Stuff worth reading

“Training Wheels: Learning How to Be a Mom” by me (!)

It made me think about my own aunts and uncles, and all the special things they may have done with me or for me that I had no memory of. It made me sad to think of how little I appreciated them while growing up. And it made me glad that starting in college, I’ve gotten to know most of them so much better, developing my own relationships with them that don’t depend on my mom or dad being there too.

“I Published My Debut Novel to Critical Acclaim — and Then I Promptly Went Broke” (a response) by Kameron Hurley

It gets to me sometimes, too, when it’s not just “Breaking in for a few years” but “Breaking in for a few decades.” Dedicating oneself to a singular purpose with that sort of passion and stamina is rare in any field. But in writing, as in any field, the longer you are in it, the harder you work, the more chances you have to break out, to get lucky. Writing a novel is still better odds than playing the lottery, but only just. If you are looking for your self-esteem in your sales numbers or the size of your royalty checks (if you get them) you are on a fast road to disappointment.

“What Will Your Verse Be?” by Julie C. Dao

I don’t know if I’ll ever be successful as a writer. But I’m starting to understand that I’m already successful when I’m being true to myself.


2 responses to “Stuff worth reading”

  1. T. S. Bazelli Avatar

    I’ve seen the other two before, but it’s nice to see them again, along with your post about learning to parent. I can relate. Sometimes I think I’m not doing enough / doing it all wrong, and I have no idea. But, I also remember that our parents didn’t know what they were doing either in the beginning. We all have to learn :)

    1. Kristan Avatar

      Good point! Why don’t babies comes with a manual, lol?