Q&A with Naseem Rakha discussion

Welcome to this Q&A session. Feel free to tell me a bit about yourself, your reading list, your writing, your dreams for the world. Let's get to know one another!

I love a book that generates discussions of current topics without long, judgmental passages.

My reading list is here on goodreads.com and on my blog
via shelfari: www.eileengranfors.blogspot.com

My dream for the world, idealist that I am, is PEACE.

How can we as writers promote peace and acceptance?

Thank you for sharing your list, Ellen. My fist thought to your question is that we have to be kind to one another. we have to let go of the idea that this writing gig is a competition. It can't be. As long as we see it that way, writing will not serve society or its author as much as be served.

We also have to build off of each other, prompt each other, encourage, help and hold each other. Writing is a difficult task because good, important writing, writing that makes you think and question, is difficult to do, and sometimes difficult to read, and very often difficult to get into the hands of readers. Writers need to create more forums for writer ans readers to interact.

Also, for me, writing is about truth telling. Trying to reflect the world for what it is, and then pointing us to other ways of being. I am a reader who loves books that not only make me feel, but compel me to ask questions and think. Writers have a long history of creating change though their words. Words are important, I think we should use them to help build, rather than break down.

Hi Naseem. I hope you are well. I had the pleasure of meeting you last spring when you came to our Temple book group in Portland. Thank you so much for your time. The Crying Tree was my favorite book of 2010 and I have recommended it to everyone. The characters and messages of forgiveness and understanding have stayed with me like so few books do these days. Just wanted to say thank you thank you thank you. I look forward to your next book, and would love to know any current book recommendations if you want to share.

I am currently reading The Instructions and Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Hi Naseem,
I've yet to read your book. It's on my to read list, but life keeps me very busy. I'm in a major life transition this past year and a half having taken a layoff, and shifting my direction. I'm starting a private psychotherapy practice, and used my unemployed time to study and take the national exam, becoming licensed in Washington. That was a huge accomplishment; I graduated in 1992 so had to study and learn to think in the manner of the test.

Also, my first full size poetry book has been in process, and is now available online. I traveled to AWP in DC to launch it. Where you there? My book was delayed because the publisher died on 12/29. I had never met her and was looking forward to thank her in person. I'm still waiting for my copies in the mail, expecting them any day. Then I will set up readings.

All this time I've also been looking for work, because of my plan to start a practice I've been seeking part time work. As my COBRA comes to an end I've been lucky to find a PT position that will also offer insurance. It's been intense.

What I wish is for safety and release from fear. To put our best selves forward and not get stuck in worry or fright. It has been a journey of trust to live to my highest self in trying times. I've had to believe in myself and go forward with trust. I hope others can do the same.

I"m reading Status Anxiety, stuck part way through. I've a stack of poetry books from AWP, and hope to carve out more time to read in the coming year as I move forward growing my practice, studying somatic psychology, and hopefully thrive.

My best.

Thank you Stacie,

It is so good to hear from readers like you. I have heard some incredible stories from people around the world about how The Crying Tree has impacted their lives. It has been incredibly rewarding. Thank you.

Best of luck with your jouney, Julene. I do believe we all have gifts, and I hope you find a way to make yours grow and thrive.

naseem