As an author (Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival, German Awakening: Tales from an American Life) and podcaster (Courageous Wordsmith), I explore the intersections of creative process and healing in real life. As a story coach, book writing mentor, and founder of Courageous Wordsmith community, I guide real-life writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works. Lifelong Minnesotan.
🎧 [NEW EPISODE] Art is Not a Luxury
|
Dear Reader, This year, more than ever, I wanted to honor Black History Month, at a time when attempts have been made to erase it. So I invited my friend Terry Newby to help me do that. As a white woman in America, I loved literature, but I did not grow up reading many marginalized voices. While I knew the name James Baldwin, I couldn't have told you what he stood for. And now? I know him as a Black man and a gay author. And what else? I've admired his interview clips. He feels important. How do I talk about his contributions, beyond a surface level? I'm no expert in Black literature. I'm still very much learning. But this is knowledge that Terry brings. In this episode of Courageous Wordsmith, Terry and I discuss the enduring influence of James Baldwin, his struggle with identity, major works, and his critical love for America. I appreciate how James Baldwin led the way as an author, refusing to be someone that he was not, nor a stereotype of the richly gifted person he was. Baldwin didn't parse words. And because he grounded us so fully in his experience, I can extrapolate. I can learn where I stand and maybe take steps in another direction. And I loved seeing where Terry came from as a writer, with Baldwin as one of his key influences. I hope you'll listen as Terry introduces the James Baldwin he knows: one of Terry's key influences as a writer. Think fast: If you enjoy this conversation and you're in Minnesota, you can see a play by Terry this Friday, February 28 at 7:00. Landmark Center in St. Paul is staging an encore performance of Little Rock, 1942, by Terrance Newby and James Lundy. Terry not only co-wrote this play, but he's in it. I saw the premiere and I learned so much. Seriously good. Buy your tickets in advance here. Only $10, only one night. Travel safely. So much love to you, Amy PS—If you happen to want to write, you might reach out to me. I'm supporting people JUST LIKE YOU (well, you know, nobody is just like you, but...) in shaping the stories that they feel called to bring into the world. You know, healing stories... the kind we all thirst for and need at this moment. Or check out my website for options. |
Courageous Wordsmith
As an author (Tiny Altars: A Midlife Revival, German Awakening: Tales from an American Life) and podcaster (Courageous Wordsmith), I explore the intersections of creative process and healing in real life. As a story coach, book writing mentor, and founder of Courageous Wordsmith community, I guide real-life writers through their narrative journeys—from inklings to beautiful works. Lifelong Minnesotan.
Dear Reader, Cara Pacific Campbell was the first person who took me up on my offer of a 1:1 Book Writing Mentorship and put her trust in me. I was grateful that someone so vibrant felt drawn to working with me. Looking back, it makes perfect sense. When we let ourselves pay attention, we're drawn to our people. Cara and I are both high-performing women who worked hard and paid a steep price with our health. As in, our bodies made us quit our careers when our minds thought that we could—had...
Dear Reader, When Keri and I recorded this episode in late 2022, I was still editing my second memoir for publication and she was drafting a book that's also now nearing publication. The podcast never got produced at that time, but I happened onto the recording this past winter and it caught my attention. Keri and I are still writing today. I'm starting new books and she's preparing to deliver a TED-x Talk this summer. And this conversation feels like a divinely timed gift from our former...
Dear Reader, I am so ridiculously proud of my latest podcast episode with Corinne Bauer of Tiny Art Maui. And I really hope you will listen to it. Everything about this conversation and how it came to be is unexpected. I met Corinne at an art show in a Hawaiian hotel lobby. But when I talk about Shiny Objects and allowing myself to play freely in their presence, this is what I’m talking about. On the surface I was drawn to Corinne’s delightful Tiny Art Maui display because, as she herself...