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.
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.
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.)
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 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 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.
Thank you for illuminating the on the ground reality of this kind of work. If folks haven't read it, the Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer, about Gary Gilmore, is one of the best examples there can be of narrative non-fiction. I"m pre-ordering yours today.
Thank You for revealing your feelings and explaining the genre of narrative non-fiction.
I recently read, On Love and Rage, by Anand Ghopal. It describes real people like fiction does, and it is heavily researched and annotated. The subject is the Syrian Civil War in one City in NE Syria. This genre you describe is painstaking, but So Meaningful. I found it difficult to understand what happened in Syria—until I heard from these characters.
I pre-ordered your book when you first mentioned it quite awhile ago. I'm really anxious to read it. Thanks for getting up close to people you are writing about and letting the experience move you, change you.
A powerful essay. Some things are worth waiting for. Best wishes on 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.
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.
Thank you for your openness, your vulnerability. Wishing you great success with the book and wish you well in your quiet phase.
Powerful words and touching as well. Such tender care given to life.
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.)
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!
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
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 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.
Thank you for illuminating the on the ground reality of this kind of work. If folks haven't read it, the Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer, about Gary Gilmore, is one of the best examples there can be of narrative non-fiction. I"m pre-ordering yours today.
Such a masterpiece
Thank You for revealing your feelings and explaining the genre of narrative non-fiction.
I recently read, On Love and Rage, by Anand Ghopal. It describes real people like fiction does, and it is heavily researched and annotated. The subject is the Syrian Civil War in one City in NE Syria. This genre you describe is painstaking, but So Meaningful. I found it difficult to understand what happened in Syria—until I heard from these characters.
Can’t wait to read your new book.
He is a legend
I just ordered. Thx for recommendation. Title is Days of Love and Rage.
thx for this recommendation
I pre-ordered your book when you first mentioned it quite awhile ago. I'm really anxious to read it. Thanks for getting up close to people you are writing about and letting the experience move you, change you.