You deserved much more of a comment, so let me give you some real feedback which is not criticism but just what this one did for me. What surprised me about this part of your memoir (the first part I’ve read, but I’ll be back) is that I have become accustomed to thinking of you as a mother, a sort of demure, charming mother who wants to impress people with some accomplishments. And, you know, one doesn’t forget that you’re a woman.
This episode of your memoirs showed you as more of a wild thang - wild as in untamed, not maniacal or anything. Someone who got lonely and took some pretty forward actions while thinking of herself as shy, and who really did some amazing things. Still charming though.
Wonderful, Anna. You have a captivating sense of character and place. Your writing feels inevitable, as if it simply unspooled. It takes a lot of work to make writing look this natural.
Thank you, Rona... I'm finding that writing memories as they come is very helpful, then the work is really just editing/getting rid of what's unnecessary.
I held my breath as I read Jake questioning you. You captured my attention from the start. I liked how you skillfully added humor to the aftermath of a terrible accident with your colorful rant in the ambulance. I'm just really impressed that you published it, and then decided to un-publish, and then rework it. I just started a memoir too and there are some heavy topics. I find myself reliving some of it as I write. Does that happen for you? It doesn't make me want to stop writing, but I hadn't expected so much emotion to come up as I type the words. I look forward to reading more of your work!
Thank you. Yeah, the re-living loses its edge after 100 revisions, thankfully. It's truly therapeutic too, to be able to take the long view and look at things from some distance. Another reason I'm re-writing it is because I want to add a lot more, which I'm excited about.
genuine it carries well theres a sense of a young woman reaching out to fill with action the boring moments she hasn't found entirely capable of filling for herself yet despite the violin or other passions
You grabbed me with your story. I was trying to do some "work", caught sight of your descriptions, and read everything. Your honesty is devastating.
Thanks for reading, and for your comment.
Oh wow, I don't know how I haven't read this piece until now but yeah .. wow.
❤️
What Sally said.
Thank you!
You deserved much more of a comment, so let me give you some real feedback which is not criticism but just what this one did for me. What surprised me about this part of your memoir (the first part I’ve read, but I’ll be back) is that I have become accustomed to thinking of you as a mother, a sort of demure, charming mother who wants to impress people with some accomplishments. And, you know, one doesn’t forget that you’re a woman.
This episode of your memoirs showed you as more of a wild thang - wild as in untamed, not maniacal or anything. Someone who got lonely and took some pretty forward actions while thinking of herself as shy, and who really did some amazing things. Still charming though.
Oh yeah, this is great! You have a huge gift!
Thank you
This made me miss the Sierra foothills so much. Dry sugar pine scent...cool river. Summer
Yo tambien
Love this, so happy to keep reading.
Wonderful, Anna. You have a captivating sense of character and place. Your writing feels inevitable, as if it simply unspooled. It takes a lot of work to make writing look this natural.
Thank you, Rona... I'm finding that writing memories as they come is very helpful, then the work is really just editing/getting rid of what's unnecessary.
Your writing is great. Really engaging.
Thank you!
Ooh, thrilling writing. I’m right there with you, and a fellow Californian (Bay Area).
Thank you!
I’m really into this! Thank you for sharing it here.
Beautifully written. I enjoyed every bit of it!
You go, girl! Now you are publishing it,
Thank you, Mary! It's a bit scary, but exciting.
Keep on keepin' on, Anna.
I held my breath as I read Jake questioning you. You captured my attention from the start. I liked how you skillfully added humor to the aftermath of a terrible accident with your colorful rant in the ambulance. I'm just really impressed that you published it, and then decided to un-publish, and then rework it. I just started a memoir too and there are some heavy topics. I find myself reliving some of it as I write. Does that happen for you? It doesn't make me want to stop writing, but I hadn't expected so much emotion to come up as I type the words. I look forward to reading more of your work!
Thank you. Yeah, the re-living loses its edge after 100 revisions, thankfully. It's truly therapeutic too, to be able to take the long view and look at things from some distance. Another reason I'm re-writing it is because I want to add a lot more, which I'm excited about.
Anna,
I found this so engaging and beautifully written.You have me rooting for you and respecting you and wanting to see what's next.
But I have to disagree on "Stairway,." It's one of my favorite Led Zep songs.
Haha–fair enough. And thank you.
genuine it carries well theres a sense of a young woman reaching out to fill with action the boring moments she hasn't found entirely capable of filling for herself yet despite the violin or other passions