25 Comments
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Vivian - A Book Diva's avatar

I'm happy to reach crone age. Now I just need to find an appropriate hobby other than reading a book a day.

Alma Katsu's avatar

Two books a day..?

Vivian - A Book Diva's avatar

That is a rare occurrence due to chronic migraine and associated vision issues. Maybe I need to restart the needlepoint hobby.

Su Lierz's avatar

This is a great post. "...roasting children..." made me laugh out loud. Only from a horror writer.

Alma Katsu's avatar

Gotta love them fairy tales...

Laura Benedict's avatar

This is a wonderful celebration, Alma. I keep hearing how women become invisible by the time we reach crone age. Invisible to the dreaded male gaze, perhaps? It’s when we become most visible to ourselves. Embroidery and docenting are my activities. 💜

Alma Katsu's avatar

Good point about the male gaze and becoming visible to ourselves.

Laura Medicus's avatar

I cackled at this - good one Alma!

Alma Katsu's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it

Sharon Buchbinder, PhD's avatar

Crones Rock🎉🎉🎉

Valerie Williams's avatar

As a fellow crone, I love this essay!

Kate Currin Seiferth's avatar

Love this 🥰🦩🍷

Alma Katsu's avatar

Thank you!

Terrence W Walsh's avatar

Loved the chicken leg hut pic and the Baba Yaga comment.

Your great attitude shines through: thoughtful, curious, determined, happy. And, possibly, fulfilled.

For any readers seeking advice on writing, please consider "Lessons from the Keyboard" on Substack. It is largely unnoticed so far but still grows every week. Free.

I am in on your Goodreads giveaway! Thanks for doing that, Alma.

Alma Katsu's avatar

I will check out Lessons on the Keyboard. Thanks for the tip, and the kind words.

David of Wallace's avatar

"roasting children in ovens"

But before roasting, make sure you field-dress and thoroughly clean the carcass.

(Just staying with the vibe. Hopefully no one gets offended; if so, I apologize.)

Alma Katsu's avatar

I did sweat that phrase when I was drafting this piece, hence the footnote...

Iris Yamashita's avatar

When my crone friends and I meet, we often start with an "organ recital" of what body parts we're having issues with. But otherwise, I enjoy being a crone.

Alma Katsu's avatar

Organ recital! Love it!

Ju's avatar

“If there’s interest, drop a comment below and I’ll do a post on writing resources to get you started on your journey.”

Yes, please! Would enjoy seeing such a post, thx!

Alma Katsu's avatar

Will do!

Lisa Morton's avatar

I envy your ability to slide into croneage. Now if I can just get over my utter and unreasoning terror of retirement...

Alma Katsu's avatar

Fear of retirement is real. I think after a couple years, it eases when you see the world hasn't ended.

J. Lincoln Fenn's avatar

I feel like I’m more present too. In a way I haven’t been since maybe childhood.

Alma Katsu's avatar

The gift of age