After re-reading my letter, I realized I forgot to list some other Act Up memoirs I’ve enjoyed, among them: Sean Strub’s ‘Body Counts,’ David France’s ‘How to Survive A Plague,’ and, most recently, Karl Soehnlein’s West Coast Act Up young-love-in-the-trenches memoir, Army of Lovers.
Years ago, Karl was plagued by similar doubts about his book, after repeat publisher rejections that left him feeling dejected, esp as he had a popular book out before. It made him question his identity as a writer; he had put the HIV memoir away, refocused on working in film. I wanted to read it and when I did, urged him to push forward anew, to have faith in his story and voice. It’s hard especially when years go by and you’re facing a rewrite or worse: silence from a publisher.
His book is finding its audience now, too. I’ so glad for him, as for Ron.
We have to push away doubt and having readers who encourage us is very helpful. hope you’ll check out their books, too.
Aw, Anne, this made me miss you so much. Glad you're back in the city. Look forward to a memory stroll of our own next time I visit. As my mom would have said, You're a good egg. And a damn good writer.
Jane, I am looking at your SubStack letters like candies to unwrap and savor. Can’t wait to catch up. Pls teach me what you’ve learned about the platform to date… I’m still a neophyte-luddite. I’m so pleased your newsletter got picked up by the editors to highlight. Excellent! More soon, Cheers, ac
After re-reading my letter, I realized I forgot to list some other Act Up memoirs I’ve enjoyed, among them: Sean Strub’s ‘Body Counts,’ David France’s ‘How to Survive A Plague,’ and, most recently, Karl Soehnlein’s West Coast Act Up young-love-in-the-trenches memoir, Army of Lovers.
Years ago, Karl was plagued by similar doubts about his book, after repeat publisher rejections that left him feeling dejected, esp as he had a popular book out before. It made him question his identity as a writer; he had put the HIV memoir away, refocused on working in film. I wanted to read it and when I did, urged him to push forward anew, to have faith in his story and voice. It’s hard especially when years go by and you’re facing a rewrite or worse: silence from a publisher.
His book is finding its audience now, too. I’ so glad for him, as for Ron.
We have to push away doubt and having readers who encourage us is very helpful. hope you’ll check out their books, too.
Aw, Anne, this made me miss you so much. Glad you're back in the city. Look forward to a memory stroll of our own next time I visit. As my mom would have said, You're a good egg. And a damn good writer.
Jane, I am looking at your SubStack letters like candies to unwrap and savor. Can’t wait to catch up. Pls teach me what you’ve learned about the platform to date… I’m still a neophyte-luddite. I’m so pleased your newsletter got picked up by the editors to highlight. Excellent! More soon, Cheers, ac
Hey! Email me with questions! I've only been at it four months and am also a neophyte-luddite! But I will pass along anything that can help!! xx
thanks for this, you're amazing!