Have you asked yourself the question, “Why didn’t anyone tell me about THIS?” when it came to writing and purpose? Transformative writing carries exactly that sentiment, and that is what Lauren and Jenn are talking about in this episode.
Jenn has been writing for many years publicly and privately.
As a fat, queer person who doesn’t fit into society’s acceptable standards and understands the scientific side of fatness, she found a way to share her experiences and views through the written word. An intimate space where, amongst other things, she wrote about fat activism, liberation, and acceptance.
In this episode, Jenn shares how she uses writing as a transformative tool. She also talks about her journey to learning Spanish and how writing in this language has helped her shape a different understanding of the world. She talks about the risks she has taken writing fiction and how scary this can be. To Jenn, writing is more than just words on paper. It is a way to explore what lies deep within us, to find clarity, community, and bliss.
Thanks for being here today. We want to know your thoughts after this episode! Tag @schoolforwriters on Instagram, we want to hear from you!
About Jenn Leyva:
Jenn Leyva is a New York City public school teacher, progressive educator, and activist writer. She is a member of the New York City Collective of Radical Educators, a Math for America fellow, and a radical body acceptance advocate. Her work has been featured all over the Internet, but also, more importantly for this conversation, it has been something personal, healing, and intimate that she has kept for herself. In this episode, Jenn and I talk about what it’s like to go from running a popular blog and Twitter on the Internet for all to see to transitioning her writing to something more private and equally powerful.
If you’ve read my book, Bawdy Love: 10 Steps to Profoundly Loving Your Body, you’ll know the name Jenn Leyva from the quotes of self-love, radical softness, and community activism that I have from her in there. Jenn’s words have truly changed my life and I’m excited to share them with you today on the School for Writers podcast.
If you haven’t listened to episode 13 where we talk about journaling and how this writing therapy can help you thrive, then go back and check it out!
We want to know who you are and where you’ve been! Come hang out with Lauren in the Writers Squad Facebook group and over on Instagram @laurenmariefleming. We can’t wait to chat with you there!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Want to start writing your book but still feel lost in the process? Sign up for my FREE masterclass and join the live coaching session on December 3rd at 5 pm Pacific time HERE! I’ll give you actionable steps on how to write your book in 2021, so don’t miss it!
Normal Life by Dean Spade
Middlebury Language Immersion Program
Book recommendation of the week:
Curvy Girl Sex: 101 Body-Positive Positions to Empower Your Sex Life by Elle Chase
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Wondering why we don’t link to Amazon? Check out Episode 2 of the Business School for Writers Podcast to hear all about how supporting independent bookstores helps you see more stories like yours out in the world.
