Matthew and Eleanor, This interview was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and having the opportunity to learn more about Eleanor's, book choices and writing habits and career. Well done both.
This is such an interesting interview, Matthew, and Eleanor is a wonderful subject (so well read, & her comment on fantasy fiction did make me laugh). I will be saving this to re-read in the coming weeks, and very honoured that Cambridge Ladies' Dining Society gets a mention.
Excellent interview. And very encouraging to both men and women writers in lots of ways. Especially appreciate the tilt towards individual independence tempered by the struggle to finally write something worth reading. Also the discussion of how harmful the gendering of life, writing and the desired perspective of those who would succeed must be. In regards to male versus female writing, if the concerns of the kitchen aren't given adequate attention then the whole house and everything outside will shred into tatters. If we have so far survived having World War III it will be partially because of the sensibility of writers like Virginia Woolf. A better or even recognizable masculine sensibility is often sabotaged by testosteronic inflexibility seen in the writing of Philip Roth as compared to that of Woolf. There is a stultifying emotion block stimulated by the severe objectification of women one sees in Roth as early as in "Goodbye Columbus." Don't want to go bonkers over all this but this interview is a great discussion, a great conversation. Thanks for this great Substack.
Love This: This is not to say I don’t take notes, I do and often as every writer should. I put myself in the way of them all the time. What’s important is knowing which ones to listen to. Sometimes a good note is useful for how it determines which hill you’ll die on.
Eleanor’s insights on storytelling, gender in literature, and the craft of writing are inspiring. Her passion for authenticity and resilience in publishing shines through—this is such a fantastic read!
Lovely interview and, as you already know, we share deeply our reading of others whom we admire. I so loved the collaboration we did together--despite the time difference: Surrey to LA, but we managed it well: here's a link for others to what we did from my end and all my posts link to yours: https://marytabor.substack.com/s/this-writing-life
Missing you as a reader and grand supporter. Kudos to Matthew for these excellent questions. Love, Mary
I’m still here! Been completely overloaded. A few people have said recently how much they enjoyed our collaboration. It was a lot of fun. Sending much love to you, Mary xxx
Matthew and Eleanor, thanks so much for taking time from your days to share this rich conversation brimful of wisdoms and nostalgic gems with us. And this, above all else...
"We are stories. We are the literal embodiment of them. Our lives are made of them and telling them to each other is how we give context to relationship and how we relate. They are vital, as crucial as the air we breathe."
Excellent interview and I love all the book recommendations. I've put a library hold on the book Eleanor is reading now, Praiseworthy. Thank you both!
A pleasure!
Matthew and Eleanor, This interview was wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and having the opportunity to learn more about Eleanor's, book choices and writing habits and career. Well done both.
Thanks so much 😊
This is such an interesting interview, Matthew, and Eleanor is a wonderful subject (so well read, & her comment on fantasy fiction did make me laugh). I will be saving this to re-read in the coming weeks, and very honoured that Cambridge Ladies' Dining Society gets a mention.
🙌🏻❤️
The book links are not working for me.
I’m sorry about that. Which ones are you interested in?
Brimful of gold!
😊
Excellent interview. And very encouraging to both men and women writers in lots of ways. Especially appreciate the tilt towards individual independence tempered by the struggle to finally write something worth reading. Also the discussion of how harmful the gendering of life, writing and the desired perspective of those who would succeed must be. In regards to male versus female writing, if the concerns of the kitchen aren't given adequate attention then the whole house and everything outside will shred into tatters. If we have so far survived having World War III it will be partially because of the sensibility of writers like Virginia Woolf. A better or even recognizable masculine sensibility is often sabotaged by testosteronic inflexibility seen in the writing of Philip Roth as compared to that of Woolf. There is a stultifying emotion block stimulated by the severe objectification of women one sees in Roth as early as in "Goodbye Columbus." Don't want to go bonkers over all this but this interview is a great discussion, a great conversation. Thanks for this great Substack.
Beautifully eloquent.
Love This: This is not to say I don’t take notes, I do and often as every writer should. I put myself in the way of them all the time. What’s important is knowing which ones to listen to. Sometimes a good note is useful for how it determines which hill you’ll die on.
Eleanor’s insights on storytelling, gender in literature, and the craft of writing are inspiring. Her passion for authenticity and resilience in publishing shines through—this is such a fantastic read!
Thank you, Jon.
Lovely interview and, as you already know, we share deeply our reading of others whom we admire. I so loved the collaboration we did together--despite the time difference: Surrey to LA, but we managed it well: here's a link for others to what we did from my end and all my posts link to yours: https://marytabor.substack.com/s/this-writing-life
Missing you as a reader and grand supporter. Kudos to Matthew for these excellent questions. Love, Mary
I loved that series with the two of you. It was so intriguing. Hope you are well and all the best, Matthew
I’m still here! Been completely overloaded. A few people have said recently how much they enjoyed our collaboration. It was a lot of fun. Sending much love to you, Mary xxx
I really enjoyed this interview. Thank you both.
Thanks, Charlene!
Matthew and Eleanor, thanks so much for taking time from your days to share this rich conversation brimful of wisdoms and nostalgic gems with us. And this, above all else...
"We are stories. We are the literal embodiment of them. Our lives are made of them and telling them to each other is how we give context to relationship and how we relate. They are vital, as crucial as the air we breathe."
😊 Thanks, Susie