Loved this, Sarah. I have come across Oliphant in my literary studies, but I didn't know all this about her. Her output is remarkable, especially given her single-mother status, and her need to look after the whole family. I think it's so sad that she never really thought she had achieved her full potential with her writing, despite her considerable achievements, but I find it even sadder that she ultimately blamed herself for not being a good enough parent. Her ideas around playing down her own work really rang true to me as a parent, and as a woman writer, I think. I have often found myself doing this and it is a timely reminder that if we don't take our work seriously, then others may not respect the time we spend on it. Thank you! : )
Loved this, Sarah. I have come across Oliphant in my literary studies, but I didn't know all this about her. Her output is remarkable, especially given her single-mother status, and her need to look after the whole family. I think it's so sad that she never really thought she had achieved her full potential with her writing, despite her considerable achievements, but I find it even sadder that she ultimately blamed herself for not being a good enough parent. Her ideas around playing down her own work really rang true to me as a parent, and as a woman writer, I think. I have often found myself doing this and it is a timely reminder that if we don't take our work seriously, then others may not respect the time we spend on it. Thank you! : )
Thanks for sharing this and connecting today! Really enjoyed this post and looking forward to more. :)
Great article, Sarah! Love that last quote, especially resonant here in the States today given it's Mother's Day.
Thank you! And for the excellent hint!