it's almost like you're setting yourself up for the possibility of change. I said never once, too. I bet you'd be great! We can write a skit and act out playing Town together. I'll even let you be Harriet, and I'll take Sport's role. Or maybe the scene when they go to visit Ole Golly's mom. That part of the book still blows my mind. How 'bout it? xo
I do love that scene. It's one of my favorites. I'd love to see a scene played by adults of the moment when Harriet comes back and everyone is glaring at her from the bench and starts to read from the notebook. Gut wrenching.
I had the pink holly hobby diary with the lock. It began my journey as a writer and I loved pink, so for a time it was magical.
Thank you for sharing this Nan. It’s helped me as I navigate through my own break. Writing in my head still counts…I think. It will come out on paper eventually.
I loved this coming of age writer’s journey, a true hero’s journey. A+++ for persistence and putting the dunce cap on Fear & sending him to the purgatory of the hallway, preferably with the smelly gym socks. You are such a wonderful writer!
Oh, my heart. I kept seeing myself more and more in your words, and then you mentioned tearing out the first pages of “failed” notebooks… I literally wrote about that this week!
Well. This made me SOB. I'm so happy today, in this moment. I'm overjoyed on a daily basis that I got past all the obstacles I've put in my way to arrive at my true vocation, passion, love. Even on the days when I'm reaching for a story, not sure what to write, I'm grateful to be in this life, do thing the thing that brings me so much clarity, joy, and kinship. xo
So good Nan! I thought about your CTA and, as many things in my life, it felt too layered so I'll come back to your writing. Congrats on the journey! And OMG this video is great!!! xx
Thanks, Rhaine. Yeah, the video is a hoot! I once performed it once for my mother at her insistence. She was not pleased, to say the least. Even when I pointed out that I was owning being like her. Oh, well. I guess I can understand her reaction! xo
Even after I'd been published in a few major Canadian magazines years ago (when magazines were still a thing), I felt like an impostor, not a writer. I'm more comfortable with the title today, but I admire writers like you who can successfully write a column a week! I'm a slow writer who needs to let things percolate for a long time. As my bio says, I string words together, change them, move them around, and do it all again until they tell a story!
I hear you. And now you write. Slow writing seems like a a wonderful way to do it. I've got a percolator, too, and when I say I'm writing all the time, I include the percolating as part of the whole brew. I have no idea where this write once a week energy has come from, but I'm riding the wave and happy to be having the experience! Writing is the point. Even when I was writing 1000 words a year, I was being a writer. Now, I'm doing it more often! xo
We often misuse the word ‘trailblazer,’ hanging it on someone who does something big and loud and historic. But here you are, Nan, doing the actual thing… carving a path and marking it for others to follow in their own time.
Reading this, I saw my own aspirations as a girl, the same ones that were shaken loose by family and pressures and fear and injury, et al. I’m honored to see myself in you, and so grateful for the opportunity. Thank you!!
For me it was a little sketch pad, Thought it completed my image, the artist protege. Took it everywhere but I was afraid I'd ruin it with a bad drawing. yes, I'd cut out the "mistake" but then it was no good anymore. Nan, I so relate to all your stories, and you help me remember mine. BTW the slam about your mother was hysterical!!!!Keep going sweetie
Ah! Perfect, Margie. So surprised to hear you say this. You have always been a creator for as long as I’ve know you (52 years!). That’s a lot of years of creative output.
The slam piece was fun, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I have no intention of stopping, now that I’ve begun. I have work to do! xo
Absolutely the BEST kids book. I have a very long history with Harriet. I wrote another post about her if you want to hear more about her (I recorded it, too). I'm sure that there will be more posts about her in the future. I have her image tattooed to my forearm...a gift to myself when I was really clear that I can call myself a writer for real! Harriet the Spy changed children's literature for the better. It was big deal when it was published in 1964. I read it once a year. It's brilliant. Highly recommend reading it, it's actually quite sophisticated a children's book. I'd love to have a link to the othe writer's post about HTS. Thanks! https://nantepper.com/p/the-spy-who-loves-me-6dc
She’s like you and responds to comments, and I’ve got a feeling it was in a comment so I don’t even know where to start, except I’m sure it was this weeks newsletter. If it wasn’t it was last weeks.
Justin! Of course Harriet the Spy! I must have read it a zillion times as a kid. She's the one who inspired me to be the huge nosy-body that I am today! I used to run around spying in the neighbors' windows and writing up reports that I'd deliver to my parents. And of course she lived in NYC so I had to go do that too.
Also, I just started a different Mark Helprin, "Memoir From An Antproof Case," suggested by another reader because the narrator HATES COFFEE!
What a gift, indeed, learning to get out of our own way so we can realize our potential. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey. You are an inspiration to many, Nan.xoxo
It's been quite something, these last couple of years. I owe it to 12 Step work, therapy, and a general willingness to try things that scare me. And thank you for that lovely compliment. I'm so inspired by so many here. Thank you, Marilea! xo
I wonder if everyone who pursues writing had inklings when they were young? It's not as if every career or passion takes root in childhood, so perhaps not.
Your journey to being able and willing to call yourself a writer is admirable. So glad you kept poking away at it! I especially related to your comments about being afraid to take a break here. I've had similar conversations with myself and continue to land on this: It's okay to skip a week (or more), but unless it's an emergency, it's best to plan it in advance. I'll be traveling in September, so there's a good chance I'll give myself a break then. I'll keep plugging along in them meantime, bolstered by stories like yours!
Thank you, Nan !! Just what I needed to read today - so grateful for your writing ❤️
Thank YOU, Emily! Keep writing, you're fabulous. xo
Getting out of our own way is such a hurdle to overcome. I cannot begin to imagine how you got over being inadvertently cc'ed on an email not meant for you.
I'm glad you did get past it.
I'm glad I did, too. It was hard, for sure. I'm happy you're here, thanks, Nancy. xo
I've dedicated so many journals to so many different causes. This one's for workouts. This one's for prayer. This one's for poetry. This one's for collaging. This one's my journal. This one's going to be fun, for whatever I want, grocery lists, to do lists, recording notes, quotes, and all the cute little things that happen every day.
Now I have a ton of notebooks, mostly blank, that I can't write in because I don't work out anymore, I don't believe in prayer, I don't collage, I'm not in the mood for poetry...ad nauseam.
Someday I'll rip the pages out and start something else.
So I feel you on that. I found my way to writerhood at some point, too. But performance? No thank you. Yours was, however, delightful!
Oh! JUSTIN! We were meant to cross each other's paths. I love this comment and I completely relate. Never say never to things...it's almost like you're setting yourself up for the possibility of change. I said never once, too. I bet you'd be great! We can write a skit and act out playing Town together. I'll even let you be Harriet, and I'll take Sport's role. Or maybe the scene when they go to visit Ole Golly's mom. That part of the book still blows my mind. How 'bout it? xo
I do love that scene. It's one of my favorites. I'd love to see a scene played by adults of the moment when Harriet comes back and everyone is glaring at her from the bench and starts to read from the notebook. Gut wrenching.
Absolutely gut wrenching. I feel as if I've found my Harriet soulmate! Thanks, Justin. xo
AMEN! Thank YOU, Nan!
PS. You are a born story slammer. That was incredible. ❤️
HAHAHA! Thanks, cookie. xo
I had the pink holly hobby diary with the lock. It began my journey as a writer and I loved pink, so for a time it was magical.
Thank you for sharing this Nan. It’s helped me as I navigate through my own break. Writing in my head still counts…I think. It will come out on paper eventually.
We are sistahs, sweetie! Writing in your head DEFINITELY counts. Love you. xo
I loved this coming of age writer’s journey, a true hero’s journey. A+++ for persistence and putting the dunce cap on Fear & sending him to the purgatory of the hallway, preferably with the smelly gym socks. You are such a wonderful writer!
Oh, Amy! Thank you, my dear. I'm so happy to arrive at this point in time. I love the Fear metaphor. Smelly socks are a must! xo
Oh, my heart. I kept seeing myself more and more in your words, and then you mentioned tearing out the first pages of “failed” notebooks… I literally wrote about that this week!
(https://open.substack.com/pub/treuwords/p/the-upside-of-the-down)
And then I came in to leave this comment, and I see all of these other comments from people who also see themselves in your words…
Nan, you are gifted. I am SO glad you are a writer and that you are sharing your gift with the world. It is a better place for it. Thank you. 🩷
Well. This made me SOB. I'm so happy today, in this moment. I'm overjoyed on a daily basis that I got past all the obstacles I've put in my way to arrive at my true vocation, passion, love. Even on the days when I'm reaching for a story, not sure what to write, I'm grateful to be in this life, do thing the thing that brings me so much clarity, joy, and kinship. xo
So good Nan! I thought about your CTA and, as many things in my life, it felt too layered so I'll come back to your writing. Congrats on the journey! And OMG this video is great!!! xx
Thanks, Rhaine. Yeah, the video is a hoot! I once performed it once for my mother at her insistence. She was not pleased, to say the least. Even when I pointed out that I was owning being like her. Oh, well. I guess I can understand her reaction! xo
Even after I'd been published in a few major Canadian magazines years ago (when magazines were still a thing), I felt like an impostor, not a writer. I'm more comfortable with the title today, but I admire writers like you who can successfully write a column a week! I'm a slow writer who needs to let things percolate for a long time. As my bio says, I string words together, change them, move them around, and do it all again until they tell a story!
I hear you. And now you write. Slow writing seems like a a wonderful way to do it. I've got a percolator, too, and when I say I'm writing all the time, I include the percolating as part of the whole brew. I have no idea where this write once a week energy has come from, but I'm riding the wave and happy to be having the experience! Writing is the point. Even when I was writing 1000 words a year, I was being a writer. Now, I'm doing it more often! xo
We often misuse the word ‘trailblazer,’ hanging it on someone who does something big and loud and historic. But here you are, Nan, doing the actual thing… carving a path and marking it for others to follow in their own time.
Reading this, I saw my own aspirations as a girl, the same ones that were shaken loose by family and pressures and fear and injury, et al. I’m honored to see myself in you, and so grateful for the opportunity. Thank you!!
Thank you, Bree, you're very kind. To me and to yourself! Write, right away! Write away! xo
On it!! xx 🫡✨
Yay!
Go, Nan!
Thanks, I doing it! xo
For me it was a little sketch pad, Thought it completed my image, the artist protege. Took it everywhere but I was afraid I'd ruin it with a bad drawing. yes, I'd cut out the "mistake" but then it was no good anymore. Nan, I so relate to all your stories, and you help me remember mine. BTW the slam about your mother was hysterical!!!!Keep going sweetie
Ah! Perfect, Margie. So surprised to hear you say this. You have always been a creator for as long as I’ve know you (52 years!). That’s a lot of years of creative output.
The slam piece was fun, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I have no intention of stopping, now that I’ve begun. I have work to do! xo
Yes, I feel lucky, too, and that this is all right on time! xo
Precisely! It happened exactly on schedule. xo
I’d never heard of Harriet the Spy, until this week, when TWO of my Substack faves mentioned her as an inspiration!
Absolutely the BEST kids book. I have a very long history with Harriet. I wrote another post about her if you want to hear more about her (I recorded it, too). I'm sure that there will be more posts about her in the future. I have her image tattooed to my forearm...a gift to myself when I was really clear that I can call myself a writer for real! Harriet the Spy changed children's literature for the better. It was big deal when it was published in 1964. I read it once a year. It's brilliant. Highly recommend reading it, it's actually quite sophisticated a children's book. I'd love to have a link to the othe writer's post about HTS. Thanks! https://nantepper.com/p/the-spy-who-loves-me-6dc
It was Anne Kadet, who writes Cafe Anne
I will see if I can find it. Thank you! xo
She’s like you and responds to comments, and I’ve got a feeling it was in a comment so I don’t even know where to start, except I’m sure it was this weeks newsletter. If it wasn’t it was last weeks.
I just read this week's post (scanned) and didn't see anything, but I'll take another look at the last couple. Thanks!
Justin! Of course Harriet the Spy! I must have read it a zillion times as a kid. She's the one who inspired me to be the huge nosy-body that I am today! I used to run around spying in the neighbors' windows and writing up reports that I'd deliver to my parents. And of course she lived in NYC so I had to go do that too.
Also, I just started a different Mark Helprin, "Memoir From An Antproof Case," suggested by another reader because the narrator HATES COFFEE!
What a gift, indeed, learning to get out of our own way so we can realize our potential. Thank you for sharing this part of your journey. You are an inspiration to many, Nan.xoxo
It's been quite something, these last couple of years. I owe it to 12 Step work, therapy, and a general willingness to try things that scare me. And thank you for that lovely compliment. I'm so inspired by so many here. Thank you, Marilea! xo