It's always a deep pleasure to appear in @Oldster and to partner with @Sari Botton. In case anyone is interested, the next Zoom conversation Richard and I will be hosting is on Saturday October 19 from 3 to 4 EST. You are invited to send ahead questions about your own writing projects. For more information and to RSVP, please write to me at: lauriestone@substack.com
Another wonderful no- bullshit but full of heart column. Thank you. I know what it is to just love looking at a man’s face. Your own special face. It’s the best. Happy early birthday. I’ll be 72 a week(ish) after you. Never wanted children, never had ‘em, never felt I was missing out. The way I characterized it was “I want my own adventures. I don’t want to be the facilitator of the adventures of others.” Keep ‘em coming, Laurie. I appreciate you.
With so many Substacks, Reddits, Mediums, LitHubs, WaPo etc. etc. filling my inbox daily, I rarely pause to read any of them, even though I pay to do so. But this one I did read and am glad I did. I am reminded to put "Postcards from the Thing That is Happening," which is such a brilliant title, on my reading list. I love that at this age, 69, even though I know what to expect, I don't know what will happen. We live in Asheville. My husband and I moved down here three years ago. (We are fine, but our neighborhood is not.) With no running water, and trying to conserve what we have, he is growing a beard. It is white and prickly. I don't like it, and yet I'm curious to see how it continues to change his face. So much in life is new and unexpected even as we continue to age. I love how Stone deftly captures that.
Dear Polly, Thanks so much for your words and for telling us about the beard experiment unfolding. I'm glad you opened my piece as well. Sending concerned thoughts to you and your region. May I ask what made you decide to open this piece? I'm always curious to know what attracts readers who don't already know my work. By the way, the title of the book you mention is actually "Streaming Now ." Best, L
Thank you. I am 55, the next generation that chose not to have children. Or in my case there was no "choice," it was simply not in the universe of things I considered part of any possible life. I also did not choose my height or relative interests and abilities (writing and hiking versus dance or juggling and basketball). They just are. I just am. I grew up in a "traditional" family where people chose spouses poorly, had children because that is what was expected, and a few women were lifetime resentful rage bombs. I never looked at the version of life, or life as a woman, that I saw around me and recognized any part of it as being something I would have anything to do with under any circumstance.
to find $ in the budget to subscribe. At 75 and in my prime as poet and children's author it feels virtually impossible to get attention. Age bias? People say so, but there are simply numerous factors that have created a way less accessible industry in numerous ways. But I keep writing, adult poetry not infrequently in lit mags...and happy to find your Notes!
It's hard to gain literary attention at any age, but it really is a lot harder over 70, especially if you're not active on social media. One agent responded to a query not by assessing my book but by saying she couldn't interest a publisher unless I had 40,000 followers!
Laurie!! Gosh, thank you, thank you! I like your style! I turned 60 last year. I'm feeling better about it, lol. I mean I'm a midwest gal who grew up in a repressed home. My parents left the farm for factory work "in town", a thriving metropolis of 3000 from a rural town of 1200. Whew!! Haha! I'm an adult orphan, no kids, one older brother who is wound up too tight, but he's a good egg. I'm writing a series of personal essays which will become my memoir. I come from a performing arts background. It's a different set of muscles this writing business, but deeply fulfilling!! Ciao,ciao!!
Thanks, Myra, you may be interested in my Zoom conversations on writing craft. The next one is on October 19 from 3 to 4 EST. There is information on my stack posts about how to attend and you can also email me at: lauriestone.substack.com Best, L
What a lovely piece. I am not too far behind you in age and I am also childless, by choice. I have always loved to write and finally doing it on a regular basis with my substack and the few pieces I get published in various journals. Glad I stumbled upon you and look forward to future articles.
Thank you. I am turning 70 in over a month. Reading elder voices draws my attention. Makes me pay attention and ready to learn in a way no other ages do for me now. It allows me a model to consider. No children here either for me and my wife.
Proof that vulnerability is strength. I love that you articulate the feelings I have that don't have words yet (and I'm a writer! Sometimes it's easier for me to write about general feelings than my own specific emotions.) I "tried" to have a child, and by that I mean not very hard, and mostly so I could tell myself I tried in case I had regrets. I didn't. My husband and I are not fine with it, we're good, and, I feel, getting better at being ourselves all the time--in the way you describe. So glad to read this today.
This is weirdly timely for me, given I was just writing about not wanting children AND not wanting to feel like a freak about it. I also have a pitbull and a punk in my past attempts to join a literary community, who I have reduced in my mind to two tiny insignificant specks, that occasionally swell and demand attention, only to be squashed back down to size again. Thank you for this!
>If I laid these fish on the deck and slit them down the middle, it would be for me, not you. It would be for you, too, but consider I’m hating them enough for both of us.
Oh, Laurie, I'm so sure we'd make great friends. xxoo
i curse the pit bull and fake punk, even as i'm amazed there even was a lit scene in AZ back in 2007. you know i lived in scottsdale the spring/summer of 2014? i met no writers; wish i'd known you then, if you were still there. anyway, i love this line: "I didn’t change, but my life changed, and the same way a punch can take the air out of you a kiss can rush the air back in." xc
Thanks, dear Pat. Funny you should mention the writing because I offer monthly Zoom conversations on writing craft and the next one is on October 19 from 3 to 4 ES. I unfold the techniques I use and how to practice them. For more info, please write to me at: lauriestone@substack.com
It's always a deep pleasure to appear in @Oldster and to partner with @Sari Botton. In case anyone is interested, the next Zoom conversation Richard and I will be hosting is on Saturday October 19 from 3 to 4 EST. You are invited to send ahead questions about your own writing projects. For more information and to RSVP, please write to me at: lauriestone@substack.com
Another wonderful no- bullshit but full of heart column. Thank you. I know what it is to just love looking at a man’s face. Your own special face. It’s the best. Happy early birthday. I’ll be 72 a week(ish) after you. Never wanted children, never had ‘em, never felt I was missing out. The way I characterized it was “I want my own adventures. I don’t want to be the facilitator of the adventures of others.” Keep ‘em coming, Laurie. I appreciate you.
Thanks, darling Janet. I appreciate you too.
With so many Substacks, Reddits, Mediums, LitHubs, WaPo etc. etc. filling my inbox daily, I rarely pause to read any of them, even though I pay to do so. But this one I did read and am glad I did. I am reminded to put "Postcards from the Thing That is Happening," which is such a brilliant title, on my reading list. I love that at this age, 69, even though I know what to expect, I don't know what will happen. We live in Asheville. My husband and I moved down here three years ago. (We are fine, but our neighborhood is not.) With no running water, and trying to conserve what we have, he is growing a beard. It is white and prickly. I don't like it, and yet I'm curious to see how it continues to change his face. So much in life is new and unexpected even as we continue to age. I love how Stone deftly captures that.
So glad you stopped to read this, Polly. PS Wishing the best for you and your neighbors in Asheville. <3
Dear Polly, Thanks so much for your words and for telling us about the beard experiment unfolding. I'm glad you opened my piece as well. Sending concerned thoughts to you and your region. May I ask what made you decide to open this piece? I'm always curious to know what attracts readers who don't already know my work. By the way, the title of the book you mention is actually "Streaming Now ." Best, L
Thank you. I am 55, the next generation that chose not to have children. Or in my case there was no "choice," it was simply not in the universe of things I considered part of any possible life. I also did not choose my height or relative interests and abilities (writing and hiking versus dance or juggling and basketball). They just are. I just am. I grew up in a "traditional" family where people chose spouses poorly, had children because that is what was expected, and a few women were lifetime resentful rage bombs. I never looked at the version of life, or life as a woman, that I saw around me and recognized any part of it as being something I would have anything to do with under any circumstance.
I take full credit for your freedom.😎
This is phenomenal. Laurie Stone is phenomenal! It's not even 8 a.m. and you have breathed life, some kind of beautiful energy, into my day. Grateful.
So happy!!
So happy to discover you! Will trytrytry
to find $ in the budget to subscribe. At 75 and in my prime as poet and children's author it feels virtually impossible to get attention. Age bias? People say so, but there are simply numerous factors that have created a way less accessible industry in numerous ways. But I keep writing, adult poetry not infrequently in lit mags...and happy to find your Notes!
By the way, it’s possible to subscribe to my stack for as little as $3.75 a months.
You raise important questions. I think it’s possible to dissent from the social bias against age, but it’s there and it’s a collective project.
It's hard to gain literary attention at any age, but it really is a lot harder over 70, especially if you're not active on social media. One agent responded to a query not by assessing my book but by saying she couldn't interest a publisher unless I had 40,000 followers!
Laurie, just subscribed yesterday. I'm in the generation who chose not to have children. My husband and I made the decision 50+ years ago. No regrets.
Thanks so much for subscribing!
Laurie!! Gosh, thank you, thank you! I like your style! I turned 60 last year. I'm feeling better about it, lol. I mean I'm a midwest gal who grew up in a repressed home. My parents left the farm for factory work "in town", a thriving metropolis of 3000 from a rural town of 1200. Whew!! Haha! I'm an adult orphan, no kids, one older brother who is wound up too tight, but he's a good egg. I'm writing a series of personal essays which will become my memoir. I come from a performing arts background. It's a different set of muscles this writing business, but deeply fulfilling!! Ciao,ciao!!
Thanks, Myra, you may be interested in my Zoom conversations on writing craft. The next one is on October 19 from 3 to 4 EST. There is information on my stack posts about how to attend and you can also email me at: lauriestone.substack.com Best, L
What a lovely piece. I am not too far behind you in age and I am also childless, by choice. I have always loved to write and finally doing it on a regular basis with my substack and the few pieces I get published in various journals. Glad I stumbled upon you and look forward to future articles.
Thank you. I am turning 70 in over a month. Reading elder voices draws my attention. Makes me pay attention and ready to learn in a way no other ages do for me now. It allows me a model to consider. No children here either for me and my wife.
Dear William, I want to make you happy! You know I have nothing to teach except how to write seductive sentences. Happy near birthday!
Proof that vulnerability is strength. I love that you articulate the feelings I have that don't have words yet (and I'm a writer! Sometimes it's easier for me to write about general feelings than my own specific emotions.) I "tried" to have a child, and by that I mean not very hard, and mostly so I could tell myself I tried in case I had regrets. I didn't. My husband and I are not fine with it, we're good, and, I feel, getting better at being ourselves all the time--in the way you describe. So glad to read this today.
This is weirdly timely for me, given I was just writing about not wanting children AND not wanting to feel like a freak about it. I also have a pitbull and a punk in my past attempts to join a literary community, who I have reduced in my mind to two tiny insignificant specks, that occasionally swell and demand attention, only to be squashed back down to size again. Thank you for this!
>If I laid these fish on the deck and slit them down the middle, it would be for me, not you. It would be for you, too, but consider I’m hating them enough for both of us.
Oh, Laurie, I'm so sure we'd make great friends. xxoo
xxL
i curse the pit bull and fake punk, even as i'm amazed there even was a lit scene in AZ back in 2007. you know i lived in scottsdale the spring/summer of 2014? i met no writers; wish i'd known you then, if you were still there. anyway, i love this line: "I didn’t change, but my life changed, and the same way a punch can take the air out of you a kiss can rush the air back in." xc
I sure was there, in and out back to NYC. It would have been heaven to know you there. I must have really liked that Richard fellow.
yep, you sure musta!
This: So much in life depends on your collision with luck, and then it’s how you take this luck to the casino and bet your life on it.
Perfect for me today. Appreciate your pieces so much!
Thanks!
Absolutely exquisite, fabulous writing! Love it. Interesting. Fun to read! Would love to write like this.
Thanks, dear Pat. Funny you should mention the writing because I offer monthly Zoom conversations on writing craft and the next one is on October 19 from 3 to 4 ES. I unfold the techniques I use and how to practice them. For more info, please write to me at: lauriestone@substack.com