Excellent work, Kelly. My situation was similar to what happened to Rory Gilmore when she was told by newspaper publisher/Logan’s dad that she didn’t have “it.” Took me years to rebound.
Thank you for this wonderful essay. And I am your 50th like on it! Yay! Although I can completely understand why a comment from somebody that you liked and admired would hurt more than a comment from a stranger. She certainly could’ve delivered the same feedback in a different way, like “ I really appreciated your piece and think you said some meaningful things in there. Looking forward to the next thing you write!” which acknowledges that there was something real in what you had written and that she expects you to grow as a writer. Truthful doesn’t have to be mean. And sometimes blunt is just another word for mean. I once told a friend that she should practice more because she wasn’t sounding as good as she used to. I knew this person extremely well and thought that I was doing the difficult job of being a real friend who was willing to say the true thing. I tell you, many years later, people are still astonished that I did something so mean. I regret it. It sounds like your person does too. 🩷
It always pains me when I hear of a creative being discouraged as a result of someone else's opinion. I do not allow myself to be measured by someone else's standards. I was Bron lucky I suppose. I have Oppositinal Defiance Disorder which I think everyone should have a touch of, just for this very reason.
I can relate! I was once rerailed from writing for two full years because of some profoundly unhelpful and off base feedback. Thanks for sharing your story!
I feel for that younger version of you, and I'm so glad you're writing now! Also great that your David Foster Wallace essay found its way to the girl who had criticized you. That's such a good one!
Excellent work, Kelly. My situation was similar to what happened to Rory Gilmore when she was told by newspaper publisher/Logan’s dad that she didn’t have “it.” Took me years to rebound.
So glad you kept writing Laurie! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this wonderful essay. And I am your 50th like on it! Yay! Although I can completely understand why a comment from somebody that you liked and admired would hurt more than a comment from a stranger. She certainly could’ve delivered the same feedback in a different way, like “ I really appreciated your piece and think you said some meaningful things in there. Looking forward to the next thing you write!” which acknowledges that there was something real in what you had written and that she expects you to grow as a writer. Truthful doesn’t have to be mean. And sometimes blunt is just another word for mean. I once told a friend that she should practice more because she wasn’t sounding as good as she used to. I knew this person extremely well and thought that I was doing the difficult job of being a real friend who was willing to say the true thing. I tell you, many years later, people are still astonished that I did something so mean. I regret it. It sounds like your person does too. 🩷
Thank you for being the 50th like and thank you for such a thoughtful and insightful comment. I appreciate it so much! ❤️❤️
This felt like a hug. So warm and encouraging that it broke me first and I needed a day to come back to reality. Just to say, thanks Kelly 🫶
This comment feels like a harm hug. Thank you so much! 🫶
Fantastic essay. And you know what I say? Fuck anyone who doesn't agree. 😁
You’re the best! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It always pains me when I hear of a creative being discouraged as a result of someone else's opinion. I do not allow myself to be measured by someone else's standards. I was Bron lucky I suppose. I have Oppositinal Defiance Disorder which I think everyone should have a touch of, just for this very reason.
I love this comment so much. ❤️❤️❤️
re: height: I totally get it. I prayed for my daughter to have long legs and be tall. She is at least 7" taller than me (victory!)
re: Trader Joe's: those pb cups and the chocolate cat crackers....
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I can relate! I was once rerailed from writing for two full years because of some profoundly unhelpful and off base feedback. Thanks for sharing your story!
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And another thing; “but I also know I never should have given up on myself when I was still in the process of becoming.”
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“But did it feel that way at the time, dear Substack reader? In fact, it did fucking not.” So glad you kept (and keep) going! You rock!
Thank you so much!!
I feel for that younger version of you, and I'm so glad you're writing now! Also great that your David Foster Wallace essay found its way to the girl who had criticized you. That's such a good one!
Thank you so much Lisa! Your support means the world!
Great essay! Plus, of course, I share your love of TJ's dark choc PB cups.
Thank you so much and let’s both make sure we eat some TJ’s PB cups this weekend! We deserve it! ❤️
This was very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story!! I feel like this found me at the best time ❤️
I’m so glad you liked it and thank you so much for such a wonderful comment and for reading the essay. It means the world to me.❤️❤️❤️
this was wonderful
Thank you so much!!!
Very inspiring! thanks for the encouragement, and I'm so glad you didn't give up.
Thank you so much!