Controversial book celebrates two decades of library bans and protests: By Ily Goyanes
Leslea Newman has stayed busy writing poetry and teaching. (photo courtesy Ms. Newman)
Lesléa Newman is a prolific and awardwinning writer of poetry, fiction, children’s books, non-fiction, and erotica. In 1989, Newman wrote and self-published the groundbreaking and controversial children’s book, Heather has Two Mommies. The book was the first of its kind; a children’s book about a child raised by a same-sex couple. Heather has Two Mommies has been banned repeatedly across the United States and yet just celebrated the publication of its 20th Anniversary Edition this past September.
As an editor, Newman compiled the lesbian erotica anthologies, Pillow Talk: Lesbian Stories between the Covers I &II, as well as Bedroom Eyes: Stories of Lesbians in the Boudoir. As a writer, she has contributed short stories to lesbian erotica anthologies and written countless novels for teens and adults. As a human being, she has furthered awareness of the LGBT community and been integral to the progression of gay rights over the past two decades.
Her passion for the written word is evident in her work. Newman has a way of making her characters seem like people you know quite well; they could be your cousin or best friend. Her story in Romantic Interludes 2: Secrets, is sexy, funny and touching. The characters and story in her new novel, The Reluctant Daughter, are also universally honest and gripping. Florida Agenda interviewed Newman and discussed her life, her designation as poet laureate for the city of Northampton, Massachusetts, and the release of her new novel.
How do you identify concerning your sexuality?
I identify as a lesbian. I’m legally married to the butch of my dreams (hooray for living in Massachusetts!). We’ve been together for 21 years. Everything that I have learned about love, I’ve learned from my spouse.
The Jewish experience figures prominently in your writing. To what extent do you feel that personal characteristics such as age, religion, gender, etc. influence you as a person and as a writer?
I think my biggest influence in my writing is my life–being a lesbian, being of a certain age, being a woman, being a native New Yorker, being a Jew. I write fiction but all these traits influence my stories and my characters. What I am interested in is the emotional truth. I find that when I write I try to get something core, something deep.
Your children’s book Heather has Two Mommies repeatedly makes the lists of the most banned books in the United States. How does that make you feel?
Great for book sales (laughs). I have many feelings about it; feelings of disbelief, sorrow, anger, pride. The book is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The message of the book is “The most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love each other.” It’s amazing to me that in this day and age, a book with that message is considered controversial and is still being challenged. Last fall a special 20th Anniversary edition came out with full color illustrations and I’m very proud about that.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Any day you ask me this question, you get a different answer. I am very into Judy Grahn, Pat Parker, Chyrstos, the lesbian poets. I also always mention my mentors Allen Ginsberg and Grace Paley.
Allen Ginsberg was your mentor?
Yes, and he was not only a great poet, but also a very kind man. My job was to answer his mail. He would take every letter seriously, whether it was from a publisher, a senator, or a teenager growing up in Kansas who knew he was gay and didn’t know how to handle it. I try to emulate Allen, and treat everyone whom the universe sends my way with equal respect. I wish Allen was around so I could tell him that I was named the poet laureate of Northampton, Massachusetts last year. I think he would be very proud of me. It’s a two-year position and I am just thrilled to have been given this honor. I was also very happy that I had a new poetry book called Nobody’s Mother published in 2008. That was perfect timing!
How do you approach writing?
With great trepidation. I have never written an outline in my life. I can’t tell you what is going to happen except in hindsight. I go on faith. It’s the spelunking approach. It’s like going into a cave wearing a helmet with a light attached to it. All I can see is where to put my foot, where to take the next step. Once I take that step, I move forward and see where to take the next step. And so on. That’s how I write, one step, one word at a time.
What advice would you give a twentyyear old Lesléa Newman?
Hang in there, baby. Things are gonna get much better. You will be happier than you ever imagined. And keep writing. It will save your life.
For more information visit: www.lesleanewman.com
By ILY GOYANES
