Years ago, when my children were younger, I did begin a writing class with author Leslea Newman, one of our gifted local authors. And on this day, she warned us she would interrupt the class for a phone interview with a television program, requested auditory commentary on her new book for children-"Heather Has Two Mommies".
It was my first introduction to this phenomenon, where bright warm women teach groups, primarily of women, to write. In their living rooms. And as women's often do, they provide snacks and drinks, and then remarkable expertise and insight.
It wasn't long before one of my kid's brain injury became complex once again, and I had to drop out.
And later still, she was a Champion, with a capital C, of Matthew Shepherd. Truly. Check out the interviews and articles in her blog. Her activism that sprung, strong and full strength, from his death.
Still, it remains with me: the warm glow of her living room; the rich red and yellow colors of walls and upholstery, a passing smiling reference to her beloved wife. The colorful bouquet of flowers on the table. Her intense attentiveness to each and every person. And the remarkable, lucid complexity of her own writing and creative process.
"...as long as you butter me up
and knead me, honey
whenever you’re in a jam
I will rise...."
http://lesleanewman.com/
http://msmagazine.com/blog/2011/10/31/queer-history-month-a-chat-with-author-leslea-newman/
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