This is beautiful. I have experienced much of what you say about life, not as a writer. And now I'm trying to make sense of it all in a place that wants me to stay silent.
When I asked about an essay and you said one was coming the other day, I knew it would be good. I didn't expect it would make me cry. Probably why I saved it for so late in the day. Thank you Elle.
Elle this speaks to me on such a deep, soul-touching, relevant-to-the-narratives-of-my-life (and my therapy) level. It also made me change my mind about a detail in a story I’m writing, so literally you have moved me. Thank you so much.
I got to attend Tom's service, and some of his students, including Monica, Chuck, and Suzi, had read the first chapter of Faraway Places.
I was retyping it at the time, word for word to bury some of Tom's magic and instincts inside myself, to be able to conjure his style intuitively. It was beautiful to hear his words come out the mouths of his students.
As someone who also struggles with conflict in story--you know how conflict in our lives drives us to write, and be really good at conflict-resolution--this piece had a lot great reminders.
i so wish i could have been there. it sounds like it was lovely. its hard to think of how to adequately honor the life of someone who's changed and touched so many lives. i'm glad you got something out of this piece. thank you for reading <3
This was an incredibly moving, vulnerable piece, and I’m so grateful you shared it. Your honesty about fear, pain, and the struggle to make decisions — both in life and in writing — resonates deeply. It’s so brave to confront that discomfort and reflect on how it shapes your creative work, and it’s inspiring to see how you’ve grown through that process.
Your journey, from feeling paralyzed by perfectionism to finding freedom in writing, is a testament to your strength. Even when you doubted yourself, you kept going — and that perseverance shines through in your words. It’s powerful how you’ve embraced conflict, not as something to fear, but as something essential to storytelling and self-discovery.
Your reflections on Tom Spanbauer’s teachings and the painful truths we carry struck a chord with me. Writing through that pain, unraveling it bit by bit, is such a courageous act. And your willingness to keep trying, even when it felt impossible, is something to be proud of.
Thank you for letting us into your world and showing that the hardest parts of ourselves can become the most transformative. Your words will stay with me for a long time. Keep writing — the world needs what you have to say.
Wasted was so important to me as a teenager. It made me trust myself at a time where all support for what I was going through was dated and denied me my agency. This really was so wonderful and gave me a bit of support I needed as a person as much as writer. Forever wiki-dreaming.
This is beautiful. I have experienced much of what you say about life, not as a writer. And now I'm trying to make sense of it all in a place that wants me to stay silent.
i feel this! you might like alexander chee's most recent post, made me think of it: https://substack.com/@querent/note/p-160655089
This is very helpful. I'm particularly affected by your account of being a kid on whom so many expectations are placed. Thank you.
When I asked about an essay and you said one was coming the other day, I knew it would be good. I didn't expect it would make me cry. Probably why I saved it for so late in the day. Thank you Elle.
emil!!!! this is the nicest note. 🥲💗
It's been a rough year so far fam. I needed that.
Elle this speaks to me on such a deep, soul-touching, relevant-to-the-narratives-of-my-life (and my therapy) level. It also made me change my mind about a detail in a story I’m writing, so literally you have moved me. Thank you so much.
Reading excellent writers discuss their process is the best. Thank you 🙏
I got to attend Tom's service, and some of his students, including Monica, Chuck, and Suzi, had read the first chapter of Faraway Places.
I was retyping it at the time, word for word to bury some of Tom's magic and instincts inside myself, to be able to conjure his style intuitively. It was beautiful to hear his words come out the mouths of his students.
As someone who also struggles with conflict in story--you know how conflict in our lives drives us to write, and be really good at conflict-resolution--this piece had a lot great reminders.
Thank you.
i so wish i could have been there. it sounds like it was lovely. its hard to think of how to adequately honor the life of someone who's changed and touched so many lives. i'm glad you got something out of this piece. thank you for reading <3
Phenomenal piece by a phenomenal thinker & writer. Grateful to know you.
SO GRATEFUL for you. thank you thank you thank you. <3
This was an incredibly moving, vulnerable piece, and I’m so grateful you shared it. Your honesty about fear, pain, and the struggle to make decisions — both in life and in writing — resonates deeply. It’s so brave to confront that discomfort and reflect on how it shapes your creative work, and it’s inspiring to see how you’ve grown through that process.
Your journey, from feeling paralyzed by perfectionism to finding freedom in writing, is a testament to your strength. Even when you doubted yourself, you kept going — and that perseverance shines through in your words. It’s powerful how you’ve embraced conflict, not as something to fear, but as something essential to storytelling and self-discovery.
Your reflections on Tom Spanbauer’s teachings and the painful truths we carry struck a chord with me. Writing through that pain, unraveling it bit by bit, is such a courageous act. And your willingness to keep trying, even when it felt impossible, is something to be proud of.
Thank you for letting us into your world and showing that the hardest parts of ourselves can become the most transformative. Your words will stay with me for a long time. Keep writing — the world needs what you have to say.
I adore you 💕
Wasted was so important to me as a teenager. It made me trust myself at a time where all support for what I was going through was dated and denied me my agency. This really was so wonderful and gave me a bit of support I needed as a person as much as writer. Forever wiki-dreaming.
it was foundational for me, as well - gave me a roadmap to see life was possible after. and also that i could at least try at journalism 😆
🙏🏻💜
this is beautiful 💗
thank you 💗💗💗
Love this. Love you!!
love YOUUU 💕
love you.
love youuu! ❤️