16 Comments
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Imola's avatar

Alle, your response to question 7 (“My entire adult life?” The abuse in my childhood set me up to be eating disordered and married to an addict. Looking at my emotionally healthy kids, my loving marriage, I am knocked out") made me smile, because I so recognize what you mean! And I'm sure you have worked hard to get where you are. It always amazes me how we survive our childhoods...

Thank you Jane for the introduction! I never want to miss a single edition of Beyond. There is so much love here.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Ooooooh, thank you, dear Imola! And I love that line, as well!!

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Alle C. Hall's avatar

I hear you, Imola - having survived well fils me with hope for all the children out there, being abused this very second. I send them my love and my best vibes for healing.

Do you want to share a little of your story?

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Joan Bauer's avatar

What a fine post. First, Jane, your questions are spot-on— both intriguing and empathic. Wow. And Alle’s answers have such depth and wisdom. An interview to study, and I will. Thank you both.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Oh, thank you for your kind words, Joan! I'm happy you enjoyed the interview!

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Alle C. Hall's avatar

Many thanks, Joan. I'm thrilled that you got so much out of it.

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What to Read Where's avatar

Great interview! I like your language and your honesty: "I’m a tough chick with the mouth of a drunken sailor. That said, I enjoy a strong female aspect. I love lipstick and eyeliner, and shoes and bracelets and purses and full-on vaginal orgasms." Indeed!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So happy you enjoyed it! And I knooooow! I loved that, too!

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Alle C. Hall's avatar

Thanks for your note! Generally, I am big into "Every person's recovery has it's own arcs and successes," but in therms of the sexual recovery: I wish my glorious triumphs for every woman!!!

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Nell's avatar

I’m so happy I found this Substack. I love interviews. Listening to Krista tippet’s On Being podcast solidified my love for interviews. People are so fascinating. I’m looking forward to reading more. Alle - your story is inspiring and I love the way you talk about mothering your children. ❤️

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So happy to have you here, Nell! Krista Tippet is wonderful!! And glad you enjoyed Alle's beautiful words!

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Alle C. Hall's avatar

Nell, comments like your makes all the hard work worth--well, all that hard work. If you do pick up As Far as You Can Go Before You Have to Come Back, do let me know your thoughts. And if it starts to get too intense - just skip to page 80. You know all you need to know from the book jacket. AND KEEP READING JANE'S WORK, here. I always learn so much from the other artists.

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Toby Neal's avatar

Wonderful interview; thanks for sharing your story!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it, Toby!

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Alle C. Hall's avatar

Many thanks for reading, Toby.

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Sheri Handel's avatar

Thank you for this inspiring interview, Jane. Alle, there’s so much to admire in what you have shared. I, too, appreciate Joan Didion beyond measure. She was seminal to my growth as a writer. I have a funny thought—You know how people are always sharing that story about Joan Didion typing out Hemingway’s sentences to figure out how he wrote them? I wonder what could happen if any of us copied hers. Thanks again Jane and Alle!

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