42 Comments

This is stunning. Memoir is such a fascinating genre isn’t it? And you write it brilliantly

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Thanks so much, Clover. This means such a lot coming from you! X

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deletedMar 27
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Oh Scott, I'd forgotten this about you. Of course. Glad that it feels authentically done and so delighted that you're listening along. I see it like a film and very much wrote the memoir borrowing from fiction...

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Just listened to this Lindsay. Really powerfully, and your narration is perfect. So many details, and that comment about embellishment, that makes me think this is a memoir partly about memory and remembering?

Looking forward to listening to more.

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Got it in one. I am so interested in exploring the spaces between our own versions of the truth.

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I'm sure you've come across Tara Westover's Educated? She deals really interestingly with conflicting memories of traumatic experience.

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I loved that book, Simon. Similarly, Kerry Hudson's Lowborn, Deborah Orr's Motherwell and Gavanndra Hodge's The Consequences of Love. All total smashers.

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wondering if you've also read Sarah Polley's Run Towards The Danger, also about conflicting familial memories. thank you Lindsay, I loved listening to this. off to become a paid subscriber now!

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Chloe, thank you so much for listening and for your recommendation. I haven't heard of this book but off to check it out now. Tomorrow's episode is a bumper one: a whole 25 minutes! Just as well I'm not editing for a pre-defined radio slot...!

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she also made an incredible documentary about her family called Stories We Tell. she was a child actor and has a really amazing backstory!

Great, can’t wait to listen. the joy of being in charge of your content, it can take the shape you like! x

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Beautiful piece of memoir. The child's voice is so well defined!

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Thank you so much for listening, Monica 🙏

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founding

Lindsay, this is potent stuff. So vivid in the detail that transported me to that time and place. I was right there with that wee girl. Thank you for sharing 💛

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Nov 12, 2023Liked by Lindsay Johnstone

Lindsay - you need to be very proud of this work - I found a quiet moment to listen as soon as I could 😊. The absent presence of your mum really echoes my own attempts to remember my mum growing up, to be able to place her, and I can never find her. I love that you had a dog. You can feel the materiality of the time in what you evoke. Thank you.

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Oh, Hilary. Thank you for these kind and perceptive words, and for sharing the ways in which they resonate with you ❤️. You have been one of my constant cheerleaders throughout this Substack adventure. I am so glad you're here.x

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This sounds amazing, Lindsay.

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Congratulations on this Lindsay, can’t wait to listen! X

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Thanks Laura! Hope you enjoy it.x

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Nov 12, 2023Liked by Lindsay Johnstone

Just settled down in bed to listen with a mug of cacao in hand. Such a powerful prologue Lindsay, I was quite literally hanging on your every word ❤️

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Looking forward to a school run listen tomorrow! Congratulations on getting this into the world love!

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Nov 13, 2023Liked by Lindsay Johnstone

I’d waited for the right moment to listen to this and I’m glad I did. It’s powerful writing and your narration is perfect. Looking forward to hearing more x

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Thank you for listening, and for such kind words. The next episode is scheduled and ready for Sunday and I can't wait to share it, Hannah. Thanks for coming along for the ride. x

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founding

Powerful, compelling writing. Thank you so much for sharing. Hx

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Thank you so much for listening, Harriet. I can't wait to share the next instalment next Sunday. x

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founding

This is so powerful and well done!

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Thank you so much, Chanel. I am glad that you enjoyed it, and that you are along for the ride. I would so appreciate any sharing you could do with folks who also might enjoy it, too. Much love and solidarity xx

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founding

Thank you for asking me to share! I definitely did here and on Instagram

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This was such a powerful opening, Lindsay. Really enjoyed hearing you read your story, so vividly told. Looking forward to hearing more!

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Nov 14, 2023Liked by Lindsay Johnstone

I was hooked in the first few sentences. I felt a perfect balance of concerned empathy and understated, but very intense anxiety. I can’t wait until the next episode!

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Thank you so much for listening, Elizabeth! So sorry I'm only coming to your comment now... I think it got a bit lost in the Substack alerts! I don't know about you but sometimes a reader (or listener!) makes a really sentient point and then you can't work out exactly what post it's linked to!

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Nov 15, 2023Liked by Lindsay Johnstone

Finally had the chance to listen and I was hooked straight away - can't wait to hear more!

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