In last week’s Entries & Edges, all about selkies, I said that in theory there would be another edition along today. There could be, there’s a draft, but then I thought perhaps it was good just to allow a brief pause before we continue with our discussion of coastlines in January.
You won't regret following Simon, he's one of Substack's treasures.
Always too much to read, yes! But isn't that simply wonderful, too? Deep Work is a good book, certainly worth a read. I think that is something more people could do with, remembering how we can achieve a flow state when we simply turn off all distractions. For me, it can be tricky, but when I do get there I can write incredibly fast.
I think being nine books in at this stage of the year is pretty good going! I think I’m only on book three.
Do you follow the excellent Simon Haisell of Footnotes and Tangents? He’s doing a slow read of Leo’s War and Peace (and another of Wolf Hall) this year, well worth checking out. I almost signed up, but I simply don’t have the free mental space I’d like to do it justice right now.
Thank you. I really love the community here on Substack, talking to people like you never feels like work, just a joy. (And I'm glad I can finally catch up with comments and messages, I know it shouldn't, but it stresses me when I am behind!)
Thank you, for sharing your words. We consume so much from writers, and often forget that creativity takes effort, hard work. Thanks for allowing us a glimpse into your world. 🙏🏽
Thank you old friend. I miss you. Can't believe it's a year since we saw you in Edinburgh, that is ridiculous, hopefully we'll get to share some time together again soon. You're always so very welcome here.
It is effort and hard work, you are right, over a long time too, but when people enjoy something I share, when they comment, or share it themselves, or even just read it, suddenly that work doesn't feel so bad, after all.
Fiction, for me, is one of those tricky things. Sometimes I have to force myself to read it, as I know it helps keep my brain in order but, at other times, I have to force myself to pause reading, as there are other things which need doing! I have fallen into bad habits at the moment, not recording the days I don't read and those I do (as tracking helps that brain, too), so I have to get back to that. I also need to update my list of things I read recently.
I think I still have my Goodreads account, but don't really use it.
(And I'm really happy you read The Tale of John Rendall after you mentioned not reading fiction!)
Thank you for enriching our lives.
Thank you, this means a lot to me. I'm so glad you're here!
Right back atcha
And thank you for all the interesting posts 🙂
Thank you so much! And for reading them, too. I'm looking forward to catching up with your own letter, too.
😆 oh, you're on first names, you and Leo?!
No I'm not following Mr. Haisell, but I will.
Yes, sadly I find there is too much to read.
I found a book I desperately want to read, on your Goodreads list. 'Deep work, Rules For Focused Success'.
Haha! I think I just like the name Leo!
You won't regret following Simon, he's one of Substack's treasures.
Always too much to read, yes! But isn't that simply wonderful, too? Deep Work is a good book, certainly worth a read. I think that is something more people could do with, remembering how we can achieve a flow state when we simply turn off all distractions. For me, it can be tricky, but when I do get there I can write incredibly fast.
Goodreads is still one of my favourite platforms.
I'm already 9 books in on my 2024 goal of reading 100 books..
I did say I don't really read fiction anymore, yet I did just read Tolstoy's the Death of Ivan Ilyich, again, for the third time! 😅
(Sharing my reply to your restack here, too!)
I think being nine books in at this stage of the year is pretty good going! I think I’m only on book three.
Do you follow the excellent Simon Haisell of Footnotes and Tangents? He’s doing a slow read of Leo’s War and Peace (and another of Wolf Hall) this year, well worth checking out. I almost signed up, but I simply don’t have the free mental space I’d like to do it justice right now.
And thank you Alex, for all your support and especially for your hard work here in building a community - happy in between days!
Thank you. I really love the community here on Substack, talking to people like you never feels like work, just a joy. (And I'm glad I can finally catch up with comments and messages, I know it shouldn't, but it stresses me when I am behind!)
Entendu Alex... and I’ve just scrolled back miles to catch up too...
Thank you, for sharing your words. We consume so much from writers, and often forget that creativity takes effort, hard work. Thanks for allowing us a glimpse into your world. 🙏🏽
Thank you old friend. I miss you. Can't believe it's a year since we saw you in Edinburgh, that is ridiculous, hopefully we'll get to share some time together again soon. You're always so very welcome here.
It is effort and hard work, you are right, over a long time too, but when people enjoy something I share, when they comment, or share it themselves, or even just read it, suddenly that work doesn't feel so bad, after all.
Thanks again.
I miss you too brother.
Considering all that's going on I'm the world, I'll always find some time to read your diary stuff.
Forgive me for not having delved into your fiction though.
I don't know why, but I'm struggling to read any fiction.
You still on Goodreads?
Fiction, for me, is one of those tricky things. Sometimes I have to force myself to read it, as I know it helps keep my brain in order but, at other times, I have to force myself to pause reading, as there are other things which need doing! I have fallen into bad habits at the moment, not recording the days I don't read and those I do (as tracking helps that brain, too), so I have to get back to that. I also need to update my list of things I read recently.
I think I still have my Goodreads account, but don't really use it.
(And I'm really happy you read The Tale of John Rendall after you mentioned not reading fiction!)