Such a great post and way to capture your life. A beautiful reminder to note and focus on the many positives even along w the few negatives I think this is so healthy to capture the full picture. Thank you for sharing. And I love your writing here~very fluid💜✨️
Thank you so much, Claire! What a lovely comment! I have such fun putting together this little round-up. It serves as a brilliant check-in for my goals, so the fact that anyone else enjoys it is such a pleasant surprise!
Thanks again for reading and commenting. I hope your June was filled with lots of wins! xx
Fantastic post Emma. Although from what you've said, you had a tough few weeks, it also shines through your writing that there was a lot of good in there too.
Keep highlighting those glimmers - they make the world go round.
Hi Malak! Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
The writing community is the brilliant @Joy Sullivan’s Sustenance. Unfortunately, it is now fully booked, as she only opens it up to new members once a year.
I know there are other writing communities on Substack, though! You should definitely keep an eye open! And if I come across any more I will let you know :)
I love that you choose to be optimistic about your rejection, that instead of agonising about it, you have a plan and focus on moving forward and keep growing and learning. Go you!! I wish you all the best on your memoir writing & publishing journey. Would love to hear more about it as I'm writing a memoir, too 🌸
Thank you so much, Alex! Don’t get me wrong… I was a little down about it as it was my first proper rejection. But I figure I’ve come so far, I don’t want to give up now! My FIL says that anything worth starting is worth finishing, so I’m trying to remember that 🤣
I’ll definitely write more about my journey! I’m actually planning a post on my thoughts about ‘author platform.’ I’m no expert… but I have a lot of thoughts after being on Substack for a year lol
I’d love to hear more about your memoir! What’s it about? Where in the process are you? xx
Of course, you have every right to feel down. If I was in that situation, I'd probably be gutted at first. However, there is also something beautiful about experiencing rejection. The more we do, the stronger we become. I've experienced quite a lot of rejection in terms of job applications recently. And it's been hard but I also think it's been good for me to practice dealing with rejection. One day, I'll probably be in your situation of reaching out to a literary agent about my memoir or another book and if I get rejected, I will be prepared.
As a brief summary: My memoir is about how moving to Auckland (New Zealand) from Germany has completely transformed my life (and me).
I'm still very early into the writing process. I have written down around 6-7 chapters or the second part (there is 3) but it's not first draft material yet. I definitely want to commit to it more but recently my life has turned a bit upside down and so I don't have much capacity for it.
You’re so right, Alex! To be honest, I haven’t experienced much rejection before. Not because I get accepted everywhere I go, but because I never even put myself out there. So querying is a new experience for me! You’re right that it will make me stronger, which is another blessing in disguise 🙂
I’m so sorry about the job search. I’ve a lot of friends who’ve been in similar boats recently. It seems the job market is tough the world over right now! I hope you find something soon.
Your memoir sounds fascinating! I hope you’re able to find the time to work on it! A huge part of the process (in my opinion) is just getting that first draft out. I don’t even like to call it a first draft, actually… I call it draft zero lol. Cheering you on!
I feel that! I've never experienced much rejection (except romantically) either. It only began last year, since I embarked on my first proper long-term job hunt. My motto has become "Be proud of rejection, it is a sign that you put yourself out there. That's worth celebrating!"
Luckily, I recently found a job. It's not quite what I initially anticipated; nonetheless, it's been a blessing. I'm so grateful for it.
I think it is probably a matter of making time, not finding time 😂
Perhaps I can try to work on it at least once a week, making it a routine, even if only for a couple of hours. Thank you, I will cheer you on with yours, too 💕
I love how honest and grounded this update is. That line about choosing to believe in yourself every day really hit me. Thank you for sharing the messy parts too, they make the wins feel even more meaningful 💛
Thank you so much, JA! I really appreciate that! And thank you for the kind compliment on my photos. My husband is a brilliant photographer, so I’m trying to improve because I’m jealous of him 🤣
Your post is heartfelt and shows how much you’ve grown. Amid the challenges, it radiates a sense of tranquility that is inspiring. 💛 Keep moving forward, and I wish you all the best in your pursuit of publishing your memoirs. 💪🏻🪷
I’m happy to share that I’m doing well—my recent genetic test came back negative, which is such a relief! I’m truly grateful and celebrating every moment. Looking ahead, I’ll be having my next surgery—a mastectomy of my left breast with immediate reconstruction—sometime in September or October. It’s a big step, but I feel hopeful and ready. Life is precious, and I’m embracing it with all my heart. 🪷
That’s amazing news, Lúcia! Congratulations! I remember how anxious that wait was for me. It’ll be such a load off your mind once the surgery is done! I also had mastectomies straight to recon. Feel free to DM anytime if you have questions! I’m happy to help any way I can 🧡
Thank you so much, friend! And thank you for the compliment on my photos… I had a great time with my new point-and-shoot cameras, and I was pleased with the results. My husband is a brilliant photographer, and I’m trying to develop my skills because I’m jealous 🤣
Nice monthly update, Emma. I'm saying this with an English accent, "Emma dar-ling, this was just lovely!" 😊 Cheers and keep going! You're taking the right steps by staying on your path and remaining focused on your goals. 🥳
Such a great post and way to capture your life. A beautiful reminder to note and focus on the many positives even along w the few negatives I think this is so healthy to capture the full picture. Thank you for sharing. And I love your writing here~very fluid💜✨️
Thank you so much, Claire! What a lovely comment! I have such fun putting together this little round-up. It serves as a brilliant check-in for my goals, so the fact that anyone else enjoys it is such a pleasant surprise!
Thanks again for reading and commenting. I hope your June was filled with lots of wins! xx
You've inspired me to keep a lil track of my week and then reflect on my wins for myself. So thank you😘✨️
I love that, Claire!! 🙌
Fantastic post Emma. Although from what you've said, you had a tough few weeks, it also shines through your writing that there was a lot of good in there too.
Keep highlighting those glimmers - they make the world go round.
Thank you so much, Suzanne 🥲 What a lovely comment!
I love that you used the word ‘glimmer.’ My Mum told me about this concept and I think it’s just brilliant! I’m always looking out for glimmers now 🙂
Love this — keep it up!!
Thank you, Susan! I really appreciate you reading and commenting! 🧡
Love this a lot ❤️ Would you mind sharing the writing community? Sounds like something I’d love to be part of :)
Hi Malak! Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
The writing community is the brilliant @Joy Sullivan’s Sustenance. Unfortunately, it is now fully booked, as she only opens it up to new members once a year.
I know there are other writing communities on Substack, though! You should definitely keep an eye open! And if I come across any more I will let you know :)
Wishing you all the best 💐
Thank you friend!!!
I love that you choose to be optimistic about your rejection, that instead of agonising about it, you have a plan and focus on moving forward and keep growing and learning. Go you!! I wish you all the best on your memoir writing & publishing journey. Would love to hear more about it as I'm writing a memoir, too 🌸
Thank you so much, Alex! Don’t get me wrong… I was a little down about it as it was my first proper rejection. But I figure I’ve come so far, I don’t want to give up now! My FIL says that anything worth starting is worth finishing, so I’m trying to remember that 🤣
I’ll definitely write more about my journey! I’m actually planning a post on my thoughts about ‘author platform.’ I’m no expert… but I have a lot of thoughts after being on Substack for a year lol
I’d love to hear more about your memoir! What’s it about? Where in the process are you? xx
Of course, you have every right to feel down. If I was in that situation, I'd probably be gutted at first. However, there is also something beautiful about experiencing rejection. The more we do, the stronger we become. I've experienced quite a lot of rejection in terms of job applications recently. And it's been hard but I also think it's been good for me to practice dealing with rejection. One day, I'll probably be in your situation of reaching out to a literary agent about my memoir or another book and if I get rejected, I will be prepared.
As a brief summary: My memoir is about how moving to Auckland (New Zealand) from Germany has completely transformed my life (and me).
I'm still very early into the writing process. I have written down around 6-7 chapters or the second part (there is 3) but it's not first draft material yet. I definitely want to commit to it more but recently my life has turned a bit upside down and so I don't have much capacity for it.
You’re so right, Alex! To be honest, I haven’t experienced much rejection before. Not because I get accepted everywhere I go, but because I never even put myself out there. So querying is a new experience for me! You’re right that it will make me stronger, which is another blessing in disguise 🙂
I’m so sorry about the job search. I’ve a lot of friends who’ve been in similar boats recently. It seems the job market is tough the world over right now! I hope you find something soon.
Your memoir sounds fascinating! I hope you’re able to find the time to work on it! A huge part of the process (in my opinion) is just getting that first draft out. I don’t even like to call it a first draft, actually… I call it draft zero lol. Cheering you on!
I feel that! I've never experienced much rejection (except romantically) either. It only began last year, since I embarked on my first proper long-term job hunt. My motto has become "Be proud of rejection, it is a sign that you put yourself out there. That's worth celebrating!"
Luckily, I recently found a job. It's not quite what I initially anticipated; nonetheless, it's been a blessing. I'm so grateful for it.
I think it is probably a matter of making time, not finding time 😂
Perhaps I can try to work on it at least once a week, making it a routine, even if only for a couple of hours. Thank you, I will cheer you on with yours, too 💕
Ah, yes… I definitely have experienced romantic rejection 🤣
Oh yay congratulations on your new job! That‘s amazing! And I love your motto…. I’m going to have to remember that!
You definitely have to make time to write, but it’s a struggle! 🧡
Love this!
Thank you so much, Mahmoud! 🥲
Subscribed to get you that car. Turns out you're a wonderful writer, too! Looking forward to seeing more
I should add that your photography is incredible as well
Oh, thank you again!! I’ve been working on my photography because my husband is an even better photographer than he is a baker, and I feel left out 🤣
That is the nicest comment, thank you! I really appreciate that!
I really love your blog and posts 🙂↔️
Thank you so much, Niomi! I really appreciate it!
I love how honest and grounded this update is. That line about choosing to believe in yourself every day really hit me. Thank you for sharing the messy parts too, they make the wins feel even more meaningful 💛
Thank you so much 🥲 I really appreciate it, Olivia!
A silent disco in the freezing English Channel! That is a fabulous photo and wonderful metaphor for trying, Emma! Keep going, girl. You’ve got this!
OMG you’re right, Sheri! It really is the perfect metaphor for trying, even though it’s hard! Thank you for that!
And thanks too because I was proud of that photo 🤣
Wow. What a busy month. Wishing you the best in your endeavors and that you get great guidance.
Yes, it was rather a busy month! I was surprised when I typed this all up… I’m not usually so busy 🤣
Thank you so much for reading and wishing me the best! It really means a lot to me, and it also helps other people find my work.
I hope you had a great June, filled with lots of wins! :)
Lovely insights here and beautiful photographs as well! Chin up! You’re doing fantastic work.
Thank you so much, JA! I really appreciate that! And thank you for the kind compliment on my photos. My husband is a brilliant photographer, so I’m trying to improve because I’m jealous of him 🤣
Your post is heartfelt and shows how much you’ve grown. Amid the challenges, it radiates a sense of tranquility that is inspiring. 💛 Keep moving forward, and I wish you all the best in your pursuit of publishing your memoirs. 💪🏻🪷
Thank you so much, Lúcia! I’m always so happy to see your name pop up in my comments!
How are you doing? xxx
Emma 🥹❤️
I’m happy to share that I’m doing well—my recent genetic test came back negative, which is such a relief! I’m truly grateful and celebrating every moment. Looking ahead, I’ll be having my next surgery—a mastectomy of my left breast with immediate reconstruction—sometime in September or October. It’s a big step, but I feel hopeful and ready. Life is precious, and I’m embracing it with all my heart. 🪷
That’s amazing news, Lúcia! Congratulations! I remember how anxious that wait was for me. It’ll be such a load off your mind once the surgery is done! I also had mastectomies straight to recon. Feel free to DM anytime if you have questions! I’m happy to help any way I can 🧡
I love the photos here! Beautiful post.
Thank you so much, friend! And thank you for the compliment on my photos… I had a great time with my new point-and-shoot cameras, and I was pleased with the results. My husband is a brilliant photographer, and I’m trying to develop my skills because I’m jealous 🤣
Nice monthly update, Emma. I'm saying this with an English accent, "Emma dar-ling, this was just lovely!" 😊 Cheers and keep going! You're taking the right steps by staying on your path and remaining focused on your goals. 🥳
Thank you so much, Isabella 🥲 That is so kind! I had a giggle at your typed-up English accent… I could totally hear it in my head!
Thanks again for reading and commenting! It really helps other people find my work on here 🙂 xx