I believe this is my favorite chapter so far. There are many things to say about what is done well from a craft perspective.
This sentence hit hard, "Grace isn’t familiar with the feeling of taking her time." Ned, as a separate voice, "Do better" after an equal palpitations and the yin-yang gives this section such depth.
Many thanks, Stacy! Glad you enjoyed it. It's a bit longer than my usual, which felt a little indulgent, but lots of dialogue -- maybe a quick enough read? I so appreciate your . . . appreciation!
I loved this section too. I was listening to it instead of reading, and Julie, you softened your voice, paused and allowed that spaciousness to arrive even in your diction and it was wonderful!
What a multi-faceted, complex, and lovely story Julie. I'm really enjoying getting to know this other side of you through your writing. I hear your voice, literally and figuratively.
This is my favorite chapter so far. And Ned is quite the charmer. I was always close to my mother, but I remember being awestruck at the end when one of her friends came to see her in hospice and started telling us stories of the adventures they had. I had somehow forgotten my mother had this whole other life and way that people knew and loved her. Like Francesca. 🥰
Yes! I had a very similar experience when my mother passed. Her best friend, who we’d all seen regularly our whole lives, told a story about her from back when they first met as young army wives and mothers. I’d never heard it before, and it was so charming. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m glad you enjoyed this.
Oh my goodness, so much to love in this chapter (and specifically this version of this chapter!) I am so impressed with the local color you fold into the dialogue and landscape here. In addition to being a fabulous story, it's a love song to a place.
It really became that, Mary Beth. Now that I've moved away, I could feel how much I miss its quirks and culture, its history and neighborhoods. I was inordinately proud to live there. Thanks for chiming in, Mary Beth! And for all your help with this one.
I always listen to your narration, you capture every nuance of situation and sentiment in your voice so perfectly, Grace is certainly a complex creature, I am loving learning a little more of her as the story rolls out!
I love how you lean into the prickliness of Grace and avoid making her agreeable. The dialog in this chapter is so grounded and engaging - the characters really come to life. I'm finding a rhythm with the book now and can't wait for the next chapter.
I so appreciate your being here, Ben. It’s been fascinating to see how, once I got out of the way, Grace was only too obliging to speak up for herself.
Wow. This is the first chapter I listened to instead of read and it was such a treat to drive along country roads and let your own voice shape shift the horizon in front of me. (Just enough to be transported but don't worry, I still could see the yellow line!) I can really hear Grace's internal struggle, and how so much of it isn't "checked" in reality—her shame, inadequacy, sense of unworthiness around her mother. You handle this complex interior with such sensitivity and nuance; I'm on #teamGrace even though she certainly isn't on it herself.
I believe this is my favorite chapter so far. There are many things to say about what is done well from a craft perspective.
This sentence hit hard, "Grace isn’t familiar with the feeling of taking her time." Ned, as a separate voice, "Do better" after an equal palpitations and the yin-yang gives this section such depth.
Many thanks, Stacy! Glad you enjoyed it. It's a bit longer than my usual, which felt a little indulgent, but lots of dialogue -- maybe a quick enough read? I so appreciate your . . . appreciation!
It was longer but there is enough happening to keep the reader's attention.
I loved this section too. I was listening to it instead of reading, and Julie, you softened your voice, paused and allowed that spaciousness to arrive even in your diction and it was wonderful!
Awww, thanks so much, Kim. I’m quite self conscious about my reading voice so I appreciate your vote of confidence.
What a multi-faceted, complex, and lovely story Julie. I'm really enjoying getting to know this other side of you through your writing. I hear your voice, literally and figuratively.
Thanks for reading, Tom. I appreciate your note.
This is my favorite chapter so far. And Ned is quite the charmer. I was always close to my mother, but I remember being awestruck at the end when one of her friends came to see her in hospice and started telling us stories of the adventures they had. I had somehow forgotten my mother had this whole other life and way that people knew and loved her. Like Francesca. 🥰
Yes! I had a very similar experience when my mother passed. Her best friend, who we’d all seen regularly our whole lives, told a story about her from back when they first met as young army wives and mothers. I’d never heard it before, and it was so charming. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m glad you enjoyed this.
Oh my goodness, so much to love in this chapter (and specifically this version of this chapter!) I am so impressed with the local color you fold into the dialogue and landscape here. In addition to being a fabulous story, it's a love song to a place.
It really became that, Mary Beth. Now that I've moved away, I could feel how much I miss its quirks and culture, its history and neighborhoods. I was inordinately proud to live there. Thanks for chiming in, Mary Beth! And for all your help with this one.
Incredible dialogue Julie!
I always listen to your narration, you capture every nuance of situation and sentiment in your voice so perfectly, Grace is certainly a complex creature, I am loving learning a little more of her as the story rolls out!
Aww, thanks, Susie. It’s good to know the audio is useful. I’m glad you’re here.
I love how you lean into the prickliness of Grace and avoid making her agreeable. The dialog in this chapter is so grounded and engaging - the characters really come to life. I'm finding a rhythm with the book now and can't wait for the next chapter.
I so appreciate your being here, Ben. It’s been fascinating to see how, once I got out of the way, Grace was only too obliging to speak up for herself.
Wow. This is the first chapter I listened to instead of read and it was such a treat to drive along country roads and let your own voice shape shift the horizon in front of me. (Just enough to be transported but don't worry, I still could see the yellow line!) I can really hear Grace's internal struggle, and how so much of it isn't "checked" in reality—her shame, inadequacy, sense of unworthiness around her mother. You handle this complex interior with such sensitivity and nuance; I'm on #teamGrace even though she certainly isn't on it herself.
Many thanks, Kim. I so appreciate your encouragement and I’m not surprised that you “get” Grace.