Earlier this week I had a conversation with Amy Tiemann, author of Mojo Mom and the upcoming, updated Mojo Mom. Amy has been a steady guide and influence for me. She was an early supporter of my work. She brings a scientist’s mind, a seeker’s eye and a mother’s heart to her work as a writer and commentator on the issues that matter most to women. And what’s more, she does something about it! She turned our conversation into a podcast and I hope you’ll listen to it here. You can do it even without an iPod, and heck, you might even win one in Amy’s giveaway.
We talked about writing. What we write, how we write, when we write and why we write. Or not! I had mentioned to Amy that, of all the questions I get at book readings or talks, a whole lot are about writing. From my perspective, questions about writing aren’t really about writing. They are about ourselves and who we are, and what unbounded greatness we have within us if only we dare to find out. This matter of writing, of writing about writing, about doubt and desire and devotion to writing, is the stuff I read daily. Because I read you. And you. And you. And you.
And when I do that I find myself multiplied many times over. I find the tenderness and uncertainty, the dedication and the courage, that leaves me nodding in wonder and recognition, repeating numbly, “Oh, yeah! What she said.”
Inspired by what she did, I’ve recently expanded my blogroll with the new feature that shows the continuous feed from your posts. Here you’ll find longtime friends and new ones too. I will expand this list regularly. If you aim to write, I aim to read. Let’s give this to each other: a continuous loop of live listening so that you as a writer know that somewhere, someone is nodding in soulful solidarity, muttering the three-word thumb’s up that only we can give: “What she said.”
Listen in right here. And know that I’m speaking to you.
***
How perfect that this post comes on my mother’s birthday. I’m still listening deeply to what she said (and to what she didn’t).
I enjoy listening to you speak because your voice is like Valium to me. Very soothing. Calms my nerves.
And I enjoy your writing as well. For me, it all started with your book. May it not end there.
Comment by Kristin H. — June 20, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
What Kristin said! Your voice IS like Valium.
Great interview. Your statement about not wanting your own life to become your enemy was perfect.
Comment by Mama Zen — June 21, 2008 @ 4:50 am
Thank you for taking note, of taking time, for being kind.
And I’m going to listen to the podcast–after I get some sleep…
Comment by mapelba — June 21, 2008 @ 6:12 am
thank you for being a beacon for all of us, karen. for listening, and talking, and opening your heart’s wisdom.
Comment by Holly Lash — June 21, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
Looking forward to listening to this. Didn’t know about the cool new blogroll gadget thingy … will have to get to that promptly.
Love ‘what she said’ …
Comment by Shawn — June 21, 2008 @ 11:15 pm
Wow, I’m honored to see my blog on your new blogroll. What a great feature! Will have to figure out how to do that on mine. And thanks for the intro to all those great blogs out there that I never knew existed!
Comment by Lana — June 22, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
Yay – going to listen now. ‘
I am always inspired when reading those who write and put it all out there. I write but lately keep it private…like it needs to be just right or enough or finished to be ‘out there’. But maybe not.
Comment by denise — June 22, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
it’s a cool, wet morning here today and with no place to be the children are off and playing and i’m curled up in bed with my laptop and morning coffee having just listened to your amazing interview. i could listen to you all day…your soothing voice…your words of wisdom. this lazy day has been a long time coming…
i can’t imagine a more beautiful and inspiring way to begin my week and this new summer season.
xo
Comment by Kirsten Michelle — June 23, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
I love inspiration! (And acting as an inspiration.) Love the new blogroll! Now to make time to listen to the podcast… Hm…
Comment by Mary P Jones (MPJ) — June 23, 2008 @ 8:47 pm
That podcast was exactly what I needed to hear going into summer vacation. I’m sure I’ll be listening to it again to remind myself that no experience is wasted. That my life is not the enemy, nor are my children. That it is to all be embraced and it all informs what I’m writing. You are a gold mine, and I appreciate that you include me in the ongoing conversation.
Comment by Jen Lee — June 23, 2008 @ 11:36 pm
i am so inspired by this line:
“they are about ourselves and who we are, and what unbounded greatness we have within us if only we dare to find out.”
it seems this has been coming to me quite frequently lately…this bit of truth.
so, of course i would find it here as well.
Comment by jessamyn — June 25, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
I look forward to listening to the podcast. And I love the new blog roll. Thank you for doing that.
Comment by Shelli — June 27, 2008 @ 7:30 pm