Thanks for this update, David! I'm really looking forward to reding more. I think your micro-macro approach makes a lot of sense, giving voice and individuality to those living and suffering through it.
Thanks Jamie. Honestly, it’s been hard focusing lately. Such unsettling times. Most days, I feel like I’m in a slow motion car wreck, and I’m watching us all hurdle toward a brick wall, and here I am, sitting in the front seat, typing a blog entry. It feels at best, absurd. At worst, I’m having a near panic attack.
I completely understand that--and apologies for not replying right away; I was traveling back from Oregon all day yesterday (via Boise, where Fiona and her husband live now) .
I would say that doing one's own work matters as much now as it ever did. People need the kind of informative, enriching history that you're working on--whether they know it or not (yet)! :)
I've struggled with "why write in these frightening, unsettling times?" myself. I think stories and histories, music, fine art are all important means of connecting with other people. They are as important now as they've ever been. You read about prisoners in the gulag creating poetry for one another, smuggling it from person to person. Think about being lost/imprisoned/destitute and hearing someone playing Chopin on a piano somewhere nearby. This beauty floats across the fetid air, grabs you. Think about how many people reacquainted themselves with art of all kinds during the pandemic because they needed it.
Art/Literature is about who we are, and it's about connection.
I'm NOT saying don't march, don't call your congressperson, etc., I'm saying do that, too. This is an inhumane time, and it rightly angers, depresses, frightens. But it's at times like this that sharing humanity remains important.
Sorry, I got a little pompous there. But I think it's true.
Thanks Jamie. Well said, as always. I really needed to hear that.
BTW, I loved Bastard Verdict. So well done. I had Google maps open while I was reading just so I could visualize the places where the shite when down. Imogen is a compelling character. The kind of woman that I would have crushed on, knowing full well she was WAY out of my league. Great stuff. Keep it coming.
Thanks very much, Dave! My fifth book, called Witness Tree, is with a publisher right now—fingers crossed!—but I’m sorry to report it’s not another Imogen Trager novel. I have some ideas for her, but I thought I’d give her a break, too. :)
Thanks for this update, David! I'm really looking forward to reding more. I think your micro-macro approach makes a lot of sense, giving voice and individuality to those living and suffering through it.
Thanks Jamie. Honestly, it’s been hard focusing lately. Such unsettling times. Most days, I feel like I’m in a slow motion car wreck, and I’m watching us all hurdle toward a brick wall, and here I am, sitting in the front seat, typing a blog entry. It feels at best, absurd. At worst, I’m having a near panic attack.
I completely understand that--and apologies for not replying right away; I was traveling back from Oregon all day yesterday (via Boise, where Fiona and her husband live now) .
I would say that doing one's own work matters as much now as it ever did. People need the kind of informative, enriching history that you're working on--whether they know it or not (yet)! :)
I've struggled with "why write in these frightening, unsettling times?" myself. I think stories and histories, music, fine art are all important means of connecting with other people. They are as important now as they've ever been. You read about prisoners in the gulag creating poetry for one another, smuggling it from person to person. Think about being lost/imprisoned/destitute and hearing someone playing Chopin on a piano somewhere nearby. This beauty floats across the fetid air, grabs you. Think about how many people reacquainted themselves with art of all kinds during the pandemic because they needed it.
Art/Literature is about who we are, and it's about connection.
I'm NOT saying don't march, don't call your congressperson, etc., I'm saying do that, too. This is an inhumane time, and it rightly angers, depresses, frightens. But it's at times like this that sharing humanity remains important.
Sorry, I got a little pompous there. But I think it's true.
Keep on keepin' on!
-J
Thanks Jamie. Well said, as always. I really needed to hear that.
BTW, I loved Bastard Verdict. So well done. I had Google maps open while I was reading just so I could visualize the places where the shite when down. Imogen is a compelling character. The kind of woman that I would have crushed on, knowing full well she was WAY out of my league. Great stuff. Keep it coming.
Thanks very much, Dave! My fifth book, called Witness Tree, is with a publisher right now—fingers crossed!—but I’m sorry to report it’s not another Imogen Trager novel. I have some ideas for her, but I thought I’d give her a break, too. :)