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Keris Fox's avatar

I often think the same thing re sleeping through the night! And I actually put something that happened to me as a teen in a novel and it was only when the copyeditor said “This sounds like assault?” that I realised it had been. Not a serious assault (as if there’s a frivolous kind) but assault all the same.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Im so sorry about what happened to you. I wish we lived near each other! We could go for a walk and a glass of wine. 💛

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Keris Fox's avatar

Wouldn’t that be lovely x

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Vicki Cohen's avatar

Wow. I want to do the essay class SO much but I work until 6 on Wednesdays. Poor me!

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Darn! If we have no east coast people maybe we can shift. Stay tuned.

xN

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Rachel Bucci's avatar

Monsters sounds intriguing to me … I still can’t break my Woody Allen habit. There is something comforting about the worlds he create(d). And yet. I am interested in the writing accountability thread - please keep me posted!

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Got it!

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Barbara Poore's avatar

Two things that maybe shouldn't be in the same commment, but anyhoooo: thx for dssay on rape so powerful....thx for recipe. Taking it to game night tomorrow.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

hahaha! Gosh are you terrific!

xN

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Michelle's avatar

Natalie! I’m interested in the essay group! It’s terrifying that I’m saying that but I am. And I’m terrified. And I don’t need to take myself so seriously.😊

Also, I totally relate to not realizing assault, and the toxicity of the male gaze. You are not alone in needing others to name them. It helps me realize we are swimming in the patriarchy, then to apply this realization to other aspects of life like racism making it very real to me it’s possible to haber serious blind spots. I like your answer: ask more questions.

Yes to the essay group if you have space! schardtface@gmail.com

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Michelle, thanks so much for this note. I'm sorry if you have history that made this newsletter land hard with you. Damn, you are not alone... And, I'm so excited that you will take part in the essay workshop! It will be over zoom and I'll be in touch. Your name is on the list! xN

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Elisa's avatar

I am reading "The Women". I highly recommend it. It takes place in the Vietnam War era. I enjoy the vivid descriptions. And thank you for the links for all things sleep. I have been wanting to try CBD but have been hesitant. I have now ordered the gummies and keeping my fingers crossed for sleep improvement. And.....I have flagged your essay on assault. I believe I have been in denial since I was 19 about what happened. I shoved it away, but it keeps coming back in various, difficult, unexpected forms and times. Thank you.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

I'm so sorry that you too have an experience from your past, an assault, that you must hold at arms length. I hope the essay offers a little clarity and a little chipping away at your aloneness, because, honey, you are so not alone in this. I've heard many good things about The Women. If you love it, try ABSOLUTION, by Alice McDermott, it too is great!

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Dorothy's avatar

I am reading Safekeeping by Abigail Thomas. I have read all her books and they are wonderful like you.❤️

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Natalie Serber's avatar

I LOVE that book. Love her! Stay tuned because next week I’ll have a collaboration with her in the newsletter!

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Heather Aimee O'Neill's avatar

Love THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD. I'm sure it's fantastic to listen to. I'm reading The Spinning Heart by Donal Ryan. You would LOVE it! Multiple POVS in a small Irish Town in the aftermath of Ireland's financial collapse. The voices sing.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

I’ll look for it, Heather. Thank you! I’m not certain I adore THE MOST FUN WE EVER HAD, but I’m enjoying the longevity of the characters, and the way Jonah keeps pulling them together. 😘🍎

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Wendy Varley's avatar

Monsters: a fan's dilemma, sounds really interesting. Thanks for the tip. And thanks for the link to your earlier essay about naming assault, which I just read. Terrific essay on a difficult subject.

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Natalie Serber's avatar

Thank you for reading and for your kind words and for letting me know!

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