December 14 2020
NOTES ON A WRITING LIFE | 20
Dear All,
At the end of this strange and disconcerting year, I’m thinking about the people who have left us, as well as the way we connect with each other as friends, as writers and readers. My friend Alison Lurie died on December 3 at 94; she who has over the years supported me in my work, shown me innumerable kindnesses, thrown a publication party for me, given me a dining room table, shared lunch with me on many occasions, either at her house or mine or in a local oyster bar – she loved oysters – and who always called me as soon as she got back to town – “When can we get together?” So many things she said come back to me.
“If you’re happier writing than not-writing, then write!”
“People always like reading about women having adventures.”
“What are you writing? Sounds good! But what about…?”
Why is it that a fellow-writer asking the question “Are you writing?” has a quite different effect than the same question from a non-writer – “Are you (still?) writing?” With another writer, it’s a gentle invitation to talk about our shared occupation, to divulge, to complain, to celebrate and to offer the question back – “Are you?” It’s a signal that we can move on from our lives, politics, gossip, houses and (once upon a time) vacations. It’s a sign that we can go in deep, talk of plots, characters, vague ideas, problems even, and that this will be mutually shared. With a non-writer, it’s different – a one-way street. “Yes,” I usually say, and move on to something else. The ability to share news of our work with another writer is delightful, and is at the basis of writing communities – and, luckily for me, of so much of life in Key West. Alison, I will miss you – but so much of who you are and what you did and said remains with me, and as far as I can, I’ll pass it on. The wisdom and wit, the sometimes acerbic remarks, the laughter, the practicality. You have made such a difference to my life. I am honored to have been among your friends.
The other supports of the writer’s life are of course, the books we read. In this year of lockdown and isolation, books have become more important than ever, and “What are you reading?” is the question that I and my friends ask each other most often. A book is a companion, for the duration. I go down to my local bookstore and browse, mask and gloves on, and choose a new book as I once would have planned a trip. Where do I want to go, and with whom? My find of this last month fell into my hands as I was, slightly miserly, thinking I’d choose a paperback rather than splash out for a new hardback this time. It was The Golden Age by Joan London, published by Europa, and after reading the first page I thought – yes! It’s exciting to find a book that nobody has talked about – at least not to me – with an author I’ve never heard of. Joan London is Australian, the novel is set in Western Australia in a children’s polio hospital in the 1950’s, and if that doesn’t sound enticing, then let me reassure you – it is a beauty of a novel and should be considered a classic.
What do I want for next year? Well, a new President, of course. For my friends and family to flourish. For good change in all we do. For meetings in real time, face to face without fear, for hugs and embraces and a coming back together after this time apart – but not really apart, as I do feel I am in touch with all of you. I raise this glass (even though the photo was taken earlier this year, at Hidden Beach in Key West) to wish you all well.
Be well, be safe, and a happy Christmas –
Affectionately, Ros