I also want to say that since I started writing regularly, the rhythm of "reading to write" has become a wonderful way of both noticing and broadening my world. Like your observation of the little girl with the chocolate milk - the things that grab our attention are things worth chewing on and sharing!
In the interest of reminding yourself why you started Moonbow in the first place, I'm a recent-ish subscriber and LOVE your newsletter. I don't have kids and hadn't given a thought to children's books. I learn so much from your posts. And I like that they are infrequent, because when I do receive something from you, I know it will be thoughtful. And they don't pile up in my inbox until I have time to read them all at once. :)
So excited for your new yes phase! I’m in curtains closed phase which actually feels nice. I spent the first half of the year in yes which was fun and exhausting. I often am hard on myself for being too much one phase or the other, but I love the idea of accepting both for what they are. Rather than saying, “You overdid it, Rachel” in judgment, I can say, “You delighted in the potential of things, and now it is time to draw the curtains for a while.” Anyway, loved this post.
I can very much relate to the necessity of not writing. I do a whole lot of not writing, hence my semi-annual posting schedule (ha). But I know that if I was trying to stick to a schedule, it would feel forced, and like work. And probably, it would be bad. You need that genuine spark of inspiration — and you can’t schedule magic!
By the way this is my last summer before we’re on the public school summer grind, so at some point I will need all of your tips for not going insane.
I love that: "you can't schedule magic" - that needs to be on a bumper sticker or something. And, unfortunately, I don't think I have any good tips. I did go insane! lol
moonbow is a wonderfully original and delightful newsletter. i love your transition into the hearty space that created this, post glitter ps. love is doing not-thing :)
Taylor - thanks for another thoughtful, delicious post as always. I keep returning to your Substack because of its long form. I like having to take my time as I take in your words. It feels a bit like resistance to what the loud! quick! viral! nature of social media and similar platforms want from us. I appreciate your pace and your approach.
Doing nothing is the hardest, yet most beautiful thing you can do for yourself as an adult.
And feel you so much on summer time with kids. One moment you want to roll in grass with them and the other moment bury yourself in your writing. Cheers to fall soon!
That is exactly how I feel, like hour-to-hour my mood changes, too. I'll be like: I NEED ALONE TIME, then one hour later, I'm like: I miss you. Let's go get ice cream! Parenting is such a roller coster ride.
I think Substack has it all wrong, as you know. And I happily wait for your incredibly well-thought-out posts, including your Egg Thoughts. (That title never fails to make me laugh, hard.)
Substack, as we've talked about, has massively changed. I don't blame them. I could see this coming long ago, but it still bums me out. I don't want to sound like I'm bitter (maybe I am), but I just wanted an online space/community that felt free of social media bullshit. And TBH, it feels a little rigged on here. You know what I mean? Like I'm fighting a system that I won't ever win, unless I sign a contract and do their song and dance, and even then, I will probably lose...eventually. I am still holding on because I don't really want to go anywhere else.
I really enjoyed reading this. Particularly your thoughts on being a writer because you read - I also like having a space to get my thoughts down about the books I'm reading. Do you find you read now with a bit of your brain thinking about what you'll write about it?
Thanks, Caroline. That's a really good question. I read so many different types of books: some with the intention of writing and others with no intention at all, but they all seep into my system and influence what I'm thinking and writing about. I love when a totally random book of poetry or fiction influences me. That's such a delightful surprise!
I like Caroline’s question! Now I’m wondering: Taylor, would you ever consider doing a round up of books you enjoy that aren’t related to children’s literature or the craft of writing? I’d be so curious to get a glimpse of your broader “bookshelf.” 👀
Totally! Thank you. I always worry about veering too far away from the goal of elevating children's literature here, but considering that what I read outside of kids’ books influences how I experience those books, it could be interesting. Also, as much as I want Moonbow to be about how perceptive and incredible kids are as readers, I can’t help but make most of my articles about me. It’s my mind I have to work with so… lol ☺️
I will consider it! I'll think about what I could share here. I try to post about what I'm reading on my IG, but I don't write much about them - its usually just pictures.
I also want to say that since I started writing regularly, the rhythm of "reading to write" has become a wonderful way of both noticing and broadening my world. Like your observation of the little girl with the chocolate milk - the things that grab our attention are things worth chewing on and sharing!
Frances is a font of wisdom and not-doing, or doing nothing is exactly right sometimes. Russell and Lillian Hoban put a lot of magic into the world!
In the interest of reminding yourself why you started Moonbow in the first place, I'm a recent-ish subscriber and LOVE your newsletter. I don't have kids and hadn't given a thought to children's books. I learn so much from your posts. And I like that they are infrequent, because when I do receive something from you, I know it will be thoughtful. And they don't pile up in my inbox until I have time to read them all at once. :)
Thank you, Felicity! That means so much to me.
So excited for your new yes phase! I’m in curtains closed phase which actually feels nice. I spent the first half of the year in yes which was fun and exhausting. I often am hard on myself for being too much one phase or the other, but I love the idea of accepting both for what they are. Rather than saying, “You overdid it, Rachel” in judgment, I can say, “You delighted in the potential of things, and now it is time to draw the curtains for a while.” Anyway, loved this post.
I can very much relate to the necessity of not writing. I do a whole lot of not writing, hence my semi-annual posting schedule (ha). But I know that if I was trying to stick to a schedule, it would feel forced, and like work. And probably, it would be bad. You need that genuine spark of inspiration — and you can’t schedule magic!
By the way this is my last summer before we’re on the public school summer grind, so at some point I will need all of your tips for not going insane.
I love that: "you can't schedule magic" - that needs to be on a bumper sticker or something. And, unfortunately, I don't think I have any good tips. I did go insane! lol
Ok I’m toast 😂
moonbow is a wonderfully original and delightful newsletter. i love your transition into the hearty space that created this, post glitter ps. love is doing not-thing :)
Thank you, thank you, babe! So nice to hear from you! 😊
Taylor - thanks for another thoughtful, delicious post as always. I keep returning to your Substack because of its long form. I like having to take my time as I take in your words. It feels a bit like resistance to what the loud! quick! viral! nature of social media and similar platforms want from us. I appreciate your pace and your approach.
Erika, thank you. To have someone see and appreciate what I’m doing here is very validating. I’m happy to have you as a close reader.
You’re welcome!!
Doing nothing is the hardest, yet most beautiful thing you can do for yourself as an adult.
And feel you so much on summer time with kids. One moment you want to roll in grass with them and the other moment bury yourself in your writing. Cheers to fall soon!
That is exactly how I feel, like hour-to-hour my mood changes, too. I'll be like: I NEED ALONE TIME, then one hour later, I'm like: I miss you. Let's go get ice cream! Parenting is such a roller coster ride.
I think Substack has it all wrong, as you know. And I happily wait for your incredibly well-thought-out posts, including your Egg Thoughts. (That title never fails to make me laugh, hard.)
Substack, as we've talked about, has massively changed. I don't blame them. I could see this coming long ago, but it still bums me out. I don't want to sound like I'm bitter (maybe I am), but I just wanted an online space/community that felt free of social media bullshit. And TBH, it feels a little rigged on here. You know what I mean? Like I'm fighting a system that I won't ever win, unless I sign a contract and do their song and dance, and even then, I will probably lose...eventually. I am still holding on because I don't really want to go anywhere else.
I really enjoyed reading this. Particularly your thoughts on being a writer because you read - I also like having a space to get my thoughts down about the books I'm reading. Do you find you read now with a bit of your brain thinking about what you'll write about it?
Thanks, Caroline. That's a really good question. I read so many different types of books: some with the intention of writing and others with no intention at all, but they all seep into my system and influence what I'm thinking and writing about. I love when a totally random book of poetry or fiction influences me. That's such a delightful surprise!
I like Caroline’s question! Now I’m wondering: Taylor, would you ever consider doing a round up of books you enjoy that aren’t related to children’s literature or the craft of writing? I’d be so curious to get a glimpse of your broader “bookshelf.” 👀
Totally! Thank you. I always worry about veering too far away from the goal of elevating children's literature here, but considering that what I read outside of kids’ books influences how I experience those books, it could be interesting. Also, as much as I want Moonbow to be about how perceptive and incredible kids are as readers, I can’t help but make most of my articles about me. It’s my mind I have to work with so… lol ☺️
I will consider it! I'll think about what I could share here. I try to post about what I'm reading on my IG, but I don't write much about them - its usually just pictures.
No pressure, of course! But you’d definitely have someone interested! 🙋🏻♀️