Love has never been a popular movement. And no one’s ever wanted, really, to be free. The world is held together, really it is held together, by the love and passion of a very few people.
– James Baldwin
Dear Community,
I have seen recently how the work done at Women Writing for (a) Change travels out into the world. From youth campers moving on to be Attorneys and Women’s Studies professors to Adults who are bringing Women Writing practices to schools and medicine. What we do at WWfaC is a mindful movement that values every story and voice. When I read this quote by James Baldwin, I am reminded that the way we exist in the world holds the world back from despair. I can literally see all of us touching fingers to reach around the world, holding it up and it’s beautiful.
With Gratitude,
Christine Wilson
WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S INSPIRING ME LATELY?
What are you reading?
Just finished The East Indian by Brinda Charry, a historical fiction inspired by the first man from India to arrive in Colonial America. A coming of age story, with a fresh perspective on America’s roots.
In the middle of Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange, the follow up novel to There, There. Tommy Orange is a fascinating writer who takes you into the world of being American Indian or First Nation, today, addressing how the mistreatment of First Americans in American history is still impacting the people and culture today.
What are you listening to?
Radiolab recently did a podcast called Happy Birthday, Good Dr. Sacks. It’s only 24 minutes, and it will have you thinking about narrative writing in medicine. It lives in a fascinating tension between science and literature.
A recent favorite poem?
Maggie Smith visited WWfaC in December of 2023, but I was energized recently by the poem Accidental Pastoral that takes you to the 4th of July parade in a small town. Wherever you grew up, don’t we carry memories with us of holidays and moments passed?
Look up a body part, animal, plant, or other kinds of scientific interest, and read about it for as long or short as you like. Then write. Let it go where it may lead.
See if you can process something about your own life through this scientific lens.
What does the reading bring up for you? A memory, a thought, a metaphor?