This week celebrated the birthday of Madeleine L’Engle (1918-2007), author of A Wrinkle in Time. A pioneer for female science fiction authors, A Wrinkle in Time also provided many female readers in the early 1960s their first glimpse into a female sci fi heroine. L’Engle believed a female heroine was possible, probable and truthful.
“Our truest response to the irrationality of the world is to paint or sing or write, for only in such response do we find truth.” – Madeleine L’Engle
In honor of L’Engle’s birthday, I present a two-fold challenge:
First, do not deny the irrationality of the world. As feminists, we have every right to be angry, to vent, to scream, to cry, and to be above all, human and flawed. We live in a flawed world, but it’s what we do with that world that matters.
Second, channel your emotions into your work. Although I personally believe all writing is inherently political, not all writing is explicitly political. It doesn’t have to be. But, write the story that’s rattling about in your head. Write it until it makes sense and if it is true for you, you have found truth in your work.
Happy birthday, Madeleine L’Engle! Thank you for reminding us that art leads us closer to uncovering the world’s truths.