You quote so many of my heroines Mary - and of course you must do a masterclass. Wisdom is to be shared and learning should be life long. Being open to the new whilst sitting on the foundation of experience is the privilege of age. Let's embrace it.
Thank you for this important reminder Mary. It helps to put things in perspective. It's encouraging to know that some of the world's greatest artists were most productive in later years. There is something to be said for wisdom. I particularly loved what May Sarton said about us being "on earth to make our souls" and that "the making of a soul is of paramount importance" as we get closer to the end of our lives. So true. I am turning fifty in a week and I'm so conscious of the preciousness of time and how I want to make the best use of it.
What masterclass are you thinking of running? I'm intrigued! And of course you should do it! If you think it is part of making your soul, what is stopping you? You don't need anyone's permission! Your creative soul knows best!
It will be a five-day intensive Masterclass via Zoom--each session will be two and a half hours live via Zoom-- plus much more that I'll outline in a future post and how to join--plus a free sample class as part of that post and a follow-up the day after. Before that: Next post will be a get-to-know-me essay and that will be followed what I just explained, Imola.
I will echo what everyone else is saying here. You are an unparalleled writer, visionary, storyteller Mary. The way your sentences have worked themselves into my DNA is a uniquely electrifying experience and I have no doubt your masterclass will offer this to students tenfold.
I'm on the yay bus, you have a talent in guiding. It seems that when you do what comes naturally you've found the work that doesn't appear like work (even though it can be excruciating.) Utilize tech to proliferate your offers so you are not limited to one channel or one market, and in unlimitedness you'll find new meaningful growth.
Dear Mary, do I even need to tell you how I have loved, been inspired and wished, countless times, that I had written the sentence I had just read in one of your novels or essays? You are already a Masterclass to those of us who read you!
Don't even hesitate in your offering, you have given much and doubtless have so much more!
Oh, Susie, I am in the planning stages now with more posts to come to outline a five-day intensive class via Zoom, each session will be 2 and a half hours with live interaction. A get-to-know-me post next, followed by the proposal the following week with a sample class that is not live to give an idea of how I work to reveal the underbelly of the continuous dream-- though not as thorough as the live classes will be, but will give an idea of my approach.
Mary, you do know how I think of you: your novel and other writings are the standard by which I find myself measuring others' work now. You are nonpareil. So, yes, go for offering a masterclass, especially for humans of a certain age. You'll be sensational.
The late Patricia Fargnoli was a psychotherapist and poet who served three years as New Hampshire's Poet Laureate (2006-2009). She published her first collection at age 62 and before her death, five more (3 were full-length), winning many awards. I purchased all her books after reading that first one and truly admire them all.
Another who has been a touchstone for me: poet and playwright Teresa Carson. Now 72, she has now published seven collections, her first in 2008 (she was in her '50s) and her most recent just last year.
You are such a deeply literate soul, Maureen--and I count you as a dear friend and supporter. Thank you so for the kind words, so generous and heartfelt!
Summer is the perfect season for masterclasses. And maybe there is no better moment to read classics. With Peter Meilaender, we already project to have a read-along of Galsworthy's Forsyte saga. If I will have time for it! The Forsyte saga is one of my all-time favorite sagas. And I will keep an eye on your literary program for this summer, Mary.
To me writing is a subjective concept. I have been consumed by the concept ever since my retirement. Others obviously cannot afford to be consumed by it and concentrate first on making a living.
Therefore I would suggest compartmentalizing your presentation and snare those who have the time with one approach and develop a second for those who have to make the time.
Love Somerset Maugham. His characters seem to guide me in a certain direction ... Age and movement / travel made him one of the best writers of his generation, I think.
Yes, Mary, you should do a Masterclass. As a former student, I highly recommend working with you. Made me a better writer as well as a better reader.
Isabelle, you were a wonder of thought and creativity when you studied with me--and that shows in your work, after that time and that has now been published.
All of this is so incredibly pertinent to my current situation: I’m beginning to feel finally free enough to do the things I have never been able to thus far, since most of my energies have been employed in trying to survive in this crazy world. I find myself ready and wanting to pull it all together now, and put everything out there. I am intrigued to hear more about your upcoming class!
You quote so many of my heroines Mary - and of course you must do a masterclass. Wisdom is to be shared and learning should be life long. Being open to the new whilst sitting on the foundation of experience is the privilege of age. Let's embrace it.
I applaud your generosity in wanting to share your gifts, insights and wisdom with others in this way, Mary.
So glad you read this, Jeffrey; applauding back for all you do here!
Thank you for this important reminder Mary. It helps to put things in perspective. It's encouraging to know that some of the world's greatest artists were most productive in later years. There is something to be said for wisdom. I particularly loved what May Sarton said about us being "on earth to make our souls" and that "the making of a soul is of paramount importance" as we get closer to the end of our lives. So true. I am turning fifty in a week and I'm so conscious of the preciousness of time and how I want to make the best use of it.
What masterclass are you thinking of running? I'm intrigued! And of course you should do it! If you think it is part of making your soul, what is stopping you? You don't need anyone's permission! Your creative soul knows best!
It will be a five-day intensive Masterclass via Zoom--each session will be two and a half hours live via Zoom-- plus much more that I'll outline in a future post and how to join--plus a free sample class as part of that post and a follow-up the day after. Before that: Next post will be a get-to-know-me essay and that will be followed what I just explained, Imola.
Wonderful Mary!
I will echo what everyone else is saying here. You are an unparalleled writer, visionary, storyteller Mary. The way your sentences have worked themselves into my DNA is a uniquely electrifying experience and I have no doubt your masterclass will offer this to students tenfold.
Means so much, Kimberly. Thank you for reading and weighing in.
I'm on the yay bus, you have a talent in guiding. It seems that when you do what comes naturally you've found the work that doesn't appear like work (even though it can be excruciating.) Utilize tech to proliferate your offers so you are not limited to one channel or one market, and in unlimitedness you'll find new meaningful growth.
Roni, I'm not sure what you mean or what you are perhaps offering? DM me?
Who could be better suited to guiding anyone old or young in the dynamics of creativity? Just sayin' lol.
No one is better suited than Mary!
You are both dears in my heart!
Dear Mary, do I even need to tell you how I have loved, been inspired and wished, countless times, that I had written the sentence I had just read in one of your novels or essays? You are already a Masterclass to those of us who read you!
Don't even hesitate in your offering, you have given much and doubtless have so much more!
Oh, Susie, I am in the planning stages now with more posts to come to outline a five-day intensive class via Zoom, each session will be 2 and a half hours with live interaction. A get-to-know-me post next, followed by the proposal the following week with a sample class that is not live to give an idea of how I work to reveal the underbelly of the continuous dream-- though not as thorough as the live classes will be, but will give an idea of my approach.
I agree!
It sounds like a wonderful offering, Mary. I'd say go for it!
Ok, few more posts to explain. Love to you, dear Yogini and friend!
Masterclass - YES YES YES!!!!!! I vote YES!!!!
Wow: so appreciated, Persephone! You'd be such a grand addtiton in what would be a five-day intensive class--if this comes to be!!
This sounds very intriguing - please keep me posted so I can make plans to join!! I’m honored you think I would be a great addition!!
Mary, you do know how I think of you: your novel and other writings are the standard by which I find myself measuring others' work now. You are nonpareil. So, yes, go for offering a masterclass, especially for humans of a certain age. You'll be sensational.
The late Patricia Fargnoli was a psychotherapist and poet who served three years as New Hampshire's Poet Laureate (2006-2009). She published her first collection at age 62 and before her death, five more (3 were full-length), winning many awards. I purchased all her books after reading that first one and truly admire them all.
Another who has been a touchstone for me: poet and playwright Teresa Carson. Now 72, she has now published seven collections, her first in 2008 (she was in her '50s) and her most recent just last year.
You are such a deeply literate soul, Maureen--and I count you as a dear friend and supporter. Thank you so for the kind words, so generous and heartfelt!
Inspiring as ever, Mary. I’m going to work harder to promote other authentic Substack writers. 🙌🏻
Ah, what a gentleman with an artistic sensibility you are, Adrian!
Summer is the perfect season for masterclasses. And maybe there is no better moment to read classics. With Peter Meilaender, we already project to have a read-along of Galsworthy's Forsyte saga. If I will have time for it! The Forsyte saga is one of my all-time favorite sagas. And I will keep an eye on your literary program for this summer, Mary.
Tarik, _The Forsyte Saga_ was one of my father's favorite books. I read it when I was a child--early reader-- and still have his copy.
To me writing is a subjective concept. I have been consumed by the concept ever since my retirement. Others obviously cannot afford to be consumed by it and concentrate first on making a living.
Therefore I would suggest compartmentalizing your presentation and snare those who have the time with one approach and develop a second for those who have to make the time.
I will consider your advice, Edward, and thank you for it.
Love Somerset Maugham. His characters seem to guide me in a certain direction ... Age and movement / travel made him one of the best writers of his generation, I think.
Yes, Mary, you should do a Masterclass. As a former student, I highly recommend working with you. Made me a better writer as well as a better reader.
Isabelle, you were a wonder of thought and creativity when you studied with me--and that shows in your work, after that time and that has now been published.
All of this is so incredibly pertinent to my current situation: I’m beginning to feel finally free enough to do the things I have never been able to thus far, since most of my energies have been employed in trying to survive in this crazy world. I find myself ready and wanting to pull it all together now, and put everything out there. I am intrigued to hear more about your upcoming class!
More to come over the next few weeks, David. So glad to be in touch with you.
Same!