The first book I ever read by Alan Watts was called "The Wisdom of Insecurity" and I wish I had kept it to give you as a gift of gratitude. Another book, "The Wobbly Pivot," comes to mind. So many sages told me about the stages of coming to grips with the world and finding equanimity. You will tame the Shrewdness into something beyond its reach. Your writing is exquisite. Please finish this novel.
You did give me 'The Wisdom of Insecurity' in high school and I still have it on my bookshelf! Haven't cracked it open in over a decade but this is a good reminder to revisit it. And thank you for the kind words on the excerpt. I do feel (hope, pray?) I'm in the home stretch.
This excerpt brilliantly defines how fragile and delicate all life seems to be at any moment and "The Shrewdness" is particularly malevolent because it seems like no one is allowed to be alone or become an outsider or they will be disappeared. It's great to see the creation of this novel prior to it being published. Four years is a long time but a favorite author of mine took 8 years to write his signature novel. It was very reflective on everything, had a lot of impact and was made into a two season streaming series on Netflix. Great novels can take a while to write. This one looks awesome!
Thank you for the vote of confidence, Larry! I do sometimes lament how long it's taking me to write The Shrewdness, but I draw hope from the story of your friend.
You're welcome. It seems to me you are being very practical not having a literary agent or editor put a publishing time frame on your first novel. And you are probably thinking a lot about your novel when not actually writing it. When you might be offered a publishing opportunity, very carefully select your literary agent and editor to make sure they fully understand you, your writing and what you are going for in your book. Looking forward to reading the next excerpt.
The first book I ever read by Alan Watts was called "The Wisdom of Insecurity" and I wish I had kept it to give you as a gift of gratitude. Another book, "The Wobbly Pivot," comes to mind. So many sages told me about the stages of coming to grips with the world and finding equanimity. You will tame the Shrewdness into something beyond its reach. Your writing is exquisite. Please finish this novel.
You did give me 'The Wisdom of Insecurity' in high school and I still have it on my bookshelf! Haven't cracked it open in over a decade but this is a good reminder to revisit it. And thank you for the kind words on the excerpt. I do feel (hope, pray?) I'm in the home stretch.
This was a perfect description of anxiety, Amy, and it gripped me - love, your favorite ( anxiety-ridden) birthday twin. Xo
Thank you, Peggy Jo! I wonder if we are preternaturally disposed to anxiety because of the alignment of the stars on our birthday(s). xoxo
HAHAHAHAHAHA!
This excerpt brilliantly defines how fragile and delicate all life seems to be at any moment and "The Shrewdness" is particularly malevolent because it seems like no one is allowed to be alone or become an outsider or they will be disappeared. It's great to see the creation of this novel prior to it being published. Four years is a long time but a favorite author of mine took 8 years to write his signature novel. It was very reflective on everything, had a lot of impact and was made into a two season streaming series on Netflix. Great novels can take a while to write. This one looks awesome!
Thank you for the vote of confidence, Larry! I do sometimes lament how long it's taking me to write The Shrewdness, but I draw hope from the story of your friend.
You're welcome. It seems to me you are being very practical not having a literary agent or editor put a publishing time frame on your first novel. And you are probably thinking a lot about your novel when not actually writing it. When you might be offered a publishing opportunity, very carefully select your literary agent and editor to make sure they fully understand you, your writing and what you are going for in your book. Looking forward to reading the next excerpt.
Thank you so much for the kind mention -- !
And thank you so much for your newsletter—it is a joy!