Simply..fairer?

12/2/2015

I was interested in this article from The New Yorker. I'd like to think other companies might follow suit...I wonder, will it catch on?

Posts are rather erratic this month as February is my writing month. In past Februaries I have posted great first lines of novels and great last lines of novels, tips from writers and places that famous writers have found to write. If you have time to browse February 2011- 2014, or under Simply Write, I hope you'd find some posts of interest.

I remember reading about writers who went away to write. Vera Brittain whose memoirs Testament of Youth and Testament of Experience I loved comes to mind. She would go to a small hotel on the south coast, or to her cottage in the New Forest (taking staff with her) and I thought 'Lucky woman' and I have to admit, with considerable envy 'Its all right for some!'

Well, my turn has come! I am going away for a month to concentrate on my novel!

I won't tell you where (in case the paparazzi seek me out, ha ha) but will post some clues over the next week or two....

So excited!

13 Comments

Alison

12/2/2015 07:07:15 am

That's wonderful that you're taking yourself away from it all in order to focus on your writing. Are you going to be completely incommunicado, or will you send out the odd smoke signal to let us know you're okay?

It's funny you mention both Testament of Youth and 1984, both books. Both speak to disillusionment with society in some way -- a popular topic for many teenagers! While some of my schoolmates were sporting mohawks, I had my nose deep in these books. Interestingly, George Orwell (Eric Blair) was also a "retreat writer" like Vera Brittan as he wrote most of 1984 on the Isle of Jura, not far from you, Freda.

Re: fairness -- I hope we will see more of these kinds of adjustments done in a voluntary, measured, thoughtful way. While I believe in rewarding merit, I also believe there are roles and contributions that are important to society that we undervalue. Drucker's suggestion is worth considering, but how to implement it so it's an effective guide for discussion (rather than another box to be cynically ticked) is definitely a challenge.

Alison

12/2/2015 07:09:23 am

Correction,..."both books that speak to disillusionment with society in some way,..."

Freda

13/2/2015 07:53:26 pm

'Voluntary, measured and thoughtful' and not cynical - lets hope for that Alison. Thanks for commenting.

Liz B

12/2/2015 08:43:27 pm

I'd like to see the least sought after jobs which are most useful socially being paid the most, with care attendants and auxiliary nurses (+ artists?) at the top and bankers etc at the bottom. I'm sure there are plenty who could/would not do these jobs at any price.
Or an annual vote on which jobs deserve the most pay? That would put the cat amonst the pigeons and would it be any less fair than the current system?

Freda

13/2/2015 07:55:06 pm

Oh for a magic wand Liz! And I suspect artist comes under 'most sought after' (We are so lucky!)

cath

13/2/2015 12:56:58 am

The news about going away for a month to concentrate on your writing got me excited as well :), I am so happy for you.
Time away, I used to spend a couple of weeks each year in a convent where silence was observed - so much helps to focus.

Freda

13/2/2015 07:56:07 pm

I have never experienced that kind of silence - and two weeks is a long time! Maybe one day...

julia

13/2/2015 04:35:55 am

what a thought-provoking article! thanks freda....enjoy the respite...:-)

Freda

13/2/2015 07:56:53 pm

I enjoy The New Yorker..

Angela link

13/2/2015 06:09:38 pm

Wishing you a wonderful, productive trip Freda, and we look forward to hearing more news on your return.

Freda

13/2/2015 07:57:48 pm

Thanks Angela - will keep up the 15 minute minimum while I am away!

vagabonde link

14/2/2015 07:12:40 am

I am catching up going to all the blog friends who came and posted a comment on my Charlie Hebdo post – thank you for taking the time. I like the name of your blog. My husband has a tee-shirt that says “Live simply so that others may live.” I hope your time away for writing will be very productive.

Freda

14/2/2015 08:11:53 am

Thank you for your comments Vagabonde. I was interested to read that you started writing you blog with you grandchildren in mind - what a lovely idea.

Simply..fairer?

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