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.
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.
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.
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. 💜
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!
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.
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.
YES Allegra! I couldn't agree more <3
Yes to all of this Allegra!! And so happy you enjoyed it! xx
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.
So happy you enjoyed the interview! And I agree with all your observations!! 🌸
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.
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. 💜
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!
Author is the root of the word authority so as a writer you inherently have permission!
No. 11- Yes! Thank you Jane and Ruthie.
Yes, yes, yes to #11!! Happy you enjoyed the interview!!
Thank you for reading!
A pleasure happy to know about you.
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.
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Lauren! And, yes, I agree about writing and reading!!
I couldn't agree more, Lauren! Reading and writing are key ingredients of any rebellion <3
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 .
I know, I loved that answer, too!! Resonated with me, as well!
A women's writing collective does sound dreamy! Maybe start one??
Lane, you know I'd love to have you in mine! <3
"Don’t suck the joy out of life" - What a great reminder!
Yes!
I loved this interview so much, Jane! Thank you for featuring me <3
I'm so happy to have you here, Ruthie!! Thank you for your beautiful answers!! ❤️