In my first post at Thornfield Hall in 2018, I wrote:
“Every writer reaches a stage in her career when he or she is fatigued or blocked. She sits at an untidy desk and writes on an ugly gray computer. For fun, she reviews small-press books nobody else will touch (her friend the literary magazine editor went to school with the small-press editor).
“And she has a blog, of course. But she is tired of it.
“What to do next?
“I am experimenting with a new kind of writing (for me): “journaling” about bookish topics in a notebook. After years of typing blog posts directly on a typewriter or computer, drafting by hand feels innovative.”
And here I am, eight years later, in a similar mood.
I have written with delight about books at this blog. I have reveiwed and journaled about classics, out-of-print middlebrow books, collections of essays, science fiction, fantasy, biographies, and occasional new books.
But my reading has changed, and I have changed. I still love the classics, but as far as new books go, I prefer non-fiction to fiction. (There are exceptions.) Perhaps novels and short stories are not as polished as they used to be – I see the difference – because the electronic world has influenced literary style. If you compare novels written on a computer with those written by hand or on typewriters, you will see a difference. Some will prefer one, some another.
Anyway, I’ll post a notification if I decide (a) to return to Thornfield Hall or (b) begin a new blog.
God bless! Thanks for reading!
Good morning from Australia. Sad to hear that you might be closing the doors of Thornfield Hall. Totally understand, but saddened.
You’ve made me look afresh at books I’ve known and want to re-read them, and made me want to read books I wouldn’t have countenanced, because of your enthusiasm.
In fact, am just about to buy books you’ve recommended over time, to see me through Australian winter – and possibly dark days ahead.
With thanks and very best wishes.
Alexa
I’ve always enjoyed reading you, Kat! Will be here to see with interest what new form your online writing will take (because I know you’ll be there!). Blessings boomeranging back to you.
Diana
Thanks for reading! So many years have passed…
Thanks for all you have done, and good luck with your future endeavors.
Are you going? That will be a tragedy (for me at least) â¦
sent from Symon\’s yPhone 07912 398000 symonvegro.com https://symonvegro.substack.com âBeauty will save the worldâ
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Will miss your posts – always so quirkly and interesting – and will watch this space for what comes next!
Thank you, Simon. Goodness, it’s been a long time of blogging for both of us. Will continue to read your blog.
I’ll miss your posts and hope you return soon. I’ve enjoyed your writing for years though I wasn’t able to comment until recently. Wishing you all the best!
I add my voice to those who will miss you if you decide to take a break. Over the years, I’ve noticed that you and I have some life similarities. I enjoy your writing and the variety of books you read. I’ll wait patiently and hopefully.