22 Comments

THIS: I felt deep sorrow and almost shame for all the time I didn’t spend with the kids... I still picked them up at school most days and ate dinner with them and tried never to miss bedtime, but in between, there were a lot of devices. For everyone. That feeling of longing hurt my soul.

I viscerally feel this longing and the setting of intentions to be present (then letting the siren song of Wordle, Connections, Instagram keep me from the very connection I long for). Thank you for putting it so perfectly, and also reminding me that I can start prioritizing present, connected time at any time.

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Thank you!!! Glad it helped!!!

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Zibby, you’ve got this! Blank was enjoyable to read because it was just so real!!!!!! The pages basically turned themselves!!! Ok ok stop reading and start writing, respectfully 😉

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Haha! Ok!

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With the novel you can't worry about all that stuff. Get this draft written. You can put your editor hat on afterwards. I'm sure you will get it done okay

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Thanks!

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I echo everyone's comments, ESPECIALLY about how much fun it is to hear you read your own words!! Please keep doing that & please keep keeping us all inspired to do more, think more, & feel more in our lives!!

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Awww! Okay!!!!

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Love following your work Zibby! Santa Monica is lucky to have you here and local♥️

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Aww! 🥰

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You are my hero!!! Love hearing you read your own words and can’t wait to learn more about the secret project

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Soon!

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Zibby you have the first and most critical aspect of all writing down: Speed. BTW find a place to put the yellow Bronco in : )

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ohhh, good idea?

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Have the owner fall in love with it. I mean real love, pride, anticipation, sensual pleasure. Jealousy : )

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What makes a great novel? I think it's all of the things you mentioned. Especially the quality of writing, tone and manner and how you transition from moment to moment. And of course, suspense! Blank was real and relatable and had several surprise moments which made it a very fun and satisfying read. Pour your heart out girl, it's in there!

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I’m sure your novel will be fantastic. Can you move your deadline a little so you have that same feeling about it as your car? 💛

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Haha! No, I have to get it done! But now I'm up to 28,383!! About halfway there!

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I love your voiceover! I did not know that was a Substack option. I’m going to try it for my next post. You are *always* so inspiring! Your direct book mailings, author events, and current book drafting articulation are great. And your new yellow car sounds packed with joy! 🤩

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You are amazing and real! Thanks for sharing all of it and everything in between!

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I am amazed...I'm riding your creative coat tails. So talented!

I'm working on a 60's TV script RISK about us teenagers. as young as 16, training as nurses at NYC Bellevue Hospital. It is much different than the BBC "Call the Midwife". The 60's music, theatre, curfews, boyfriends, NYC first Blackout, newsreels of the circus in town, birth control pills, the Beatles, Vietnam War, all when adolescents were running Bellevue wards.

1964 ... NYC ... 1st Avenue and 26th street - Just off the bus from Chicopee Massachusetts. "It was the night before starting school -' Don't go in there, there's a dead man.' Two male student nurses told us coming out of the hospital.' Small city skeptical we pushed through the double doors... and there was."

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Ahhhh Zibby, for your novel....quit overthinking and obsessing. If you ask yourself too many questions you won't get any words out. So happy you've had some family time with your kids. So nice for them and for you.❤️ I hear you on the patch. Haven't tried it but having some issues. 🙄 I'm waiting on your secret project!!! Loved the article about you!

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