Congrats on making the plunge! I too am an attorney and though I haven't left my job in immigrant rights work (b/c it sustains me in multiple ways), I too am writing both my newsletter and science fiction.
I like how you are "writing in public" which is so important. I've submitted a ton of short stories to science fiction pubs and gotten a very small handful published, and in the spirit of providing unsolicited advice, I'll provide some. I would recommend peeling off a chapter or two that can stand alone and submit it to science fiction pubs to see how it fares. And read/listen to what sci-fi pubs are publishing right now to get an idea of what is getting published and what the industry wants.
Also, do you have a writing group that can serve as beta readers? Its so important to build a writing community and I've found that in my own writing groups that I'm a part of.
Lastly, one thing to note is that most sci-fi pubs, i.e. Clarkesworld and Uncanny, don't allow the use of AI for any of their submissions. Just fyi.
kudos for following that inner voice. 99/100 wouldn't do it but you never know where it could lead. will this be a permanent change or do you keep law in your back pocket?
This is so exciting; I can't wait to follow along on your journey. Being a lawyer was my dream career at a very young age because I thought Doctor or Lawyer = Success. I went into college planning for a career in law. I ended up majoring in English and becoming an English teacher. Now, I'm in a completely different career, which goes to show there's plenty of time in life to pursue whatever we want to pursue.
I love science fiction novels, and I would love to write one someday, so when I came across your page it was an immediate Subscribe ♡
I'm working in IT as a Technical Writer, and I'm enjoying it so far. Even though I don't have a technical background, my job is more about the presentation and organization of information.
What a lovely commentary on your process and progress. I like your insightful comments about the world’s perception of a creative vs a high risk career that better aligns with capitalist values. Dad and I think your choice is great, for you and for Tommy and Zakir. We want all of your lives to be filled with joy and contentment.
Very nice Apu! Keep on livin' # mathhew mcconaughey ! Your efforts are as real as you make them so don't doubt that you are a writer any less than other. At the end of the day, if you are creating what your mind is capable of you have done your duty. Let's see this novel in the new york times best sellers list!!!
This is SO cool, Noor! It's brave and necessary to follow your joy. I also love what you wrote about being a tech founder vs. a novelist -- that totally resonates.
I can't wait to follow along on your journey, and can't wait to read your work!!
This is so cool, and so inspiring, Noor! I really liked the bit about how you're using Claude and that you're taking full advantage of the (highly underrated / undervalued) community college system!
Also... I didn't realize you got married or have a son now! But they are beautiful, and kudos to Tom for discovering his love of drums!
Lastly, I really appreciate what you said about the insidious effects of capitalism. I say life is short – write the damn book :-)
Congrats on making the plunge! I too am an attorney and though I haven't left my job in immigrant rights work (b/c it sustains me in multiple ways), I too am writing both my newsletter and science fiction.
I like how you are "writing in public" which is so important. I've submitted a ton of short stories to science fiction pubs and gotten a very small handful published, and in the spirit of providing unsolicited advice, I'll provide some. I would recommend peeling off a chapter or two that can stand alone and submit it to science fiction pubs to see how it fares. And read/listen to what sci-fi pubs are publishing right now to get an idea of what is getting published and what the industry wants.
Also, do you have a writing group that can serve as beta readers? Its so important to build a writing community and I've found that in my own writing groups that I'm a part of.
Lastly, one thing to note is that most sci-fi pubs, i.e. Clarkesworld and Uncanny, don't allow the use of AI for any of their submissions. Just fyi.
Thanks for the great advice!
Well done Noor! So honest and upfront. Is that what you learned in law? Or why you left it? No need to answer that. 😂
Also, I just love the wholehearted support of your husband and parents. And what a cute boy you have! Thanks for writing this.
Thanks for reading Avril :)
kudos for following that inner voice. 99/100 wouldn't do it but you never know where it could lead. will this be a permanent change or do you keep law in your back pocket?
As of now I'm not planning to return to law practice, but I'll never say never!
Very inspired Noor! Learning substack and following your example, hopefully.
Awesome! :)
This is so exciting; I can't wait to follow along on your journey. Being a lawyer was my dream career at a very young age because I thought Doctor or Lawyer = Success. I went into college planning for a career in law. I ended up majoring in English and becoming an English teacher. Now, I'm in a completely different career, which goes to show there's plenty of time in life to pursue whatever we want to pursue.
I love science fiction novels, and I would love to write one someday, so when I came across your page it was an immediate Subscribe ♡
What a cool story! What is the career you’re in now?
I'm working in IT as a Technical Writer, and I'm enjoying it so far. Even though I don't have a technical background, my job is more about the presentation and organization of information.
What a lovely commentary on your process and progress. I like your insightful comments about the world’s perception of a creative vs a high risk career that better aligns with capitalist values. Dad and I think your choice is great, for you and for Tommy and Zakir. We want all of your lives to be filled with joy and contentment.
Thanks so much for the support and encouragement mom! ❤️
I love that you are blogging your journey so that we can follow along!
Thanks Lizzo :)
Very nice Apu! Keep on livin' # mathhew mcconaughey ! Your efforts are as real as you make them so don't doubt that you are a writer any less than other. At the end of the day, if you are creating what your mind is capable of you have done your duty. Let's see this novel in the new york times best sellers list!!!
Thanks bro :)
This is SO cool, Noor! It's brave and necessary to follow your joy. I also love what you wrote about being a tech founder vs. a novelist -- that totally resonates.
I can't wait to follow along on your journey, and can't wait to read your work!!
Thanks Annie!
Very well written, enjoyed reading it, Noor. Keep writing and keep up the important, artsy work.
Thanks bhai :)
This is so cool, and so inspiring, Noor! I really liked the bit about how you're using Claude and that you're taking full advantage of the (highly underrated / undervalued) community college system!
Also... I didn't realize you got married or have a son now! But they are beautiful, and kudos to Tom for discovering his love of drums!
Lastly, I really appreciate what you said about the insidious effects of capitalism. I say life is short – write the damn book :-)
Thank you Oghie <3