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Rona Maynard's avatar

I particularly like her observation about not “aging out” of writing. Nor does it require anyone’s permission—except your own.

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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

I do too, Rona. I need to remind myself of this truth about not aging out of writing every day! And to keep giving myself permission to write. (And try to stay out of my own way...)

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Maria Hanley's avatar

Wonderful interview. So many beautiful truths about writing.

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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

Thank you! I loved this interview too!

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Amy Brown's avatar

Beautifully encouraging interview on so many levels. Thank you Sarah, I can’t wait to read The Lion Women of Tehran. I so appreciate the reminder we never ‘age out’ of writing as a 64-year-old still hoping to publish a novel after decades working on the craft. Some stories need the ripening of time to be told. I am feeling that in my writing these days.

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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

I appreciate and need the reminder too, Amy! Especially since I put aside the novel draft I'd been working on for about three years, and now I've turned a side project into my main project. Who knows what will come of it, but I'm much happier working on it than on the other draft, which I just couldn't get a handle on.

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Amy Makechnie's avatar

No aging out - I love this. We have plenty of examples of artists painting, drawing, creating, writing for life. Take inspiration and forget the doubters (which honestly, is all in my head anyway).

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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

Thanks, Amy. So true re artists continuing to make art through their lives. Self-doubt is a killer for me too.

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Marjorie Apple's avatar

I really enjoyed this interview, Sarah. It made me curious about her books (two of which I've added to my my longterm TBR.) I added three of your book recommendations to that same, ever-growing list!

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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

Thank you, Marjorie! I really appreciated her wisdom. And yes, the TBR list is ever growing!

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Jill Swenson's avatar

New novel for my TBR list! There is something compelling about Iran during this historical period that I want to know more about through the lens of female friendship. Great premise that has me hooked.

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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

Oh, good, I’m glad to hear it! Yes, compelling. The friendship lens is a compelling way in to a complicated place and era.

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Jean Stehle's avatar

Coincidentally, I just finished LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN! It will hold a special place in my heart. It’s no surprise that I loved your exchange with Marjan. Grateful for her encouraging insights. ❤️

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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

Thank you, Jean! And I agree--her insights are encouraging and wise. Good reminders for us all.

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Ann Kennedy Smith's avatar

This is lovely, Sarah, and offers such great insights into the writing process. Thanks so much for mentioning my post on Barbara Pym too. I do always recommend her Excellent Women as a comforting read (with a hint of spice!) and also Gwen Raverat's Period Piece; Maya Angelou's memoirs; Ronald Blythe's nature essays; Marilynne Robinson's Gilead... to name just a few.

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Sarah McCraw Crow's avatar

Somehow I missed your comment until this moment, sorry! Thank you for these recommendations! I love Excellent Women too--seems like it has more bite than Jane and Prudence, though I really did enjoy Jane and Prudence and its gentle humor. I still haven't read Period Piece, though it's on my list. Think I will do a longer post of comfort reads sometime soon...

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Sharon Wishnow's avatar

I love that we're not super models! Thank goodness if that were a requirement along with everything else!

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