What is an American Story?
A visit to the American Writers Museum, contemplating what it means to be an American writer...AND big celebration vibes for my novel launch TOMORROW!!
Last week, I sat in a cafe on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, taking a break from the energetic buzz of the WFWA conference after a stroll through the American Writers Museum.
The light was opaque through tall glass looking out onto the wide street. A swath of stylish teens walked past in wide-leg jeans and cropped shirts, the sun white and warm through the tall buildings. I sipped my taro and vanilla latte with a flower in the foam and pondered what it means to be an American writer.
What is an American story? Does it challenge norms? Publish independently? Focus on identity and resilience and independence? Do it “my way and only my way”? Speak with fierce rebellion, and an ardent voice?
The American Writers Museum taking visitors on a circular journey through the history of writers in America, the “New World” (I cringe at the phrase), trying to define who these voices are and what they represent. I took so many notes. Pictures too. Pondering this notion of American writing.
The museum insists “there is a unique American voice.” What is it, then? Do I have it? Is it settler-American, conquering-colonist-American, or native-American?
The exhibits listed values motivating early American writing: Self-promotion. Religious conviction. Political goals. The notion of an “American Dream,” a mythology. Along with the myth of the self-made man, perpetuated by Benjamin Franklin.
There was writing about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. American ideals. The Great Awakening to individual faith and equality within congregations.
Engagement with the natural world, writing from the senses & individual experiences.
Hints that America was invented through story. Irreverent, liberated voices. Free-thinking and thinking for yourself. A freedom narrative. Living on the edge. Embracing hope. Creating an identity you can live with.
I wonder, what do you consider to be truly American writing? (Email me your response or better yet, share it in a Note!!)
Tomorrow, my first novel makes its debut. Tomorrow!! I’ve worked so hard for this, and I wonder how WOMAN OF VALOR represents an American voice. Mine. Themes of identity, yes. Independent thinking. Bucking norms. But there is also infidelity and abuse and suspense. American themes, too.
I think being an American means living in a constant state of becoming. So an American voice must mirror that - evolving, doubling over on itself, trying out new techniques, crafting new paths. Creating new realities and believing them true.
My friend Camille Pagan said on a recent podcast that behavior leads to belief which leads to behavior. We create our own realities. Writers are so good at not trusting ourselves or the value of our voices. Is that an American story, too? We live in Imposter Syndrome, even when we’ve made it. Because the goal always changes, moves further out of reach.
So many stories might classify as American stories. Stories of living in the margins. Of opportunity. Of reinvention. Of second chances. I think daring to even write, to believe that your words matter, is a uniquely American story. Bravery. Dwelling in possibility, like Emily Dickinson.
Join Me Tomorrow
Last chance to register for my virtual book launch!! Click here to get the link.
A quick plug for the Women’s Fiction Writers Association: what a whirlwind to be among 350 incredible writers at the 10th anniversary conference, and every single one was friendly, supportive, encouraging. In a society where competition is king, WFWA is a welcome refuge of camaraderie & community. If you’re writing women’s fiction, join!!
September Book Giveaway
This month, I’ll be giving away the eBook version of WOMAN OF VALOR, in celebration of its debut!! Eight lucky paid subscribers will receive a digital copy of the book. Thank you to all paid subscribers for supporting my writing. And If you’re not yet a paid subscriber, I’d be delighted if you would become one! There’s a special discount this month in honor of my book launch.
Thanks for reading!
Love always, Lynne
Congrats on your book launch!!