Revolutionary Feminists and the feminists who love them
As well as some updates from the editorial desk
When I tell you that I — and so many of us — have been waiting for this transformational history/memoir from Barbara Winslow, I mean we’ve been talking and thinking and writing and editing and ….
And here we are! Revolutionary Feminists is out from Duke University Press!
And in this book, you’ll find history, humor, and humility — as well as some smashed stereotypes to go along with some Smashed Patriarchy (see below)!! For example, Seattle Women’s Liberation was much more inclusive than women’s liberation is often understood to be. And the issues they addressed are as relevant today — if not more so — than they were then, in large part because they listened to and addressed needs of poor and working women, women of color, and more. They also engaged, made progress as well as missteps, and kept it moving for a decade!! When asked by Eleanor J. Bader at LA Review of Books about what Winslow hopes young feminists get from the book, Winslow said the following:
Organized and disorganized. Constructive role. Winning. Active. Demanded. Day care. Abortion. Women to be active in political organizations.
What I love so much is the willing to step in, make mistakes, correct mistakes, and keep it moving. The proof of change and inclusivity is in the work — they did the work. Get this book and get inspired to go make some change yourself!
Speaking of change….
2023 has been a MF’er of a year. It’s kicking my ass like the Montgomery River Brawl! As you may know, my father died in April. What you may not know is he died without a will. DON’T DO THIS. STOP READING NOW AND GO TAKE CARE OF IT. THIS WILL BE HERE WHEN YOU ARE DONE!!!!!
Ok, welcome back.
Probate has been an adventure, but no one prepared me for the descent of people who showed up simply to take things. No one also prepared me for the increasing number of people who acknowledge the loss with “I didn’t know Henry had kids.” OOF. So here I am, probating an estate of a man who barely knew me, by many accounts was disgusted by my feminist agenda, and didn’t even mention his own children to his friends. If I seem bitter here, it’s because I was but am working through it.
But it does mean that I am slowing down at the editorial desk for a couple of months. Not just to process and proceed in this probate mess, but also to step into a new adventure:
Scribbler
If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with TikTok. Jessica Valenti does a great Feminist TikTok roundup weekly over at her ‘stack that you should definitely check out. And if you walk into any Barnes and Noble, you’ll find a #Booktok table. Well, I’ve taken my obsession with TikTok and my love of books to Comrade Sinque and we are gonna work on a book of HIS books that saved him in during his 21 years in prison and made him a communist, educator, and now, TikTok star! A book on books in an era of book banning? HELL, YES! So stay tuned because I’m taking some time away from the desk and spending it with Comrade.
This means I won’t be taking new clients in the fall but instead pouring my love and work into current clients and their projects. However, my editorial calendar will open back up in January 2024 and my first order of business will be an asynchronous 6 week class on book proposals! Geared toward the first book, this class will help demystify book publishing and the proposal process. So lots coming down the pike!
Finally: Support feminist art
LIBER: A feminist review — helmed by Jennifer Baumgardner, EIC — is hosting a kickstarter. Take a moment and throw some coins in that direction. WE NEED FEMINIST WORK NOW MORE THAN EVER.
Now for the SMASHED PATRIARCHY — a women’s lib(er)ation for these hot days of trenchant male heterowhitesupremacy!
2 oz vodka
2 oz cranberry juice
0.5 oz. elderflower liqueur
lime juice and wedges
mint leaves
Add vodka, juice, and liqueur (and lime juice to taste; I start with 0.5 oz) to cocktail shaker over ice and shake vigorously until cold. Pour into a chilled coupe (or over the rocks). Garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves. For a nice touch, freeze cranberries to top and keep the drink cool.
Nonalcoholic version: sub soda for vodka and a berry juice or club soda for elderflower liqueur. Equally beautiful and tasty!