Kimberly, thank you so much for including me in this series and among the writers you’ve spoken with. You make it very easy to discuss one’s work, my work. Thanks for letting me read some extracts, too. ❤️🙏
The pleasure was all mine Adam. You are a force and it was a pure delight to share you with my circle. World! Are you listening?! Adam is in the house!
Kimberly and Adam, Wow... I have actually sat without moving for one whole hour - I never ever do that - mesmerised by your touching, insightful and honest conversation.
Hearing that emotional reading of The Gondolier by you Adam was... well lets just say, I felt something, and it wasn't only the tears welling in my eyes. Thank you both so much 🙏🏼
Wasn’t it wonderful to hear Adam read?! His short stories have fast become some of my all-time favorites that I will read again and again. But hearing the creator convey the depth of his words…I mean, next level.
Yes, absolutely yes, each one a sublime rollercoaster of emotions which sweep us up within the first few words transporting to infinity and beyond - why is there no book yet!!
I would like my comment to act as a ‘field guide’ for someone who has never had the pleasure of reading Adam’s work. As you both know, I am just a reader on Substack. I spend my precious time with only a select few, these two wonderful writers included. There are so many incredible pieces of work in your archives, Adam. Since you are discussing The Gondolier, I promise not to give away the defining moments. Suffice it to say, I wish it were written as a screen play. It would be a cinematic masterpiece. The kind where I’m still sitting in my seat, dabbing my eyes with a tissue, a full container of popcorn cradled in my lap, too lost in the movie to eat, credits rolling , soundtrack playing (yes it has one) “Belle Nuit, o nuit d’amour.” Adam even went so far as to have a gorgeous graphic image made ( Ben Wakeman).
The entire Scheherazade series, each one goes straight to the heart. I have my own storybook of family memories, but they are not written down. I have found moments in your stories that make me feel close to my own memories. If there is a grand finale to this interview, a statement that expresses exactly how and why I continue to fall in to your stories, time and time again. (It may not be in the context you meant, I’m sure)
“You can hear where the writing used to live…”
Kimberly, for some reason, I think it is much more difficult getting a writer , especially fiction, to discuss their creative process. I would assume, and what do I know about writers, that sometimes there is this thread in your mind and it begins to weave a story together all on its own. In this conversation, you have a wonderful way of carefully pulling on that thread ever so slightly, a little at a time, and that allowed Adam to open up . I always find it interesting how an author feels about their own work. Honesty is a beautiful trait. That’s what I saw here today.
“ …but when I write I get to be my best self.”
Thank you Adam, for sharing that part of you every time we read . I am still going to use this line, ‘Feel something’, because I always do. And often it is deep and profound.
I liked so much of this chat, but this bit especially stuck out —
“If we have a gift to give, for me, whether it's only four people get it or not, I feel like the gift I have to give is something that happens when I'm writing between me and the page that somebody else might feel that same way. That they go, I know that place and that's a connection that's possible for me on the page with other people that's enormously valuable.” —
Thanks for that. I’ve struggled to read pieces for posts partly because so many do it so beautifully. But for some reason I wanted to read aloud for this conversation. I think it’s much harder to make a point talking than writing. For some reading aloud felt natural. As you may have seen I’m starting a series of writers reading their work out loud.
Yeah that’s a great idea. It’s something I’ve not yet brought myself to trying, mostly because I feel I can only adequately speak via the written page.
PS it's interesting listening to the thoughts about sensing things around you. I've always felt like I've been pretty well attuned to all of that, but for me my childhood was calm and safe. Makes me wonder whether one repressed a whole chunk and it wasn't that. 🤔😆
I’ve regretted that observation a bit this week. I think there are some artistic benefits to a certain level of, um, volatility in one’s childhood, but by no means do children of dysfunction have a corner on the market of sensitivity and self expression. I’m implying that I think and it simply isn’t true.
Oh, nothing to regret there, sorry. I was merely observing and reflecting upon my own childhood. :)
I would certainly agree though that things, volatility etc, in one’s own childhood would definitely have the capacity to lend artistic benefit. I think I gained my own creativity (if I can say such) from being very introverted and by mostly simply existing and observing at a young age and into my early teens, and then in my late teens and early 20s by crashing myself through turbulent relationships. 😆
Thanks to the both of you for such a fascinating discussion expressing real emotional honesty. Wonderful. So much to pull from that, but one thing, “They always have a spidey sense of what going on around them” - That's one of the things I think, if one had to look on the bright side of a difficult childhood, then the Spidey sense is a real gift and a real curse. I’m glad I’ve got it (not how I got it), but wouldn’t it be nice sometimes to be oblivious too (laugh emoji).
Loved the readings, and will listen again to this. I'm a bit overwhelmed by it at the moment. Great stuff. "Strangers held hands across the aisle and they said, It's been a good life." Just the way you said that line, really got me.
After listening to you two wonderful people having such a discussion it was a total blast (or surreal?) to hear my name mentioned. Thanks Kimberley and Adam.
Ditto to what Kimberly is saying below. One of the interesting things about the Spidey-sense club is that we recognize the other club members curiously enough. I certainly did when I was a child. A gift and a curse. Thanks for your kind words, Jonathan. Your own work is very in-tune. it means a lot to read your comment here.
Adam and Kimberly, so open and vulnerable with each other: Adam, your humanity shows in your work, of course, but also in your ability to talk about your parents, the difficult childhood, but also the appreciation of who they were while being candid about them. The conversation about _The Gondolier_--so moving. The fact that we are all in the same boat. Looking forward to "Marilyn." So much to say here: charmed and moved. And I so agree with about how we've come to know Kimberly through her memoir and these interviews and how we hold her in our hearts. You do. I do. And yes, whatever this life is, we do know connecting is what holds us. Beautifully done. Kudos to you both. I like to think of both of you as friends and heartfelt companions on this road of living creatively despite loss. Love, Mary
“Only connect.” 😉 Mary, you speak straight to my heart. I can’t even fathom a life 1.5 years ago without all you wise, intelligent, gracious, sincere humans. The other day my husband was telling me that we need to start rethinking “friendships” to include those that occur across digital landscapes. We still diminish and discount them but while our minds maybe are still trying to catch up to all this interconnectivity, our hearts have effortlessly evolved to embrace it. Our invisible arms reach in infinite directions to relate, include, see, empathize, and celebrate. Hope you feel mine right now hugging you. ❤️
This is a lovely note, Mary. Truly. These interviews have been a gift to the community and a huge effort. As you know, her prep and homework are very tight, but mostly it is how she shares the psychic space. I shared probably more than I intended, but in the best way, I hope.
Thank you both so much for this interview. Thank you for introducing Adam's work to me, Kimberly. I just subscribed. Hadn't read any of the 100 stories yet.
Before I do, just wanted to say that "I'm no fan of myself...etc." is a familiar one. The journey of self-acceptance takes time, patience and courage (for me too, and presumably for many fellow writers/ creatives)
Perhaps this is the greatest motivation for writing, because "... when I write I get to be my best self."
So many thoughts and experiences I deeply resonate with. I like the invitation to 'Feel something.' ~ to make feelings feel welcome. They've been shunned and skirted far too long, IMHO.
Oh Veronika are you in for a treat!!!! I’m thrilled that this interview introduced you to Adam’s work. Prepare to be gutted. Prepare to fly. And Adam, Veronika is truly one of the wisest and most generous writers and readers over here, it’s wildly cool that your paths are now crossed.
Thanks for this note, Veronika and the thoughtful comments. Clearly, you get what I'm getting at. Its gratifying to read. Regarding the "Feel something.' tag, I really did struggle with using that, but then decided it was exactly what I was up to, so put it out there and hide until it was safe to come out. Seems like it is safe to come out. Notes like your make that possible. 🙏 Fwiw, if you do look for a story to read, I think The Gondolier is probably the one.
This is such a touching interview. The conversation between the two of you is so thoughtful and genuine which is not at all surprising, but immensely enjoyable. Thank you for taking the time to record it and allow the rest of us in.
Thanks, Ben. You've already been in the chair, so you know the kind of space Kimberly makes possible. And per Kimberly's note below, you bring so much to reading your work, it inspires me and, tbh, has intimidated me a bit from getting into the audio business, although I'm delighted to share others reading their work. If you guys are both game, at some point I'd like to enlist you both to share some of your work.
You’re so welcome Ben. Hearing Adam read excerpts made me recognize the value of audio shares, especially for fiction. It put me back into a childlike “story time” space, and how different it is to receive a narrative this way. Bravo to you for being such a skilled pioneer in this form.
What a beautiful interview, full of insight and feeling. It’s a box of keys to Adam’s work, which I recall reading in the past with pleasure and awe. Time to return. Thanks, Kimberly, for making this happen.
You've left me wonderful, supportive comments in the past for which I'm grateful. I'd be delighted if you stop by again. The front door is open. The light is on. Kettle's on the stove.
Adam, I must tell you the first question I ask when reading any Substacker new to me: "Is anybody home?" Far too often, the answer is no. At your virtual doostep, never.
Sep 29·edited Sep 29Liked by Kimberly Warner, Adam Nathan
Well! It is about time kids. Been waiting for this one. I will savor this later. Sitting outside on our deck, in the very top corner of VT, The Northeast Kingdom. Leaves flying ,and colors just starting to flame across the skyline, a perfect backdrop. Might just take you up on that blanket idea, and maybe a cup of tea. Ok, I’ll be back later, when I’ve devoured the whole interview.
As a reader, I don’t think I can post a photo. If I’m not mistaken, I think photos sent on DM are tiny. If you really , really want to see, and you have a public email address, you have my email as a subscriber, so email me and I you’ll wish you were in Maine.
Kimberly, thank you so much for including me in this series and among the writers you’ve spoken with. You make it very easy to discuss one’s work, my work. Thanks for letting me read some extracts, too. ❤️🙏
The pleasure was all mine Adam. You are a force and it was a pure delight to share you with my circle. World! Are you listening?! Adam is in the house!
Kimberly and Adam, Wow... I have actually sat without moving for one whole hour - I never ever do that - mesmerised by your touching, insightful and honest conversation.
Hearing that emotional reading of The Gondolier by you Adam was... well lets just say, I felt something, and it wasn't only the tears welling in my eyes. Thank you both so much 🙏🏼
Wasn’t it wonderful to hear Adam read?! His short stories have fast become some of my all-time favorites that I will read again and again. But hearing the creator convey the depth of his words…I mean, next level.
Yes, absolutely yes, each one a sublime rollercoaster of emotions which sweep us up within the first few words transporting to infinity and beyond - why is there no book yet!!
Thank you, Susie, for all of your support for my writing both here and elsewhere. 🙏
I would like my comment to act as a ‘field guide’ for someone who has never had the pleasure of reading Adam’s work. As you both know, I am just a reader on Substack. I spend my precious time with only a select few, these two wonderful writers included. There are so many incredible pieces of work in your archives, Adam. Since you are discussing The Gondolier, I promise not to give away the defining moments. Suffice it to say, I wish it were written as a screen play. It would be a cinematic masterpiece. The kind where I’m still sitting in my seat, dabbing my eyes with a tissue, a full container of popcorn cradled in my lap, too lost in the movie to eat, credits rolling , soundtrack playing (yes it has one) “Belle Nuit, o nuit d’amour.” Adam even went so far as to have a gorgeous graphic image made ( Ben Wakeman).
The entire Scheherazade series, each one goes straight to the heart. I have my own storybook of family memories, but they are not written down. I have found moments in your stories that make me feel close to my own memories. If there is a grand finale to this interview, a statement that expresses exactly how and why I continue to fall in to your stories, time and time again. (It may not be in the context you meant, I’m sure)
“You can hear where the writing used to live…”
Kimberly, for some reason, I think it is much more difficult getting a writer , especially fiction, to discuss their creative process. I would assume, and what do I know about writers, that sometimes there is this thread in your mind and it begins to weave a story together all on its own. In this conversation, you have a wonderful way of carefully pulling on that thread ever so slightly, a little at a time, and that allowed Adam to open up . I always find it interesting how an author feels about their own work. Honesty is a beautiful trait. That’s what I saw here today.
“ …but when I write I get to be my best self.”
Thank you Adam, for sharing that part of you every time we read . I am still going to use this line, ‘Feel something’, because I always do. And often it is deep and profound.
Huzzah Lor! Echoing all of this, including “feel something.”
This is wonderful to read. Thank you. 🙏
What a fantastic interview--loved this deep dive on Adam's work. He's so inspiring. Cannot wait to read more!
You.won’t.be.disappointed. Two lightening brains unite.
More true than you might imagine.
Hey wait! My subconscious may have intended deeper meaning in that…do I recall you also have epilepsy Adam?
✅🧠
You shouldn’t have written that. Now I’m going have to park next to my Like buttons like a 14-year-old.
Can’t wait to listen to this! I just saw who you’re interviewing and had to comment first :)
Deirdre, this is very kind of you. Thank you.
not only do you attract the most talented people to interview i believe your red shirt has seduced away my hummingbirds 🫠😉
then again it IS getting colder....
If you’re familiar with comedian Eddie Izzard then you’ll understand: I’M COVERED IN HUMMERS!!!
thats gonna take some research 🤓
A wonderful conversation you two.
I liked so much of this chat, but this bit especially stuck out —
“If we have a gift to give, for me, whether it's only four people get it or not, I feel like the gift I have to give is something that happens when I'm writing between me and the page that somebody else might feel that same way. That they go, I know that place and that's a connection that's possible for me on the page with other people that's enormously valuable.” —
I related to this so much!
:)
Thanks for calling that idea out. That’s probably what’s under writing for both (many) of us.
A joy to listen to. Lovely to hear you reading your own words, Adam.
Thanks for that. I’ve struggled to read pieces for posts partly because so many do it so beautifully. But for some reason I wanted to read aloud for this conversation. I think it’s much harder to make a point talking than writing. For some reading aloud felt natural. As you may have seen I’m starting a series of writers reading their work out loud.
Yeah that’s a great idea. It’s something I’ve not yet brought myself to trying, mostly because I feel I can only adequately speak via the written page.
I’d love to hear Nathan included in this series! I’ll pick out some favs and send to you.
PS it's interesting listening to the thoughts about sensing things around you. I've always felt like I've been pretty well attuned to all of that, but for me my childhood was calm and safe. Makes me wonder whether one repressed a whole chunk and it wasn't that. 🤔😆
I’ve regretted that observation a bit this week. I think there are some artistic benefits to a certain level of, um, volatility in one’s childhood, but by no means do children of dysfunction have a corner on the market of sensitivity and self expression. I’m implying that I think and it simply isn’t true.
Oh, nothing to regret there, sorry. I was merely observing and reflecting upon my own childhood. :)
I would certainly agree though that things, volatility etc, in one’s own childhood would definitely have the capacity to lend artistic benefit. I think I gained my own creativity (if I can say such) from being very introverted and by mostly simply existing and observing at a young age and into my early teens, and then in my late teens and early 20s by crashing myself through turbulent relationships. 😆
I get it more than I wish I did. 😀
Thanks to the both of you for such a fascinating discussion expressing real emotional honesty. Wonderful. So much to pull from that, but one thing, “They always have a spidey sense of what going on around them” - That's one of the things I think, if one had to look on the bright side of a difficult childhood, then the Spidey sense is a real gift and a real curse. I’m glad I’ve got it (not how I got it), but wouldn’t it be nice sometimes to be oblivious too (laugh emoji).
Loved the readings, and will listen again to this. I'm a bit overwhelmed by it at the moment. Great stuff. "Strangers held hands across the aisle and they said, It's been a good life." Just the way you said that line, really got me.
After listening to you two wonderful people having such a discussion it was a total blast (or surreal?) to hear my name mentioned. Thanks Kimberley and Adam.
You’re a treasure Jonathan. So glad this interview spoke to you. Let’s form a Spidey Sense club!
I nominate you for Club President.
I think we already have :)
Ditto to what Kimberly is saying below. One of the interesting things about the Spidey-sense club is that we recognize the other club members curiously enough. I certainly did when I was a child. A gift and a curse. Thanks for your kind words, Jonathan. Your own work is very in-tune. it means a lot to read your comment here.
Yep, bit like veterans ;)
Adam and Kimberly, so open and vulnerable with each other: Adam, your humanity shows in your work, of course, but also in your ability to talk about your parents, the difficult childhood, but also the appreciation of who they were while being candid about them. The conversation about _The Gondolier_--so moving. The fact that we are all in the same boat. Looking forward to "Marilyn." So much to say here: charmed and moved. And I so agree with about how we've come to know Kimberly through her memoir and these interviews and how we hold her in our hearts. You do. I do. And yes, whatever this life is, we do know connecting is what holds us. Beautifully done. Kudos to you both. I like to think of both of you as friends and heartfelt companions on this road of living creatively despite loss. Love, Mary
“Only connect.” 😉 Mary, you speak straight to my heart. I can’t even fathom a life 1.5 years ago without all you wise, intelligent, gracious, sincere humans. The other day my husband was telling me that we need to start rethinking “friendships” to include those that occur across digital landscapes. We still diminish and discount them but while our minds maybe are still trying to catch up to all this interconnectivity, our hearts have effortlessly evolved to embrace it. Our invisible arms reach in infinite directions to relate, include, see, empathize, and celebrate. Hope you feel mine right now hugging you. ❤️
I do, indeed, my friend from down the west coast up to Oregon!
This is a lovely note, Mary. Truly. These interviews have been a gift to the community and a huge effort. As you know, her prep and homework are very tight, but mostly it is how she shares the psychic space. I shared probably more than I intended, but in the best way, I hope.
Thank you both so much for this interview. Thank you for introducing Adam's work to me, Kimberly. I just subscribed. Hadn't read any of the 100 stories yet.
Before I do, just wanted to say that "I'm no fan of myself...etc." is a familiar one. The journey of self-acceptance takes time, patience and courage (for me too, and presumably for many fellow writers/ creatives)
Perhaps this is the greatest motivation for writing, because "... when I write I get to be my best self."
So many thoughts and experiences I deeply resonate with. I like the invitation to 'Feel something.' ~ to make feelings feel welcome. They've been shunned and skirted far too long, IMHO.
Oh Veronika are you in for a treat!!!! I’m thrilled that this interview introduced you to Adam’s work. Prepare to be gutted. Prepare to fly. And Adam, Veronika is truly one of the wisest and most generous writers and readers over here, it’s wildly cool that your paths are now crossed.
Thanks for this note, Veronika and the thoughtful comments. Clearly, you get what I'm getting at. Its gratifying to read. Regarding the "Feel something.' tag, I really did struggle with using that, but then decided it was exactly what I was up to, so put it out there and hide until it was safe to come out. Seems like it is safe to come out. Notes like your make that possible. 🙏 Fwiw, if you do look for a story to read, I think The Gondolier is probably the one.
Most excellent!
🙏 🦉
This is such a touching interview. The conversation between the two of you is so thoughtful and genuine which is not at all surprising, but immensely enjoyable. Thank you for taking the time to record it and allow the rest of us in.
Thanks, Ben. You've already been in the chair, so you know the kind of space Kimberly makes possible. And per Kimberly's note below, you bring so much to reading your work, it inspires me and, tbh, has intimidated me a bit from getting into the audio business, although I'm delighted to share others reading their work. If you guys are both game, at some point I'd like to enlist you both to share some of your work.
Happily! Always. (And with a never-quite-abandoned Wisconsin accent.)
Did I tell you both of my parents and many others are buried in Mishicot.
I would love to do that Adam. Anytime. Also I’ll be traveling to NJ pretty regularly for work in the future so I’d love to meet up in person sometime.
That would be wonderful! We need to catch up offline on work developments.
We will. Keep me in the loop on travel.
You’re so welcome Ben. Hearing Adam read excerpts made me recognize the value of audio shares, especially for fiction. It put me back into a childlike “story time” space, and how different it is to receive a narrative this way. Bravo to you for being such a skilled pioneer in this form.
What a beautiful interview, full of insight and feeling. It’s a box of keys to Adam’s work, which I recall reading in the past with pleasure and awe. Time to return. Thanks, Kimberly, for making this happen.
Oh wonderful Rona! I had fun returning them as I prepared the interview and found new layers of depth and delight. I’m sure you will as well!
You've left me wonderful, supportive comments in the past for which I'm grateful. I'd be delighted if you stop by again. The front door is open. The light is on. Kettle's on the stove.
Adam, I must tell you the first question I ask when reading any Substacker new to me: "Is anybody home?" Far too often, the answer is no. At your virtual doostep, never.
Well! It is about time kids. Been waiting for this one. I will savor this later. Sitting outside on our deck, in the very top corner of VT, The Northeast Kingdom. Leaves flying ,and colors just starting to flame across the skyline, a perfect backdrop. Might just take you up on that blanket idea, and maybe a cup of tea. Ok, I’ll be back later, when I’ve devoured the whole interview.
Right?! If you only could see all the teeth I had to pull to get him to say yes! 😂 (jk)
You are the Forest Queen of the Northeast Kingdom, Lor. Blanket, leaves and tea would be just the ticket right now.
You might just seriously be calling me that if I could post some of the photographs I took today.
Post!!!!
As a reader, I don’t think I can post a photo. If I’m not mistaken, I think photos sent on DM are tiny. If you really , really want to see, and you have a public email address, you have my email as a subscriber, so email me and I you’ll wish you were in Maine.
For the record, Adam, I love your tag line "Feel something". I think it works