Sleeping with One Eye Open: Women Writers and the Art of Survival [Paperback]

Marilyn Kallet (Editor), Judith Ortiz Cofer (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 18, 1999

How do women writers cope with changes and juggle the demands in their already full lives to make time for their lives as artists? In this anthology, noted female novelists, journalists, essayists, poets, and nonfiction writers address the old and new challenges of "doing it all" that face women writers as the twenty-first century approaches. With eloquence, sensitivity, and more than a touch of wry humor, Sleeping with One Eye Open relates positive stories from women who lead effective lives as artists, emphasizing how sources of inspiration, discipline, resourcefulness, and determination help them succeed despite the obstacle of "no time."

The title essay, Judith Ortiz Cofer's "The Woman Who Slept with One Eye Open," defines the collection. Cofer relates the ways in which a mythological story from her Puerto Rican culture gave her confidence and courage, encouraging her creative success and emphasizing the rewards of "women's power" and personal strength. Denise Levertov's "The Vital Necessity" urges poets to make time for daydreams--essential, empowering creative food. Tillie Olsen offers a frank discussion of the pressures of work and expectations that too often sap creative energy. Tess Gallagher connects her mother's creative gardening with her own inspiration as a poet and the need for growth in her writing. Marilyn Kallet's interview with Lucille Clifton relates the personal strength that helped Clifton raise six children and publish her first book at the same time. This affirming collection offers a wealth of writing advice, given through honest accounts of perseverance and accomplishment.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is a collection of essays dealing with the challenges faced by writers, particularly women writers. While essayists and fiction writers are included, poets are emphasized. Most of the pieces were specifically written for this compilation, though some are revised or updated versions of earlier work. The editors, poets themselves, have divided the pieces into four sections. The first deals with sources of inspiration, the second with the lack of writing time, the third with handling obstacles that may interfere with writing (be they physical or emotional), and the last with family situations and their influence on output. On the whole, the essays are well written, though several in the first section ramble and could have used stronger editing. The sectional divisions seem a bit forced, as each piece stands on its own, without categorization. Best read piecemeal, all the essays will be inspiring to both active and would-be artists. Recommended for creative writing and women's studies programs.AGina Kaiser, Univ. of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A terrific collection of essays that women writers should buy. This is a book of our time. . . . An excellent tool for our turn-of-the-century writing toolbox."--Frances Payne Adler

"What I find particulary satisfying about Sleeping With One Eye Open is the way the different women's voices and dialects and souls sing together in a powerful symphony of language. This anthology should be read by both women beginning to write as well as by those who are more established and want to feel connected to a larger community."--Sue William Silverman, author of Because I Remember Terror, Father, I Remember You, winner of AWP Award for Creative Nonfiction

"Well-written . . . All the essays will be inspiring to both active and would-be artists."--Booklist

"Presents a wellspring of inspiration and encouragement for women who wrestle with satisfying their gift of word."--ForeWord

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: University of Georgia Press (November 18, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0820321532
• ISBN-13: 978-0820321530
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,714,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Critically acclaimed and widely published poet, novelist, and essayist Judith Ortiz Cofer knows that "words have the power to transform you and give you the power to shape your life. The minute you open your mouth, you have introduced yourself." Writing extensively about the experience of being Puerto Rican and her identity as a woman and writer in the U.S., she is a lauded Regents and Franklin Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Georgia where she teaches literature and creative writing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting and Educational, December 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Sleeping with One Eye Open: Women Writers and the Art of Survival (Paperback)

This book is a must-read by writers, those who would write, and those interested in human studies. It is particularly empowering for writers who struggle for time to write, the required solitude of the writer's life, the pervasive lack of attention by culture to poetry and literature, and the lack of sympathy or empathy from family and acquaintances. These varied essays are also testimonies for the human spirit. An uplifting as well as educational read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sleeping with One Eye Open: a gem of an anthology, April 23, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Sleeping with One Eye Open: Women Writers and the Art of Survival (Paperback)

I highly recommend this book as a collection of strong, creative women's writing. Essential for lovers of literature.