Jolene, I love the "right, not rushed" wisdom you shared. Also about the value of being open and curious and kind. Kindness is, it seems to me, a word that has become watered down in a way. We hear it a lot but don't often pause to reflect on what it means to be kind.
I have a daughter who was born with a rare craniofacial anomaly called Apert syndrome, so she looks different than most people. In our family, we try to foster a genuine sense of kindness by treating all people with dignity and respect. We try to celebrate our differences.
It seems that many think kindness is akin to "being nice," but I think kindness goes deeper than polite conversation. It's about really seeing another person and being present with them, then honoring who they are. I'm so glad you mentioned this beautiful but often misunderstood word today!
Jeannine, I couldn't agree more! Nice and kind are two different things! Nice can be performative. Kindness comes from the bones! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview! 🌸
Down the rabbit hole with Maeve Brennan, thanks to this missive; what a treat! Your contributors never disappoint and these days, any good literary distraction is a lifesaver.
I will look for it! It's find such satisfaction reading the work of deserving writers, especially women and other marginalized people, who persevered so that the next generation could be taken seriously. Her sad end also reminds me that each day I am still able to write is a great gift not to be taken for granted.
Completely agree, Lorian — I was stunned when I learned her story and so glad that her work is getting another look. As you pointed out, those who paved the way deserve their due.
I didn't know that about Frank McCourt! How happy that makes me after spending all day working in bed yesterday, at 53, just to get 8 more pages done on this memoir I'm writing, knowing it's only the second draft and there will likely be more after this one.
We'll all get there eventually if we just keep going.
I love Jolene, and I love Jane. This post made me squeal with delight. Also Leaves of Grass has my heart forever and ever. (I grew up in the town Whitman was born in...it's now home to the Walt Whitman mall.)
And we love you!! I'm so happy you were delighted, friend! Meanwhile: I had to google the Walt Whitman mall to see if it was a mall-mall. And it is! Oof!
Another home run, into the bleachers of life!
Ooooh, I love that, Bobbe! I agree! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you, Bobbe!
Thank you for sharing Jolene with us, Jane!
Jolene, I love the "right, not rushed" wisdom you shared. Also about the value of being open and curious and kind. Kindness is, it seems to me, a word that has become watered down in a way. We hear it a lot but don't often pause to reflect on what it means to be kind.
I have a daughter who was born with a rare craniofacial anomaly called Apert syndrome, so she looks different than most people. In our family, we try to foster a genuine sense of kindness by treating all people with dignity and respect. We try to celebrate our differences.
It seems that many think kindness is akin to "being nice," but I think kindness goes deeper than polite conversation. It's about really seeing another person and being present with them, then honoring who they are. I'm so glad you mentioned this beautiful but often misunderstood word today!
Jeannine, I couldn't agree more! Nice and kind are two different things! Nice can be performative. Kindness comes from the bones! I'm glad you enjoyed the interview! 🌸
"Kindness comes from the bones" is right on, Jane. Well said.
Thank you for your thoughtful and lovely comment on kindness, Jeannine. ❤️ (and “Right, not Rushed” works for so much!)
I appreciate you responding to my comment, Jolene!
❤️
Jolene’s a force! What a treat to find this darling piece in my inbox this morning!
Such a force!! I'm glad you enjoyed it, Erin!
Aww, Erin 🤗
Your library alone, Jolene, is worth its own newsletter! I’ve now got three more added to my TBR list! 📚
You should see Tillie’s! 😆 📚 🐱
😹
I like this and you know who else would have? Him!
https://open.substack.com/pub/johnnogowski/p/did-dickens-recognize-his-breakthrough?r=7pf7u&utm_medium=ios
Oh, that's lovely! Glad you enjoyed it, John!
Thank you, John!
I very much enjoy Jolene’s writing and wisdom. Great to see her featured, thank you, Jane and Jolene.
So happy you enjoyed it, Wendy!
Wendy, thank you, so appreciate this! xx
Thank you so much for the introduction to Jolene! Adding her work and her recommendations to my already overflowing To Read List...
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Megan! I know, so many great books!
Megan, so nice to meet you here and thank you!
Down the rabbit hole with Maeve Brennan, thanks to this missive; what a treat! Your contributors never disappoint and these days, any good literary distraction is a lifesaver.
Oh, yes, so many rabbit holes from these interviews! I've been down a few myself! So happy you enjoyed it, Lorian!
Thank you, Lorian, it’s really wonderful, and the biography by Angela Bourke is a great companion read.
I will look for it! It's find such satisfaction reading the work of deserving writers, especially women and other marginalized people, who persevered so that the next generation could be taken seriously. Her sad end also reminds me that each day I am still able to write is a great gift not to be taken for granted.
Completely agree, Lorian — I was stunned when I learned her story and so glad that her work is getting another look. As you pointed out, those who paved the way deserve their due.
What a sweet interview and I am especially grateful for the shout out to my Not So Secret Agent newsletter!
Oh, how wonderful! If you send me the link to that particular newsletter, I'll link it! Glad you enjoyed the interview, Sally!
Thank you! This is the post Jolene was referring to. https://notsosecretagent.substack.com/p/right-not-rushed?r=6lue7
Great! Just added it!
“Right, not Rushed” is one of my mantras now, Sally! 😊
It applies to SO MUCH
Yes!!
I didn't know that about Frank McCourt! How happy that makes me after spending all day working in bed yesterday, at 53, just to get 8 more pages done on this memoir I'm writing, knowing it's only the second draft and there will likely be more after this one.
We'll all get there eventually if we just keep going.
Yes, I've always found Frank McCourt's story so inspiring! Excited for yours to be out in the world! And glad you enjoyed the interview, Asha!
Asha, I find Frank McCourt’s story so inspiring, too, thanks for your comment, onward we go! :)
Thoroughly enjoyable Q&A with one of my very favorite writers and people here on Substack. Thanks, Jane and Jolene!
Jolene is so wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it, Ruth!
Blushing ☺️
I did, Jane! Great questions too!
Right back at ya, Ruth! xx
Fantastic questions! And of course wonderful, thoughtful answers from Jolene. Thanks to you both!
So happy you enjoyed it, Domenica!
Thank you, Domenica! xx
I love Jolene, and I love Jane. This post made me squeal with delight. Also Leaves of Grass has my heart forever and ever. (I grew up in the town Whitman was born in...it's now home to the Walt Whitman mall.)
And we love you!! I'm so happy you were delighted, friend! Meanwhile: I had to google the Walt Whitman mall to see if it was a mall-mall. And it is! Oof!
Love ya back, Jillian! Also: WW in Huntington? 😆
Jane, thank you so much for inviting me!
I'm so happy you said yes!! I adore your answers!! 🌸
My pleasure, Jane and thank you! xx