Congratulations on finding your voice. I understand the achievement, and you can be proud. For it is an interesting, including voice, I can tell that in a few sentences. One I personally will make time to read, always.
To say this is a thing for me. I do not read 100s of Substacks, nor even modern novels. Stanley Kunitz said in Reflections, the intro to his The Collected Poems, ‘I keep trying to improve my controls over language, so that I won’t have to tell lies. And I keep reading the masters, because they infect me with human possibility.’
So, you see, I have included your canon into a very select canon of mine. Your list is my list - and more.
Yes, thanks for your voice! As an old WordPerfect person from the early 80's, there are conversion programs so look for one that specifically lists converting WP. Then search in your files and backups for all of the WP extensions. There are at least programs for Windows and for iPads / iPhones. Good luck and have a great holiday whatever you celebrate!
This post couldn’t have come at a better time. Having made my living as a writer most of my life, I am in the process of trying to find my voice. Like you, in my profession I could write strategic communications plans, news releases, key messages, crisis plans, etc in my sleep. But I have ached to truly write something meaningful. Which resonates. I’m so happy to see you’ve found your voice. It’s encouraging to know there’s hope. Thank you for giving me this gift. A jumping off place to start.
I love hearing the backstory to PCF. No wonder you hit the ground running with such clarity and ooomph (not to be confused with the vocalization of a poor sod suffering a medical procedure involving the nasal sinuses and a complex tool - I mean the other ooomph, the good one). I know just what you mean about all the genres that are not “it.”
Yes, I think a lot of academics feel this way, especially in the humanities. We spend our lives writing, and then we wake up one and say, “hey, I should be a writer.”
Also I am in the throes of finding my voice. I am in my late 50s and committed to writing 2 years ago. Some days it's here. Other days I know I'm mailing it in... No idea how to get more consistently true, except to keep going.
Oh, thank you, John! Such kind words!! ♥️♥️
You’re welcome! And thanks for your writing ❤️. After Christmas, I’ll be heading over to my local independent bookshop to buy your book.
Dear John
Congratulations on finding your voice. I understand the achievement, and you can be proud. For it is an interesting, including voice, I can tell that in a few sentences. One I personally will make time to read, always.
To say this is a thing for me. I do not read 100s of Substacks, nor even modern novels. Stanley Kunitz said in Reflections, the intro to his The Collected Poems, ‘I keep trying to improve my controls over language, so that I won’t have to tell lies. And I keep reading the masters, because they infect me with human possibility.’
So, you see, I have included your canon into a very select canon of mine. Your list is my list - and more.
Isn’t it funny how things work?
Ian Widdop
Such kind words, Ian. Thank you! It means a lot.
Yes, thanks for your voice! As an old WordPerfect person from the early 80's, there are conversion programs so look for one that specifically lists converting WP. Then search in your files and backups for all of the WP extensions. There are at least programs for Windows and for iPads / iPhones. Good luck and have a great holiday whatever you celebrate!
Thanks! Happy holidays to you too!
This post couldn’t have come at a better time. Having made my living as a writer most of my life, I am in the process of trying to find my voice. Like you, in my profession I could write strategic communications plans, news releases, key messages, crisis plans, etc in my sleep. But I have ached to truly write something meaningful. Which resonates. I’m so happy to see you’ve found your voice. It’s encouraging to know there’s hope. Thank you for giving me this gift. A jumping off place to start.
I’m so glad that it spoke to you!
I love Jess Pan’s work too - she is a gifted writer for sure!
I’m so pleased you found your voice. I think I’m finding mine at the age of 38 and it feels good.
Doesn’t it?
I love hearing the backstory to PCF. No wonder you hit the ground running with such clarity and ooomph (not to be confused with the vocalization of a poor sod suffering a medical procedure involving the nasal sinuses and a complex tool - I mean the other ooomph, the good one). I know just what you mean about all the genres that are not “it.”
Yes, I think a lot of academics feel this way, especially in the humanities. We spend our lives writing, and then we wake up one and say, “hey, I should be a writer.”
Haha! We might be slow learners. ;-) Merry Christmas to you and your household, bipeds and quadrupeds.
Ha! You too, Tara, to you and yours.
Thank you for the recommendation.
Loved reading your voice! And I too am wholly and fully addicted to Jessica Pan 😍
Thank you!
so agree i had forgot how her stuff seems so effortless and fluid thanks
A great piece. Ahhh, the slippery slope of voice and finding it. I've been doing alot of exploring on this topic.
Congrats on finding your voice, John! Excellent read. Btw, you can convert WordPerfect files into Word just in case you want to revisit your novel!
Ha! Thanks, but I think it’s probably best that it remains buried.
I love Jess Pan. She always makes me laugh.
Also I am in the throes of finding my voice. I am in my late 50s and committed to writing 2 years ago. Some days it's here. Other days I know I'm mailing it in... No idea how to get more consistently true, except to keep going.
That’s it... we have to keep going. Like all other worthwhile skills, it takes constant practice.
Thanks John. That makes sense.
A lovely piece, thank you John!
🙏🏻
Could be a seasonal thing...
Such a wonderful message! I’m so happy to be reading your work and connected through our voices. Merry Christmas!
The feeling is entirely mutual, Kate. Merry Christmas!
I read an advance copy of Pan's book and remember thoroughly enjoying it. Thanks for pointing me toward her Substack. I will definitely check it out!