This is my first Ask Me Anything (AMA) here on Substack, and I’d love to answer your questions. You can ask me anything about new motherhood, writing a memoir, what it was like growing up in a meth lab, the chaos that comes with loving an addict, relationship questions about how to not kill your spouse when you’ve been together for 10+ years, querying literary agents, recovery from birth trauma, travel questions like how I lived “on the road” for almost five years, why I walked away from the music industry, and all the things that are uncomfortable to talk about when it comes to love, writing, identity, and trying to live a meaningful life.
My answers may not always be eloquent, but they will always be true and raw and pulled from the deepest place of myself. Like James Baldwin, Flannery O’Connor, and Joan Didion, I write to find out what I feel, what I think, what I know, and what I don’t. So, ask away. Nothing is off-limits.
Aug 17, 2022·edited Aug 17, 2022Liked by Jessy Easton
Hiya, I’m back with a question on a completely different topic. I believe I already know the answer to this in my heart, but I think it’s worth getting another’s perspective and hearing it “out loud,” if you will. As an aspiring writer, where the hell do you start?
I have all of these notes in my phone, all of these journals, all of these "books on life and writing." It all feels chaotic. I don't feel like I have the time, but who does? Inspiration comes and goes, like I imagine (and know) it does for everyone. I could go on.
Would love to hear all of your struggles and successes, however far you'd like to expound upon them.
It seems to me like starting is the hardest part, but maybe not. I think it's all hard, and that's the point?
Hey there! I love your writing and your rings ( I am wearing one of your engagement rings and will never stop admiring it's beauty!). There are a million things I'd love to ask but my first question is when you first got into making jewelry, what were the first tools you acquired? I have ALWAYS wanted to get into casting metals and making rings especially but have no idea where to start. I don't have a lot of money to spare so do you recommend a place to start? Thank you in advance for any advice you're willing to share!
As you know, I’m a huge fan of you, the person. You’ve shared quite a bit about your life and I want you to know that I’m in awe of your strength, courage and perseverance. You may not always see that in you, but you’re beyond amazing. My ask of you, is to take a few moments each day to focus on you. I know how hard it is with a baby, but it’s so important that you nourish yourself. In your moments, remind yourself that you are a badass with a huge heart. Also, remind yourself that while you’re struggling that you’re there and present with Perry and the baby. That part is huge.
Of course, I’d love to read more of your story. My hope is that someday in the near future that your book will come out. But until then, I’m patient and grateful for these weekly posts.
In what way(s) has your relationship with Perry changed since the beginning of your pregnancy, throughout the duration of it, and after your sweet babe was born? In terms of connection, sex, interests, "free" time, individuality, working together on raising your baby, anything.
Did you always know you wanted a child? I am at a point where I am 30 and I feel so indifferent, yet scared of either decision. Do I want to put a halt to my carefree and spontaneous life with my husband if we have one? Will I regret not having a little best friend once it's too late? I feel like I would go with either decision if my husband were absolutely sure of one or the other, but the indifference lies within both of us. My parents got a divorce because they had kids - mom wanted them (but admittedly felt pressured into the decision), and dad didn't. It put a mountain in between them, so I will never pressure my husband to lean one way or the other.
You mentioned living on the road, which is, of course, a money question. I have followed your story for years and years now, so I have a good idea of how you got to where you are, but what about now? Did you save enough to be a full time mom (if you are)? To be frank, what are your income sources now that allow you to live a seemingly "free" life?
I hope you can excuse any of these questions seeming assumptive as I only know what I see and read through a screen. In any case, you've always been an inspiration x
What *was* it like growing up in a meth lab? What was the emotional experience like? Do you remember having confusion about the environment? How did you spend your free time? I guess I'm curious because growing up my dad was alcoholic & emotionally abusive/neglectful, but I never really realized it was "wrong" (super simplified & subjective, I know; bear with me) of him to be treating me/our life that way until I was in my mid 20's. I remember having this fake, idealized version of it all that I lived in within the confines of my mind. I'm curious if your experience was similar, or very different? Also, you've said before that writing saved your life. May I ask what else (if anything) you feel was integral to your version of healing?
Hiya, I’m back with a question on a completely different topic. I believe I already know the answer to this in my heart, but I think it’s worth getting another’s perspective and hearing it “out loud,” if you will. As an aspiring writer, where the hell do you start?
I have all of these notes in my phone, all of these journals, all of these "books on life and writing." It all feels chaotic. I don't feel like I have the time, but who does? Inspiration comes and goes, like I imagine (and know) it does for everyone. I could go on.
Would love to hear all of your struggles and successes, however far you'd like to expound upon them.
It seems to me like starting is the hardest part, but maybe not. I think it's all hard, and that's the point?
Hey there! I love your writing and your rings ( I am wearing one of your engagement rings and will never stop admiring it's beauty!). There are a million things I'd love to ask but my first question is when you first got into making jewelry, what were the first tools you acquired? I have ALWAYS wanted to get into casting metals and making rings especially but have no idea where to start. I don't have a lot of money to spare so do you recommend a place to start? Thank you in advance for any advice you're willing to share!
As you know, I’m a huge fan of you, the person. You’ve shared quite a bit about your life and I want you to know that I’m in awe of your strength, courage and perseverance. You may not always see that in you, but you’re beyond amazing. My ask of you, is to take a few moments each day to focus on you. I know how hard it is with a baby, but it’s so important that you nourish yourself. In your moments, remind yourself that you are a badass with a huge heart. Also, remind yourself that while you’re struggling that you’re there and present with Perry and the baby. That part is huge.
Of course, I’d love to read more of your story. My hope is that someday in the near future that your book will come out. But until then, I’m patient and grateful for these weekly posts.
Sending love to you and your family.
In what way(s) has your relationship with Perry changed since the beginning of your pregnancy, throughout the duration of it, and after your sweet babe was born? In terms of connection, sex, interests, "free" time, individuality, working together on raising your baby, anything.
Did you always know you wanted a child? I am at a point where I am 30 and I feel so indifferent, yet scared of either decision. Do I want to put a halt to my carefree and spontaneous life with my husband if we have one? Will I regret not having a little best friend once it's too late? I feel like I would go with either decision if my husband were absolutely sure of one or the other, but the indifference lies within both of us. My parents got a divorce because they had kids - mom wanted them (but admittedly felt pressured into the decision), and dad didn't. It put a mountain in between them, so I will never pressure my husband to lean one way or the other.
You mentioned living on the road, which is, of course, a money question. I have followed your story for years and years now, so I have a good idea of how you got to where you are, but what about now? Did you save enough to be a full time mom (if you are)? To be frank, what are your income sources now that allow you to live a seemingly "free" life?
I hope you can excuse any of these questions seeming assumptive as I only know what I see and read through a screen. In any case, you've always been an inspiration x
What *was* it like growing up in a meth lab? What was the emotional experience like? Do you remember having confusion about the environment? How did you spend your free time? I guess I'm curious because growing up my dad was alcoholic & emotionally abusive/neglectful, but I never really realized it was "wrong" (super simplified & subjective, I know; bear with me) of him to be treating me/our life that way until I was in my mid 20's. I remember having this fake, idealized version of it all that I lived in within the confines of my mind. I'm curious if your experience was similar, or very different? Also, you've said before that writing saved your life. May I ask what else (if anything) you feel was integral to your version of healing?