So do I! I didn't know much about her before your article and now realise her centenary has been and gone, without any fanfare. Have just checked Waterstone's and there is a volume of her collected stories there, so I shall check with my local bookshop and be proactive!
Grace Paley has been on my radar for years, mentioned by other writers in magazines, workshops etc, but I have never come across any of her work in libraries or bookshops - until now! I have just reserved a book of her poetry at my local library; I would have preferred the short stories, but it's a start.
That's great! I think she is well thought of amongst other writers because of her ear for dialogue and the way she just did her own thing. I hope you manage to also track down some of her stories soon :)
Another wonderful read, Kate. I love your enthusiasm and admiration which shines through. I also appreciated reading a female writer giving credit to the work of raising children which can sadly be belitted by women sometimes.
Thank you, Katharine. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I agree; so often I think we applaud those who have made great strides as women (who are of course to be celebrated) but we don't always give credit to the women who have put their family first and writing second.
I absolutely agree and it's sad when women denigrate the creative work that mothering is, which I've come across from public figures and socially. I understand why when, of course, women have been so pressured into domestic settings and have had to fight out of that, but it's neither sisterly or fair to us, as mothers, to underestimate what we have given of ourselves to our children. And it can feel disrespectful of our own mothers who may have chiefly worked within the family.
WOW! That was a great read. Thank you for sharing it! It always amazes me to read about so many strong females who spoke up for what's right. Those who aren't as well known because they haven't been spoken of enough are starting to become better known. I'm glad that little by little more awareness is created about them because it let's the next generation know that they too. That they can grow to be whoever they wish. It makes the world a better place because together we can! Wonderful post.
Thank you so much for your comment, Angela! Absolutely: we need stories of strong women to show us what we can achieve. (Another reason I started this newsletter sharing their stories!!)
Agree with your admiration for Paley holding fast to the short story form despite encouragement to move into novel writing. A critical challenge for every person is to determine the setting, frame and context within which they can do their best work.
Thank you, Baird! Yes, I often think there is an idea that one type of writing is above all others; or that to be taken seriously as a “writer”, you must have written a book. Paley proved that honing your own craft was what was important- as was the other elements of her life that fed into her work.
A wonderful essay! Putting Grace Paley on my “To Be Read Immediately” list - I’m trying to read more short story collections/poetry this year and I her work sounds so compelling. Thank you for writing this!
What a wonderful reflection of an amazing woman.
💕
So do I! I didn't know much about her before your article and now realise her centenary has been and gone, without any fanfare. Have just checked Waterstone's and there is a volume of her collected stories there, so I shall check with my local bookshop and be proactive!
Grace Paley has been on my radar for years, mentioned by other writers in magazines, workshops etc, but I have never come across any of her work in libraries or bookshops - until now! I have just reserved a book of her poetry at my local library; I would have preferred the short stories, but it's a start.
That's great! I think she is well thought of amongst other writers because of her ear for dialogue and the way she just did her own thing. I hope you manage to also track down some of her stories soon :)
Another wonderful read, Kate. I love your enthusiasm and admiration which shines through. I also appreciated reading a female writer giving credit to the work of raising children which can sadly be belitted by women sometimes.
Thank you, Katharine. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I agree; so often I think we applaud those who have made great strides as women (who are of course to be celebrated) but we don't always give credit to the women who have put their family first and writing second.
I absolutely agree and it's sad when women denigrate the creative work that mothering is, which I've come across from public figures and socially. I understand why when, of course, women have been so pressured into domestic settings and have had to fight out of that, but it's neither sisterly or fair to us, as mothers, to underestimate what we have given of ourselves to our children. And it can feel disrespectful of our own mothers who may have chiefly worked within the family.
Absolutely. My mother was a homemaker and mother and was one of the most intelligent, creative and interesting people I've ever met. 💕
WOW! That was a great read. Thank you for sharing it! It always amazes me to read about so many strong females who spoke up for what's right. Those who aren't as well known because they haven't been spoken of enough are starting to become better known. I'm glad that little by little more awareness is created about them because it let's the next generation know that they too. That they can grow to be whoever they wish. It makes the world a better place because together we can! Wonderful post.
Thank you so much for your comment, Angela! Absolutely: we need stories of strong women to show us what we can achieve. (Another reason I started this newsletter sharing their stories!!)
Agree with your admiration for Paley holding fast to the short story form despite encouragement to move into novel writing. A critical challenge for every person is to determine the setting, frame and context within which they can do their best work.
Thanks for this illuminating profile Kate!
Thank you, Baird! Yes, I often think there is an idea that one type of writing is above all others; or that to be taken seriously as a “writer”, you must have written a book. Paley proved that honing your own craft was what was important- as was the other elements of her life that fed into her work.
A wonderful essay! Putting Grace Paley on my “To Be Read Immediately” list - I’m trying to read more short story collections/poetry this year and I her work sounds so compelling. Thank you for writing this!
You're welcome, Kelsey! I think you'll love her style, and a lot of her stories are short-short, so great for quick reads and commutes!
Thank you!
I've been meaning to read her stories...
Definitely recommend checking them out!