That’s how a writing teacher described the kinds of writing I was doing—the press releases and research reports, along with short stories and a novel. It’s all writing, she meant.  And she was right. Though fiction demands a patience and listening that press releases don’t, I’ve learned that my work in social-justice arenas and my fiction writing strengthen each other.  After all, fictional characters live amidst politics, money and desire, while effective advocacy goes deeper than numbers and charts. 

 

SALLY STEENLAND writes essays, columns, and short stories, and has recently finished a novel. For nearly a decade, she was a nationally syndicated columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer. She is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, where she previously directed a faith and progressive policy initiative.  She has taught high school English, worked as a researcher-writer for Ralph Nader, served as deputy director at a women’s organization, and worked as a secretary, salesclerk and more.

Her short stories have appeared in literary journals such as Antietam Review, Colorado Review and Hawaii Review, and been nominated for national awards. She’s written two best-selling books, The Magnetic Poetry Book of Poetry, and the award-winning Kids’ Magnetic Poetry Book and Creativity Kit.