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Joanne Napoli's avatar

I enjoyed reading these comments by both you and Lisa. As someone who has navigated the world with a hearing loss, I totally agree. Although my disability is not so visible, it has certainly impacted my interaction with my world throughout my life. Despite it all, I have lived abroad on my own, learned several different languages, obtained numerous academic degrees, and written two books. (As well as being a teacher of students with disabilities). It's been a rich and fulfilling life, as has yours been, Allison. You are a wonderful teacher and writer. I have always enjoyed being in your workshops.

Allison Kirkland's avatar

Joanne, I am so thankful for your readership and for your generous insights. Your endless curiosity about the world is so inspiring. You're truly a lifelong learner in every sense of the word. I'm glad to be a part of your community!

Barbara Krasner's avatar

Allison, it was such a pleasure to meet you in person at this year's AWP in Baltimore. I applaud you, Lisa, and Emily for this conversation. I look forward to more!

Allison Kirkland's avatar

Great to hear from you, Barbara. I was so thankful that I ran into you on my first AWP day. I was feeling slightly overwhelmed and chatting with you made me feel like I belonged. Thank you for your readership!

Allison Kirkland's avatar

Lisa, thank you again for including me in this conversation. I am so indebted to authors like you who commit to expanding their horizons and their communities. I can't wait to "meet" Theo when she's out in the world!

Emily Ladau's avatar

It was such a joy to read this! I wish all authors took the time to engage with such care and to embrace the nuanced identities of their characters. Both of your words serve as reminders of how we can honor lived experience and welcome it into the worlds we create.

Allison Kirkland's avatar

YES -- Emily, I agree. I am so thankful for writers like Lisa who are taking the time to research and engage with communities that might be outside their lived experience. I know that your book has been such a helpful primer for so many.

Lisa Unger's avatar

Thank you so much!

Colleen Chappell's avatar

This conversation stole my heart. Thank you both. “Fiction is an act of creation, at its best an act of empathy.”

Allison Kirkland's avatar

Thank you so much Colleen!