Troy, I really relate to that therapeutic aspect of writing fiction. There's absolutely something about that slowing down and processing, regardless of how close it touches the truth.
Aww, thanks Michael! I had a former ex-boyfriend who actually told me the opposite. He had expectations of me gracefully weaving myself in and out of conversations, always topping up someone's glass, (probably would've prefered heels too) and instead I hung in the backyard around a fire pit deeply engaged in only one conversation the entire night. Ha! Take that Darin!
Here’s to topping our own glass first! And to deep one on one conversations that last the whole night. If given the choice, I’m a one on one kinda person too. :)
Gail, I so agree, as a writer of both non-fiction, meaning essays and a memoir and fiction (short stories, novels), that fiction reaches emotional truth in a way that the other formats cannot: the risks taken are greater and more searing when not writing "genre fiction" for lack of a better term, and I say this as an absolute rom-com lover. So, I'm not saying genre as a discount. What I mean is formulaic works.
Troy, Your words about how manhood is defined and, though you may not have said this exacty, I think we agree that sensitive men can suffer--and know this from my son who has died. I so appreciate what you have said throughout this conversation.
And the comments by live listeners added so to this conversation.
So looking forward to the film!
A beautiful exchange among all three of you--and I could go on and on!
Your heartfelt reflections are always deeply appreciated Mary. It was especially fun to experience the LIVE aspect of this conversation so others could chime in. Hopefully there will be more that you can join!
And thanks for sharing your own wisdom with us Sean. I especially appreciated your comment about the importance of valuing all the beautiful differences between humans/genders too, to not completely gloss over them. ;)
Hi Kate! I noticed you commented at the end of the conversation that you wanted to learn more about the film. Troy and I will begin sharing more details this month, but here's a web page with some background on the cast and our vision. Thanks for being with us today! https://unfixedmedia.com/unfixed-unsung
First, I would like to say, congratulations Troy and Gail ! I hope you are both doing something fun to celebrate your books. At the very least, good chocolate or a cake with candles, just for making wishes. Hi Gail ! 👋Vermont misses you, I hope life in Ottawa is wonderful. Remember to stop by the dock on Crystal, if you’re ever kayaking by ( on the cliff side, funky place, a very large cement head with flowers hanging out of it).Thank you Kimberly, for hosting. This conversation felt like we were all sitting on a large sectional couch, listening in. “Freedom to be yourself “. Why it matters. And why does it matter to those that hate. I realize you did not want to veer towards the political, for me, it is difficult not to, especially now. I learned a new word from Heather Cox Richardson;
heteronormative, “denoting or relating to a world view that promotes heterosexuality as the normal or preferred sexual orientation.” She goes on to discuss the goals and present implementation of Project 25: “… whose aim is to disrupt and destroy the United States government order to center a Christian, heteronormative male-dominated family as the primary element of society”. (In her June 4th Substack post, she outlines what that presently looks like on the ‘road’ to accomplishing this goal). I cannot even ….
I am sad, infuriated, shocked, and reaching out to hold hands with everyone who has joined this conversation and is sitting on the couch next to me.
So good to read you, Lor. Sending so much love to Vermont. I love the idea of visiting by kayak-but I wonder if the Coast Guard would interfere if we crossed an international border on the water? Thanks so much for tuning in and commenting. I've been trying to stay active politically from here. I phone my reps most weekdays, sign petitions, and am a member of Indivisible Ottawa (we've participated in Saturday Tesla Takedown protests and other pro-democracy demonstrations). None of it feels like enough. I'm trying to at least just keep taking action. Grateful for your encouraging words.
Wish I could have joined live but not home--and will be listening later today and comment more fully. Love to all three of you and know that I am here for you! More soon ... when I have the time to listen to the full recording. Just wanted to get my support in here asap!
who could it be, who could it be? @Gail Marlene Schwartz @Kimberly Warner @Mr. Troy Ford
Troy, I really relate to that therapeutic aspect of writing fiction. There's absolutely something about that slowing down and processing, regardless of how close it touches the truth.
I think I'd be lost without writing (and fiction) - thanks Nathan!
Wonderful conversation with you all. Thank you Troy, Gail and Kimberly.
I loved this! Your conversations about labels and identity was so nuanced and deep and profound— I found myself nodding along to so much of it!
Congratulations Troy and Gail on your book releases! And Kimberly, you really are a fantastic host! :)
Aww, thanks Michael! I had a former ex-boyfriend who actually told me the opposite. He had expectations of me gracefully weaving myself in and out of conversations, always topping up someone's glass, (probably would've prefered heels too) and instead I hung in the backyard around a fire pit deeply engaged in only one conversation the entire night. Ha! Take that Darin!
Take that Darin, indeed!
Here’s to topping our own glass first! And to deep one on one conversations that last the whole night. If given the choice, I’m a one on one kinda person too. :)
Thanks Michael - Kim really knows how to keep the conversation rolling. :)
She nails it! All three of you did. :)
Thanks Michael. So appreciate your support and attention.
My pleasure Gail! And I appreciate your thoughtful words. :)
I add only this: I felt as if I was in the conversation while listening... Now I'll shut up and send love to all!
Don't shut up!!! It's great to read you, Mary!
Gail, I so agree, as a writer of both non-fiction, meaning essays and a memoir and fiction (short stories, novels), that fiction reaches emotional truth in a way that the other formats cannot: the risks taken are greater and more searing when not writing "genre fiction" for lack of a better term, and I say this as an absolute rom-com lover. So, I'm not saying genre as a discount. What I mean is formulaic works.
Troy, Your words about how manhood is defined and, though you may not have said this exacty, I think we agree that sensitive men can suffer--and know this from my son who has died. I so appreciate what you have said throughout this conversation.
And the comments by live listeners added so to this conversation.
So looking forward to the film!
A beautiful exchange among all three of you--and I could go on and on!
Thank you for your kind words, Mary. 🩵
Your heartfelt reflections are always deeply appreciated Mary. It was especially fun to experience the LIVE aspect of this conversation so others could chime in. Hopefully there will be more that you can join!
Really great to read you, Mary. I’m excited to check out your work!
So good to catch you all on here and hear about the film. Excited to see it!
And thanks for sharing your own wisdom with us Sean. I especially appreciated your comment about the importance of valuing all the beautiful differences between humans/genders too, to not completely gloss over them. ;)
Thanks, Sean. Nice to have you on the conversation!
Now I want to read all of your books!
Thanks for joining us today, Kate!
My pleasure!
Hi Kate! I noticed you commented at the end of the conversation that you wanted to learn more about the film. Troy and I will begin sharing more details this month, but here's a web page with some background on the cast and our vision. Thanks for being with us today! https://unfixedmedia.com/unfixed-unsung
Thanks! I'm very interested in following this.
Ahhh, what a sweet thing to read!!! Thanks Kate. :)
First, I would like to say, congratulations Troy and Gail ! I hope you are both doing something fun to celebrate your books. At the very least, good chocolate or a cake with candles, just for making wishes. Hi Gail ! 👋Vermont misses you, I hope life in Ottawa is wonderful. Remember to stop by the dock on Crystal, if you’re ever kayaking by ( on the cliff side, funky place, a very large cement head with flowers hanging out of it).Thank you Kimberly, for hosting. This conversation felt like we were all sitting on a large sectional couch, listening in. “Freedom to be yourself “. Why it matters. And why does it matter to those that hate. I realize you did not want to veer towards the political, for me, it is difficult not to, especially now. I learned a new word from Heather Cox Richardson;
heteronormative, “denoting or relating to a world view that promotes heterosexuality as the normal or preferred sexual orientation.” She goes on to discuss the goals and present implementation of Project 25: “… whose aim is to disrupt and destroy the United States government order to center a Christian, heteronormative male-dominated family as the primary element of society”. (In her June 4th Substack post, she outlines what that presently looks like on the ‘road’ to accomplishing this goal). I cannot even ….
I am sad, infuriated, shocked, and reaching out to hold hands with everyone who has joined this conversation and is sitting on the couch next to me.
Thank you Lor - it is distressing, but I think they will find it a lot harder to roll back progress than they imagined.
So good to read you, Lor. Sending so much love to Vermont. I love the idea of visiting by kayak-but I wonder if the Coast Guard would interfere if we crossed an international border on the water? Thanks so much for tuning in and commenting. I've been trying to stay active politically from here. I phone my reps most weekdays, sign petitions, and am a member of Indivisible Ottawa (we've participated in Saturday Tesla Takedown protests and other pro-democracy demonstrations). None of it feels like enough. I'm trying to at least just keep taking action. Grateful for your encouraging words.
Oh, agree with you! I just can’t stand ;the permission to hate
Wish I could have joined live but not home--and will be listening later today and comment more fully. Love to all three of you and know that I am here for you! More soon ... when I have the time to listen to the full recording. Just wanted to get my support in here asap!
I won’t be home when this is live, but I will be sure to find it when it appears on your site, Kimberly. As all you do, this is sure to be remarkable.
Awww, thank you Mary!!! Big love to you on this rainy Saturday.