14 Comments
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Emma Gannon's avatar

Late to this post, but wow wow wow. Thank you. <3

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Alison Cherry's avatar

Our mutual friend Joseph Ingram sent this to me after we had a long conversation over Christmas about my decision to quit writing, and you've made me feel very seen. I published nine books for teens and kids, then reached the point where I hated writing so much—not just publishing, but everything about the creative process too—that I literally MOVED APARTMENTS because it took up all my time and meant I had an excuse for not writing. As of now, I haven't opened a document in about three years, and I haven't missed it for one moment... but I'm also still grieving the life that I built my entire identity around for ten years. You mentioned being fed up with "You're doing this on purpose, why aren't you happy?", and I'm now fed up with "You quit on purpose, why aren't you happy?" It's all a rich stew of terrible feelings. :) Let me know if you ever want to chat—I'm on social media at @alison_cherry.

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Holly Whitaker's avatar

This is brilliant. You are brilliant. Thank you.

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Mandy Len Catron's avatar

Publishing my first (only) book was also such a mind fuck for me. A really tough time that I didn't know how to talk about without sounding whiny or ungrateful. I really love how you've captured all of that here, with total brazen candor.

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Kimberly Harrington's avatar

I so appreciate this comment as I can only imagine the pressure you felt with that book! (and I can imagine a lot!)

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Lael Uberuaga's avatar

Not that I have much to compare it to since I'm not in the industry, but this was the best description of the hellhole that is publishing that I've ever read. Thanks for sharing this with your readers AND going beyond the two approved emotions of #happiness and #gratitude. Live, laugh, love, lolllllllll.

I so appreciate this newsletter and the words you put out into the world, and I wish you a long long break coming up where you don't have to do anything except hang out with your loved ones, eat (good) fries dipped in Mc Flurries, and stare silently at the sea.

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mary lschaefer's avatar

God , you're good! So are these links. Glad I discovered this newsletter. Recently LOLd my way thru Amateur Hour. Now rest, take alot of breaths and enjoy your kids

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Katie's avatar

Get some rest, you've earned it! Thank you for being so honest an funny and awesome. See ya in 22!

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MonalisaSmile's avatar

A-Men. I think I have to read your books, now.

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Claire Zulkey's avatar

I have so many things I want to say but I'll just stick with, I am so glad for the things you put out there including this.

And I just love getting $0.00 royalty statements year after year from my publishers.

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Kimberly Harrington's avatar

The $0.00 royalty statements are also my favorite !!

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Sara Saljoughi's avatar

Thank you for writing this. Publishing sounds a lot like academia. Selfishly, I hope you keep writing this newsletter, or come back to it at some point. I love reading your words! But I'm a mother too, and I completely understand your thought process here.

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Kimberly Harrington's avatar

Ahhh thank you! I will definitely keep writing the newsletter! I'm going to take a break from it, probably through the end of the year, but then I'll be back 💥

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Liz Alterman's avatar

With my memoir coming out Thursday, I feel this so deeply. Thank you for sharing your honesty, wit and perspective.

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