I think about this quite often, that the making must be enough because the made may never be seen, heard, discovered by anyone else for a million reasons beyond our control; more and more, too, as more and more of us seek this way of engaging with art, life, people - as many reasons as artists - and there must be better reasons and some greater measure of success than money or fame.
I'm grateful for this corner we have here, with the likes of both of you, where some of the made *can* be seen, because the made is very much worth seeing. :)
Just gorgeous, Kate. Your written sketch feels very much like you were just opening up to that moment in the morning and letting the fingers flow the words out. I felt a real connection when reading those words. Not just in their meaning, but in their actual flow.
"Little eggs of light...
...thinking with fingers
..."
and, so clearly here:
"I feel a warmth in the words and the spaces between them. The act of creation will remain the same."
Kate - I enjoyed this. Transcendence has been on my mind lately during this time of transition in my life. I have slowed down. I have nowhere to be but where I am. I have the freedom to pause and ponder. Thanks for sharing.
I am currently reading The Iliad in preparation for my deep read in 2025. I am reading the Fagles translation and then Emily Wilson's translation. Both are exquisite. In the next couple weeks I will begin writing. Nothing qualifies me to write on these masterpieces except my love for the written word and its power to transcend time and space
I’m currently working on an artistic exchnage with another Substack writer, exchanging pieces that explore a particular topic through responding to the work they have completed. It’s super fun!
That's a wonderful idea, Brian. It sounds like a great way to make something meaningful without worrying about a huge audience - just that one response - even though then many others might discover it. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
I approve of the fact that you are teaching your son the correct terms for meals 😂
No danger of your work not being read - I am currently reading three of your novels, as well as other books. All beautiful, and so exquisitely layered that I prefer to read them slowly. Really enjoying all three.
I don't go to the cinema much these days but I am intending to go and see the Lee Miller movie with Kate Winslet this week. I went to see a Lee M exhibition twenty years ago and have been fascinated by her work ever since so I'll be interested to see what is made of her life story.
I have several posts scheduled, one on fashion and one very short creative piece prompted by something interesting that happened on Substack recently. I am working on an article on a famous figure in cinema, and one humorous (I hope) piece. Some other bits and bobs in development. Maybe I should write about Lee Miller!😆
I’m so honoured you are reading all my fiction, Jules. So incredible to find readers - and writers to read - and those who are both (like you) through this network. I appreciate it and your recs as always!
I don't like having my photo taken. I thought it was time I uploaded something a bit less sepulchral. Still not great but thanks for the positive feedback!😉
Beautifully written, if i may say so. Your comment about writing and not having it read is something I have thought about a lot. At the risk of sounding too woo woo, I believe that every thought and every act has a ripple effect on the world and even the universe. After all, everything begins with a thought, the rest is just amplification.
That novel sounds very interesting. You've reminded me that in my youth I used to love watching French films. Nothing happens and yet everything happens.
“What matters is that I write and I enjoy it. What matters is that I try to make the world better through a few words.”
— Loved these lines! I also really enjoyed the piece as a whole. :)
Thanks Michael! Those words mean a lot! :)
I think about this quite often, that the making must be enough because the made may never be seen, heard, discovered by anyone else for a million reasons beyond our control; more and more, too, as more and more of us seek this way of engaging with art, life, people - as many reasons as artists - and there must be better reasons and some greater measure of success than money or fame.
The making is enough, isn't it? And yet the sharing in the discourse of artists is so meaningful as well. Love these words from you, Troy.
Beautifully put, Troy.
I'm grateful for this corner we have here, with the likes of both of you, where some of the made *can* be seen, because the made is very much worth seeing. :)
Right back at you, brother 🤗
Just gorgeous, Kate. Your written sketch feels very much like you were just opening up to that moment in the morning and letting the fingers flow the words out. I felt a real connection when reading those words. Not just in their meaning, but in their actual flow.
"Little eggs of light...
...thinking with fingers
..."
and, so clearly here:
"I feel a warmth in the words and the spaces between them. The act of creation will remain the same."
The moment was like this, yes 🤗 Seeking it again! But it shall come.
Thank you, Nathan!
Those fleeting moments that are so precious in this profession/pursuit. 🤗
Really enjoyed this Kate, even if it did make me want some pudding.
Also recently started writing fiction again and really enjoying it even if I'm not sure where it will go!
Thanks Tom! Oh and that's exciting. Yes, it's nice not to know the end point sometimes :) Would love to see some when you feel ready to share.
Kate - I enjoyed this. Transcendence has been on my mind lately during this time of transition in my life. I have slowed down. I have nowhere to be but where I am. I have the freedom to pause and ponder. Thanks for sharing.
I am currently reading The Iliad in preparation for my deep read in 2025. I am reading the Fagles translation and then Emily Wilson's translation. Both are exquisite. In the next couple weeks I will begin writing. Nothing qualifies me to write on these masterpieces except my love for the written word and its power to transcend time and space
All the best, Matthew
Thanks a lot, Matthew! Happy it made you think.
Fagles has such a great translation. He came to speak with us at university. I don't know the Wilson one. Look forward to that!
I very much enjoyed this sketch. Well done!
I’m currently working on an artistic exchnage with another Substack writer, exchanging pieces that explore a particular topic through responding to the work they have completed. It’s super fun!
That's a wonderful idea, Brian. It sounds like a great way to make something meaningful without worrying about a huge audience - just that one response - even though then many others might discover it. Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
I approve of the fact that you are teaching your son the correct terms for meals 😂
No danger of your work not being read - I am currently reading three of your novels, as well as other books. All beautiful, and so exquisitely layered that I prefer to read them slowly. Really enjoying all three.
I don't go to the cinema much these days but I am intending to go and see the Lee Miller movie with Kate Winslet this week. I went to see a Lee M exhibition twenty years ago and have been fascinated by her work ever since so I'll be interested to see what is made of her life story.
I have several posts scheduled, one on fashion and one very short creative piece prompted by something interesting that happened on Substack recently. I am working on an article on a famous figure in cinema, and one humorous (I hope) piece. Some other bits and bobs in development. Maybe I should write about Lee Miller!😆
Maybe you should write about Lee Miller! Yes 😁
I’m so honoured you are reading all my fiction, Jules. So incredible to find readers - and writers to read - and those who are both (like you) through this network. I appreciate it and your recs as always!
PS I love the new profile pic!
I love your work.
I don't like having my photo taken. I thought it was time I uploaded something a bit less sepulchral. Still not great but thanks for the positive feedback!😉
🤗
Beautifully written, if i may say so. Your comment about writing and not having it read is something I have thought about a lot. At the risk of sounding too woo woo, I believe that every thought and every act has a ripple effect on the world and even the universe. After all, everything begins with a thought, the rest is just amplification.
That novel sounds very interesting. You've reminded me that in my youth I used to love watching French films. Nothing happens and yet everything happens.
So great to hear that sentiment from you, Terry. Thanks for the kind and philosophical words.