39 Comments
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Jasmine Delaviz's avatar

Much needed read! Brilliant as always ❤️

Cathy Davies's avatar

Well said JW. I often think fundamentalist religion is used as a way to divide up the women amongst the men. We are lucky living here. But we mustn't forget, it could all change. Happy independence x

Alexandra Senske's avatar

Hear hear! I hope your writings here one day will be bundled in a book. Such lovely reads. All of them. And this one ❤️

Jantee's avatar

I worry about our young people. Our education system seems to actively discourage them from independent thinking.

Clare Murphy's avatar

Powerful words, Jeanette. They make my heart sing.

Sue Latta's avatar

Thank you. Today I needed to be reminded to be grateful for my independence. AND to hold myself responsible for my own creative state.

Varsha Shah's avatar

Wonderful- thank you.

Sue Key's avatar

Your Substacks always make provoke me to think more. Thank you!

Tracy Perrett's avatar

Spot on, strangely poignant.

Brenda Gilbert's avatar

Thank you. As usual, you hit the nail squarely on the head.

Cookie's avatar

Being free to fight the regime!

Tia Thomson's avatar

for me Independence is about having choices, and the freedom to make them.

Competition exists, but is not the most important - sometimes it makes you want to do better (sometimes makes you want to give up) Cooperation is better, as it means everybody can win

Lucy Hearne Keane's avatar

Thought provoking as usual. Thank you 👍🙏

Tual Reads's avatar

If you are in the publishing world, you know there are two ways a translator can get paid. One is royalty-based, providing a continuous stream of income. The other is a flat, one-time fee; this is a quick payout that is often very difficult to turn down. However, the trade-off is profound. With a flat fee, the publisher owns your work. They can repackage it as an audiobook or use it in other creative projects, all without notifying you or offering further payment. I came across this insight from Jeanette Winterson just after making a firm decision this morning. I am no longer willing to trade my copyright for a single, immediate payment. To sell my translation in that way is to lose ownership of my craft, effectively giving up the very words I uniquely created. Thank you, Jeanette, for your wise words.

Catherine Lent's avatar

This was just the thing for me today. Thank you.