It's just exhilarating, the notion that you can have a seed of an idea and then the only way to find out where the plot is going to go is by inhabiting those characters and the situation and just writing it and finding out.
You both ‘know’ me. I am an avid reader and immensely enjoy both of your Substacks. This is a wonderful conversation between the two of you. Nathan, you have this unique , seldom found ability to weave words into a richly colored tapestry. Threaded with many different thicknesses and textures. Always building, layer upon layer. It makes perfect sense that you are a scientist. Evident in your exacting attention to detail, especially in your character description or setting a scene. We are immediately pulled inside your fictional world.
As you mentioned Kimberly, mysterious and compelling right from the start of the story. Sometimes you make me laugh,or cringe, just in the describing. Hand jesters , facial expressions, even how your characters inhale and exhale. I feel like I’m visually watching as I’m reading. Your stories can leave me wistful, disgusted, ‘creeped out’ in a good way, questioning, always questioning. And ultimately wanting more.
I found it interesting , but not a surprise, that you haven’t shared your stories with your parents. Sometimes, it’s a matter of letting you be you, without being critiqued by those who feel they know you best. We are composed of many facets. I don’t think any of us wants to ‘strip down’ and ask , so what do you think?
“It's about how you can create wonder through the written word is very similar in terms of that feeling of euphoria or movement or sadness that you can be, any performing art can also elicit.”
Nathan, you are so very generous with your replies to readers. Though I’ve long suspected, after watching this interview, it is obvious, you are genuinely one of the good guys. I only say this because I am a hired ‘metric’. (Just kidding, I don’t get paid).
It is my pleasure to get to know the man behind the author. Wonderful intro and questions, Kimberly.
And if you haven’t read Nathan’s stories, make yourself comfortable , grab some🍿, and head on over.
I think Kimberly, you’re on to something, “…there is a magic trick that you're doing on us.”
As ever Lor, you leave me filled with euphoria and a warm glow reading your comments. (Plus, now you're officially here as an (unpaid) metric, I know for certain you enjoyed this post/interview 😄). You are so kind with your words. I am honoured to have you as a reader.
Thank you for taking the time to listen. I guess it's no surprise that I've even been nervous about listening back to what I had to say in this, but it warms me to know how it has been received. Full credit to Kimberly for being so amazing and welcoming.
I think you say this better than I managed: "Sometimes, it’s a matter of letting you be you, without being critiqued by those who feel they know you best. We are composed of many facets. I don’t think any of us wants to ‘strip down’ and ask , so what do you think?" This is perfectly put. You are so right. I think there's power in being able to strip down to that level and be happy with those facets, but it's a difficult thing to do.
You are very welcome Nathan. Once again , it’s only the truth.
And , I wholeheartedly agree. I am the last person who would strip naked for all the world to see. ( Flashbacks of embarrassment from the girl’s locker room 😬).
Really enjoyed the conversation. Each time I am shocked at how rare it is for introverts to get to express themselves directly, and how much I love listening to these voices. Their attention seems more honest, more personal, more intimate. Nathan, I could have easily listened to you for another hour....
Thank you Kim for bringing another jewel to the slow growing collection.
Nathan is just as mellow and cool as I've thought he might be. What a beautiful conversation, and such a lovely insight into Nathan's work and brilliant writing. So much here resonates. I'm in awe at Nathan's commitment to hide his project and this side of himself from the people in his real life — which I totally, totally understand (hence my own use of a moniker). Thank you both!
Thank you my friend. It helps me to know you can relate to this.
Every week I put something out and there’s this feeling of being somewhat hidden behind it for safety, I guess, but this interview with Kimberly feels something of a pivotal moment in being more open and admitting that “hey, I’m a writer” and that honestly feels great and it’s a real testament to Kimberly for being so caring and supportive (and of course for wanting to speak to me in the first place, which still seems surreal) and making this feel like a conversation between friends.
Thank you for listening Fog Chasing friend! Mellow and cool are such accurate words. Nathan put me at ease just listening to him digest my questions and respond with great authenticity.
The whole world needs to know Nathan's writing. What a deeply moving conversation. :') Thank you both. Frankly, I think Nathan should also be teaching creative writing.
Truly, such a treat to spend time with you both. It really felt like I was sat at a table with you, just drinking coffee and basking in the back and forth. The Sernox is such an incredible piece of writing, I’m not at all surprised to know that there’s some confusion around where it came from. The experience of reading it alone felt so dreamlike...
On a separate note, can the two of please start a podcast? You’re both such soothing presences that regularly listening to you jam on creativity and life would really be medicine.
Also, first two confirmed congregants of The Church of Death & Birds! Get in!
Likewise! Tea drinking was kind of a requirement, as I'm British, but a few years ago one of my dearest friends went to Taiwan to study under a tea master, and when she holds tea ceremonies now... truly, what an experience. I had been doing it wrong my whole life!!
This was a great interview! I love all the directions you two went in. Really cool to hear more explanation of your pseudonym and various personas, Nathan, though we've discussed this a little before. I think that even without a different name, I do this a lot. Perhaps it allows that bravery in pushing to write (and publish) what you want; good advice. I also liked this discussion about doing different things / being busy to find good writing while the synapses are firing. As you know, I'm going back to teaching. At first, it feels like it will drown out my creativity and writing voice, but I also know that this is where it was born.
Such a fan of your work and lovely to hear more about what's going into it.
I combined teaching full-time (HoD) and writing for years. I found that teaching inspired my writing, while reading and writing fed into my teaching. (Still does.) You will be fine, Kate.
I finally had enough time and internet connection coinciding to listen to this warm and wonderful conversation… I’d loved to have read through all the comments too but at the risk of taking as long to leave one myself I will just write and hope I’m not repeating the words of others… unless of course those words go like this - Nathan and Kimberly, in one place, just chatting like old friends on the subject of writing, there was no way I was going to miss this! Two more sensitive souls don’t walk this planet surely..?
This whole hour was gloriously warming and eloquent and I didn’t want it to end… 💛
And I’m so so glad I’m not the only person here that can agonise so long over a sentence!!
Thank you both so much for taking the time to record this pleasure! X
You’re such a dear Susie. Hugs to you from a rainy August day here in Oregon. Oh summer! Where art thou?! I’m feeling a bit Susie over here, longing for sun to reaffirm life before she goes into PNW hiding for 7 months. 🌞
Another grand interview. Nathan, so glad for all you are doing and saying here with such sensitivity. I am a joyful subscriber though I do need to catch up. Hope and support, ~ Mary
I've watched The Social Network several times. Contrary to the critical reception, I find the script and acting bracing and fresh, every time. It's not a documentary, I enjoy it on its own terms.
Pantser is the ugliest word, yet real writers use it constantly. 🤦♀️
I prefer architects and gardeners, but I don't believe any writer is purely one or the other, so it's moot, it's not helpful to anyone, those discussions go nowhere.
I still enjoy hearing from specific writers about their approach and towards which side they lean, and it usually ends up being the ones that have more of a proclivity towards gardening are the ones I enjoy the most.
Ah, so great to listen to this. Been a long-time reader and am happy to see Nathan getting much-deserved recognition, although by now, I think, the pen name has lost its lustre and it may be time to bask in the glory of your prose, full name and all ;) Or keep the Slake, we'll read on either way!
I loved this interview, Nathan! Getting one hours of you talking is as engaging as reading your stories. Also, waiting for 'Brae's Meteorite' to continue (as always!).
Don't worry Kimberly I wont rest until I have him fully focussed on his writing! Thanks for all those shoutouts Nathan, you're "an absolute dream". 😘 But in all seriousness, way to make me emotional.
Aug 19·edited Aug 19Liked by Kimberly Warner, Nathan Slake
This was a great conversation. Kimberly asked some lovely questions and I enjoyed reading your answers, Nathan. I have a few things to say, numbered for ease of reference should anyone wish to reference them.
1. I made notes so I wouldn't forget something I wanted to say!
2. "Slow bloomer": an excellent expression.
3. Separating work and writing: I mostly did NOT hide my main writing from my work colleagues, because it was related to my work. Getting published is a good way of enhancing your credibility. But I didn't say anything about my literature-related writing. One thing I found was some colleagues in one place I worked were quite nasty, which I put down to professional jealousy. In another place, not only were they supportive, but one gave me very useful feedback on a book in progress and another said her husband would like to proofread my newsletter for free. So I think the way people respond is something that's out of our control. I also think that writing for the student newspaper while at university helped me develop something of a hard shell: if someone is nastily critical of my writing I take the view that, as Bessie Smith said, "If you don't like my potatoes, why did you dig so deep?" 🤣
4. Sorry this comment is so long, but it was a long interview!
6. "I have no training as a writer": what are you talking about? Living is the best training for a writer, plus reading, plus observing. You don't need to do a creative writing course (unless it's one that I teach: excellent value for money and taught by someone who is erudite, handsome, debonair and modest).
7. Creative writing and science: these are very much related, in three ways I can think of, aside from the experimental design you mention: (a) being cynical, a lot of papers written for science journals, based on dodgy results or methodology; (b) the founders of the Oulipo were very much of the opinion that creative writing could be generated by a scientific, I suppose we might say 'algorithmic' approach; (c) the relationship between science fiction, more accurately called 'speculative fiction' and science. As I wrote in a review last year: "The internet, the metaverse, robots, prosthetics and even medical apps all found their first iterations in science fiction." (https://schoolsweek.co.uk/the-review-science-fiction-at-the-science-museum/)
8. Connecting with the audience: excellent point. I think the same in relation to writing. Even if only one person leaves a comment saying they liked a post (thanks, mum) that means more than having lots of subscribers who appear to be untouched by a piece of writing.
9. "if there's one thing I strive for, it's that leaving things out, leaving it up to the reader to read between what's not been said." Oh, you mean like the one sentence stories that you said you found difficult? Ha, caught out at last!
10. Regarding slowness: I love the movement called slow journalism. I have another newsletter, not on Substack, and I made the comment to someone once that I was thinking of including the strapline "always last with the news", and he said "No, always best with the news". I think there is much to be said for slow, considered writing, whether fiction or nonfiction.
What a generous comment Terry! And to your mum, if you're reading this, we love mom likes. (Maybe Nathan's mom will join once if he ever decides to share?) Love what you shared about imposter syndrome. Oh what ignorant bliss to be fortunate or useless! And huzzah to living is the best training. Heading over to your page now Terry to subscribe and dig for some of your potatoes.
Fantastic and wonderfully lengthy comment, Terry, thank you. Made me smile.
1. Smart.
2. Glad you approve.
3. This is good to know. Thanks for sharing. This is also a brilliant saying: "If you don't like my potatoes, why did you dig so deep?" I think for me it's not so much a not liking but more a not understanding. For some reason, someone disliking my work I feel OK about. But if someone said "I just don't *get* it? Why are you [wasting your time] doing this?" I'd find it harder to swallow. That's my own battle to overcome, though.
4. Perfectly acceptable.
5. I can think of many people in power who display remarkable Dunning Kruger.
6. Wise. You're so modest, too :P
7. Excellent points. I do at least feel somewhat qualified for the Sci part of SciFi.
Thanks for your considered reply, Nathan. I would feel disappointed, and a bit of a failure probably, if someone didn't get my work, or like it, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. But if someone is nasty about it ("Why are you wasting your time_/This is cr*p/ etc) I think "So when was the last time YOU put anything out there for public scrutiny?", because doing so is, in my opinion, an incredible act of bravery.
You both ‘know’ me. I am an avid reader and immensely enjoy both of your Substacks. This is a wonderful conversation between the two of you. Nathan, you have this unique , seldom found ability to weave words into a richly colored tapestry. Threaded with many different thicknesses and textures. Always building, layer upon layer. It makes perfect sense that you are a scientist. Evident in your exacting attention to detail, especially in your character description or setting a scene. We are immediately pulled inside your fictional world.
As you mentioned Kimberly, mysterious and compelling right from the start of the story. Sometimes you make me laugh,or cringe, just in the describing. Hand jesters , facial expressions, even how your characters inhale and exhale. I feel like I’m visually watching as I’m reading. Your stories can leave me wistful, disgusted, ‘creeped out’ in a good way, questioning, always questioning. And ultimately wanting more.
I found it interesting , but not a surprise, that you haven’t shared your stories with your parents. Sometimes, it’s a matter of letting you be you, without being critiqued by those who feel they know you best. We are composed of many facets. I don’t think any of us wants to ‘strip down’ and ask , so what do you think?
“It's about how you can create wonder through the written word is very similar in terms of that feeling of euphoria or movement or sadness that you can be, any performing art can also elicit.”
Nathan, you are so very generous with your replies to readers. Though I’ve long suspected, after watching this interview, it is obvious, you are genuinely one of the good guys. I only say this because I am a hired ‘metric’. (Just kidding, I don’t get paid).
It is my pleasure to get to know the man behind the author. Wonderful intro and questions, Kimberly.
And if you haven’t read Nathan’s stories, make yourself comfortable , grab some🍿, and head on over.
I think Kimberly, you’re on to something, “…there is a magic trick that you're doing on us.”
I definitely agree.
Substack... HIRE LOR! You're the most dedicated, keen, generous reader not just on Substack but in the entire cosmos. (I've fact checked that.)
Misinformation.
And besides, I’m only a metric for Nathan. As I mentioned , he doesn’t pay me. Anyone else will have to pay double that.
*Snortle
No footnote option in the comments, but if there was it would be noted that I snorted and chuckled simultaneously reading this
Ooh a new word to add to my vast vocabulary .
As ever Lor, you leave me filled with euphoria and a warm glow reading your comments. (Plus, now you're officially here as an (unpaid) metric, I know for certain you enjoyed this post/interview 😄). You are so kind with your words. I am honoured to have you as a reader.
Thank you for taking the time to listen. I guess it's no surprise that I've even been nervous about listening back to what I had to say in this, but it warms me to know how it has been received. Full credit to Kimberly for being so amazing and welcoming.
I think you say this better than I managed: "Sometimes, it’s a matter of letting you be you, without being critiqued by those who feel they know you best. We are composed of many facets. I don’t think any of us wants to ‘strip down’ and ask , so what do you think?" This is perfectly put. You are so right. I think there's power in being able to strip down to that level and be happy with those facets, but it's a difficult thing to do.
You are very welcome Nathan. Once again , it’s only the truth.
And , I wholeheartedly agree. I am the last person who would strip naked for all the world to see. ( Flashbacks of embarrassment from the girl’s locker room 😬).
Ack! Flashbacks to scoliosis tests in junior high!
Mmm hmm
You've said it all Lor! I nodded all the way through your comment, yes, hmm mm, yes totally, yeah, yep, Yes, YESS!
Thanks Bertus!
Really enjoyed the conversation. Each time I am shocked at how rare it is for introverts to get to express themselves directly, and how much I love listening to these voices. Their attention seems more honest, more personal, more intimate. Nathan, I could have easily listened to you for another hour....
Thank you Kim for bringing another jewel to the slow growing collection.
INTROVERTS RULE. ;)
Aw, Bertus, thank you thank you. That’s so lovely.
Nathan is just as mellow and cool as I've thought he might be. What a beautiful conversation, and such a lovely insight into Nathan's work and brilliant writing. So much here resonates. I'm in awe at Nathan's commitment to hide his project and this side of himself from the people in his real life — which I totally, totally understand (hence my own use of a moniker). Thank you both!
Thank you my friend. It helps me to know you can relate to this.
Every week I put something out and there’s this feeling of being somewhat hidden behind it for safety, I guess, but this interview with Kimberly feels something of a pivotal moment in being more open and admitting that “hey, I’m a writer” and that honestly feels great and it’s a real testament to Kimberly for being so caring and supportive (and of course for wanting to speak to me in the first place, which still seems surreal) and making this feel like a conversation between friends.
How special to be a wee part of this pivotal shift in your writing life Nathan. Truly an honor.
Thank you for listening Fog Chasing friend! Mellow and cool are such accurate words. Nathan put me at ease just listening to him digest my questions and respond with great authenticity.
The whole world needs to know Nathan's writing. What a deeply moving conversation. :') Thank you both. Frankly, I think Nathan should also be teaching creative writing.
The dream!! Honestly would love that (if I could get over the imposter syndrome of feeling I had any qualifications to do!!)
Thanks for your kindness, Nadia.
I agree Nadia!
So many writers and poets teach even without formal education. You could too!
Truly, such a treat to spend time with you both. It really felt like I was sat at a table with you, just drinking coffee and basking in the back and forth. The Sernox is such an incredible piece of writing, I’m not at all surprised to know that there’s some confusion around where it came from. The experience of reading it alone felt so dreamlike...
On a separate note, can the two of please start a podcast? You’re both such soothing presences that regularly listening to you jam on creativity and life would really be medicine.
Also, first two confirmed congregants of The Church of Death & Birds! Get in!
Hehe, thanks so much Chloe.
And as Kimberly says: only if you join too ;)
I’ll join if I can sit silent and with my eyes closed..?! Seriously though, can there be more of the two of you please…?
Only if you'd join Chloe. The unholy trinity. ;)
I thought the same! Or a meditation club, anything!
Yes! A club!! You guys, come on…
I’ll serve tea. Tea meditation!
And tea…?! This is quickly turning into a dream scenario for me…🍵
Lovely meeting tea lovers on Substack! 🙏🏻
Likewise! Tea drinking was kind of a requirement, as I'm British, but a few years ago one of my dearest friends went to Taiwan to study under a tea master, and when she holds tea ceremonies now... truly, what an experience. I had been doing it wrong my whole life!!
This was a great interview! I love all the directions you two went in. Really cool to hear more explanation of your pseudonym and various personas, Nathan, though we've discussed this a little before. I think that even without a different name, I do this a lot. Perhaps it allows that bravery in pushing to write (and publish) what you want; good advice. I also liked this discussion about doing different things / being busy to find good writing while the synapses are firing. As you know, I'm going back to teaching. At first, it feels like it will drown out my creativity and writing voice, but I also know that this is where it was born.
Such a fan of your work and lovely to hear more about what's going into it.
Thanks for sharing Kathleen, I have no doubt your creativity and teaching lives will deeply enrich one another. Wish I could be one of your students!
🩵🩵
Aww, thanks so much Kate. Such lovely thoughts and comments. Means a lot.
Wishing you all the best with the return to teaching. The school is lucky to have you. May you thrive and be inspired. :)
I combined teaching full-time (HoD) and writing for years. I found that teaching inspired my writing, while reading and writing fed into my teaching. (Still does.) You will be fine, Kate.
Thanks Terry!
Loved this! I’m a big fan of Nathan’s. Thank you for putting it together!
Thanks, Silvio. And thank you, Kim. You made this so easy and comfortable.
Me too. ;)
I finally had enough time and internet connection coinciding to listen to this warm and wonderful conversation… I’d loved to have read through all the comments too but at the risk of taking as long to leave one myself I will just write and hope I’m not repeating the words of others… unless of course those words go like this - Nathan and Kimberly, in one place, just chatting like old friends on the subject of writing, there was no way I was going to miss this! Two more sensitive souls don’t walk this planet surely..?
This whole hour was gloriously warming and eloquent and I didn’t want it to end… 💛
And I’m so so glad I’m not the only person here that can agonise so long over a sentence!!
Thank you both so much for taking the time to record this pleasure! X
You’re such a dear Susie. Hugs to you from a rainy August day here in Oregon. Oh summer! Where art thou?! I’m feeling a bit Susie over here, longing for sun to reaffirm life before she goes into PNW hiding for 7 months. 🌞
Aw, thanks so much for this beautiful comment, Susie! So lovely and so appreciate you took the time to listen.
Another grand interview. Nathan, so glad for all you are doing and saying here with such sensitivity. I am a joyful subscriber though I do need to catch up. Hope and support, ~ Mary
Thanks so much, Mary! I really appreciate your kind words. 😊
I've watched The Social Network several times. Contrary to the critical reception, I find the script and acting bracing and fresh, every time. It's not a documentary, I enjoy it on its own terms.
Pantser is the ugliest word, yet real writers use it constantly. 🤦♀️
I prefer architects and gardeners, but I don't believe any writer is purely one or the other, so it's moot, it's not helpful to anyone, those discussions go nowhere.
Glad your agree it's a terrible word. 😆
I still enjoy hearing from specific writers about their approach and towards which side they lean, and it usually ends up being the ones that have more of a proclivity towards gardening are the ones I enjoy the most.
Ah, so great to listen to this. Been a long-time reader and am happy to see Nathan getting much-deserved recognition, although by now, I think, the pen name has lost its lustre and it may be time to bask in the glory of your prose, full name and all ;) Or keep the Slake, we'll read on either way!
I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a long life of interviews and podcasts where Nathan shares bits of his magic.:)
Haha, I'll consider it ;)
Thanks so much Alexander. A pleasure to have been with you along this journey!
I loved this interview, Nathan! Getting one hours of you talking is as engaging as reading your stories. Also, waiting for 'Brae's Meteorite' to continue (as always!).
Thank you for taking the time to listen. That means a lot. 🙏
It was my pleasure.
Don't worry Kimberly I wont rest until I have him fully focussed on his writing! Thanks for all those shoutouts Nathan, you're "an absolute dream". 😘 But in all seriousness, way to make me emotional.
Thank you my gorgeous x 🧡
Kimberly: "Like a sermon, and I’m not religious but if Chloe Hope started a church I would join."
Nathan: "Ditto, ditto."
Me: "Amen!"
😆
always finding the best people to interview 🙏
🤗
I've got a good sniffer. ;)
This was a great conversation. Kimberly asked some lovely questions and I enjoyed reading your answers, Nathan. I have a few things to say, numbered for ease of reference should anyone wish to reference them.
1. I made notes so I wouldn't forget something I wanted to say!
2. "Slow bloomer": an excellent expression.
3. Separating work and writing: I mostly did NOT hide my main writing from my work colleagues, because it was related to my work. Getting published is a good way of enhancing your credibility. But I didn't say anything about my literature-related writing. One thing I found was some colleagues in one place I worked were quite nasty, which I put down to professional jealousy. In another place, not only were they supportive, but one gave me very useful feedback on a book in progress and another said her husband would like to proofread my newsletter for free. So I think the way people respond is something that's out of our control. I also think that writing for the student newspaper while at university helped me develop something of a hard shell: if someone is nastily critical of my writing I take the view that, as Bessie Smith said, "If you don't like my potatoes, why did you dig so deep?" 🤣
4. Sorry this comment is so long, but it was a long interview!
5. Imposter syndrome: anyone who is any good at something tends to get this. People who don't have it are either very fortunate or useless. See Dunbar-Kruger effect, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning%E2%80%93Kruger_effect
6. "I have no training as a writer": what are you talking about? Living is the best training for a writer, plus reading, plus observing. You don't need to do a creative writing course (unless it's one that I teach: excellent value for money and taught by someone who is erudite, handsome, debonair and modest).
7. Creative writing and science: these are very much related, in three ways I can think of, aside from the experimental design you mention: (a) being cynical, a lot of papers written for science journals, based on dodgy results or methodology; (b) the founders of the Oulipo were very much of the opinion that creative writing could be generated by a scientific, I suppose we might say 'algorithmic' approach; (c) the relationship between science fiction, more accurately called 'speculative fiction' and science. As I wrote in a review last year: "The internet, the metaverse, robots, prosthetics and even medical apps all found their first iterations in science fiction." (https://schoolsweek.co.uk/the-review-science-fiction-at-the-science-museum/)
8. Connecting with the audience: excellent point. I think the same in relation to writing. Even if only one person leaves a comment saying they liked a post (thanks, mum) that means more than having lots of subscribers who appear to be untouched by a piece of writing.
9. "if there's one thing I strive for, it's that leaving things out, leaving it up to the reader to read between what's not been said." Oh, you mean like the one sentence stories that you said you found difficult? Ha, caught out at last!
10. Regarding slowness: I love the movement called slow journalism. I have another newsletter, not on Substack, and I made the comment to someone once that I was thinking of including the strapline "always last with the news", and he said "No, always best with the news". I think there is much to be said for slow, considered writing, whether fiction or nonfiction.
11. Please see #4.
What a generous comment Terry! And to your mum, if you're reading this, we love mom likes. (Maybe Nathan's mom will join once if he ever decides to share?) Love what you shared about imposter syndrome. Oh what ignorant bliss to be fortunate or useless! And huzzah to living is the best training. Heading over to your page now Terry to subscribe and dig for some of your potatoes.
Thanks very much, Kimberly. I hope you like them 😅 Thanks for subscribing, I've subscribed to yours too. Looking forward to reading
Fantastic and wonderfully lengthy comment, Terry, thank you. Made me smile.
1. Smart.
2. Glad you approve.
3. This is good to know. Thanks for sharing. This is also a brilliant saying: "If you don't like my potatoes, why did you dig so deep?" I think for me it's not so much a not liking but more a not understanding. For some reason, someone disliking my work I feel OK about. But if someone said "I just don't *get* it? Why are you [wasting your time] doing this?" I'd find it harder to swallow. That's my own battle to overcome, though.
4. Perfectly acceptable.
5. I can think of many people in power who display remarkable Dunning Kruger.
6. Wise. You're so modest, too :P
7. Excellent points. I do at least feel somewhat qualified for the Sci part of SciFi.
8. Lovely. Agree.
9. Damn! Caught! *runs away*
10. Also lovely. I really like this.
11. Please see #4.
Thanks for your considered reply, Nathan. I would feel disappointed, and a bit of a failure probably, if someone didn't get my work, or like it, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. But if someone is nasty about it ("Why are you wasting your time_/This is cr*p/ etc) I think "So when was the last time YOU put anything out there for public scrutiny?", because doing so is, in my opinion, an incredible act of bravery.
These are very comforting and true words, Terry. Thank you. :)
😁