This was a great interview. My aha moment that writers do not write perfect first drafts was when I saw the outline in the back of Fitzgerald's unfinished The Last Tycoon.
This is such an important thing to remember, David! I was just at a book event recently where the author shared that her first drafts are horribly ugly and consist of blunt sentences like, "He is mean to her. She is sad. (Figure out why.)"
Thank you, David! I must have seen that and yet cannot remember it. I need to check it out again! Yes, it's such a relief when you learn that everyone is muddling through!!
Oh how I love this interview so much!! Such great questions Evelyn! I love the advice from Jane- "Don’t harm your gentle heart trying to be someone else’s writer. Be your own. Let your curiosity, compassion, and love guide you." Not just for writing but a how to live life in 3 sentences. Just a beautiful brilliant exchange 😍😍
Mesa, I am smiling because of your comment. I'm glad you felt Jane's warmth and wisdom as much as I did. And thank you for your compliment about my questions--I really enjoying interviewing other writers and learning how we all work so differently!
“Don’t harm your gentle heart trying to be someone else’s writer. Be your own. Let your curiosity, compassion, and love guide you.” I copied this into my bank of quotes to return to. I love this interview and am so grateful for the heart-wisdom from someone whose interviews of others I’ve come to treasure. Thanks, Jane and Evelyn!
I agree completely, Logan! Jane's words are always so soothing and wise. Thank you for reading this; it was an honor to interview Jane and call her a friend!
Well, if you know anything at all about me, you know dogs - my dogs - have saved me. And reading Jane's essay about walking Ortiz just about killed me. It's so beautiful and touching. Thank you Evelyn for interviewing Jane. ❤️🐕
Enjoy is way too mild a word. I have a son who is mentally ill, and without my dogs, I wouldn't have survived the past 20 or 30 years. This is not hyperbole. It's the actual truth. So your essay went way deeper than "enjoy." Thank you for writing it.
Jane and Evelyn,
This was a great interview. My aha moment that writers do not write perfect first drafts was when I saw the outline in the back of Fitzgerald's unfinished The Last Tycoon.
This is such an important thing to remember, David! I was just at a book event recently where the author shared that her first drafts are horribly ugly and consist of blunt sentences like, "He is mean to her. She is sad. (Figure out why.)"
Thank you, David! I must have seen that and yet cannot remember it. I need to check it out again! Yes, it's such a relief when you learn that everyone is muddling through!!
"Don’t harm your gentle heart trying to be someone else’s writer" -- I think this just changed my life. Thank you!
Mine, too :) Jane is such a beautiful writer! I'm glad that resonated with you, Karis.
Aw, thank you, Karis! ❤️
Oh how I love this interview so much!! Such great questions Evelyn! I love the advice from Jane- "Don’t harm your gentle heart trying to be someone else’s writer. Be your own. Let your curiosity, compassion, and love guide you." Not just for writing but a how to live life in 3 sentences. Just a beautiful brilliant exchange 😍😍
Mesa, I am smiling because of your comment. I'm glad you felt Jane's warmth and wisdom as much as I did. And thank you for your compliment about my questions--I really enjoying interviewing other writers and learning how we all work so differently!
Ooooh, thank you, Mesa! Your words mean so much. And lovely to find you here! ❤️
So fun to find you here too, Jane!! 😍😍
As Dr. Seuss says, There's no one youer than you : )
Cheers to that, Richard!
“Don’t harm your gentle heart trying to be someone else’s writer. Be your own. Let your curiosity, compassion, and love guide you.” I copied this into my bank of quotes to return to. I love this interview and am so grateful for the heart-wisdom from someone whose interviews of others I’ve come to treasure. Thanks, Jane and Evelyn!
I agree completely, Logan! Jane's words are always so soothing and wise. Thank you for reading this; it was an honor to interview Jane and call her a friend!
Ooooooh, thank you, Logan!! Your words mean so much! ❤️
“ I think of myself as very guarded. Well, because I am! But somehow through my guardedness my love of the world shines through.”
I feel every bit of your love coming through, Jane. What a wonderful gift.
Oooooh, thank you, Trish! That really touched my heart! ❤️
Well, if you know anything at all about me, you know dogs - my dogs - have saved me. And reading Jane's essay about walking Ortiz just about killed me. It's so beautiful and touching. Thank you Evelyn for interviewing Jane. ❤️🐕
What the heck would we do without dogs?! Seriously. Thank you for reading my essay, Suzanne. And I'm so glad you enjoyed it! ❤️
Enjoy is way too mild a word. I have a son who is mentally ill, and without my dogs, I wouldn't have survived the past 20 or 30 years. This is not hyperbole. It's the actual truth. So your essay went way deeper than "enjoy." Thank you for writing it.
I understand. ❤️ Sending much love. xx
Oh my goodness, yes, I cried over that gorgeous essay. I think people like you and Jane who can feel the souls of animals are incredible people.
❤️ Thanks Evelyn.
Loved this interview!
I'm so glad! Thanks for reading, Vas!