Fan Letter to a Medium.com Writer
In Which a Parrot Sheds Some Light
By W Goodwin
Dear Shannon Ashley,
It seems you’re one of the most popular and prolific writers on Medium.com. Your writing dwells on relatable (that word again?) issues that resonate (and that one?) with your readers. Personally, I go for your clear voice — the “you” in your words that makes you seem familiar and knowable. So even though your topics are not always congruent with my own concerns, I love reading you. When I say “love,” please understand…
As passionate and carnal as you’ve convincingly told us you are, I’m not speaking of the eager semi/demi love lavished by a groupie.
As dazzling and poignant as your courageous openness is, this is not the kindred-spirit sort of love proffered by a sympathetic colleague.
As fierce and committed as your mothering of a lively 5-year-old is, this ain’t the atta-girl love of a fellow mother.
As brave and thoughtful about your obesity as you are, it’s not the we’re-in-this-together love of another fat woman.
As wracked and guilt-plagued as you’ve admitted to us you are, this is not particularly the commiserating love of another wrong-doer.
As the recovering cult member (I love your “exvangelical” — such a freighted word) and…
