HEAR ME, SEE ME: Incarcerated Women Write is the collected poetry and prose of Vermont’s incarcerated women co-edited by myself and Marybeth Christie Redmond, and released by Orbis Books in September.
In 2010 we co-founded writing inside VT, a program using writing as a tool for self-exploration and change at Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility. This is Vermont’s sole women’s prison.
Since last fall, we have lived and breathed the book: first, selecting and compiling four years’ worth of writings, figuring out the most effective sequence; and of course, writing a killer introduction.
Then, after a brief lull while it went to press, we focused on organizing a major launch event for October 3rd. Since then, we have enjoyed a series of public appearances – on VPR, WCAX; and novelist Chris Bohjalian‘s column in the local paper – as well as a torrent of positive calls, texts, emails, Facebook posts and book sales with their attendant glowing reviews.
Today, an Associated Press interview of the writing circle went viral – from California to New England, Illinois to Mississippi. It even ran in The Washington Post and ABC news.
I guess I have to stop waiting for things to settle down so I can get back to my own writing . . .
sarahscapes 
Fabulous Sarah. Great work getting these stories, lives out to be seen and heard.
Thanks, Rita. Hope you’re enjoying it yourself – and of course, please do leave a glowing ‘customer review’ on Amazon. People do pay attention to them!!!
Whew, so cool Sarah! Thanks for the update.
Sarah, I literally got goose bumps reading this. Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you and all the women who wrote and worked on this. Absolutely wonderful š
Sara, you can only imagine their excitement. Talk about the freedom of words! They are flying right now. Thanks so much for sharing the journey.
Congratulations, and a big “thumbs up” for getting positive things done in prison.
Right? Who knew this modest little endeavor would ever make such a splash, even if momentary. The women are over the moon. They wanted to be seen and heard. They did it!!!
WOW WOW and WOW ……..
This is beyond awesome (though I don’t know what viral means …) !!! Send me links to the WPost or ABC feeds…. !
We definitely have something to drink to on Wednesday !! Congratulations, hard work … well done !
Anne
Anne- the links on the post are live. Just click. Last night around midnight, our Amazon rating was in the 6000’s; and we were #1 in Pol/Soc Science-Women’s Studies – Women Writers!!! Already down to #4 this morning. But . . . WOW!