Oh Becky, so much about your writing, and in particular your Brevity essay, resonates. This in particular: "I knew that I wanted to be a writer, and fall in love, and be closer to my family. And I knew that I wanted to be the type of person who keeps champagne in their refrigerator, not just for New Year’s Eve, but for other days as well—days when there’s a quieter milestone to celebrate." The clear and essential parts of identity that you aspire to; the daily affirmations, small intentions (and little flames ;) ) worth celebrating, that champagne symbolizes. I also enjoyed 'Marriage as a Downed Aircraft.' Brilliant title, lovely example of a hermit crab essay. Have followed Carole on Instagram. Nice to connect with fellow Ottawa Valley/Outaouais folk, especially those that too are fascinated with plane crashes! Happy New Year. Bravo to these wonderful pieces. Let's drink champagne.
Melissa, thanks for being such an attentive reader. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed my Brevity piece, and also Carole's hermit crab essay. I will hope to feature one of your own essays someday soon. :) Happy, happy new year! I wish you lots of wins to celebrate: both big and small. Cheers!
Congrats on your Brevity essay, Becky! It was excellent. Must have been really nice to have year-end good news like that. I also enjoyed Carole's essay and it reminded me why hermit crabs can be so, so great.
Oh Becky, so much about your writing, and in particular your Brevity essay, resonates. This in particular: "I knew that I wanted to be a writer, and fall in love, and be closer to my family. And I knew that I wanted to be the type of person who keeps champagne in their refrigerator, not just for New Year’s Eve, but for other days as well—days when there’s a quieter milestone to celebrate." The clear and essential parts of identity that you aspire to; the daily affirmations, small intentions (and little flames ;) ) worth celebrating, that champagne symbolizes. I also enjoyed 'Marriage as a Downed Aircraft.' Brilliant title, lovely example of a hermit crab essay. Have followed Carole on Instagram. Nice to connect with fellow Ottawa Valley/Outaouais folk, especially those that too are fascinated with plane crashes! Happy New Year. Bravo to these wonderful pieces. Let's drink champagne.
Melissa, thanks for being such an attentive reader. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed my Brevity piece, and also Carole's hermit crab essay. I will hope to feature one of your own essays someday soon. :) Happy, happy new year! I wish you lots of wins to celebrate: both big and small. Cheers!
Another great Truly Important edition.
Loved Carole’s choice of style for her story- short, factual presentation. Analysis of the data is left up to the reader.
Congrats on your Brevity essay, Becky! It was excellent. Must have been really nice to have year-end good news like that. I also enjoyed Carole's essay and it reminded me why hermit crabs can be so, so great.
Thanks for reading, Britt! I enjoyed your year-end Substack post too: (https://brittgillman.substack.com/p/a-writing-year-in-review). I hope your writing brings lots of joy in 2025!
Congratulations on being part of Brevity! Loved your essay.
Thank you for the feature this month. Much appreciated. I'm so looking forward to reading your memoir.
Thanks, Carole! It was so lovely to feature your writing this month. May your 2025 be full of much reading, writing, and joy.