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  1. Love, love, loved this discussion!  I was very familiar with Joanna Brooks prior to listening, but Phyllis Barber was new to me.  Ok, I just purchased both The Book of Mormon Girl, and Raw Edges, and can’t wait to dive into the reading!  I come from a family that has somewhat whitewashed personal histories, and this is so refreshing to me!  We all have a story to tell, and there is so much value in learning from one another!  Thanks Dan for bringing these wonderful *Mormon* women into our lives!

  2. Thanks, Jeralee, for your mention of “whitewashed personal histories.” I think there are quite a few of those out there, and yes, we all have a story to tell (and then some). Thanks for responding. 

  3. I’ve known Phyllis most of her life  — 5th ward in Las Vegas, danced next to each other as Las Vegas Rhythmettes, Maid of Honor at my wedding, having kids, divorces, etc.  I admire her ability to be upfront about the frustrations regarding religion and marriage.

  4. I’ve had a story in my head for a few years that I really want to write and this podcast had me planning out how I can get it done. All of our stories are important. I’m not even done with this podcast yet but I’m sitting here crying listening to @571234271570e22a1860ac434a20eb41:disqus tell about her 3 year old son & his death and the mild struggle she had with understanding if she qualified for God’s love. I don’t want anyone to question that because it’s a dark place. I’ll expose my vulnerability if it means there is someone who may be able to identify with it and feel less alone.

    Ok I’m going to go finish listening now.

  5. Thank you for this podcast.  I loved “The Book of Mormon Girl” and am excited to learn about and start reading “Raw Edges.”

    I also loved that “Refuge” was referenced in the podcast.  Another great biography of a woman coming to terms with her Mormon roots is “Riding in the Shadows of Saints: A Woman’s Story of Motorcycling the Mormon Trail.”  I read it every Pioneer Day and cry. 

    Finally, I find it interesting that only women are commenting on this podcast.  What gives?

  6. In answer to Mandy’s question about getting started, I will offer advice given to me many years ago. I went to a children’s book writing conference, had an interview with an editor who had read my submission, and she told me that I needed to know more about the craft of writing. Period. I went back to school and finally received an MFA in writing. There is much to learn as writing is an instrument, much as a piano is an instrument. Learn as much as you can about it and read, read, read the kind of stories you want to write. This will give you a wider sense of what is possible. Best of luck.

  7. Joanna and Phyllis (and Dan) what an amazing podcast!  I loved your rawness, your vulnerability, and authenticity!  I was running with my dog through the desert here in Arizona, when Phyllis shared her story about her son Jeff.  My oldest son is Jeff, and my youngest is 4.  I just ran with my dog and cried as you told that story Phyllis.  Thank you for sharing the most painful moment I’ve heard.  We are all broken on some level and it’s so helpful to share and hear these stories.  I’ve heard the phrase, “Old soldiers will show you their medals, but they never talk about their scars.”  Hearing you share your scars is so helpful to the rest of us.  Joanna, it’s why I love your voice too, you always are willing to share your scars.

    I just wanted to give you a virtual hug for being so honest with us.  I hope we have more and more writers with your talents sharing with us.  It makes us all better.

  8. Pingback: This Week in Mormon Literature, February 25, 2012 | Dawning of a Brighter Day

  9. I love these ladies (and Dan, of course.) What a neat spin these women have on Mormonism. Thank you for sharing your very personal experiences. It is sad that in some of our most heartbreaking moments in life, specifically our struggles with faith, our self efficacy, and our family relationships, we often struggle alone in an attempt to appear strong and hide our flaws.

     

  10. Raw Edges — did not bog me down in the least, lifted me in many ways. The most perfect writing advice I have ever heard: Write down one honest sentence after another. (I don’t know who said it.) Honest sentences are what this memoir is.  What a gift. Thank you, Phyllis.  Also, lovely interview and conversation. “We just don’t do this in Mormonism. . .” True and troubling. Thanks to both authors for contributing to the remedy for this not-uniquely Latter-day Saint ailment. God bless you. 

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