a good creatures interview with writer Robin LaVoie on parenting a child with nonverbal autism, seeing caregiving and creativity as intertwined, and claiming space for creative practice
I absolutely needed to read this today. As someone who writes but does not necessarily yet think of herself as a writer, I have been consumed with worry over the care of my two adult sons who require full guardianship. To be clear... it is not the care that is overwhelming, but the "worry" of their future care. Robin Lavoie has about 6 years ahead of me (but notably has 1 child with ASD while I have 2) but she shows how it can be done. I read her struggles as my struggles, and this makes me feel less alone and gives me some hope.
I’ve been reading Robin’s work for a little while and it is always wonderfully written, endlessly thought-provoking, and ladden with a touching level of care for her son.
Great post. One takeaway for me was the importance of having both the right time and the right space to create. But that creativity can take place while busy with "busyness" and caring for others.
Very interesting and thank you for the discussion. I love the picture of working "under supervision". I could definitely see a book (or play?) coming from your experience!
What a powerful interview. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing this, and thank you, Robin, for the wisdom that you share here. It resonated deeply and although this interview was living in my tabs for a little while, I read it just when I needed it. I loved so much of it, but this hit hard: "When I remember this—that creativity happens not just alongside but within the duties of motherhood—I feel less scattered and split." Yes to that. Thank you!
"creativity happens not just alongside but within the duties of motherhood"
I absolutely needed to read this today. As someone who writes but does not necessarily yet think of herself as a writer, I have been consumed with worry over the care of my two adult sons who require full guardianship. To be clear... it is not the care that is overwhelming, but the "worry" of their future care. Robin Lavoie has about 6 years ahead of me (but notably has 1 child with ASD while I have 2) but she shows how it can be done. I read her struggles as my struggles, and this makes me feel less alone and gives me some hope.
Great interview.
I’ve been reading Robin’s work for a little while and it is always wonderfully written, endlessly thought-provoking, and ladden with a touching level of care for her son.
Great post. One takeaway for me was the importance of having both the right time and the right space to create. But that creativity can take place while busy with "busyness" and caring for others.
Thank you so much for sharing this! Robin's marvelous energies can provide inspiration for many of us!
Very interesting and thank you for the discussion. I love the picture of working "under supervision". I could definitely see a book (or play?) coming from your experience!
What a powerful interview. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing this, and thank you, Robin, for the wisdom that you share here. It resonated deeply and although this interview was living in my tabs for a little while, I read it just when I needed it. I loved so much of it, but this hit hard: "When I remember this—that creativity happens not just alongside but within the duties of motherhood—I feel less scattered and split." Yes to that. Thank you!