So good, Jillian! Thank you so much for this over-the-shoulder, through-the-museum, out-through-the-filing-cabinet look at Mr Caro's work. I'd never heard of him until now (I am Dutch/European - it's insane the number of people you can "never have heard of" when you don't live in the States, but only love it from a distance). I shall use all of this for my own (only partially) disorganised way of working. Un énorme merci!
This one is such a treat. I love to see how the work becomes a total, immersive, lived experience for him. A conversation with himself... pouring into physical space.
Oh, I love the way you describe it, Isabel! My best writing experiences have always been "immersive" as you say. There is certainly something to physically surrounding oneself with a subject.
Robert Caro is such a fascinating individual. I highly recommend Turn Every Page -- the documentary of his and Robert Gottlieb's relationship -- which you might have already seen. By extension, Gottlieb's memoir, Avid Reader, is also fantastic. Well, it looks like I need to make a trip to NYC soon to see this exhibit. Thank you for your effort in highlighting this!
Of all the many things I read from the internet resources, it is your posts I look forward to and savour each word. It’s like finding a writer’s gathering place gleaning from the writer’s conversations. It’s been a long time I’ve felt this particular enjoyment. Thanks so much!
I found a place where my endless scribbles in a notebook 📓 does not make me seem weird or not following the proper protocols of journal writing! This has been really encouraging. Thank you for your Substack!
wow! such dedication to his work (and a spouse with, what sounds like, equal commitment.) i've been listening to "The Power Broker" series (in monthly installments) as a sub-series on the podcast "99% Invisible". it will run through the end of the year. it goes through the book in sections with commentary and is so good. i highly recommend. also has special guests, such as AOC.
What a grand post! As a writer who loves research I read Caro’s methods as the greatest lessons anyone can aspire to. He and Ina have dedicated their lives to being vessels for the truth. I love seeing them discover where their point of view needed adjusting and letting others be really heard.
Thanks you for this. I find his work and working style fascinating. It’s good to know the exhibit is ongoing. I am trouble by the lack of references to Ina. I want to know more about her.
I agree with you. I've come to see all of the research as a joint project--equally owned by both. I tried to get an interview with Ina in the past, but she was busy working on a book. I might try again. I'm so fascinated by her.
So good, Jillian! Thank you so much for this over-the-shoulder, through-the-museum, out-through-the-filing-cabinet look at Mr Caro's work. I'd never heard of him until now (I am Dutch/European - it's insane the number of people you can "never have heard of" when you don't live in the States, but only love it from a distance). I shall use all of this for my own (only partially) disorganised way of working. Un énorme merci!
Knowledge is so, very regional, and The Power Broker is such a NY book. I'm glad his methods are helpful for you! Vous êtes les bienvenus!
This one is such a treat. I love to see how the work becomes a total, immersive, lived experience for him. A conversation with himself... pouring into physical space.
Oh, I love the way you describe it, Isabel! My best writing experiences have always been "immersive" as you say. There is certainly something to physically surrounding oneself with a subject.
Fascinating stuff. Thanks
Glad you thought so too!
Truly amazing process. So much goes into creating a masterpiece.
I find it so refreshing to see the labor that published works often render invisible. It gives me hope :)
Amazing! What a thorough and well organized process. And I loved the notes to self. I’m going to start that today 📝
I'm glad! It's such a great tool.
That was fascinating! The success of the finished work makes it seem easy. This made the success that much sweeter!
Robert Caro is such a fascinating individual. I highly recommend Turn Every Page -- the documentary of his and Robert Gottlieb's relationship -- which you might have already seen. By extension, Gottlieb's memoir, Avid Reader, is also fantastic. Well, it looks like I need to make a trip to NYC soon to see this exhibit. Thank you for your effort in highlighting this!
Of all the many things I read from the internet resources, it is your posts I look forward to and savour each word. It’s like finding a writer’s gathering place gleaning from the writer’s conversations. It’s been a long time I’ve felt this particular enjoyment. Thanks so much!
Oh, thank you, Barbara! Your words brought a smile to my face!💛
I found a place where my endless scribbles in a notebook 📓 does not make me seem weird or not following the proper protocols of journal writing! This has been really encouraging. Thank you for your Substack!
I'm so glad you found Noted! I've also felt so affirmed by this community--there are quite a lot of us note-lovers out there!
wow! such dedication to his work (and a spouse with, what sounds like, equal commitment.) i've been listening to "The Power Broker" series (in monthly installments) as a sub-series on the podcast "99% Invisible". it will run through the end of the year. it goes through the book in sections with commentary and is so good. i highly recommend. also has special guests, such as AOC.
Yes, I’ve listened to some of the episodes and it is SO good.
Thank you for mentioning the podcast- That's my favorite way to digest info!
I loved reading his book Working! This is a fun supplement to that.
Wasn't that book amazing?! I think I've read it 3x at this point.
Yes! A keeper for sure!
This is so fascinating! And yes, more Ina please!
I 💛 Ina! I actually tried to get an interview with her, but she was busy working on a book project. Perhaps I'll try again...
What a grand post! As a writer who loves research I read Caro’s methods as the greatest lessons anyone can aspire to. He and Ina have dedicated their lives to being vessels for the truth. I love seeing them discover where their point of view needed adjusting and letting others be really heard.
I've learned so much from Caro. I'm particularly in awe of his patience.
This is fascinating from beginning to end! Thanks!
I'm so glad, Ruth!
What's it like being Caro's editor? That must be a hell of a job.
There's a whole documentary on it! https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/turn-every-page---the-adventures-of-robert-caro-and-robert-gottlieb/umc.cmc.5s4m9phr8ywwyb7x96w8fvq0y
Thanks you for this. I find his work and working style fascinating. It’s good to know the exhibit is ongoing. I am trouble by the lack of references to Ina. I want to know more about her.
I agree with you. I've come to see all of the research as a joint project--equally owned by both. I tried to get an interview with Ina in the past, but she was busy working on a book. I might try again. I'm so fascinated by her.
She is fascinating. Have you read her books? I have not, yet.