Homelessness is a gut wrenching issue on its own, especially if a loved one is homeless.
No wonder you're sapped...I lost my 21 yr old son after finally making him leave our home as a result of living with his drug addiction for five painful years. Rehab after rehab, police encounter after police encounter, lie after lie... I was going down the toilet with him, and told him he had to leave. He lasted 3 months on his own, and I've been left with PTSD reactions every time I encounter someone else who has no home.
You've needed recovery time, and will continue to need it! Go easy on yourself.
Jan, I ran a nonprofit for 12 years that served the homeless community and other communities, as well as married into a family with multigenerational bipolar disorder. This led me to view everything through the lens of LOVE. COMPASSION. COMMUNITY. At the end of the day, we need each other, which in today's consumer driven society is a jarring statement. Thank you for sharing your story. You never know what heart you might soften in realizing so many of us are impacted by a family member or friend who falls into homelessness.
We had an experience similar to yours, forcing a child to leave our home and cut off financial support because of drug addiction. After many long painful years, we have fortunately arrived in recovery.
You never know what future card you will be dealt with such a decision. You only know that the current arrangement cannot hold. In the end, much of the result feels like luck.
But my experience has brought out feelings of deepest empathy for those still struggling and living on the streets.
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. I have the book on pre-order and very much look forward to reading it. I also look forward to getting your take on all the goings on when you are ready.
Understood. Missed your unique ability to offer unusual perspectives and better questions to be haunted by. Look forward to your book and a return to INK. My very early first subscription
Thank you for this beautiful and enlightening peek into the psychology of narrative nonfiction writing. As a nonfiction history author I've been moving towards narrative nonfiction in the strict sense. I first wrote an academic monograph, and then a narrative/expository hybrid. I'm now pulling together submission materials for a narrative nonfiction history with a single thread running through it.
It feels like I'm at the foothills of a completely different mountain range than the one I climbed for my previous books. Your post explained why I feel this way - and why it's something to lean into rather than something from which to run away.
Woooohooo!!!! Congratulations Anand and enjoy the big pre book tour “inhale.” It’s redundant to say on here but you’re one of my favorite writers in that (my favorite) genre so can’t wait.
After having written many books, mostly fiction but some nonfiction, I can honestly say that writing is both good for you in a million different ways, and also one of the hardest things a person can do. Getting inside someone else's head, whether real or fictional, is extremely difficult, and turning your characters' experiences into a coherent story even more so. You have to make so many choices, primarily to leave things out, as you mentioned, in order to tell the most interesting and impactful story possible. So yes, it's transformative to do, but one of the most worthwhile endeavors possible. Anand, I am so excited about your book and will do everything I can to help you reach people. I ordered a signed copy and am looking forward to receiving it with bated breath. Bravo and kudos to you!!! (And yes, when you start writing only for yourself, that's when you really blossom.)
I have missed you, yet I understand the contemplative silence is necessary for you to continue to be the kind of person we read, admire and follow. I am happy you are being kind to your soul.
You have such a unique voice. You see things through many layers using your heart and your mind. Can’t wait to read whenever you write and to hear your voice whenever you speak. Preordered with joy. Good luck on this next journey. We are with you. 🍀
always my favorite genre; can't wait for your list of your favorites. Random Family, Electric Koolaid Acid Test, Say Nothing, Beyond the Beautiful Forevers, and the recent and wondrous achievement A Greek Tragedy (Carstensen).
I have been following Anand in his current writing project—some of which I have already shared on my FB page. But I have a little more to add to this posting since it touches upon my own evolving experiences as a qualitative, naturalistic researcher. First I need to point out that much of what is now required of qualitative research actually needs to also be demanded of those engaged in quantitative, statistical research.
This is because the researcher(s) in both forms of research ALWAYS mediate what is learned, either through the variables selected for the study, the human subjects selected for participation or as data sources, the types of data being collected, and the many data analytical tools used ascertain the findings. There is always a human being making all of these decisions—a human being created through and influenced by a whole host of cultural, religious, political, gendered, racial, etc., biases and perspectives.
In qualitative/naturalistic research, one of the ways of making these inevitable biases and perspectives apparent to whomever is consuming the research findings is to make them explicit. In the research I’ve done that has involved keeping a reflective journal throughout the study and generating troves of observation and interview documents, including visual space and document analyses.
Another requirement is the generation of intermediary analyses (e.g., interim summaries), which also then become study data. Then there is the process of going back through all of these documents and engaging in “notes-on-notes” analyses where the researcher re-reads and reflects on the data that has been collected and his or her intermediary interpretations, adding into the margins of hard copies or as comments to electronic copies emerging insights about the study as well as about oneself as the primary “data collection instrument.”
Descriptions of all these methods, along with excerpted samples from interviews, observations, document analyses, visual spaces, analyses, etc., also need to be included in any publications emerging from such studies—all coded so source documents can be traced, located, and re-examined if necessary, in order to establish the trustworthiness of the findings.
Although Anand is not conducting a formal naturalistic or qualitative research study, much of the process in which he is engaging is very akin to what this research tradition aspires to establish, giving its readers much greater confidence in the veracity of what he is writing. And I can’t wait to read it!
“I have learned the hard way that this kind of reporting and writing take more out of you….” Yes, and give much more to us, as readers and learners. Two friends and I were discussing only the other day the importance of this genre — how it both captivates and brings more meaningful perspective. So I was delighted to come across your Substack post this morning and eagerly look forward to reading your book.
Homelessness is a gut wrenching issue on its own, especially if a loved one is homeless.
No wonder you're sapped...I lost my 21 yr old son after finally making him leave our home as a result of living with his drug addiction for five painful years. Rehab after rehab, police encounter after police encounter, lie after lie... I was going down the toilet with him, and told him he had to leave. He lasted 3 months on his own, and I've been left with PTSD reactions every time I encounter someone else who has no home.
You've needed recovery time, and will continue to need it! Go easy on yourself.
Jan, I'm so very deeply sorry. And grateful to you for sharing this.
Jan, I ran a nonprofit for 12 years that served the homeless community and other communities, as well as married into a family with multigenerational bipolar disorder. This led me to view everything through the lens of LOVE. COMPASSION. COMMUNITY. At the end of the day, we need each other, which in today's consumer driven society is a jarring statement. Thank you for sharing your story. You never know what heart you might soften in realizing so many of us are impacted by a family member or friend who falls into homelessness.
Touched by your sharing Jan, thank you
So sorry Jan.
We had an experience similar to yours, forcing a child to leave our home and cut off financial support because of drug addiction. After many long painful years, we have fortunately arrived in recovery.
You never know what future card you will be dealt with such a decision. You only know that the current arrangement cannot hold. In the end, much of the result feels like luck.
But my experience has brought out feelings of deepest empathy for those still struggling and living on the streets.
A powerful essay. Some things are worth waiting for. Best wishes on your book.
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. I have the book on pre-order and very much look forward to reading it. I also look forward to getting your take on all the goings on when you are ready.
Understood. Missed your unique ability to offer unusual perspectives and better questions to be haunted by. Look forward to your book and a return to INK. My very early first subscription
Thank you for this beautiful and enlightening peek into the psychology of narrative nonfiction writing. As a nonfiction history author I've been moving towards narrative nonfiction in the strict sense. I first wrote an academic monograph, and then a narrative/expository hybrid. I'm now pulling together submission materials for a narrative nonfiction history with a single thread running through it.
It feels like I'm at the foothills of a completely different mountain range than the one I climbed for my previous books. Your post explained why I feel this way - and why it's something to lean into rather than something from which to run away.
Woooohooo!!!! Congratulations Anand and enjoy the big pre book tour “inhale.” It’s redundant to say on here but you’re one of my favorite writers in that (my favorite) genre so can’t wait.
You are too kind, Janine!
After having written many books, mostly fiction but some nonfiction, I can honestly say that writing is both good for you in a million different ways, and also one of the hardest things a person can do. Getting inside someone else's head, whether real or fictional, is extremely difficult, and turning your characters' experiences into a coherent story even more so. You have to make so many choices, primarily to leave things out, as you mentioned, in order to tell the most interesting and impactful story possible. So yes, it's transformative to do, but one of the most worthwhile endeavors possible. Anand, I am so excited about your book and will do everything I can to help you reach people. I ordered a signed copy and am looking forward to receiving it with bated breath. Bravo and kudos to you!!! (And yes, when you start writing only for yourself, that's when you really blossom.)
I'm very much looking forward to reading it, Anand. It comes out on my birthday, so I'll give myself a present.
I think the New Yorker publishes the best narrative nonfiction, BTW.
I have missed you, yet I understand the contemplative silence is necessary for you to continue to be the kind of person we read, admire and follow. I am happy you are being kind to your soul.
You have such a unique voice. You see things through many layers using your heart and your mind. Can’t wait to read whenever you write and to hear your voice whenever you speak. Preordered with joy. Good luck on this next journey. We are with you. 🍀
If the book is half as good as this article is, I will be hooked. Pre-ordered a signed copy. Thanks
always my favorite genre; can't wait for your list of your favorites. Random Family, Electric Koolaid Acid Test, Say Nothing, Beyond the Beautiful Forevers, and the recent and wondrous achievement A Greek Tragedy (Carstensen).
Those are all faves of mine
Thank you for your openness, your vulnerability. Wishing you great success with the book and wish you well in your quiet phase.
I have been following Anand in his current writing project—some of which I have already shared on my FB page. But I have a little more to add to this posting since it touches upon my own evolving experiences as a qualitative, naturalistic researcher. First I need to point out that much of what is now required of qualitative research actually needs to also be demanded of those engaged in quantitative, statistical research.
This is because the researcher(s) in both forms of research ALWAYS mediate what is learned, either through the variables selected for the study, the human subjects selected for participation or as data sources, the types of data being collected, and the many data analytical tools used ascertain the findings. There is always a human being making all of these decisions—a human being created through and influenced by a whole host of cultural, religious, political, gendered, racial, etc., biases and perspectives.
In qualitative/naturalistic research, one of the ways of making these inevitable biases and perspectives apparent to whomever is consuming the research findings is to make them explicit. In the research I’ve done that has involved keeping a reflective journal throughout the study and generating troves of observation and interview documents, including visual space and document analyses.
Another requirement is the generation of intermediary analyses (e.g., interim summaries), which also then become study data. Then there is the process of going back through all of these documents and engaging in “notes-on-notes” analyses where the researcher re-reads and reflects on the data that has been collected and his or her intermediary interpretations, adding into the margins of hard copies or as comments to electronic copies emerging insights about the study as well as about oneself as the primary “data collection instrument.”
Descriptions of all these methods, along with excerpted samples from interviews, observations, document analyses, visual spaces, analyses, etc., also need to be included in any publications emerging from such studies—all coded so source documents can be traced, located, and re-examined if necessary, in order to establish the trustworthiness of the findings.
Although Anand is not conducting a formal naturalistic or qualitative research study, much of the process in which he is engaging is very akin to what this research tradition aspires to establish, giving its readers much greater confidence in the veracity of what he is writing. And I can’t wait to read it!
Powerful words and touching as well. Such tender care given to life.
Thank you Anand and everyone here for your passion and labor. It’s how we learn and love. Isn’t it?? And always with tears of joy and pain.
“I have learned the hard way that this kind of reporting and writing take more out of you….” Yes, and give much more to us, as readers and learners. Two friends and I were discussing only the other day the importance of this genre — how it both captivates and brings more meaningful perspective. So I was delighted to come across your Substack post this morning and eagerly look forward to reading your book.