“This pursuit has given me so much even if it wasn’t the thing I was after.” THIS. This is what I’ve been thinking about and talking to other creatives about. The creating is ALWAYS worth it, even if our work doesn’t go where we’d dreamed of it going. So many beautiful thoughts in this. I love that you’re releasing your words into the world as a way of letting go of your project and moving on. I unfortunately can’t afford more substack subscriptions at this time, but I am wishing you well on this next phase of your journey, and that the people meant for it will find you.
Exactly, Sophie! Thank you for being here. Appreciate you. It's really not about the outcome, ya know? It's about the process and dedication to our art and our story—to ourselves. It's a devotion. That's the most important (and rewarding) part.
Isn't it funny how we let others pull our strings, like we are a marionette doll? Publishers, editors, agents all wanting a piece of our pie, so to speak. Our writing is worth more than a spin on the proverbial wheel of fortune. The fact is, our insights matter, our words matter, and most of all, our writing matters. Not having a "traditional book deal" does not lessen the importance of our words and what we say to the world. I, for one, am looking forward to reading the memoir.
Yes—exactly this. It’s wild how we’re conditioned to believe our words only matter if they pass through the “right” hands first. But the truth is, the value of our stories isn’t determined by gatekeepers—it’s in the telling, in the connection, in the way they resonate with others. And honestly, taking control of my own work has been the most freeing thing I’ve ever done.
Thank you for this reminder, and for your support. It truly means the world. Can’t wait to share the memoir with you.
It’s so great you have found the joy of healing through writing, Jessy. And what grit you’ve shown in coming through all that rejection! I applaud you.
Thank you so much! Writing has been both a refuge and a reckoning, and I’m grateful every day that I get to do this. The rejections were tough, but they also led me to this moment—to telling my story on my own terms. I appreciate your support more than you know!
I’m going to restructure my memoir, and I might retitle it as well. Once I get there I’ll decide whether or not I want to go through the proposal/pitch process or if I just want to serialize on food//and
It’s funny because when I set out to write the book it was never about publication. It was only about the writing—telling the story. But then I started sharing about what I was working on on social media and people started asking where they could read it and then publishing became the whole goal. Oof. What an exhausting process but I’m grateful for it because I’ve connected with so many incredible agents and writers and people in the industry that have inspired me in my craft.
Yep. Same story to a T. Before My Me I also considered serializing and I still might at some point but I essentially want to redo/reformat and I’m not doing that today lol
Thank you so much, Nancy. Sharing my book here on Substack has been such a powerful experience. What’s become so clear to me through this process is that yes, this is my story, but it’s also a mirror for so many others. The pain, the love, the longing—it resonates. And that’s what makes it matter. Because when we see ourselves and our families reflected in someone else’s words, it becomes a way back home to ourselves.
I agree and your story resonates with me because I grew up working class and around addiction in my formative years. what I have noticed is that white working class or white poor stories are largely ignored. I was shocked when JD Vance's book became a movie because our demographic is usually dismissed as hyperbolic.
I believe there’s a season and a timing for everything. For a long time, I thought my story wasn’t wanted. But what I’m learning is that just because it wasn’t received then doesn’t mean it won’t be received now—or later. Sometimes the world has to catch up. Sometimes we have to grow into the kind of storyteller who can tell it the way it wants to be told. Either way, the story still matters. It’s not being ignored by the people who need it most. They’re out there and they’re listening.
Wow Jessy I have so much admiration for your devotion to your art. And the realisation that the art was the point, not the validation of publishing is just so damn bang on. We ‘know’ this, but it’s a different thing to arrive at the embodiment through this lived experience of not giving up on your art, but pivoting, re-creating 👏🏽
Beautifully said. Thank you so much. It really is one thing to *know* it and another to *live* it—to feel the shift, to understand that the art itself is the reward. The rejection, the pivot, the recreating—it’s all part of the process, part of the devotion. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade it. Grateful to be here, creating, connecting, and sharing alongside people who get it.
Thank you! There’s something really powerful about throwing yourself fully into something that matters to you. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Your writing is raw, real, and GRIPPING. I say that as someone who *wants* to like most of what I see on Substack—but just can't get into it. This hits different.
As someone who serialized her own memoir here on Substack, it's one of the best most vulnerable things I've ever done. It didn't make a lot of money but it gave me the freedom to be myself. And that, is priceless.
Wow, this means so much—thank you. Truly. It’s reassuring to hear from someone who’s been through it too. The money would be nice, sure, but the real gift is getting to tell the story exactly how I want to tell it. Grateful to have you here. What’s your memoir about?
Really feeling your story, your life experience and I appreciate your prose. It's got the kind of rhythm and cadence that shows you've honed your craft.
I find myself completely absorbed in your sentences, in the narrative.
Thank you so much, James. That truly means a lot to me. I still don’t think I know all that much about writing, but committing to the practice has helped me find my voice—and I think that’s the most important thing. Hearing that the rhythm and cadence of my words resonate with you def counts for something. I read all my work out loud and I think that makes all the difference. Thank you. How’s your writing going? What are you working on?
Thank you so much! It’s been such a journey getting to this point, and I’m really excited (and honestly a little nervous) to finally put it out into the world this way. And yes—starting something new has been its own kind of healing. It’s reminded me why I love writing in the first place. Are you working on anything right now? Would love to hear about it!
Besides posts here, two somethings new have been filling all my extra time lately. Pieces to submit to lit mags and contests is the first. The second is a memoir that I started and put aside a couple of years back. It feels really good and energizing to have fresh projects on the desktop. Thanks for asking.
I love that you’re submitting to lit mags and revisiting your memoir—it all sounds like exactly the kind of healing and momentum that fuels the work. Wishing you so much luck (and joy) in the process! Have you been published in any lit mags before?
Hi Jessy - You came across my feed and I loved this post. What you're doing is authentic and brave. As a published author, I can tell you that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side. Publishing can be brutal and impersonal at times. What you're doing is keeping true to the story you want to tell and also keeping creative control...and who knows where that might lead you! I will happily subscribe to read your chapters. Cheers.
Thank you so much for this—your words mean a lot. It’s so encouraging to hear this perspective from someone who’s been through the publishing process. I imagine it comes with its own challenges, just different ones. I’d love to hear more about your experience—what’s something you wish you had known before publishing? And what’s been the most rewarding part for you? Appreciate you being here and subscribing!
Love this. So glad the algorithm pushed this post because it gave me a lot of clear language about my own “figuring it out” process. I’m at the very beginning. (No manuscript, just a bunch of essays in various degrees of completion) This is an inspiring and new way to tell a story and chart your own path. Thanks for sharing it with us!!
I love hearing this! The beginning can feel messy and uncertain, but that’s part of the process—following the threads, writing your way toward clarity. Those essays, even in their unfinished state, are the foundation of something meaningful. Keep going. Trust that the story will reveal itself as you write. I’m so glad this resonated with you!
This sounds so interesting, fascinating and inspiring. Good luck with it :)
Thank you! Appreciate you, Amélie.
“This pursuit has given me so much even if it wasn’t the thing I was after.” THIS. This is what I’ve been thinking about and talking to other creatives about. The creating is ALWAYS worth it, even if our work doesn’t go where we’d dreamed of it going. So many beautiful thoughts in this. I love that you’re releasing your words into the world as a way of letting go of your project and moving on. I unfortunately can’t afford more substack subscriptions at this time, but I am wishing you well on this next phase of your journey, and that the people meant for it will find you.
Exactly, Sophie! Thank you for being here. Appreciate you. It's really not about the outcome, ya know? It's about the process and dedication to our art and our story—to ourselves. It's a devotion. That's the most important (and rewarding) part.
Jessy,
Isn't it funny how we let others pull our strings, like we are a marionette doll? Publishers, editors, agents all wanting a piece of our pie, so to speak. Our writing is worth more than a spin on the proverbial wheel of fortune. The fact is, our insights matter, our words matter, and most of all, our writing matters. Not having a "traditional book deal" does not lessen the importance of our words and what we say to the world. I, for one, am looking forward to reading the memoir.
Joel
Yes—exactly this. It’s wild how we’re conditioned to believe our words only matter if they pass through the “right” hands first. But the truth is, the value of our stories isn’t determined by gatekeepers—it’s in the telling, in the connection, in the way they resonate with others. And honestly, taking control of my own work has been the most freeing thing I’ve ever done.
Thank you for this reminder, and for your support. It truly means the world. Can’t wait to share the memoir with you.
Wonderful!!! The world needs to read this!
Aw thank you! I really do believe it will resonate with so many especially anyone coming from a family fractured by addiction.
It’s so great you have found the joy of healing through writing, Jessy. And what grit you’ve shown in coming through all that rejection! I applaud you.
Thank you so much! Writing has been both a refuge and a reckoning, and I’m grateful every day that I get to do this. The rejections were tough, but they also led me to this moment—to telling my story on my own terms. I appreciate your support more than you know!
I can't wait and I feel this so much xx
Oohhh so there’s doing to be another edition?
Of my memoir (or My Me ) because both/and lol
I’m going to restructure my memoir, and I might retitle it as well. Once I get there I’ll decide whether or not I want to go through the proposal/pitch process or if I just want to serialize on food//and
If ya ever need a reader, I’d love to read it!
You know I will xx
Thank you.
It’s funny because when I set out to write the book it was never about publication. It was only about the writing—telling the story. But then I started sharing about what I was working on on social media and people started asking where they could read it and then publishing became the whole goal. Oof. What an exhausting process but I’m grateful for it because I’ve connected with so many incredible agents and writers and people in the industry that have inspired me in my craft.
Yep. Same story to a T. Before My Me I also considered serializing and I still might at some point but I essentially want to redo/reformat and I’m not doing that today lol
I am happy that you stayed the course. Best of luck to you Jesse. I look forward to reading it.
Thank you so much, Nancy. Sharing my book here on Substack has been such a powerful experience. What’s become so clear to me through this process is that yes, this is my story, but it’s also a mirror for so many others. The pain, the love, the longing—it resonates. And that’s what makes it matter. Because when we see ourselves and our families reflected in someone else’s words, it becomes a way back home to ourselves.
I agree and your story resonates with me because I grew up working class and around addiction in my formative years. what I have noticed is that white working class or white poor stories are largely ignored. I was shocked when JD Vance's book became a movie because our demographic is usually dismissed as hyperbolic.
I believe there’s a season and a timing for everything. For a long time, I thought my story wasn’t wanted. But what I’m learning is that just because it wasn’t received then doesn’t mean it won’t be received now—or later. Sometimes the world has to catch up. Sometimes we have to grow into the kind of storyteller who can tell it the way it wants to be told. Either way, the story still matters. It’s not being ignored by the people who need it most. They’re out there and they’re listening.
Wow Jessy I have so much admiration for your devotion to your art. And the realisation that the art was the point, not the validation of publishing is just so damn bang on. We ‘know’ this, but it’s a different thing to arrive at the embodiment through this lived experience of not giving up on your art, but pivoting, re-creating 👏🏽
Beautifully said. Thank you so much. It really is one thing to *know* it and another to *live* it—to feel the shift, to understand that the art itself is the reward. The rejection, the pivot, the recreating—it’s all part of the process, part of the devotion. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade it. Grateful to be here, creating, connecting, and sharing alongside people who get it.
Wonderful to hear 💜
I love the moxie! I’m right there with you. It’s beautiful to be devoted to something so intensely.
Thank you! There’s something really powerful about throwing yourself fully into something that matters to you. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
Your writing is raw, real, and GRIPPING. I say that as someone who *wants* to like most of what I see on Substack—but just can't get into it. This hits different.
As someone who serialized her own memoir here on Substack, it's one of the best most vulnerable things I've ever done. It didn't make a lot of money but it gave me the freedom to be myself. And that, is priceless.
Wow, this means so much—thank you. Truly. It’s reassuring to hear from someone who’s been through it too. The money would be nice, sure, but the real gift is getting to tell the story exactly how I want to tell it. Grateful to have you here. What’s your memoir about?
Jessy. I do believe you’ve captured my imagination, attention and interest. Will be waiting.
Thank you! Knowing that my words have captured your imagination is the best kind of encouragement. Can’t wait to share more with you.
Really feeling your story, your life experience and I appreciate your prose. It's got the kind of rhythm and cadence that shows you've honed your craft.
I find myself completely absorbed in your sentences, in the narrative.
Keep on keeping on, I'll be back for more.
Thank you so much, James. That truly means a lot to me. I still don’t think I know all that much about writing, but committing to the practice has helped me find my voice—and I think that’s the most important thing. Hearing that the rhythm and cadence of my words resonate with you def counts for something. I read all my work out loud and I think that makes all the difference. Thank you. How’s your writing going? What are you working on?
Congratulations on your decision to serialize! The memoir sounds fantastic. And how exciting to be working on something new. ♥️
Thank you so much! It’s been such a journey getting to this point, and I’m really excited (and honestly a little nervous) to finally put it out into the world this way. And yes—starting something new has been its own kind of healing. It’s reminded me why I love writing in the first place. Are you working on anything right now? Would love to hear about it!
Besides posts here, two somethings new have been filling all my extra time lately. Pieces to submit to lit mags and contests is the first. The second is a memoir that I started and put aside a couple of years back. It feels really good and energizing to have fresh projects on the desktop. Thanks for asking.
Yay for all new kinds of healing.
I love that you’re submitting to lit mags and revisiting your memoir—it all sounds like exactly the kind of healing and momentum that fuels the work. Wishing you so much luck (and joy) in the process! Have you been published in any lit mags before?
Hi Jessy - You came across my feed and I loved this post. What you're doing is authentic and brave. As a published author, I can tell you that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side. Publishing can be brutal and impersonal at times. What you're doing is keeping true to the story you want to tell and also keeping creative control...and who knows where that might lead you! I will happily subscribe to read your chapters. Cheers.
Thank you so much for this—your words mean a lot. It’s so encouraging to hear this perspective from someone who’s been through the publishing process. I imagine it comes with its own challenges, just different ones. I’d love to hear more about your experience—what’s something you wish you had known before publishing? And what’s been the most rewarding part for you? Appreciate you being here and subscribing!
Can’t n Gratz to you
Cheers! Appreciate you.
Oh ugh my autocorrect and then it hit the button too soon
Love this. So glad the algorithm pushed this post because it gave me a lot of clear language about my own “figuring it out” process. I’m at the very beginning. (No manuscript, just a bunch of essays in various degrees of completion) This is an inspiring and new way to tell a story and chart your own path. Thanks for sharing it with us!!
I love hearing this! The beginning can feel messy and uncertain, but that’s part of the process—following the threads, writing your way toward clarity. Those essays, even in their unfinished state, are the foundation of something meaningful. Keep going. Trust that the story will reveal itself as you write. I’m so glad this resonated with you!