What an excellent interview, thank you Jane and John. Your scooter was awesome and Layla looks amazing. My favorite part of this interview was learning that you tackled spirituality like a research project, I can appreciate this approach! I got a chuckle when you were surprised there was actually a name for your worldview. Well done John, finding your way there and thanks for sharing.
Thanks to you and to John for this glimpse into his warm and wonderful heart. As a fellow lover of sweet dogs, soft hoodies, and Buddhist teachings, his words spoke directly to me!
You are one of my favourite Substack authors, thank you Jane, for a year of wonderful guests and inspirational stories that have lifted me through a difficult year.
It was wonderful to hear how John tends to read mostly women authors! That gave me a big smile :) Good to know men like him are out there living life with their great big hearts wide open.
What a fantastic interview! I loved reading this so much! I just had one question after reading it. There is the part where John said: "While I didn't read a lot of fiction, if I found an author I liked, I'd read everything they wrote. I now understand that to be a marker of neurodivergence."
Does anyone know why this is considered a marker of neurodivergence? I did not know this until I read this sentence. Just asking out of curiosity. Thank you again for this wonderful interview! So insightful!
Reading everything a particular author writes can be seen as an example of a "special interest" where people (self-) diagnosed as autistic have a tendency to focus intensely on something that interests them.
Wow, John, I identify with so much of what you write here. I too started reading around four and made my way through the public library. I also stuck up for kids who were bullied at school as early as second grade. And Buddhism guides me through so much. You already know about the water part, as I too live surrounded by water near your island. I did wonder about this: "... if I found an author I liked, I'd read everything they wrote. I now understand that to be a marker of neurodivergence." How so? What kind of neurodivergence? I've always done that and continue it still.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Kirie! I identified with so much of it, as well -- including reading everything an author I like wrote! Amazing you stuck up for kids in second grade. It took me a while to get there! I'm sure there were a lot of kids (now grown ups) who were grateful to you!
Yes, the now grown ups tell me, those who were bullied and those who were the bullies, wondering how and why they treated others that way. And trying to make amends. And when I read everything an author wrote, I feel like a detective, wanting to know how she started and then progressed. And for a few, I do it all over again, because I have changed!
Just discovered your substack. Will read more and look forward to joining as I edit myself out of others. All good wishes as these early ‘25 days unfold.
What an excellent interview, thank you Jane and John. Your scooter was awesome and Layla looks amazing. My favorite part of this interview was learning that you tackled spirituality like a research project, I can appreciate this approach! I got a chuckle when you were surprised there was actually a name for your worldview. Well done John, finding your way there and thanks for sharing.
I agree! I'm so glad you enjoyed John's beautiful insights, Donna!
Thank you, Donna. That's my approach to almost everything, for better or worse!
It’s a great approach!
Thanks to you and to John for this glimpse into his warm and wonderful heart. As a fellow lover of sweet dogs, soft hoodies, and Buddhist teachings, his words spoke directly to me!
Me, too! Layla!! So glad you enjoyed it!
I'm so glad to hear that, Caroline
daww thank you for the shoutout jane!!!!
Of course, friend!
You are one of my favourite Substack authors, thank you Jane, for a year of wonderful guests and inspirational stories that have lifted me through a difficult year.
Oooh, thank you for letting me know, Lorian. That means so much! I hope you enjoyed John's. And I hope this year is easier on you!
It was wonderful to hear how John tends to read mostly women authors! That gave me a big smile :) Good to know men like him are out there living life with their great big hearts wide open.
I love that!! And I agree!!
And your comment gave me a big smile, Lorian. Thank you so much.
What a fantastic interview! I loved reading this so much! I just had one question after reading it. There is the part where John said: "While I didn't read a lot of fiction, if I found an author I liked, I'd read everything they wrote. I now understand that to be a marker of neurodivergence."
Does anyone know why this is considered a marker of neurodivergence? I did not know this until I read this sentence. Just asking out of curiosity. Thank you again for this wonderful interview! So insightful!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Saran! I don't know the answer to your question. Perhaps John will weigh in?
Thank you Jane, I always learn something interesting and insightful from the interviews you do!
Thank you, Saran, for your kind words.
Reading everything a particular author writes can be seen as an example of a "special interest" where people (self-) diagnosed as autistic have a tendency to focus intensely on something that interests them.
Thank you, John, for answering my question! I didn't know this and I appreciate your explanation!
Wow, John, I identify with so much of what you write here. I too started reading around four and made my way through the public library. I also stuck up for kids who were bullied at school as early as second grade. And Buddhism guides me through so much. You already know about the water part, as I too live surrounded by water near your island. I did wonder about this: "... if I found an author I liked, I'd read everything they wrote. I now understand that to be a marker of neurodivergence." How so? What kind of neurodivergence? I've always done that and continue it still.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Kirie! I identified with so much of it, as well -- including reading everything an author I like wrote! Amazing you stuck up for kids in second grade. It took me a while to get there! I'm sure there were a lot of kids (now grown ups) who were grateful to you!
Yes, the now grown ups tell me, those who were bullied and those who were the bullies, wondering how and why they treated others that way. And trying to make amends. And when I read everything an author wrote, I feel like a detective, wanting to know how she started and then progressed. And for a few, I do it all over again, because I have changed!
i love the questions that you ask
Thank you, Babette! And John has particularly lovely answers!
Just discovered your substack. Will read more and look forward to joining as I edit myself out of others. All good wishes as these early ‘25 days unfold.
Oh, thank you, Carol! Happy to have you here!! All good wishes to you, as well!