Elissa, when I heard you’d be leading a workshop at Kripalu in 2025, I just knew I’d need to figure a way to get there. The last time I went to Kripalu was in 2022 for a workshop with Cheryl Strayed, six months post leaving the only job I ever loved—public librarianship. I’m the woman who took my grief on a bikepacking trip and showed up in Maine, a few months after that CS workshop, to the circle of women you and Katherine May led through the comfort workshop in the barn. I left there knowing the story I have to tell had been silenced long ago, and my health was suffering because of the shame. I left my job because I wanted to create a new life for myself, forge a new identity. One that’s more courageous. It’s now 2.5 years later and I can report that I’m doing it but not without its costs. Yet the gains are far more satisfying. I look forward to joining you and the other courageous creatives in the magic of the Berkshires next month. Thank you for writing this book. I cannot wait to read it! 🙏
Isn't it funny how we often come across pieces – such as this – at just the time we need to read them. I will return to this piece often, I've no doubt, in the hope it will motivate me to override the path of silence others wish I'd take.
This piece hit me right on ! You have expressed so well the challenge of telling your story honestly - so complicated! For some of us. I’m drooling over your list of events, most are just too far away from my Midwest habitat. Thanks for enriching my morning!
Thanks for this. Both because I'm writing a graphic memoir about my fucked up childhood, and also because I read Bastard Out of Carolina when it first came out and I'm sure it altered my worldview, but I've never read Dorothy Allison since so I see I'd better read *Skin*.
I am glad to see you visiting Nashville! I have followed you and your work for years and live three hours South in Birmingham, Alabama. Going to see about coming up for the event and masterclass. And pre-ordering the book!
I look forward to your Kripalu workshop! (Recommend by my friend and FC colleague, Susie M.)
In preparation, I’m making time to go through my journals, correspondence and extensive 80’s photo archive! For me, this looking back is a great distraction from current events!
Australia here and much as I’d like to attend, it’s not happening. I have to thank you though, your post about Permission couldn’t have come at a better time. In Greece, we say ‘may your book travel well’ when a book is launched.
This is the book I so desperately need, as I work out how to pack two years of intense documenting of two of the most unexpected, earth-shattering events in my life, 2023-2025. The outline is firming up, as is the anxiety about my right to tell an intergenerational story of trauma and enmeshment (the latter only just coming to light this last year). Will you be doing zoom events for us over the other side of the pond? Thought you might have a chat with Katherine (May) at some point? I'd love to hear you speak on the subject xx
Lighthouse Books and Edinburgh Book Festival both do great online events, I think Edinburgh Book Fest hasn't quite finished their programming for the year - might be able to squeeze in. And Society of Authors host monthly online talks, think they'd be a great platform ❤️
Sorry I just realised you said you'll be here in late spring - EIBF is in August. I hope you manage to get a lovely tour organised, so many people will benefit from this work 😊
crossing fingers and toes you might consider coming even further north, to Toronto... XO
I would love it. I love Toronto. A wonderful city.
Pretty please 🤎🤎🤎
I can not wait for this book and to hopefully see you out here in Seattle. ♥️
Thank you—it’d be lovely to see you again!
Elissa, when I heard you’d be leading a workshop at Kripalu in 2025, I just knew I’d need to figure a way to get there. The last time I went to Kripalu was in 2022 for a workshop with Cheryl Strayed, six months post leaving the only job I ever loved—public librarianship. I’m the woman who took my grief on a bikepacking trip and showed up in Maine, a few months after that CS workshop, to the circle of women you and Katherine May led through the comfort workshop in the barn. I left there knowing the story I have to tell had been silenced long ago, and my health was suffering because of the shame. I left my job because I wanted to create a new life for myself, forge a new identity. One that’s more courageous. It’s now 2.5 years later and I can report that I’m doing it but not without its costs. Yet the gains are far more satisfying. I look forward to joining you and the other courageous creatives in the magic of the Berkshires next month. Thank you for writing this book. I cannot wait to read it! 🙏
Please come to the beautiful Boulder Bookstore.
I would love to. Is that the one on Pearl?
Yes, it is. It’s such a lovely independent bookstore. If you can remember, please let me know if you decide to come? 🙏🏻😊
Isn't it funny how we often come across pieces – such as this – at just the time we need to read them. I will return to this piece often, I've no doubt, in the hope it will motivate me to override the path of silence others wish I'd take.
This piece hit me right on ! You have expressed so well the challenge of telling your story honestly - so complicated! For some of us. I’m drooling over your list of events, most are just too far away from my Midwest habitat. Thanks for enriching my morning!
See you in Kingston!!! it is absolutely thrilling that you are coming, Elissa, and even more so that this book is almost available to us.
Looking forward to meeting you, Sarah!
Thanks for this. Both because I'm writing a graphic memoir about my fucked up childhood, and also because I read Bastard Out of Carolina when it first came out and I'm sure it altered my worldview, but I've never read Dorothy Allison since so I see I'd better read *Skin*.
I am glad to see you visiting Nashville! I have followed you and your work for years and live three hours South in Birmingham, Alabama. Going to see about coming up for the event and masterclass. And pre-ordering the book!
Thank you! I’d love to come to Alabama at some point—
Would love to take that kripalu class!
Join us!
Chicago? Wonderful independant bookstore in the Andersonville neighborhood - Women & Children First https://www.womenandchildrenfirst.com/
I love that bookstore—
Are you responsible for the bookings? I can write them a note on your behalf ... but don't want to overstep.
That’s very kind of you—thank you. My publicist generally does it, but I’ve been doing more of it lately.
keep us posted :)
I look forward to your Kripalu workshop! (Recommend by my friend and FC colleague, Susie M.)
In preparation, I’m making time to go through my journals, correspondence and extensive 80’s photo archive! For me, this looking back is a great distraction from current events!
I look forward to meeting you in person-
I don’t suppose Indiana could make the list?
Why not?!
Australia here and much as I’d like to attend, it’s not happening. I have to thank you though, your post about Permission couldn’t have come at a better time. In Greece, we say ‘may your book travel well’ when a book is launched.
Thank you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
This is the book I so desperately need, as I work out how to pack two years of intense documenting of two of the most unexpected, earth-shattering events in my life, 2023-2025. The outline is firming up, as is the anxiety about my right to tell an intergenerational story of trauma and enmeshment (the latter only just coming to light this last year). Will you be doing zoom events for us over the other side of the pond? Thought you might have a chat with Katherine (May) at some point? I'd love to hear you speak on the subject xx
I will! I’d love to be in conversation with Katherine about this. 🙏🏻💗
Excellent! I will fore sure be there (and I'll tell my writing networks) ❤️
Thank you. I’ll be in the UK late this spring - we’re trying to find a way to bring the book there.
Lighthouse Books and Edinburgh Book Festival both do great online events, I think Edinburgh Book Fest hasn't quite finished their programming for the year - might be able to squeeze in. And Society of Authors host monthly online talks, think they'd be a great platform ❤️
Sorry I just realised you said you'll be here in late spring - EIBF is in August. I hope you manage to get a lovely tour organised, so many people will benefit from this work 😊
WhooHoo. I get to say hello at Politics and Prose!
Looking forward to it Anita!