God I feel this. You've always been a good writer, Ernie, but lately your work has just been brilliant. It sucks that you're being put through it, but I hope you realize how good a writer you really are.
Thank you, sir. A combination of a lot of things, including but not limited to: crazy-ass situations when you're in the situation I'm in, me finding a solid workflow using AI - Claude.ai in particular - to help with some of the writing, forcing myself to write consistently. I'm sure I'm missing something.
Do you really question your value in teaching writing? For that matter, don't question your value in general. My world has been better for a lot of years because you're part of it, so when you're having a miserable day, you at least can think, "but I brighten Jess's life!"
Now, back to your writing. As I was reading this, I was reveling in the choices you made, as far as the structure, the pacing, the word choice... you are very talented, and I do hope you wind up sharing this with students.
With all the that said... *BIG HUG* That did, indeed, sound like a lot of weight on you! I wish I knew a way to lift some of it off, but rest assured, you'll get through it!
Well, now I'm crying in a Starbucks, so thanks for that, Jess. ❤️ But seriously - this means everything, especially coming from you. The teaching idea is bouncing around my head now in ways that are both exciting and terrifying. Which feels about right for 2025, honestly.
Little things like sandwiches are the creature comforts we indulge ourselves in to remind us that the world does, in fact, work when (in your parlance) the rocks are too heavy. They're the reward for persevering. So when they are off kilter, it's a magnified effect.
Thank you, Robin - both for the concern about Daniel (he's doing much better, thankfully) and for the kind words about the writing. It means a lot to hear that the piece landed with you!
Aw Ernie! Sending Hugs!
God I feel this. You've always been a good writer, Ernie, but lately your work has just been brilliant. It sucks that you're being put through it, but I hope you realize how good a writer you really are.
Thank you, sir. A combination of a lot of things, including but not limited to: crazy-ass situations when you're in the situation I'm in, me finding a solid workflow using AI - Claude.ai in particular - to help with some of the writing, forcing myself to write consistently. I'm sure I'm missing something.
Do you really question your value in teaching writing? For that matter, don't question your value in general. My world has been better for a lot of years because you're part of it, so when you're having a miserable day, you at least can think, "but I brighten Jess's life!"
Now, back to your writing. As I was reading this, I was reveling in the choices you made, as far as the structure, the pacing, the word choice... you are very talented, and I do hope you wind up sharing this with students.
With all the that said... *BIG HUG* That did, indeed, sound like a lot of weight on you! I wish I knew a way to lift some of it off, but rest assured, you'll get through it!
Well, now I'm crying in a Starbucks, so thanks for that, Jess. ❤️ But seriously - this means everything, especially coming from you. The teaching idea is bouncing around my head now in ways that are both exciting and terrifying. Which feels about right for 2025, honestly.
Little things like sandwiches are the creature comforts we indulge ourselves in to remind us that the world does, in fact, work when (in your parlance) the rocks are too heavy. They're the reward for persevering. So when they are off kilter, it's a magnified effect.
Love your writing, bud.
I hope Daniel recovers, Ernie. (Also, I agree with Jess, this is an extraordinary piece of writing)
Thank you, Robin - both for the concern about Daniel (he's doing much better, thankfully) and for the kind words about the writing. It means a lot to hear that the piece landed with you!