The most important thing I learned in my poetry class in university is not to become attached to writing one has “finished”, or even writing in progress.

Some 12 books later, and hundreds and hundreds of articles (not to mention speaking engagement (same deal there), I’m happy that I learned that lesson at least partially.

It’s not about being sensitive — its about “giving birth” and letting the child grow up as it will (or won’t); giving up possessing the writing, and realizing that what you write isn’t YOU as a person. It’s a task, like brushing your teeth, or putting on deodorant. Glenna Gill