I've never thought of myself as the kind of person who's inclined to bare her soul to the world, yet, lately, it seems like that's all I've been doing. First I gave a series of intimate interviews, and then, when Mark Miller invited me to write a narrative essay for his One series for Trestle Press, I asked if I could co-author an essay with my boyfriend, Scott, about our relationship. Though this is not normally the sort of writing I do, I just knew, deep in my bones, that telling our story would help us in our discovery of each other, and would inspire others towards reflection about their own relationships and the kinds of relationships they want to have.
I'm thrilled to announce that no one has thrown tomatoes at me! The story debuted at #1 for Amazon's Hot New Releases in Literary Criticism and Theory, and I was also pleasantly surprised to learn that my friend, Paula Todd King, wrote a beautiful blog entry, "A New Beginning," about the piece.
What a lovely reception for a new work, and especially for one so close to my heart.
The essay, "For the Love of All," is just over 5,000 words and costs 99 cents in the Amazon Kindle store. I leave you with the opening paragraph:
We are soulmates. We dream together. We feel each other’s joy and pain. We share the same visions in meditation. If one of us falls ill, the other intuitively calls to see what’s wrong. If one of us has an amazing day, the other is lifted, also, before knowing why. Together we are one, and because of this, we are also one with the world, with all of creation. Just as an individual is a microcosm of being, we are a microcosm of connection. We love largely, openly, bravely — every day conquering the fear that comes with relinquishing ownership of our own hearts. Yet, we are unique and special only in the way that all other human beings are. What we have, others have had. What we have, you can have. What we possess is the inalienable right of all: unconditional love.
Wishing you all beautiful lives, joyous love, and open hearts --
You did a beautiful job sweetheart, as always. Words of silk.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my love.
DeleteIt is so cool when you read something that helps you reconnect to the very best part of yourself. It's even cooler when it is written by beloved friends.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Melissa and Scott.
Your support means to world to us, Paula. Thank you!
ReplyDelete