76 Comments
User's avatar
Nan Tepper's avatar

Are you sure you aren't writing? I've seen a lot of writing the last couple of months...

Next question: Are you experimenting with AI images? We may need to have a conversation about that! Love you, Abby. xoxo

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you, Nan. All the writing I've put on substack is from the not-a-book. Only this was new. AI images? Oh no!

Wendy Varley's avatar

For someone not writing, you are writing as compellingly as ever, Abigail. Six days ago you published that beautiful piece about your beloved dog, Dave. And today, this.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you, Wendy. Oh, Dave. Thank you.

Debra Ryll's avatar

And we love you whether you are writing or not writing or writing about not writing.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

I love what you said. Thank you, Debra.

Karol Jackowski's avatar

Brilliant whining.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

I am a professional whiner, especially when stuck. There's a reason every person born on the planet is born knowing how to whine. It makes you feel better, and gets what's in the way, out of the way. Thank you.

Rona Maynard's avatar

This isn’t typing, this is writing. The kind that gets under your skin.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you, Rona. What a lovely thing to say.

Maureen C. Berry's avatar

I mean, Abigail! I feel like you have been writing, because I certainly have been reading. And yes, I get that maybe you're thinking "writing for a book" writing, not Substack writing, but it's all writing however you look at it. So, (Go ahead, I'll be dead anyway) sounds like a perfect first line! And I know how much you adore first lines! If not, it could easily be a brilliant working title. The curious part of you is in transition, like summer to fall. Enjoy the respite!

Yes, those lovely tree frogs in the evenings. I love this time of year. Sunsets are vivid, crepe myrtles are lush and while poplars are already shedding in our woods, as they are the first to bud, I am not disappointed. Summer is overrated!

Katherine Arnup's avatar

Please be kind to yourself, Abigail. Offer yourself the kindness you so generously offer to others.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you, Katherine. Doing better.

Fran Gardner's avatar

Spirit is still writing within you. It is spun gold.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you. It took a while, but I'm done whining. What a nice thing you said.

Tricia Odham 🔥's avatar

I envision the tree frogs singing your own song back to you until your heart remembers and picks up the rhythm. 🐸

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Lovely, thank you, Tricia.

Lisa Cottrell's avatar

Oh Abby, it's good to see you taking your own advice and writing about not writing. And it still counts! It's still writing--especially when you do it! xoxo

Abigail Thomas's avatar

It was about time I took my own advice. My daughter told me to do it.

mary g.'s avatar

"Where is the curious part of me? The part that is my own best company?" Yes, sometimes it's like that. But of course you already know that being curious about the whereabouts of your curious part is you being curious.... Always love to read your thoughts--whining, sob story, or anything at all.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you, thank you.

Nancy Jainchill's avatar

I guess we all have a different understanding of the writing experience. This felt sad. I had a pretty big frog "glued" to my door the other night. I wish I could upload the image. You could see through him. Amazing.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

I felt sad. I'm glad that comes through. I would give anything to see that frog. See right through him, oh how delicate!

Barbara Ghebreselassie's avatar

Loved this……I listen to chipmunks and see the sun fading.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you, Barbara. Me too.

Ethel Bladebone's avatar

I adore your shit. So good. So raw.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you. So glad you like it.

Susan J Tweit's avatar

You are writing, just not with a storyline you can see yet. And as always, what you write hits the heart of life amidst the losses we all live with. Thank you for continuing to express your reality.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you. I think I do see a storyline, but it's not something I will write. How sick he was, how sick he got. I can't go there.

Susan J Tweit's avatar

I understand. You can only write what works for you, and if that doesn't, perhaps another storyline will come to you. Whatever you write is a gift to us all!

Abigail Thomas's avatar

Thank you so much.

Georgetta Hughes's avatar

Your writing has delighted us for years. I think a break to refuel is not unprecedented. I wonder if you would write from Chuck’s perspective on this two week dilemma? You knew him very well so just maybe….😘

My sister and I once filled a.washtub with tree frogs and covered it with a screen.

Then the time we caught

17 box turtles we collected in our chicken coop. Pretty sure my mother let all our creatures go.

Abigail Thomas's avatar

I have put words in is mouth in two pieces. I know exactly what he would say. But I can't do a lot more of it. Thank you. 17 box turtles! and Tree frogs!!