Several of you have told me (or my mother) in person how much you like the blog. I usually say ‘thank you,’ but I’m too tongue-tied to say much else. It feels narcissistic to ask for elaboration, but I’m dying to know what it was you liked about it. Was there something that really spoke to you? A general topic or a more specific statement? Do you like my writing style or my voice? My mom says some of her friends want me to write a book. Do you mean fiction or do you want a book about my experience with autism?
A friend recently did a blog post around this quote from Ira Glass:
I’m in that spot where I know what’s good and my writing just doesn’t hit the mark. Yet.
I have an upcoming post about embracing the good enough, but I want to talk about this part now. I need to get back to writing every day. Not because I need another thing on my plate, but because my fiction hurts my eyes to look at (or it would if I was writing any) and writing more of it is the only way to get better. And I love writing. I get totally caught up in creating characters and figuring out the plot. I drive Sparky crazy talking plot points out with him. But when I look at what I put down on the page…blech.
I hesitate to post this because it sounds like I need a pep talk to continue writing when I actually don’t. I’ll keep writing. I can’t stop at this point. That’s not what I’m asking for and I’d be incredibly uncomfortable if I got it. What I’m asking for is specifics on what I write that appeals to you individually, though I realize it’s a razor-fine distinction. I think the key is in the specifics.
I also realize that it’s uncomfortable for many of you to comment on the internet. I respect that. I would like to have something written, though. It’s too easy for me to twist what I remember you telling me into something negative or something said to make me feel good. Not that I think you disingenuous, just that I know you are all nice, caring people. So maybe those who aren’t comfortable putting anything in the comments, but do want to say something, could email me at (I’m spelling out the symbols to cut down on spam) destination140 at Live dot com.
So tell me about it. Thank you and goodnight.
Michelle,
I look forward to reading your blog every week. I love to come home on Tuesday evenings and read about your week. I appreciate you honesty, the teaching that you do in each blog and just your insite. I really think your posts are a nice mix of personal disclosure and teaching. I find you an inspiration.
I’ve never been driven crazy talking plot points out with you. I kinda like it.
You are a mom, and you are intelligent and witty and insightful, that’s what I like. Also being a mom, I relate. (Obviously not to diminish either of us as women, just trying to be brief here, sorry, that has never worked for me in the past and it’s not working now.) When you post about any topic it is honest and it is beautiful. (And you are just above me on the map, so that makes me feel “closer” to you, but not in a stalkerish way, I promise.) Is it your Voice? It must be. Keep doing it, whatever it is.
Julie
Dear, Dear M.,
Why do I love to read your writing? You are honest and blunt and scared and funny and sad and joyous and frustrated and in love and loved and, most importantly, fascinating. Your delivery is so creative and distinctive, I can sense fear or joy just by your phrasing. You are the mom of two boys. I am the mom of one (albeit, not so much a boy at 27). I enjoy reading about your trials as a mom. However, I can’t wait until I get my hands on your fiction! Years ago, when I had to hem 17 circle skirts for a production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, I was panicked because my obsession with perfection was making the project take way too long. The director, now a dear friend, said to me, “Sometimes, done is good. These are costumes, not couture.” Perfect will make you crazy – done is good. Keep writing. Always know I an here supporting, miles away, but supporting.
D.
Darling Michelle, I love love love your blog. Your voice is so relatable and vivid with emotional honesty. Your style immediately immerses me in the situation you write about and your tone is always an excellent balance of the serious and the witty. So, I love everything about your writing, basically. You’re easy to root for. I can’t wait to read your fiction, although a nonf book about autism would be welcome as the ones I’ve read through teaching are either very technical or very smug or both.
Lora
Michelle – I think for me, it is the voice. I like the conversation tone. It makes me feel like this is a well written and interesting letter from a friend. I like to read about the boys, but I also used to like the post that were more centered around the weight loss. I am sorry I can’t be more specific. By remember reading your blog for the first time and just feeling that I wanted to keep checking in.
June
Michelle
I love your blog and your writing. I am looking forward to that book someday. Your writing brings forth vivid memories of raising my kids, especially David. He was a handfull. I can relate with the weight problems, me too! Your mom is so proud of you and talks about Ya’ll all the time, don’t ever give up on this writing because you are blessed with a remarkable talent for words. Its visual!!!!!!
Love, Judith