26 Comments
User's avatar
Elizabeth Marro's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

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

Expand full comment
Gary Gruber's avatar

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?

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Yes!

Expand full comment
Caroline Cala Donofrio's avatar

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

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

D and Cookie say, thank you!! ❤️

Expand full comment
Mary Carroll Moore's avatar

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?

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Rona Maynard's avatar

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.

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

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

Expand full comment
sarah e webb's avatar

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

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Ooooh, thank you, Sarah!

Expand full comment
Alka Joshi's avatar

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

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

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

Expand full comment
B.K. (Kate) Jackson's avatar

I also love the guest essays and your essays!

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Thank you so much, Kate!

Expand full comment
Drew Webster's avatar

I love using the dogs to drive poll participation

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Hah! They approved of the post! :)

Expand full comment
Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

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

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Oh, thank you, Vicki!

Expand full comment
Louise Harrison's avatar

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

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Oh, thank you, Louise!

Expand full comment
Delia Lloyd's avatar

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!

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

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!

Expand full comment
Mya Dexter's avatar

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 ❤️

Expand full comment
Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

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!

Expand full comment