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Amanda Earl's avatar

Love this. I have set bridges on fire and razed them to the ground. I have withdrawn manuscripts because of unfair contacts, because I refuse to be published by men only editorial boards, because a publisher refuses to acknowledge his white privilege. I have received so many scoldy emails and messages from men because I centre and support voices that are systematically excluded from canons. I have been called a bully on social media by men. Men have attempted to intimidate me through publicly shaming me for my honesty about sex. And when I don't centre them they tell me it is bad for my "poetry career." It's such bullshit. I will gladly burn bridges of the patriarchy. I am not interested in being part of their hierarchy.

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Kathryn Mockler's avatar

This is amazing! Thanks for sharing.

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The Sensitive Artist's avatar

This is great advice! A lot of it definitely resonates. #2 Fear of Rejection is something I struggle with — not only with writing — but in all areas of my life. I am really trying to let go of that. I also have anxiety about burning bridges. In example, I took a new job about six weeks ago and the people have been so nice and kind but the commute is killing me… I applied to a couple other places but confrontation is my nemesis and I did not want to tell these people who spent time and money training me that I was quitting. But if I don't, I’ll be punishing myself. I need to figure that one out ASAP.

I have always been aware that writing as a career would likely never be lucrative so I have other jobs. I would love to defy the odds but I’m well aware that's not realistic. Not only that but I have been raising my kids for 23 years which makes writing nearly impossible. I have four children and my baby is ten so I’m only recently getting back into it. It’s not great but it gives me a sense of purpose. I write because I enjoy it. I flip furniture and build and decorate dollhouses too. If I’m not creating something, I feel lost and incomplete.

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Kathryn Mockler's avatar

Thanks for sharing! Commuting is very hard! I wish you the best in your decision! That is a tough one!

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KIRBY's avatar

Such basic essential advice regarding setting boundaries and self care I can imagine for writers and other living folk of any age. All of us are likely to fall into one or more of these traps throughout our lives, repeatedly, but what an empathetic reminder to keep us going. I just happened upon a post from the great Marnie Woodrow's Instagram: "The Wild Feminine rises when the people pleasing maiden is put to rest." And, I much as I love to sit, movement is essential. I can vouch. Thanks Kathryn!

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Kathryn Mockler's avatar

Thanks for sharing Kirby!!! xo

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