I had fully intended to do weekly posts after Dispatch #100, but that was almost a month ago. As I tell my kids: Never trust anyone on the internet. Apologies for the delay! To be honest, it’s been a rough slog of a month. Pushing my book past the finish line was a lot like the final moments of labour when you feel there is no possible way for your body to complete the task, but there is also no other choice but to keep going. Somehow it all happens in a blur of pain and adrenaline, and then you’re left holding this terrifying thing that you immediately have to nurture in a chaotic and indifferent world. In the life of a book, that means working up the nerve to cold-call authors you admire to endorse your precious baby and having most of them say no or nothing at all.
Thank you for writing, I always enjoy your letters, but this one especially resonates. Here’s to trying and working and hoping despite the feelings of futility during this pause-fire.
Thank you for writing, I always enjoy your letters, but this one especially resonates. Here’s to trying and working and hoping despite the feelings of futility during this pause-fire.