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.
"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.
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.
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 :)
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!
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.
Mona, love this one. Can’t wait for our Q&A with a [B]old Woman.
All the best for your move! (I've always found moving extremely stressful.)
That move will inspire more writing, and your neighbors might recognize themselves... then wait for reactions, lol!
"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."
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.
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!
I wish you were moving in next door to me. It will be fine! You'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.
Best wishes on this move. I've done it too many times, but there is also something renewing about that change.
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 :)
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.