It was such a joy to meet you in person and I’m also very happy you were able to ride the front seat on the top deck of a London bus! 🧡
Taking yourself on that trip was a gift that you will never regret and an inspiration to us all that it’s important to care for ourselves like this from time to time ✨
The bus!🥰 I know you're right, I will never regret this solo adventure. It was a treat to begin with, but turned out to be so much better than I imagined. Meeting you was part of that! So glad for our Substack connection.😊
Maria, this sounds like a fantastic trip and just what you needed at this point in time. So glad it worked out for you and best of luck as you continue writing. I am putting in my request for a pre-order now when the book releases!
Thank you, Matthew. For reading, your kind words, and your pre-order!❤️ Gosh, it will be a dream come true if I see this book on a shelf one day. And you are right; this trip was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time.
What a lovely read! Made me want to jump on the next flight to London! Thanks goes to Hannah whose post on Notes caught my eyes. Funny thing, I am writing a novel and the father of my main character insists on being from Norway. Haven't figured out yet from which city 😊
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Carina. I'm so happy Hannah's post caught your eye. She's wonderful! I'd love to hear more about your novel. Is it your first, where in the process are you, what genre? Only if you'd like to share. ☺️ Yes, characters will lead us if we're ready to listen. This entire novel-writing process has been such an enlightening journey.
Ahh, yes it's my first novel and I have been writing on it for years. Did a writing class and got so devastating feedback on my first 10 pages that I lost my mojo for continuing. But I will take up the writing again. And the more I talk about the novel, the more confidence I gain to dust it off and continue writing.
The novel has elements from my own life and it's more drama than feel good perhaps. Or feel good but not romance. Hard to explain 😅
I'm glad you've picked up the pen once more. Feedback can feel so harsh sometimes; I think we writers must grow a thick skin, and even then it doesn't always do the trick. Best of luck as you continue. Perhaps there's a trip to Norway in your future? 😉
I was in London too, in July 2023. It was my third visit there. I wrote a graphic diary about it and published it here on Substack. I never thought of setting my novel there. Now I think, it's a great idea. Next time I'm going to be there, I am going to take notes. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you for reading, Neera. I'm so glad I could offer you a glimmer of inspiration ✨ That makes me very happy. And yes, London is a wonderful city—one of my favorites!
just getting to this one omg! AMAZING! I am so excited for these deets, from Roger's kindness, to the bravery and coolness of meeting up with Hannah, the SURPRISE of your schoolmates (complete and total rad rad radness!!!!!!)...love how crucible-ish (?) this visit is/was. Yes you are super UK in your DNA bc of 5 years+ there. Did you do High Tea at Fortnum & Mason. I freaking love High Tea. Can we plz do that here together in celebs of my favorite author? Go Maria Go!!!! xoxo
I can't believe that I missed this post when you first published it. Thank you for sharing this and it is wonderful to see how your visit to the UK has helped to frame some of the themes/ideas about your book. And you got to meet Hannah :)
I love all of your photos, but I am really drawn to the last one when you have landed back in LA. There is something about the narrative of this post where this image is just so fitting for where you have placed it. And the blur of the palm trees and drag of the car lights. Beautiful.
I’m so glad it made its way to you, Sarah! No one else has commented on that blurry LA shot, but it doesn’t surprise me that you noticed it given your own photography work and style. I don’t know anything about photography, but those LA images made me feel something too. The heat, the traffic, the way the day slipped into night through the haze of jet lag, the dreamlike quality of crossing multiple time zones, the stark difference in landscape from where I had come…a sense vs a clear image of “home.” I consider it a great compliment that it captured your attention!
Meeting Hannah was definitely a highlight. When she said she was meeting you not long after, I said, “If only I had come a few weeks later!” Who knows? Maybe the opportunity will present itself in the future!
I stumbled on this article on my homepage and I’m so glad I did! I’m rediscovering my passion for writing at almost-forty and I, TOO, made an inspirational trip to London this year! In August. I had never been and I’m not even writing about London in any way, I just felt I needed to take a solo trip to be there to write the book I’m currently working on (and to see a few specific shows because I’m also a massive theatre nerd). And my time there was transformative on a molecular level. I’m so glad you had a wonderful trip as well!
Hi Hannah! Your comment absolutely made my day. Thank you so much for reading my piece. And subscribing! ❤️ I love how you describe your trip to this wonderful city as "transformative on a molecular level." YES. I relate to this deeply. I'm sure you caught some great shows while you were in town, too. They do it right in the West End! I'd love to know more about your journey back to writing and the book you're working on.
I’m writing a memoir about my faith deconstruction and deconversion from evangelical Christianity. There are so many people grappling with their own deconstruction path which can feel petrifying, invalidating, and like it’s the end of the world because it rocks an entire foundation on which someone has built their belief system about consciousness and existence. But I want to show people how, even in the fear, grief, and the loss from examining or leaving a faith tradition, deconstruction (and even deconversion) can be a path of hope, beauty, and transformation.
Wow! That sounds absolutely fascinating, Hannah. I admire your bravery; I’m sure it hasn’t been an easy journey. I imagine your story will be incredibly inspiring to many.❤️
Maria, I missed this post in October but am so glad to have found it! What a lovely leap of faith into the world of your novel and your own history at the same time. It inspires me to heed the tug I've been feeling back to New England, the setting of my childhood and unfinished novel. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thanks so much for reading, Jody. Sometimes I feel like my entire writing journey has been a giant leap of faith...certainly in my novel, but maybe also in finding my place at this point in my life. Sounds like New England is waiting for you when the time is right.
Maria, I have been saving this post to read because I knew how much I'd enjoy it -- and reading it was even more of a delight than I imagined.
I resonated with so much of it: moments of solitude, meeting online friends IRL (so cool that you got to meet Hannah! I love her Substack too!), nostalgia, remembering that we are more alike than different, and of course, butter on toast!
I also enjoyed all of the photos! Did you do your tea at Fortnum and Mason? I have that tablescape burned in my mind because I think about it so often. 😂
Lastly, congratulations on hitting 80,000 words! Your book is going to be even more special after the experience of your trip and I cannot wait to read more about London through your lens.
Michelle! Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. I am so honored that you set aside my post for the right moment and that you enjoyed it.❤️
Yes, that is indeed tea at F&M! I love that you knew right away. A fellow fan of high tea!🫖
Thanks so much for all the support and encouragement. Some days it feels like I’ll be working on this draft forever…will this story ever end??😂
Oh Maria, I teared up when reading this. I felt like I was there with you. I’m so glad you breathed through the anxious moments that flooded you before leaving, and listened to that quiet voice telling what your soul needed. It’s a good reminder to listen a little more. Thank you ❤️
You write so beautifully, Maria! I remember being with you in GCSE English classes with Mrs Crane! Do you remember her making us write down our spelling mistakes on pieces of paper and then burning them in what looked like a cauldron?!! That definitely wouldn't be allowed these days!! Crazy! It was so lovely to see you after almost 30 years!! And so special to be able to be together, so comfortable in each other's presence - maybe it's because we knew each other during our formative years? xx
Thank you so much for reading, Carine.❤️ I feel exactly the same way about being able to see you and chat and it all feeling so "normal" after so long. Honestly, it all made my heart nearly burst. We definitely shared a lot through those years, no doubt about it. It was truly such a gift to be there with all of you that day, to be able to look back. A full circle moment! I really don't remember that cauldron, but it's possible I blocked it out because I probably filled that pot with my American spelling 😂
You are such a terrific writer. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to join you on a piece of your journey. High tea was the best part of my trip! Congratulations on 80k words friend. Excited for the finished product.
It was such a joy to meet you in person and I’m also very happy you were able to ride the front seat on the top deck of a London bus! 🧡
Taking yourself on that trip was a gift that you will never regret and an inspiration to us all that it’s important to care for ourselves like this from time to time ✨
The bus!🥰 I know you're right, I will never regret this solo adventure. It was a treat to begin with, but turned out to be so much better than I imagined. Meeting you was part of that! So glad for our Substack connection.😊
Maria, this sounds like a fantastic trip and just what you needed at this point in time. So glad it worked out for you and best of luck as you continue writing. I am putting in my request for a pre-order now when the book releases!
Thank you, Matthew. For reading, your kind words, and your pre-order!❤️ Gosh, it will be a dream come true if I see this book on a shelf one day. And you are right; this trip was exactly what I needed at exactly the right time.
What a lovely read! Made me want to jump on the next flight to London! Thanks goes to Hannah whose post on Notes caught my eyes. Funny thing, I am writing a novel and the father of my main character insists on being from Norway. Haven't figured out yet from which city 😊
Thank you so much for reading and commenting, Carina. I'm so happy Hannah's post caught your eye. She's wonderful! I'd love to hear more about your novel. Is it your first, where in the process are you, what genre? Only if you'd like to share. ☺️ Yes, characters will lead us if we're ready to listen. This entire novel-writing process has been such an enlightening journey.
Ahh, yes it's my first novel and I have been writing on it for years. Did a writing class and got so devastating feedback on my first 10 pages that I lost my mojo for continuing. But I will take up the writing again. And the more I talk about the novel, the more confidence I gain to dust it off and continue writing.
The novel has elements from my own life and it's more drama than feel good perhaps. Or feel good but not romance. Hard to explain 😅
I'm glad you've picked up the pen once more. Feedback can feel so harsh sometimes; I think we writers must grow a thick skin, and even then it doesn't always do the trick. Best of luck as you continue. Perhaps there's a trip to Norway in your future? 😉
Tehe who knows, I would not mind going to Norway 😊
I think I smiled the entire time I read this! And what a gift that’s surprise was, at the end. I’m so glad you took this trip, Maria!!
Thanks so much for reading, Kristine. I love that it made you smile! I felt the same way writing it.😊
I was in London too, in July 2023. It was my third visit there. I wrote a graphic diary about it and published it here on Substack. I never thought of setting my novel there. Now I think, it's a great idea. Next time I'm going to be there, I am going to take notes. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you for reading, Neera. I'm so glad I could offer you a glimmer of inspiration ✨ That makes me very happy. And yes, London is a wonderful city—one of my favorites!
just getting to this one omg! AMAZING! I am so excited for these deets, from Roger's kindness, to the bravery and coolness of meeting up with Hannah, the SURPRISE of your schoolmates (complete and total rad rad radness!!!!!!)...love how crucible-ish (?) this visit is/was. Yes you are super UK in your DNA bc of 5 years+ there. Did you do High Tea at Fortnum & Mason. I freaking love High Tea. Can we plz do that here together in celebs of my favorite author? Go Maria Go!!!! xoxo
Yes, tea at F&M! We should do it here for sure, but we probably need tea in London as well. Don't you think?😊
um YES. Obvs I would go with / meet you in London anytime lady!!!! xoxo
I can't believe that I missed this post when you first published it. Thank you for sharing this and it is wonderful to see how your visit to the UK has helped to frame some of the themes/ideas about your book. And you got to meet Hannah :)
I love all of your photos, but I am really drawn to the last one when you have landed back in LA. There is something about the narrative of this post where this image is just so fitting for where you have placed it. And the blur of the palm trees and drag of the car lights. Beautiful.
Congratulations on breaking 80,000 words!
I’m so glad it made its way to you, Sarah! No one else has commented on that blurry LA shot, but it doesn’t surprise me that you noticed it given your own photography work and style. I don’t know anything about photography, but those LA images made me feel something too. The heat, the traffic, the way the day slipped into night through the haze of jet lag, the dreamlike quality of crossing multiple time zones, the stark difference in landscape from where I had come…a sense vs a clear image of “home.” I consider it a great compliment that it captured your attention!
Meeting Hannah was definitely a highlight. When she said she was meeting you not long after, I said, “If only I had come a few weeks later!” Who knows? Maybe the opportunity will present itself in the future!
Thanks for reading xo
I stumbled on this article on my homepage and I’m so glad I did! I’m rediscovering my passion for writing at almost-forty and I, TOO, made an inspirational trip to London this year! In August. I had never been and I’m not even writing about London in any way, I just felt I needed to take a solo trip to be there to write the book I’m currently working on (and to see a few specific shows because I’m also a massive theatre nerd). And my time there was transformative on a molecular level. I’m so glad you had a wonderful trip as well!
Hi Hannah! Your comment absolutely made my day. Thank you so much for reading my piece. And subscribing! ❤️ I love how you describe your trip to this wonderful city as "transformative on a molecular level." YES. I relate to this deeply. I'm sure you caught some great shows while you were in town, too. They do it right in the West End! I'd love to know more about your journey back to writing and the book you're working on.
I’m writing a memoir about my faith deconstruction and deconversion from evangelical Christianity. There are so many people grappling with their own deconstruction path which can feel petrifying, invalidating, and like it’s the end of the world because it rocks an entire foundation on which someone has built their belief system about consciousness and existence. But I want to show people how, even in the fear, grief, and the loss from examining or leaving a faith tradition, deconstruction (and even deconversion) can be a path of hope, beauty, and transformation.
Wow! That sounds absolutely fascinating, Hannah. I admire your bravery; I’m sure it hasn’t been an easy journey. I imagine your story will be incredibly inspiring to many.❤️
Maria, I missed this post in October but am so glad to have found it! What a lovely leap of faith into the world of your novel and your own history at the same time. It inspires me to heed the tug I've been feeling back to New England, the setting of my childhood and unfinished novel. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thanks so much for reading, Jody. Sometimes I feel like my entire writing journey has been a giant leap of faith...certainly in my novel, but maybe also in finding my place at this point in my life. Sounds like New England is waiting for you when the time is right.
Maria, I have been saving this post to read because I knew how much I'd enjoy it -- and reading it was even more of a delight than I imagined.
I resonated with so much of it: moments of solitude, meeting online friends IRL (so cool that you got to meet Hannah! I love her Substack too!), nostalgia, remembering that we are more alike than different, and of course, butter on toast!
I also enjoyed all of the photos! Did you do your tea at Fortnum and Mason? I have that tablescape burned in my mind because I think about it so often. 😂
Lastly, congratulations on hitting 80,000 words! Your book is going to be even more special after the experience of your trip and I cannot wait to read more about London through your lens.
Michelle! Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. I am so honored that you set aside my post for the right moment and that you enjoyed it.❤️
Yes, that is indeed tea at F&M! I love that you knew right away. A fellow fan of high tea!🫖
Thanks so much for all the support and encouragement. Some days it feels like I’ll be working on this draft forever…will this story ever end??😂
London (I ♥️ London), long-lasting friendships, and new ones. How wonderful!
The best! Thank you so much for reading, Olivia.
And 80,000 words!! Bravo! 🙌
Oh Maria, I teared up when reading this. I felt like I was there with you. I’m so glad you breathed through the anxious moments that flooded you before leaving, and listened to that quiet voice telling what your soul needed. It’s a good reminder to listen a little more. Thank you ❤️
I know you understand so much of this. ❤️ That voice starts to shout if we don't listen, I think.
I love following you on this journey and can’t to read the finished product one day, Maria! It’s very inspiring!!!
Thank you so much for reading and for your encouragement, Peggy! Every bit of support keeps me on the path.
You write so beautifully, Maria! I remember being with you in GCSE English classes with Mrs Crane! Do you remember her making us write down our spelling mistakes on pieces of paper and then burning them in what looked like a cauldron?!! That definitely wouldn't be allowed these days!! Crazy! It was so lovely to see you after almost 30 years!! And so special to be able to be together, so comfortable in each other's presence - maybe it's because we knew each other during our formative years? xx
Thank you so much for reading, Carine.❤️ I feel exactly the same way about being able to see you and chat and it all feeling so "normal" after so long. Honestly, it all made my heart nearly burst. We definitely shared a lot through those years, no doubt about it. It was truly such a gift to be there with all of you that day, to be able to look back. A full circle moment! I really don't remember that cauldron, but it's possible I blocked it out because I probably filled that pot with my American spelling 😂
You are such a terrific writer. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to join you on a piece of your journey. High tea was the best part of my trip! Congratulations on 80k words friend. Excited for the finished product.
Thanks so much for reading, Mar!❤️ I think, if I can get this book into the world, it may call for another round of tea and scones.
And coronation chicken!
But NOT egg salad!🤣
😳