Strangely, I’ve had a good amount of good news lately. I say strangely because the negative political energy right now is thick as a skull, and it’s hard to imagine anything good squeezing its way in. Anyway, in late December my agent called to say we had an offer for my novel, a good offer. … Read more
Lately, I’ve been thinking about contemplation and its role in activism. In a period of political urgency, when there’s so much work to be done, how much time can we afford to spend in reflection about what’s working and what’s not? But. Can we afford not to give deep consideration to our emotions and motives? … Read more
Last week, after the election, I invited participants in my workshops to write through their strongest emotions during this time. Today, each writer read their responses aloud. Ache and raw despair. Honesty, strength and commitment to love. And the question threading through all: How far would I go to stand up for what I believe? … Read more
Today when I was out walking, a stranger with broken in her eyes, came up to me and thanked me for recommending a book to her—Our Souls at Night, by Kent Haruf. She said it brought her beauty in a hard time. I don’t remember recommending the book to her, but I will remember her … Read more
Fear, anger and uncertainty are escalating, and lately, I find myself caught between extremes of being scared shitless, profoundly sad, and trying to hold onto enough courage to stay present, listen, and take action. But this I am certain of: Abusers and misogynists and bigots count on our silence. They count on our fear. In … Read more
Sometimes when I write, form insists itself upon content with such confidence and grace, I can’t help but feel I’m part of a sacred thing.
Years ago, I wrote out a list of my strengths with the misguided notion that if I reviewed the list often enough, I could actually rewire my genetic tendency toward perpetual self-doubt. One Saturday, a week after my fiftieth birthday, I’d felt imperfect as hell and pulled out the list. I’d had a … Read more
(in response to the mass shooting in Orlando, Sunday morning, June 12th, 2016) This is who we are: WE are thousands lined up to give our blood to the wounded. WE are first responders, grief counselors, doctors, nurses and friends who carried dying friends and lovers out of a bloody nightclub. WE are millions of … Read more
nobody can hear anybody anymore everybody blade sharpening and i am running to saltwater bleeding point of origin receptacle of memory ears lips heart hands arms legs woman wide open and the cutting edge goes hush-hush
note the syntax and nuance the shady overtones threatening to expose your hiding places take away anything that doesn’t bear critical weight. strike the palms together and feel the beat of letters shaping words, shaping musical notes it’s not only what a word means but what does … Read more