This was inspiring to read, including your poignant hesitancy to join your younger peers at the bar, and eventual joining them there. So human. Thank you for sharing your story of how you became a writer.
So glad you shared this history as a writer -- strikes many chords of my heart and so very glad for your having written beyond that, the sea. Days after finishing it, I continue to cherish the story, scenes, the words, the lyricism -- reminiscent of the best Irish writing (Trevor, Banville, Enright, Keegan) and poignant, true narratives of loss, grief, home (again, Trevor and his Story of Lucy Gault; J Lahiri of course; the poet Robin Lewis.) You are now in my pantheon of such authors. Thank you. When can we read your next piece?
Laura: I just read this in Poets & Writers and immediately rushed to substack. You describe so exquisitely the experience of writers who realize what their true calling is later in life. I published my first book in 2022 when I was 89. Of course, I'd been writing other things and had worked on the book for years, not thinking anyone would want to read it except my family. My teacher, Charles Salzberg was the person who pushed me to publish and it has been wonderful to discover a new career. I look forward to reading your book.
Laura this is so moving. I'm so happy you found your way.
This was inspiring to read, including your poignant hesitancy to join your younger peers at the bar, and eventual joining them there. So human. Thank you for sharing your story of how you became a writer.
Thank you so much!
Laura, I remember you so well from Tin House and have happily followed your career since—as Alice says below, I'm so glad you found your way.
Oh, Emma, so kind of you to say. Thank you so much.
just love this!
You are such an inspiration to me, Laura. I’m near tears. Thank you for sharing this story!
Thank you, Hagar, so kind of you!
This is really inspiring, Laura! A great set of reminders and a helpful path forward
Thanks, Angela!
So glad you shared this history as a writer -- strikes many chords of my heart and so very glad for your having written beyond that, the sea. Days after finishing it, I continue to cherish the story, scenes, the words, the lyricism -- reminiscent of the best Irish writing (Trevor, Banville, Enright, Keegan) and poignant, true narratives of loss, grief, home (again, Trevor and his Story of Lucy Gault; J Lahiri of course; the poet Robin Lewis.) You are now in my pantheon of such authors. Thank you. When can we read your next piece?
Ah, you are far too kind, Krishna! Those are all my favorites, and it is an honor to be compared to them. Thank you!
Our stories parallel and I applaud your perseverance. Age is an ally to many of us. Keep writing and congrats on the novel.
Many thanks!
Beautiful…and in our own time!!
Thanks, Lisa!
Thank you so much for sharing this story. It really hit home.
Thanks, Apryl
Laura: I just read this in Poets & Writers and immediately rushed to substack. You describe so exquisitely the experience of writers who realize what their true calling is later in life. I published my first book in 2022 when I was 89. Of course, I'd been writing other things and had worked on the book for years, not thinking anyone would want to read it except my family. My teacher, Charles Salzberg was the person who pushed me to publish and it has been wonderful to discover a new career. I look forward to reading your book.
Almost time for bed. My eyes are filled with tears. Did I forever miss the boat? I love writing. I love your writing. Tomorrow’s another day.