The reason I know you’re a born-writer is because you carry the ache of need. You need to write which is why you also carry the ache of fear. You are afraid your words will run out because you need them. Do you hear the cycle in that?
This just made me think about how many of us are so filled with fear of not being good enough that we forget others, even the ones we admire, feel this way too.
You are such a gift, Su. Your words always make me feel so many emotions, you might not feel it yet, but you are a Writer with capitalized W.
You know your craft and your works hit the mark. Thanks for the read. The chase for a story will always linger outside. The world will give us that thing. I need to write.
I have always envisioned American writers as these people in eternal exodus, knowing they don’t quite belong where they are now, that there is a place far away they call home and they live there through some words in the native language they hear their parents speak, and in the dishes their mother makes, but knowing deep down that they will never belong “back home” either. The eternal longing they are condemned to maybe is yours now too?
Sudana, here's the thing in my opinion. Everything you write, whether it's a post, or a short story, or a long thought...is yours. No one else has ever written it and no one else has read it - until you put it out there. It is original, you created it and wrote it. I'll never really FEEL like a writer either, won't win any awards or get that monster breakthrough book deal but that doesn't mean I'm not a writer. So yes, you are a writer. People read your words and get enjoyment from reading those words. That's a pretty special place that an overwhelming number of people in this world are not able to, and will never be able to visit and be a part of it. Write for yourself, write for me, write for others. I had to laugh when you said you didn't have the nerve. Bullshit, you got plenty. - Jim
You layer your sentences like philo dough, soak them in the honey of your memories, and sprinkle it with the crushed pistachios of exquisite turns of phrase. Take a hint or get the hint, you're a writer of genius AND talent.
Anna, you were one of the first writers I came across (thanks to Clancy) a year ago when I joined and decided to start writing again. One of the first female voices that made this look effortless, cool, and cathartic.
Anyway, what I mean to say is I am floored and humbled as I’ve greatly admired your work. Writers like you have profoundly shaped my work, always for the better. Thank you.
Now excuse me while I cry for the 4th time today. (Twice in a bakery because the line was too long, then during a Sopranos re-run, and now 🥲)
The reason I know you’re a born-writer is because you carry the ache of need. You need to write which is why you also carry the ache of fear. You are afraid your words will run out because you need them. Do you hear the cycle in that?
This is beautiful
I do hear it. It’s too loud not to.
Thank you babydoll.
Wow, great advice.
This just made me think about how many of us are so filled with fear of not being good enough that we forget others, even the ones we admire, feel this way too.
You are such a gift, Su. Your words always make me feel so many emotions, you might not feel it yet, but you are a Writer with capitalized W.
I mean, if you don’t have a crippling case of imposter syndrome are you even human?
Thank you so much, Luisa. Carrying your warm words with me through this blisteringly cold, fuckass season.
This is so, so beautiful x
Thank you Hannah
Incomprehensible Italian newspapers and sfogliatelle stir the same exact feelings in me.
Thanks for this eloquent reminder on why it’s important for me to leave my house and get out into the world more often than I currently do.
Gina one of the many perks of being in Brooklyn is the sfogliatelle! My favorite by far.
Thank you for reading.
You know your craft and your works hit the mark. Thanks for the read. The chase for a story will always linger outside. The world will give us that thing. I need to write.
this was so good - the little hotel new hemisphere quote honestly broke me 🫀
I cried for about 3 hours when I read that part, thank god it was at the end
your writing inspires me :)
ahhh thank you Maja!
I suspect genius is a common quality in humanity.
The whole of the cosmos from a single source burst into innumerable forms that make what only they can make.
Rhymes and repeats abound in a single breath of time.
Look at that, you might have a little poet in you just yet
The feta killed me
It’s so fucking good
Very nice piece. Some take a walk in the park. Others take a stroll through their mind. You did both. (I salivate at the mention of a bakery.)
Thank you George!
I was very excited for a Greek bakery in town!
I have always envisioned American writers as these people in eternal exodus, knowing they don’t quite belong where they are now, that there is a place far away they call home and they live there through some words in the native language they hear their parents speak, and in the dishes their mother makes, but knowing deep down that they will never belong “back home” either. The eternal longing they are condemned to maybe is yours now too?
Sudana, here's the thing in my opinion. Everything you write, whether it's a post, or a short story, or a long thought...is yours. No one else has ever written it and no one else has read it - until you put it out there. It is original, you created it and wrote it. I'll never really FEEL like a writer either, won't win any awards or get that monster breakthrough book deal but that doesn't mean I'm not a writer. So yes, you are a writer. People read your words and get enjoyment from reading those words. That's a pretty special place that an overwhelming number of people in this world are not able to, and will never be able to visit and be a part of it. Write for yourself, write for me, write for others. I had to laugh when you said you didn't have the nerve. Bullshit, you got plenty. - Jim
Everything said here is spot on. There’s inspiration & emotion being lit
You layer your sentences like philo dough, soak them in the honey of your memories, and sprinkle it with the crushed pistachios of exquisite turns of phrase. Take a hint or get the hint, you're a writer of genius AND talent.
Haha, laughed out loud @ the hint reference. What a delicious comment - I am ready for a decadent Greek desert 6am on a Monday.
Thank you, friend.
Baklava is basically health food
Whenever I read your pieces I feel, in varying order: a little jealousy, a lot of admiration, a ton of pleasure.
Anna, you were one of the first writers I came across (thanks to Clancy) a year ago when I joined and decided to start writing again. One of the first female voices that made this look effortless, cool, and cathartic.
Anyway, what I mean to say is I am floored and humbled as I’ve greatly admired your work. Writers like you have profoundly shaped my work, always for the better. Thank you.
Now excuse me while I cry for the 4th time today. (Twice in a bakery because the line was too long, then during a Sopranos re-run, and now 🥲)
Damn, thank you Sudana!
Sudana, unless you are kidding us 100% you ARE a writer and have earned your place here on substack.
You are making me very hungry now for real Greek food... 😋
I’m reading a lot of original, relatable & insightful thoughts in your prose.