I am blushing bright pink, Katie, but what a lovely post - and I promise to listen later (if I can bear to, hate my voice) and I will share it with my own readers. It was a huge pleasure and honour to take part and I really enjoyed talking to you - a professional, empathetic and intelligent interviewer as well as a thoroughly nice person!
Hi, Katie, I really enjoyed this episode. It dovetailed well with a book I’m reading called “The Glass Universe, How The Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars” by Dava Sobel. It’s about the women who worked at the Harvard College Observatory in the 19th century as calculators or “human computers “ and who did groundbreaking work that changed the world and advanced modern astronomy.
I’d also recommend “The Planets” by Dava Sobel. Her writing reminds me a little of Annie Dillard. Both Sobel and Dillard know how to weave storytelling, cool facts, and beautiful prose together seamlessly.
I agree, Penelope! I love how Dava Sobel puts the spotlight on women scientists while also writing so beautifully. Her latest book, The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science has been getting great reviews.
This is a most excellently awesome podcast with a Trifecta of subjects considered including Sylvia Plath, English women writers and the solace of very small but agile "niche" over the giant money 💰 spilling out of the its pockets soulless giant "algorithm" whose footsteps shake the earth. Niche gives algorithm a cold hard look, brightens up with a smile and goes for a walk. And the story of Barbara Pym is very encouraging although her triumph is all her own. The discussion of the niche is particularly invigorating with having pinpointed the passion and exuberance of the writer that brings anyone to their subject even if it might be concerning something they'd otherwise never otherwise read about. I like how this podcast is concerned with the "meaning or purpose of life or existence" as reflected partly in how the Trifecta is discussed with appended corollary tie-ins and take-aways. It would be great to see the best of your podcasts put into a published book but where ever you do henceforth will be doubtlessly thoughtful, sensitive and compelling. It is so great to see you and Ann Kennedy Smith comparing perspectives on writing, women writers and how to pursue a creative life amid a modern somewhat chronically disordered world. Also would like to see a book by Ann Kennedy Smith. It would be great if you both located some unsung publicity, marketing and promotion non gender specific guru-sensai who could use the secrets of the algorithm to help you reach a multitude of readers who would be so grateful to discover both your books. That is probably one of the best things about Substack; publishing excellent writers that the gatekeepers of traditional publishing aren't really looking for but should be, if not now, inthe foreseeable future.
Thank you Larry! What a thoughtful and generous response. I felt very honoured to be invited as a guest on Katie Marquette's podcast and feel sure that she will continue to do great work. Substack has indeed been a fantastic way of connecting with other writers and readers - long may it continue! - and a very Happy New Year to you both.
On the same page, no algorithm can tell you what to write, one has to listen to oneself. I look forward to listening to your podcast too! Best wishes for the coming year. 🌿
What a fine tribute, and I am seconding every word. Ann’s entries are fascinating and so well—-written. Will listen to the podcast tomorrow as a New Year treat and inspiration. Happy New Year to all.
Thank you Lyn, that's very kind. I feel a bit self-conscious about my voice, and my ramblings, but Katie did a great job and I am very grateful to her for that. A very Happy New Year to you too.
I am blushing bright pink, Katie, but what a lovely post - and I promise to listen later (if I can bear to, hate my voice) and I will share it with my own readers. It was a huge pleasure and honour to take part and I really enjoyed talking to you - a professional, empathetic and intelligent interviewer as well as a thoroughly nice person!
Thank you Ann! So glad you came on. Loved getting to know you a bit better, and thank you for the kind words :)
Hi, Katie, I really enjoyed this episode. It dovetailed well with a book I’m reading called “The Glass Universe, How The Ladies of the Harvard Observatory Took the Measure of the Stars” by Dava Sobel. It’s about the women who worked at the Harvard College Observatory in the 19th century as calculators or “human computers “ and who did groundbreaking work that changed the world and advanced modern astronomy.
So glad you enjoyed Penelope! I'll need to look up that book!
I’d also recommend “The Planets” by Dava Sobel. Her writing reminds me a little of Annie Dillard. Both Sobel and Dillard know how to weave storytelling, cool facts, and beautiful prose together seamlessly.
I agree, Penelope! I love how Dava Sobel puts the spotlight on women scientists while also writing so beautifully. Her latest book, The Elements of Marie Curie: How the Glow of Radium Lit a Path for Women in Science has been getting great reviews.
I’m reading that book right now too (I have a bad/good habit of reading a lot of books at the same time) 😺
Sounds like a very good habit to me...
This is a most excellently awesome podcast with a Trifecta of subjects considered including Sylvia Plath, English women writers and the solace of very small but agile "niche" over the giant money 💰 spilling out of the its pockets soulless giant "algorithm" whose footsteps shake the earth. Niche gives algorithm a cold hard look, brightens up with a smile and goes for a walk. And the story of Barbara Pym is very encouraging although her triumph is all her own. The discussion of the niche is particularly invigorating with having pinpointed the passion and exuberance of the writer that brings anyone to their subject even if it might be concerning something they'd otherwise never otherwise read about. I like how this podcast is concerned with the "meaning or purpose of life or existence" as reflected partly in how the Trifecta is discussed with appended corollary tie-ins and take-aways. It would be great to see the best of your podcasts put into a published book but where ever you do henceforth will be doubtlessly thoughtful, sensitive and compelling. It is so great to see you and Ann Kennedy Smith comparing perspectives on writing, women writers and how to pursue a creative life amid a modern somewhat chronically disordered world. Also would like to see a book by Ann Kennedy Smith. It would be great if you both located some unsung publicity, marketing and promotion non gender specific guru-sensai who could use the secrets of the algorithm to help you reach a multitude of readers who would be so grateful to discover both your books. That is probably one of the best things about Substack; publishing excellent writers that the gatekeepers of traditional publishing aren't really looking for but should be, if not now, inthe foreseeable future.
Thank you Larry! What a thoughtful and generous response. I felt very honoured to be invited as a guest on Katie Marquette's podcast and feel sure that she will continue to do great work. Substack has indeed been a fantastic way of connecting with other writers and readers - long may it continue! - and a very Happy New Year to you both.
You're Welcome. Happy New Year to you too.
On the same page, no algorithm can tell you what to write, one has to listen to oneself. I look forward to listening to your podcast too! Best wishes for the coming year. 🌿
What a fine tribute, and I am seconding every word. Ann’s entries are fascinating and so well—-written. Will listen to the podcast tomorrow as a New Year treat and inspiration. Happy New Year to all.
Thank you Lyn, that's very kind. I feel a bit self-conscious about my voice, and my ramblings, but Katie did a great job and I am very grateful to her for that. A very Happy New Year to you too.
"Sometimes you just have to stop researching..." So true! Thank you both for this most enlightening interview!
Many thanks Christina - I am addicted to research!
That is why we learn so much from your hard work! Have a very happy, rewarding 2025, and keep writing!
https://open.substack.com/pub/christinamigonebenfield/p/the-beat-of-the-bells?r=47awag&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true