13 Comments
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Kevin David Crowley's avatar

I’ve heard it said: To be a good writer, write what you don’t want people to know about you. To be a great writer, write what you don’t want to know about yourself.

Jon, you are such a great writer.

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

I love that saying! I feel humbled to have it applied to my writing. Thank you, Kevin.

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Anita C. Hill's avatar

Thank you, Jonathan. Your stories continue to open myself to myself. You’re a midwife to me. Another Mississippian turned Minnesotan.

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

This is so kind of you to say, and I of course LOVE the midwife analogy!!! Remind me where are you from in Mississippi?

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Anita C. Hill's avatar

Crystal Springs High School and Mississippi State University before moving north and coming out. My first 15 years were in Shreveport, LA.

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

That's right! I lived in Hazlehurst for four painful years from 6th grade to 9th. (61-66)

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Anita C. Hill's avatar

Moved to Crystal Springs in 1966. Graduated HS there 1969. Entered MSU 1969-1973 graduation in General Sciences, specialization in Microbiology.

Moved to Michigan 1973-76, Minnesota became my home next and still.

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Pru Selden's avatar

Poignant

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Joan Mansbach's avatar

You certainly learned firsthand. Talk about enlightenment!! Actually, the Mayor introduced you to yourself. The self you became.

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

Thank you, Joan. Because of your feedback, I changed the subtitle. How love what a careful reader you are.

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Jesse Yancy's avatar

deliberate

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Jonathan Odell's avatar

?

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Joan Mansbach's avatar

That's great, Jonathan.

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