My first piece of creative nonfiction (which I would have never called it at the time) was a submission for It Happened to Me for Sassy. I didn't get published, but that experience remains foundational in my life as a writer. I will always get excited when I see Jane Pratt's name attached to something.
I'm sure it was my error in editorial judgment (or my disorganization) not to run your submission for it happened to me. God, I so wish you still had that because I would run it right now. Do you?? And thanks for sticking with me all these years - I love having so much shared history!
Haha, no! I'm sure you used excellent judgment. I was a literal child. I think I might still have a copy of it. (Thank goodness for the photocopier at the library!) If I find it, I will 100% send it to you. I did get something published on xoJane back in 2014, which I'm certain was much more well-written.
I'm so glad to hear that about Xo Jane. Your name is familiar to me and maybe that's why! Or maybe it's just that I've known you for 35 years or so. If you find that submission, please please send it to me. I will give it the full attention it deserves. Xo
Hopefully I'll find it, but no luck yet. I'm guessing I would have been 13 or 14 when I wrote it (so 1989 or 1990), and it was about my father being an alcoholic. That column was so important to me at the time. It kickstarted what would become my love of memoir and personal essay, but more importantly, it gave me hope that I could overcome hard things at a time when I needed it. And thanks for such kind comments. You totally made my day by responding!
I loved this! One of my regrets is not keeping my copies of Sassy from my teenage years. What a gift that magazine was to me! Thanks for continuing to share such wonderful voices.
So touching and sensitive. I love your vitality and eagerness to take risks that excite you! Your strong ambition to be successful is wonderful, and you are successful! Bella Ruth Bader
"I feel like the exact same person. But I feel calmer about being that person." Can relate. Excellent interview!
Omg! She is a legend! One of my idols when I was a magazine editor! Love every bit of this one!
Glad to hear, Tracy. <3
Wonderful! The sentence, "Aging has given me absolutely everything good that I have," is such an important one.
Yes, I love that line, too.
Jane, through her magazines, has been such a huge part of my life—so excited to read this!
I still have all my old Sassy magazines! I weirdly feel like I know Jane from devouring her magazines. Great interview!
That's incredible!
You do know me - for better or worse. Thanks for reading this and for keeping those Sassys for all of us who didn't.
What a bright and refreshing spirit is Jane Pratt!
My first piece of creative nonfiction (which I would have never called it at the time) was a submission for It Happened to Me for Sassy. I didn't get published, but that experience remains foundational in my life as a writer. I will always get excited when I see Jane Pratt's name attached to something.
Oh, nice!
I'm sure it was my error in editorial judgment (or my disorganization) not to run your submission for it happened to me. God, I so wish you still had that because I would run it right now. Do you?? And thanks for sticking with me all these years - I love having so much shared history!
Haha, no! I'm sure you used excellent judgment. I was a literal child. I think I might still have a copy of it. (Thank goodness for the photocopier at the library!) If I find it, I will 100% send it to you. I did get something published on xoJane back in 2014, which I'm certain was much more well-written.
I'm so glad to hear that about Xo Jane. Your name is familiar to me and maybe that's why! Or maybe it's just that I've known you for 35 years or so. If you find that submission, please please send it to me. I will give it the full attention it deserves. Xo
Hopefully I'll find it, but no luck yet. I'm guessing I would have been 13 or 14 when I wrote it (so 1989 or 1990), and it was about my father being an alcoholic. That column was so important to me at the time. It kickstarted what would become my love of memoir and personal essay, but more importantly, it gave me hope that I could overcome hard things at a time when I needed it. And thanks for such kind comments. You totally made my day by responding!
I loved this! One of my regrets is not keeping my copies of Sassy from my teenage years. What a gift that magazine was to me! Thanks for continuing to share such wonderful voices.
It was so good.
I’m happily 65 and wholeheartedly agree — my twenties were the most angsty!
Queensborough represent! A great read from a hero of magazine journalism 🫶🏼
<3
Thank youuuuuuu
Hallelujah for Jane Pratt!!!
Sassy was my go-to as a teen! I had a subscription for years. It was a thrill to see Jane featured here.
I loved this interview. Jane you are an inspiration!
So touching and sensitive. I love your vitality and eagerness to take risks that excite you! Your strong ambition to be successful is wonderful, and you are successful! Bella Ruth Bader
"Sleep with Prince."
LOL! Love it! Who *didn't* wanna? :-D
Great interview, Jane! Thank you, Sari!
Haha thanks for backing me on that!
JANE THE LEGEND!