26 Comments
Aug 10, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

Your essays are most compelling for me and the interviews are right up there. That said, there is not an offering listed here that isn't great to come upon and sunk into. Focus your energies where it is healthiest for you.

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Thank you so much, Elizabeth! Your words mean a lot! 🌸

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When "burned out" it is indeed hard to write about being burned out. When grieving, it's hard to write about grief except when we name the feelings, describe them and tell how they affect us.

If we can name it, and the more specific and detailed, then we have a much better chance of dealing with those feelings, managing them and not let them manage us. Yes?

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Yes!

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Aww, Delilah and Cookie! I’ll happily participate in any poll they’d like. ❤️

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D and Cookie say, thank you!! ❤️

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Jane, I'm new to your newsletter so I've only read one interview and one essay by you, but I found your essay, the way you took us through your process at that moment, very insightful and useful to my life and writing, so that is my favorite part of Beyond at this moment. Length is perfect. I know about burnout (pre-pub months for my upcoming novel--getting enough sleep is top on my list although it's not happening). I also how much work these newsletters can be--I'm always amazed at how much time slips by while I'm working on mine--but I do receive so much back from doing it. It's a way to digest life, then share the best parts of what I learn. I think, for you too?

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Thank you, Mary! Your words mean so much. Yes, I love doing this newsletter. And I learn from it. Yes, it is a wonderful way to digest life! Nicely put.

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I can’t pick a favorite; I like the mix of essays and interviews. You offer a home for new writing and fresh thoughts on writing well, which for me and many others is inseparable from living with purpose and compassion. You affirm this by doing as you do already.

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Thank you so much, Rona. Your words touched my heart.

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i appreciate all of your content and look forward to whatever you choose to offer as sustainable to you and your spirit.

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Ooooh, thank you, Sarah!

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Aug 10, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

You write and interview with such heart, Jane. It's a pleasure to switch from fast pace to your graceful prose.

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Alka, this means so so much to me. Thank you!

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Aug 10, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

I also love the guest essays and your essays!

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Thank you so much, Kate!

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I love using the dogs to drive poll participation

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Hah! They approved of the post! :)

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I was going to answer the poll, but couldn't decide, which I think just means I've been enjoying it all 😊🙃

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Oh, thank you, Vicki!

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Aug 12, 2023Liked by Jane Ratcliffe

I love your essays top and then guest essays second - thanks!

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Oh, thank you, Louise!

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I love this newsletter. My favourite parts are your essays and those you feature. I'm not a big "interview" reader - something about the format tends to put me off (not just here, everywhere!) so I tend to skip those. I hope you continue to produce wonderful content!

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Thank you, Delia! And that's so helpful to know! I always thought of Beyond as first and foremost a place for interviews, and the essays as a support to that. But I'm learning that's not true!! Yay!

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Thank you for all that you share (and that includes the delightful picture of D and C!) It all weaves together beautifully, I couldn't choose a favourite; make sure you look after yourself in the process, in whichever shape or format this needs to be ❤️

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Oh, thanks, Mya! I appreciate that so much!! I'm doing my best to find the right balance. This has been helpful! And I call Delilah, D!

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