I met Jane Seskin in 2014 at Noepe Center for Literary Arts. My first novel was in edits at that time. She was already a multi-published author.
You met her, too. Click here for the original interview with Jane about her previous works, note cards, and more…
Well, Jane is back with another collection of powerful poetry:
OLDER, WISER, SHORTER, An Emotional Road Trip to Membership in the Senior Class.
As a treat for my readers, Jane has granted permission for the reprint of one of her poems from Older, Wiser, Shorter…
TAKE A BREATH
Do I really have to
teach the waiter
to pay attention,
or instruct the driver
on shortcuts?
No one
asked
for my opinion,
feedback, or
expectations.
It’s me, just me
who needs to learn,
how to stay focused
on my own, very own
side of the street.
–Jane Seskin, From OLDER, WISER, SHORTER
I asked Jane about her inspiration, her process, and the reception of this collection. Even her answers are poetic.
Jane Seskin:
“OLDER, WISER, SHORTER was at a very beginning stage when I met you in residency. It grew, began to take shape and coalesced over the last four years.
“What feels different in preparation from the other books, is the amount of time I put into reading: more poetry, more prose, essays. To feel all the words on my tongue, in my mouth, walking around with the ideas and then, putting them on the page. Then of course, the writing is really the rewriting, so the editing down was a major production/experience for me.
“This is my 13th book, the 2nd I’ve self-published. In the time it’s been on Amazon I’ve been blown away by the depth of emotional response people have had.
“As a therapist, I’m always encouraging my women clients to find connection, community, friendships. I believe we learn to be women by being/talking with other women, having them in our life as reality testers, normalizers, role models.
“I felt it was important for women to begin thinking about and having conversations as they age about legacy, regrets, body image, fears, joys, the moments of empowerment. I wanted us to talk about our lives.
“It was at the very last moment when I wrote and included the Discussion Guide just for this reason. To encourage reflection and talk. And oh, I’m so glad I did!”
Thank you, Jane. We’re all glad you did, too!
Renee Johnson is the author of Behind The Mask, Herald Angels, Acquisition, and The Haunting of William Gray. She is currently working on a romantic-comedy, and a historical novel, while editing a suspense novel which has international flair–an homage to her love of travel and foreign food. She lives on a farm in North Carolina with her husband, Tony Johnson, and two very spoiled German shepherds named Hansel and Gretel.
Renee Johnson Writes 
Hello to you both. Terrific feature of Jane and her new book. Thank you, Renee.
Justen
Hi Justen. Thank you for the nice comment. I think Jane’s new collection hits a chord with our aging population. I love it.
Jane, I love the poems — their poignancy, humor, sass, and savvy about aging. Renee, you are so wonderful to often feature writers in your thoughtful blogs. What warm memories I have of that Noepe residency in 2014. Thanks to Justen for his vision and for having us! — Mark
Thank you Mark. Our group at Noepe was so diverse and talented. We accomplished a lot while still managing to get acquainted. It’s always a pleasure to feature one of you.
I really like your blog. A pleasure to come stroll on your pages. A great discovery and very interesting blog. I’ll come back to visit you. Do not hesitate to visit my universe. See you soon. Happy Holidays.