There’s something powerful here about what it takes to rebuild a life after things fall apart—not all at once, but step by step. I really appreciate your honesty in sharing this.
Every time we are "labelled" I think our realities and journeys are cleavered away and we get boxed in. You tore the box down. I come and search for your writing when everything feels like a nosedive into the ocean in an ill-fitting metal cage because I know you'll write something human. This was more human than expected and uncomfortable in the way that I know will stick with me every time I feel behind or ahead. I'm 31 and on some days I feel like my life has just begun and on others - it's a mile long race and I'm at the starting line. Did you feel scared when you are human in a world not really catering to humanity?
Sadly I think that this feeling “For years, I carried around the feeling that I was disliked in the publishing industry because I didn’t neatly fit into the box of what a publishing person should be.” is common (in whatever industry someone is in). Good that you called it out, so that we can see it as the myth it is.
Thank you. Not weird at all! I’m not sure that I will ever write a memoir. As much as I put myself out there, there are still SO many things I keep private.
My heart was in my throat as I read this. Thank you, as always, for your honesty and vulnerability.
Someone once told me, "Your story may be someone else's medicine." This story is so healing.
Putting out front how hard this job is/can be on one's mental health, regardless of how successfull we are (or appear) or how our brains are wired is so important, and isn't talked about enough.
We need your story, all of our stories, so we know we are not alone and
Kathleen, thank you for sharing so much of your story, which you're under no obligation to do but I know will be helpful to so many people, whether in publishing or not. It's so easy to assume everyone else is going great when you only see their highlight reels online. I have learned so much from both your publishing posts and insights into how you manage things on a personal level. I'll be pre-ordering your book whenever it's available.
This is so inspiring, and I continue to be in awe of your bravery and vulnerability. I’ve learned so much from you since I subscribed to your newsletter—about publishing, but also persevering—and appreciate it all so much.
Thank you for this! I feel like so many people I know are struggling and it seems like everybody else has it together and is able to do so much, but I feel in my bones like that's all perception and, as the Avett Brothers song goes, No One is Fine. I appreciate so much that you're willing to peel back the perception and let all of us see what's behind it.
You did not have to share this, but thank you for doing it! I'm grateful you are here. So glad I found this corner of Substack, and enrolled in the first cohort. Very excited for your book, too!
Oh, Kathleen. What you have been through. And what you have created. I stand in awe and admiration. Please keep taking care of yourself and doing whatever you need for your sustained health and happiness.
There’s something powerful here about what it takes to rebuild a life after things fall apart—not all at once, but step by step. I really appreciate your honesty in sharing this.
Every time we are "labelled" I think our realities and journeys are cleavered away and we get boxed in. You tore the box down. I come and search for your writing when everything feels like a nosedive into the ocean in an ill-fitting metal cage because I know you'll write something human. This was more human than expected and uncomfortable in the way that I know will stick with me every time I feel behind or ahead. I'm 31 and on some days I feel like my life has just begun and on others - it's a mile long race and I'm at the starting line. Did you feel scared when you are human in a world not really catering to humanity?
Sadly I think that this feeling “For years, I carried around the feeling that I was disliked in the publishing industry because I didn’t neatly fit into the box of what a publishing person should be.” is common (in whatever industry someone is in). Good that you called it out, so that we can see it as the myth it is.
Is it weird to say I'm so proud of you? This is so inspiring. I hope writing a memoir is on your list of someday projects.
Thank you. Not weird at all! I’m not sure that I will ever write a memoir. As much as I put myself out there, there are still SO many things I keep private.
My heart was in my throat as I read this. Thank you, as always, for your honesty and vulnerability.
Someone once told me, "Your story may be someone else's medicine." This story is so healing.
Putting out front how hard this job is/can be on one's mental health, regardless of how successfull we are (or appear) or how our brains are wired is so important, and isn't talked about enough.
We need your story, all of our stories, so we know we are not alone and
What a beautiful, honest story to share. I love your writing on here and as I was reading this piece was thinking memoir please!! Thank you
Kathleen, thank you for sharing so much of your story, which you're under no obligation to do but I know will be helpful to so many people, whether in publishing or not. It's so easy to assume everyone else is going great when you only see their highlight reels online. I have learned so much from both your publishing posts and insights into how you manage things on a personal level. I'll be pre-ordering your book whenever it's available.
"Somehow, I found it within myself to fight" made me cry and gave me goosebumps. <3
I’m sorry it made you cry, but I’m glad you read it.
This is so inspiring, and I continue to be in awe of your bravery and vulnerability. I’ve learned so much from you since I subscribed to your newsletter—about publishing, but also persevering—and appreciate it all so much.
Thank you for this! I feel like so many people I know are struggling and it seems like everybody else has it together and is able to do so much, but I feel in my bones like that's all perception and, as the Avett Brothers song goes, No One is Fine. I appreciate so much that you're willing to peel back the perception and let all of us see what's behind it.
Thanks for sharing so vulnerably!
Phew! That's a lot! Thank you for letting us into your life.
You did not have to share this, but thank you for doing it! I'm grateful you are here. So glad I found this corner of Substack, and enrolled in the first cohort. Very excited for your book, too!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this. You've been through so much. I'm so grateful you are still here.
Thank you!
Oh, Kathleen. What you have been through. And what you have created. I stand in awe and admiration. Please keep taking care of yourself and doing whatever you need for your sustained health and happiness.
Thanks so much, Erika.
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