Kate wrote: "Even if you have to start over, with something new or not ... You just have to keep going."
Yes, thank you. John McLeod is written and now it's on to something new. The "payoff" isn't in dollars, it's in the sense of accomplishment - I wrote a novel! I can do this!
And so now that it's posted on Substack for the world to discover, I can get focused on a project that's been calling to me for 50 years (https://whiterose.substack.com/p/introduction), armed with all the knowledge and experience I've gained from writing John McLeod. (Tennyson's Ulysses comes to mind.)
Your advice-post probably won't get me any book deals, but you sure have boosted my spirits.
Cliche aside, OMG Kate! Each point had a "Yes, you Mr. UnderAchiever" guilt attached to it, and yet I agreed with all the premises about 'half can become a whole' too. I remind myself that it HAS been tough to maintain focus, even though I *promised* myself I would somehow come out of this hunkering down w/ second book almost ready. Well, 17 chapters in and having the finale sketched, I *have* done this before. Thanks for the boost.
This made me feel so much better! Thank you! "If you can do half, you can do whole" is my new mantra for everything.
This is exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks so much!
Actually, instead of a downer, this heartfelt column actually made me feel better. Thank you.
A great pick-me-up for a wintery day. Thank you!
Kate wrote: "Even if you have to start over, with something new or not ... You just have to keep going."
Yes, thank you. John McLeod is written and now it's on to something new. The "payoff" isn't in dollars, it's in the sense of accomplishment - I wrote a novel! I can do this!
And so now that it's posted on Substack for the world to discover, I can get focused on a project that's been calling to me for 50 years (https://whiterose.substack.com/p/introduction), armed with all the knowledge and experience I've gained from writing John McLeod. (Tennyson's Ulysses comes to mind.)
Your advice-post probably won't get me any book deals, but you sure have boosted my spirits.
Thank you.
I just want to say you're wonderful!
Cliche aside, OMG Kate! Each point had a "Yes, you Mr. UnderAchiever" guilt attached to it, and yet I agreed with all the premises about 'half can become a whole' too. I remind myself that it HAS been tough to maintain focus, even though I *promised* myself I would somehow come out of this hunkering down w/ second book almost ready. Well, 17 chapters in and having the finale sketched, I *have* done this before. Thanks for the boost.
Not a downer at all! Actually quite comforting and timely. Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season!
I read all of your columns, Kate, and this is officially my new favorite... so insightful and timing is perfect ❤️Thank you, it’s a gift