Even though I've been called a "major voice in Jewish-American literature" by the chair of Judaic Studies at UofM, have had my work written about by academics extensively, and have done invited talks and readings all over the US, I still meet people who not only haven't read one of my books but haven't even heard of me. Unless you're on a best seller list and especially covered in off-book-page stories, most writers are unknown to the general public.
It will definitely inspire more writing, but I make it a point not to make recognizable anyone I might write about, except for a scant few who are closest to me. They'll all be safe!
"I'm a writer. For a long time I wrote for newspapers, about politics, mostly. Now I write a couple of different newsletters about politics, writing, and life. The great thing about writing is you never have to retire, so I haven't."
I love this piece, and gosh, it resonates. As a writer, too, I often get the question, "what do you write about?" Well, I write about cancer, loss, grief and other life stuff. Yes, heavy stuff, but there's plenty of humor and sarcasm mixed in, too. When I tell them what I write about, people get fidgety and are visibly relieved when the subject changes. I kid you not. Honestly, I am too. So, I totally hear you on all that. I'm sure all the changes will be hard at times, and at other times, exciting, fun, and lovely. It's always bittersweet to leave a home you've had for years, especially one you shared so long with your husband. Best of luck as you sort, pack, move, and settle in. Enjoy it too. Look forward to reading more about all of it.
Nancy, I get that, too--that uncomfortable pause or throat-clearing, as if I've given too much information. There are hardly ever follow-up questions. A sure sign that I've lost them and it's time to move on! 🤣
I absolutely love your energy, Ramona, your thirst for life! You are such an inspiration when the going gets tough, or the mind gets weighed down with too many dark thoughts. 💜 Wish you a smooth integration in the new town!
You were the one who taught me I write creative narrative so I’m looking forward to your one line pitch about your writing because it will guide me/us. You’re a wordsmith and will come up with the best response.
As Lev said below it’s likely no one will have heard of you and that’s ok cause you’re pretty famous over in this part of the internet!
May your move go well and your new home be better than you expect. Thanks for sharing your insights as they echo exactly how I would be feeling about all the people.
I could probably get some good pointers from you, then. We lived in our last house for 32 years and this one for 30 years, so moving at this point seems like a HUGE venture!
I called the moving company today and talk about sticker shock! It's...how much??? 🤣🤣
I know! I just have to make sure I move that 'purged' stuff far away, and fast. I've been known to go back through it many times and almost always I've lightened the load!
Hey Ramona, thanks for this piece. I just made a big move too. Or at least it feels like a big move to me. VA to SC. I'm excited, yet change is always difficult for me. Good luck with everything! I'll try to stop in again soon, look forward to reading more :)
Thank you! Also wanted to mention that I greatly struggle with my identity as a writer...It gives me comfort knowing a more experienced writer, like you, still struggles a bit with telling others that they write. I too love my Substack project and the ability to interact with other readers and writers. But I get the feeling that the struggle will always be there...part of the fun i guess. Anyways...rambling a bit. Best to you!
Yes, I think it's always a struggle. It's because our writing comes so much from within. It doesn't take many tools to write. A pen, a pencil, a keyboard... Nothing that can enhance what comes out of our brains, it's just us.
We put up with the struggles because it's such a joy when we get it right! We've talked a lot about our struggles here, and about our joys. Feel free to wander around. And again--welcome!
Hi Ramona, Your new place sounds lovely - maybe you'll share a picture when it's all in place. I'm having a friend over for lunch today - someone who has never seen "my" apartment and the story of who I am today - the plants, the paintings, the cats, the colors with memories of the past woven in - as you are doing. Enjoy this next chapter in your life.
Greetings from Istanbul, Turkey, where we just moved into yet another new place! LOL
As for telling people what you do, back in my younger days I was both a flight attendant and a writer (I took the flight attendant job so I'd have time to write) and Brent was a writer as well.
Whenever people met us and asked what we do, after we answered, people inevitably turned to me and said, "Gosh, being a flight attendant must be so interesting!"
I was amused and Brent annoyed, but it always reminded me that for a lot of people, being a writer isn't something they pay much attention to!
This is a giant move. Of course you have anxieties. It will be weird to move from an island cottage you shared with your beloved to sharing walls with, at least initially, strangers. I'm glad you're carrying us, your Substack community, with you. I look forward to hearing how it goes, even a sort of journaling share.
Well, if your new neighbors haven't read you yet, I'd tell them "You will soon!" Leave them with a sense of mystery, LOL!
Oh, I'll be a mystery all right! 😏
Even though I've been called a "major voice in Jewish-American literature" by the chair of Judaic Studies at UofM, have had my work written about by academics extensively, and have done invited talks and readings all over the US, I still meet people who not only haven't read one of my books but haven't even heard of me. Unless you're on a best seller list and especially covered in off-book-page stories, most writers are unknown to the general public.
Yes, that's so true, but if I had your list of publications I might be able to answer that question better. I could at least brag a little. 😏
You could always say, "Yes you have, but I write under a pseudonym and can't reveal the secret or my publisher would cancel my contract." :-)
Oh, yeah, perfect! But then I could never see them again. They'd keep asking for a pub date. 🤣
No, no, no. It's a secret. If they know a pub date, your cover is blown. :-)
Okay, but at some point I'll have to move. I can only push back that pub date so far...
You don't ever have to move. You've told them you write under another name and it can't be divulged. End of story.
Ha! Brilliant!!
Mona, love this one. Can’t wait for our Q&A with a [B]old Woman.
Thanks, Debbie. I PROMISE I'll get to it today! So sorry. 🙄
by April 1st is fine! I know you’re very busy. nothing more time and energy-consuming than a big move.
All the best for your move! (I've always found moving extremely stressful.)
Thank you! Thirty years of stuff! And books. So many books...
You’re welcome! I’ve been gradually trying to weed out my excess books—but I keep buying more.
Me too! I've given tons away but it's barely made a dent.
That move will inspire more writing, and your neighbors might recognize themselves... then wait for reactions, lol!
It will definitely inspire more writing, but I make it a point not to make recognizable anyone I might write about, except for a scant few who are closest to me. They'll all be safe!
"I'm a writer. For a long time I wrote for newspapers, about politics, mostly. Now I write a couple of different newsletters about politics, writing, and life. The great thing about writing is you never have to retire, so I haven't."
Asha! That's IT! I'm putting this into my phone notes so I can pull it out when I need it! 💕
Happy to be your hype-woman. <3
Hi Ramona,
I love this piece, and gosh, it resonates. As a writer, too, I often get the question, "what do you write about?" Well, I write about cancer, loss, grief and other life stuff. Yes, heavy stuff, but there's plenty of humor and sarcasm mixed in, too. When I tell them what I write about, people get fidgety and are visibly relieved when the subject changes. I kid you not. Honestly, I am too. So, I totally hear you on all that. I'm sure all the changes will be hard at times, and at other times, exciting, fun, and lovely. It's always bittersweet to leave a home you've had for years, especially one you shared so long with your husband. Best of luck as you sort, pack, move, and settle in. Enjoy it too. Look forward to reading more about all of it.
Nancy, I get that, too--that uncomfortable pause or throat-clearing, as if I've given too much information. There are hardly ever follow-up questions. A sure sign that I've lost them and it's time to move on! 🤣
Thanks for the good wishes. 💕
I absolutely love your energy, Ramona, your thirst for life! You are such an inspiration when the going gets tough, or the mind gets weighed down with too many dark thoughts. 💜 Wish you a smooth integration in the new town!
Thanks, Monica. I'm glad to see driving myself crazy with these thoughts isn't going to waste!
No, really...thanks. ❤️
I wish you were moving in next door to me. It will be fine! You'll be fine!
Thank you. Me, too!
Mutters "I'll be fine"...
You were the one who taught me I write creative narrative so I’m looking forward to your one line pitch about your writing because it will guide me/us. You’re a wordsmith and will come up with the best response.
As Lev said below it’s likely no one will have heard of you and that’s ok cause you’re pretty famous over in this part of the internet!
May your move go well and your new home be better than you expect. Thanks for sharing your insights as they echo exactly how I would be feeling about all the people.
Also I love your color palette as it echos my own - no grey in sight🤣
Thanks, Donna, as always. We're kind of two peas in a pod! 💕
Best wishes on this move. I've done it too many times, but there is also something renewing about that change.
I could probably get some good pointers from you, then. We lived in our last house for 32 years and this one for 30 years, so moving at this point seems like a HUGE venture!
I called the moving company today and talk about sticker shock! It's...how much??? 🤣🤣
There is something therapeutic about the pre-move purge 😂
I know! I just have to make sure I move that 'purged' stuff far away, and fast. I've been known to go back through it many times and almost always I've lightened the load!
Hey Ramona, thanks for this piece. I just made a big move too. Or at least it feels like a big move to me. VA to SC. I'm excited, yet change is always difficult for me. Good luck with everything! I'll try to stop in again soon, look forward to reading more :)
Welcome, Peter, and good luck to you, too, on your move! I hope it all works out for you.
Come back and hang around any time. ❤️
Thank you! Also wanted to mention that I greatly struggle with my identity as a writer...It gives me comfort knowing a more experienced writer, like you, still struggles a bit with telling others that they write. I too love my Substack project and the ability to interact with other readers and writers. But I get the feeling that the struggle will always be there...part of the fun i guess. Anyways...rambling a bit. Best to you!
Yes, I think it's always a struggle. It's because our writing comes so much from within. It doesn't take many tools to write. A pen, a pencil, a keyboard... Nothing that can enhance what comes out of our brains, it's just us.
We put up with the struggles because it's such a joy when we get it right! We've talked a lot about our struggles here, and about our joys. Feel free to wander around. And again--welcome!
Hi Ramona, Your new place sounds lovely - maybe you'll share a picture when it's all in place. I'm having a friend over for lunch today - someone who has never seen "my" apartment and the story of who I am today - the plants, the paintings, the cats, the colors with memories of the past woven in - as you are doing. Enjoy this next chapter in your life.
Greetings from Istanbul, Turkey, where we just moved into yet another new place! LOL
As for telling people what you do, back in my younger days I was both a flight attendant and a writer (I took the flight attendant job so I'd have time to write) and Brent was a writer as well.
Whenever people met us and asked what we do, after we answered, people inevitably turned to me and said, "Gosh, being a flight attendant must be so interesting!"
I was amused and Brent annoyed, but it always reminded me that for a lot of people, being a writer isn't something they pay much attention to!
Oh Ramona! You even make angst beautiful.
This is a giant move. Of course you have anxieties. It will be weird to move from an island cottage you shared with your beloved to sharing walls with, at least initially, strangers. I'm glad you're carrying us, your Substack community, with you. I look forward to hearing how it goes, even a sort of journaling share.