21 Comments
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Allegra Huston's avatar

I too feel that helping people find their voice in writing is an anti-authoritarian act. Holding up the value of community, awareness, empathy, and gratitude - and other principles that are currently being devalued and trodden on - is resistance!

Jane Ratcliffe - another wonderful interview! Keep 'em coming.

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

YES Allegra! I couldn't agree more <3

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Yes to all of this Allegra!! And so happy you enjoyed it! xx

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Undistorted, Radical Clarity's avatar

I love how your relationship with books mirrors your relationship with life—both are approached with curiosity, depth, and the willingness to embrace complexity. The line about finding comfort in dark stories struck a chord; there’s something profoundly human about recognizing ourselves in the messiness of others. And I deeply appreciate your reminder that writing itself is the achievement. In a culture so obsessed with outcomes, it’s grounding to hear someone name the act of creation as enough. Thank you for that clarity—and for the quiet revolution you’re leading through your words and your coaching.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So happy you enjoyed the interview! And I agree with all your observations!! 🌸

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

Thnak you! Capitalism tells us to be obsessed with outcomes so that we always feel like we've missed the mark or gotten off track. If we feel like we're doing life "wrong" then we'll buy things, which fuels the system even more. Creating and finding our voices is radical because it means we're giving ourselves permission.

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Joanie Madsen's avatar

I have a cousin named Ruthie, and grandmother too, so you had me! I am currently reading Joan's book, and it is fascinating. I find having several going at once works because Joan carries a depth, an attention, that I have to engage all "thrusters" so that I don't miss anything. I agree that we must be the ones giving ourselves permission always. We'll be waiting a long time for outside permission. Loved this interview. Mahalo Nui Loa Ruthie and Jane. 💜

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Ruthie is such a great name! I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview, Joanie. And, yes, to giving ourselves permission! And, also yes, Joan requires full attention!

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

Author is the root of the word authority so as a writer you inherently have permission!

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my wild magic life's avatar

No. 11- Yes! Thank you Jane and Ruthie.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Yes, yes, yes to #11!! Happy you enjoyed the interview!!

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

Thank you for reading!

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my wild magic life's avatar

A pleasure happy to know about you.

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Lauren Gambill, MD, MPA's avatar

I really enjoyed this interview. I especially love the sentiment expressed in the title. I wrote about a similar topic in my substack this week. Writing is radical act and reading (books especially) is resistance.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Lauren! And, yes, I agree about writing and reading!!

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

I couldn't agree more, Lauren! Reading and writing are key ingredients of any rebellion <3

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Lane Anderson's avatar

Loved the quote about being grateful for the end of a previous marriage. This resonates so much w me :)

How does one get into a women’s writing collective?? What a dreamy idea .

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I know, I loved that answer, too!! Resonated with me, as well!

A women's writing collective does sound dreamy! Maybe start one??

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

Lane, you know I'd love to have you in mine! <3

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Ruthie Ackerman's avatar

I loved this interview so much, Jane! Thank you for featuring me <3

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so happy to have you here, Ruthie!! Thank you for your beautiful answers!! ❤️

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