"hard times ain't gonna rule my mind no more."

some thoughts on writing about poverty & the ethics of hopeful narratives

P and I spent last week driving through Virginia. We were visiting family and friends, and also taking time to write and (for P) research the region. The short essay below reflects on some of the difficult feelings I had driving through the especially poor, rural areas of the state. Poor, rural areas always get me emotional because they remind me of my childhood. I write about making sense of these spaces, as a writer, through the tricky mix of feelings and political awareness. I’m keeping it below the paywall because it feels a bit vulnerable. Consider upgrading to paid (only $33) for access to these more personal essays as well as a bunch of goodies in the weekly Friday note. <3