I've had over 100 books published (I work full time as a ghostwriter) and that horrible feeling that you might not actually be a real writer and maybe all the other success was a fluke and you're about to be found out as soon as they read the draft of the next one just... never goes away 😩 I wish it did. But the good news is that the excitement and the joy of creating and the feeling of getting something exactly right every now and then doesn't diminish either.
I read this when you first published it and had to go and sit with it for a bit because I was so extremely angry at the people who have been acting that way towards you. One thing I admire so much about you, that is the reason we even got to connect (!) is your openness and generosity of spirit with people and to know that people have responded to that in such a frightening and inhuman way is just horrible. Lucy, you deserve the world, not only because you are a tremendous talent and hard worker (you are both, and I am genuinely excited to see you grow) but because you are also a wonderful person x
As everyone will hopefully say, you’re most definitely a writer, and a great one at that. I’m so sorry the weirdos found you and harassed you - I know that feeling of not feeling safe in your own home so well, and it’s paralysing. You’re so loved, your writing is so loved, and your heart shines through it so clearly. I can’t wait for the next novel(s), the films, the joy - you deserve it all ❤️
Lucy I adored this piece of writing because YES TO IT ALL. (And I hope it helps that while writing my second book was torture, my third is proving to be a joyful experience so far). And you are the most writerly of writers (whatever that might mean!) 😊
Awww, I'm sorry it's been such a rough time of it post-debut, Lucy ❤️🩹 The unkind or unsafe things people say are reflections on THEM, not you. You deserve to be so proud of writing this next book in spite of all the pressure and all the stress—I hope those flickers of joy get bigger and bigger the more you share your words with people.
I’m sorry those nasty people felt the need to reach out to you. People can be so weird (and not good weird), but glad to hear you topped up your joy with lots of nice creative activities! 🩷
I'm sorry people can be so weird and creepy 🫠 And also, there is something so incredible about allowing yourself to be perceived. It's so so brave and seeing you do it- while being nervous and feeling scared AND being a brilliant writer makes me feel like I can do it too. You got this Lucy! ❤️
Hey Lucy! I really enjoyed this reading this and have been getting a lot out of your content. Love your voice. Thank you for being here and creating!! I’m excited to read more! From a fellow black cat owner and writer on the other side of the world!
Some people are just the absolute worst! Sorry you've had to deal with that, but fuck them, because your writing is phenomenal and your cat is absolutely stunning :)
Thank you so much for sharing this with us Lucy!! 🥺 I’ve been writing ever since I could hold a pen, but I’m only just beginning to share my work publicly while simultaneously working out my debut spec fic novel, all the while trying to convince myself that I’m allowed to call myself a writer. As a French girlie writing in English, every time I press publish feels like walking naked onto the stage of a one-woman show and waving awkwardly at the audience.
and as a fellow Curtis Brown Creative alum (hii!) I recognise that strange limbo between doing the work and still waiting for some invisible authority to declare you a “real writer”. But your line “being a writer is experiencing being alive with the rest of the world” perfectly encapsulate what being a real writer truly is. Because it isn’t a status someone eventually stamps on or foreheads. It’s simply the compulsive (slightly unhinged?) act of noticing, feeling, worrying, witnessing, then melting it all down into words.
Thank you for being so honest about the parts of visibility people tend to romanticise or omit. Also, for what it’s worth, anyone who completes a second book while navigating publishing, internet weirdos and the psychological horror of being perceived is very obviously a real writer!!🩷
Hi Lucy, I absolutely loved your book. It’s so unique and original and I’m sorry you’ve had awful messages from jealous losers. Sending happy vibes to you xx
People are nasty! And it makes me scared of the possibility about debates on my own writing. What you said about good faith debates is true though, and I hope those far outnumber the folx who think they're entitled to your sense of well-being.
I've had over 100 books published (I work full time as a ghostwriter) and that horrible feeling that you might not actually be a real writer and maybe all the other success was a fluke and you're about to be found out as soon as they read the draft of the next one just... never goes away 😩 I wish it did. But the good news is that the excitement and the joy of creating and the feeling of getting something exactly right every now and then doesn't diminish either.
God you’ve hit the nail on the head! There’s a weird comfort to this 💖
I read this when you first published it and had to go and sit with it for a bit because I was so extremely angry at the people who have been acting that way towards you. One thing I admire so much about you, that is the reason we even got to connect (!) is your openness and generosity of spirit with people and to know that people have responded to that in such a frightening and inhuman way is just horrible. Lucy, you deserve the world, not only because you are a tremendous talent and hard worker (you are both, and I am genuinely excited to see you grow) but because you are also a wonderful person x
I am so glad to have met you pal 💖🥺
As everyone will hopefully say, you’re most definitely a writer, and a great one at that. I’m so sorry the weirdos found you and harassed you - I know that feeling of not feeling safe in your own home so well, and it’s paralysing. You’re so loved, your writing is so loved, and your heart shines through it so clearly. I can’t wait for the next novel(s), the films, the joy - you deserve it all ❤️
Awh thank you dude 😭😭😭
Lucy I adored this piece of writing because YES TO IT ALL. (And I hope it helps that while writing my second book was torture, my third is proving to be a joyful experience so far). And you are the most writerly of writers (whatever that might mean!) 😊
This gives me warm feelings about whatever my book three will be 😭💖
Awww, I'm sorry it's been such a rough time of it post-debut, Lucy ❤️🩹 The unkind or unsafe things people say are reflections on THEM, not you. You deserve to be so proud of writing this next book in spite of all the pressure and all the stress—I hope those flickers of joy get bigger and bigger the more you share your words with people.
This is such a sweet message thank you 💖
I’m sorry those nasty people felt the need to reach out to you. People can be so weird (and not good weird), but glad to hear you topped up your joy with lots of nice creative activities! 🩷
I'm sorry people can be so weird and creepy 🫠 And also, there is something so incredible about allowing yourself to be perceived. It's so so brave and seeing you do it- while being nervous and feeling scared AND being a brilliant writer makes me feel like I can do it too. You got this Lucy! ❤️
Hey Lucy! I really enjoyed this reading this and have been getting a lot out of your content. Love your voice. Thank you for being here and creating!! I’m excited to read more! From a fellow black cat owner and writer on the other side of the world!
Some people are just the absolute worst! Sorry you've had to deal with that, but fuck them, because your writing is phenomenal and your cat is absolutely stunning :)
You should be so proud of this ✍️ ✨❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this with us Lucy!! 🥺 I’ve been writing ever since I could hold a pen, but I’m only just beginning to share my work publicly while simultaneously working out my debut spec fic novel, all the while trying to convince myself that I’m allowed to call myself a writer. As a French girlie writing in English, every time I press publish feels like walking naked onto the stage of a one-woman show and waving awkwardly at the audience.
and as a fellow Curtis Brown Creative alum (hii!) I recognise that strange limbo between doing the work and still waiting for some invisible authority to declare you a “real writer”. But your line “being a writer is experiencing being alive with the rest of the world” perfectly encapsulate what being a real writer truly is. Because it isn’t a status someone eventually stamps on or foreheads. It’s simply the compulsive (slightly unhinged?) act of noticing, feeling, worrying, witnessing, then melting it all down into words.
Thank you for being so honest about the parts of visibility people tend to romanticise or omit. Also, for what it’s worth, anyone who completes a second book while navigating publishing, internet weirdos and the psychological horror of being perceived is very obviously a real writer!!🩷
I’ve had a few annoying messages but these readers are unhinged and I’m sorry they came at you this way. The best revenge is to keep writing.
Hi Lucy, I absolutely loved your book. It’s so unique and original and I’m sorry you’ve had awful messages from jealous losers. Sending happy vibes to you xx
I love this post so much! Thank you. Writing being those morning "flickers of joy"-exactly it! Hard to explain to those who don't write.♥️
Flickers of joy <3 <3 <3
You are a wonderful person and a damn good writer. The world is better for having you in it, anyone who doesn't agree is mistaken ✨️💖
Girlie love you xxx
😘 xxx
People are nasty! And it makes me scared of the possibility about debates on my own writing. What you said about good faith debates is true though, and I hope those far outnumber the folx who think they're entitled to your sense of well-being.