Risk, Courage, and Women: Contemporary Voices in Prose and Poetry

Acknowledgments

xiii acknowledgments A collaborative manuscript of thirty-seven authors and eighty-one pieces of prose and poetry requires not only the involvement of many talented and dedicated writers, but their cooperative effort toward a final goal. The book began with deep respect for the courage and risk-taking of so many women and concluded with a work that let them tell of their individual journeys. Working together through the book’s evolution afforded opportunities both for themebuilding and team-building. With deep appreciation and admiration, we thank our authors, remarkable women who made choices to move ahead during circumstances that would have made the best of us falter. They shared both original and published work freely, dedicating all net proceeds from book sales to fund breast cancer treatment for uninsured women. They also offered significant suggestions and reflections as the direction of the book evolved. For many, our initial connections developed into email bonds as we came to know and sustain each other personally during difficult periods and also to share individual joys. Of the many additional men and women who gave time, encouragement, and wonderful advice, the following were exceptionally supportive: Dr. Maya Angelou, who shared not only her brilliant writing, but a personal conversation to introduce the book. Her remarkable life is emblematic of the courageous woman, and we are very grateful for her poignant insights; Aaronetta Pierce and Dr. Amy Freeman Lee, close friends of Dr. Angelou, who collaborated in creating the framework for her participation and shared in developing the vision for this manuscript; Barbara Ras, Trinity University Press, who guided us to a number of our superb authors and became our “ear” as we formulated initial themes and directions; Benjamin Harris, Trinity University Reference Librarian, unfailingly positive and excited about the work, who spent countless hours assisting our exploration of literature in risk and courage for book and chapter introductions; Michael J. Kutchins, whose ongoing computer expertise was incredibly valuable in melding together the extensive writings of so many into one final xiv Risk, Courage, and Women manuscript. His patience and problem-solving were essential to bringing this project to fruition; Jack Ko, who guided us through the final stages of publication with wisdom and outstanding counsel. He made each problem seem imminently solvable ; Jean and Robert Flynn, who introduced us to the University of North Texas Press and provided on-going wisdom concerning book publication. Through her writing, Jean also shared her incredible story of terrible loss and rich fulfillment; Paula Oates, University of North Texas Press, who first saw the potential of this book to impact many lives. With an excited, “I want to work with you on this manuscript,” she took it forward; Ronald Chrisman and Karen DeVinney, University of North Texas Press, who have believed enough in this work to bring it to fruition despite the extensive demands of such a complex and collaborative project; The wings (“Women Involved in Nurturing, Giving, and Sharing”) organization , which has sponsored tremendous care through treatment, surgery, and counseling for so many uninsured women with breast cancer. You honor us all. ...