Some friendships are instant. The first time I interviewed Elissa Altman for my podcast, we stayed on the line afterwards and talked for ages, and we’ve done it regularly ever since. There’s a lot to talk about. I think it’s fair to say that both of us have been around the block a few times, and we are both continually trying to grapple with the turbulence of a writing career. Neither of us has the temperament for public tantrums, and perhaps because of that, there’s a lot that both of us need to say behind the scenes.
There are numerous times when we have both said, ‘We should press record on this conversation,’ and in November, it occurred to us that we could do just that. The result is, I hope, a new monthly series for you to enjoy. It will appear without a paywall in both of our feeds, and hopefully offer a glimpse inside the writer’s life, during an age when everything is in flux.
This is not a ‘how to’ guide; it’s a conversation between two writers as they think out loud. I hope it will be insightful for readers, and offer solidarity to writers who are navigating the same waters.
This month, we’re talking about the idea of bravery in writing. We both get regularly asked how we find the courage to write such personal work, and the answer is always a little complicated. I don’t think the bravery lies where people assume it does, and some of the true bravery is invisible. We get deep into this, and inevitably go a little (okay, a lot) off topic, which is definitely the point of this project!
You can either listen via the Substack podcast feed (the Substack app is really good for this) or watch the video if you prefer (there’s an option to turn on captions if you click ‘CC’). Don’t forget to follow Elissa on her brilliant Poor Man’s Feast too.
And for paid subscribers, there’s another nice change afoot - from January 16th, Elissa and I will be sharing my Creative Questions sessions, with both of us answering your queries living a creative life or an aspect of your practice. The first one will take place live on Crowdcast on Tuesday 16th January 1pm ET / 6pm UK with a playback available straight afterwards. I love these sessions and I can’t wait to get cracking!
All good wishes,
Take care,
Katherine
Coming up at The Clearing
Events for paid subscribers
True Stories Book Club
29 February, 7pm UK
February’s book club will feature Maggie Smith talking about her book, You Could Make This Place Beautiful - Do join us live if you can, and log-on details will be sent via Chat.
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Elissa & Katherine talk… bravery