I read comments…

I stumbled upon one of my articles posted on Facebook. And made the mistake of scanning the comments.

Now I understand why I’ve heard so many people say they don’t read their reviews. I had never experienced having to read comments on my writing, and I’m going to admit that I had trouble sleeping that night. I rethought my entire career. I cringed. I wanted to crawl out of my own skin. I second-guessed all of my decisions.

Then I thought 2 things.

1. I decided that if I was going to read comments, I had better steel myself beforehand.

2. I decided that there’s probably no good reason for me to read any comments. Like ever.

I do just want to point this out though: I had gotten a personal message from another mom when I shared this essay (with said comments) that made me glad I had chosen to write about it.

This was before I read those contrary comments on the same essay. But it goes to show how contrary everyone’s reactions can be. And proves why you can’t read into any of it.

I reviewed the very mystical Satchel’s pizza in Gainesville, Florida on the Arrogant Baker blog.

And wrote about letting my son ride his bike… for the first time alone!

Reading: I’m reading Spooky Florida by S.E. Schlosser; getting in the mood for Spooky Season and learning about my home state.

Watching: My son wanted to watch Scream. Not only had I forgotten how crazy that plot is, but I was astounded by the size of these kids’ houses. Things were different in the 90s.

Listening: I discovered The PedsDocTalk Podcast with pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin and have found it really helpful. With another doctor guest, she tackles different things that might affect your kids at some point.

The Paris Review is accepting prose and poetry during the month of October. Because dreaming is free.

I read writer M.L. Rio’s essay at Lit Hub and loved this prompt:

“One of the best writing exercises I was ever assigned in a workshop was to write a story about a character who never appeared on the page by simply describing a significant place from their life: their bedroom or their car, for instance. Our stuff says a lot about who we are and what we like. Each character of mine has a long biography, but also a bookshelf, a closet, a handbag, et cetera.”

Write on,

Ashley