Those pesky chestnuts! It's very cool you're a new forager. I'm always looking around when I'm in the forest but I don't tend to take much other than what I eat in the moment. I agree with you about the mushrooms!
I'm so glad I read this. I must admit I'd seen your name a few times and never gotten round to a read, in my attempt not to overwhelm myself with how many substacks i subscribe to.This is so beautifully written and relatable.
Thank you so much! And I totally relate - I am subscribed to WAY too many Substacks and I just can't keep up with them all, but then I keep seeing other amazing writers that I want to follow and it's just all so ... đŸ¤¯
No formal training to speak of, some short courses here and there, but mostly just practice and lots of reading! I've been writing short stories since I was about 6 and took every opportunity to write for school papers, competitions, whatever I could find. I didn't write for a while because I convinced myself that being a "real" writer wasn't for me, so it's only in the last few years that I've really come back to it. Now I write columns for national newspapers and I have a book coming out next year, so I'm starting to let go of the idea that I can't be a "real" writer!
I enjoyed reading this today Allegra. One of the things I am noticing as I begin my writing journey is the need to be honest and vulnerable in the writing. This is what sets us apart from the doom scroll of Instagram. As a reader, I appreciate it most when I encounter the human side (mistakes and all) of a writer. Life is messy and it is a lot of hard work. We need to be a little easier on ourselves and on each other quite frankly. Thanks for a great story. I now have a greater appreciation for whatever person or machine harvests my chestnuts!
So true, Matthew. I particularly enjoy how much more authentic and considered everyone seems to be here in comparison to other platforms. And yes, huge respect to the people who dissect chestnuts, or invent the machinery to do so. They are true unsung heroes!
Perfectly said. Just be yourself. Like your writing.
Thank you!
Those pesky chestnuts! It's very cool you're a new forager. I'm always looking around when I'm in the forest but I don't tend to take much other than what I eat in the moment. I agree with you about the mushrooms!
I'm so glad I read this. I must admit I'd seen your name a few times and never gotten round to a read, in my attempt not to overwhelm myself with how many substacks i subscribe to.This is so beautifully written and relatable.
Thank you so much! And I totally relate - I am subscribed to WAY too many Substacks and I just can't keep up with them all, but then I keep seeing other amazing writers that I want to follow and it's just all so ... đŸ¤¯
Where did you learn to write?
No formal training to speak of, some short courses here and there, but mostly just practice and lots of reading! I've been writing short stories since I was about 6 and took every opportunity to write for school papers, competitions, whatever I could find. I didn't write for a while because I convinced myself that being a "real" writer wasn't for me, so it's only in the last few years that I've really come back to it. Now I write columns for national newspapers and I have a book coming out next year, so I'm starting to let go of the idea that I can't be a "real" writer!
I enjoyed reading this today Allegra. One of the things I am noticing as I begin my writing journey is the need to be honest and vulnerable in the writing. This is what sets us apart from the doom scroll of Instagram. As a reader, I appreciate it most when I encounter the human side (mistakes and all) of a writer. Life is messy and it is a lot of hard work. We need to be a little easier on ourselves and on each other quite frankly. Thanks for a great story. I now have a greater appreciation for whatever person or machine harvests my chestnuts!
So true, Matthew. I particularly enjoy how much more authentic and considered everyone seems to be here in comparison to other platforms. And yes, huge respect to the people who dissect chestnuts, or invent the machinery to do so. They are true unsung heroes!