Op-Eds and Blogs by Patricia Leavy
Mogul, 2019
This piece explores how the arts can be used to promote critical thinking.
Mogul, 2019
What helps one to become a prolific author? What inspires us? What's our spark? In this blog I ta... more What helps one to become a prolific author? What inspires us? What's our spark? In this blog I take you through a visual tour of my home office to talk about objects and inspiration. I invite you to join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #whatsyourspark
The Qualitative Report, 2019
I’m a sociologist specializing in research methodology. I’m also a novelist. When my latest novel... more I’m a sociologist specializing in research methodology. I’m also a novelist. When my latest novel, Spark, was released, people remarked that it seemed inevitable for me to combine my two passions. I agree. In some ways this is probably always where my work was heading, although it necessarily took a long time to get here. I’d like to share why as a scholar I turned to fiction, the inspiration for Spark, and my hopes for the book.
In this conversation, Paula Cole and Patricia Leavy talk about building a long career in a creati... more In this conversation, Paula Cole and Patricia Leavy talk about building a long career in a creative industry, how to navigate the business side of music and publishing, challenges they've faced as women in the arts, and more.
In this piece, written for my teenage daughter, I share what I have learned personally and from i... more In this piece, written for my teenage daughter, I share what I have learned personally and from interviewing hundreds of women about how to value self. I share the things I know for certain.
This essay details how writer's block led me to a new creative path and collaboration, resulting ... more This essay details how writer's block led me to a new creative path and collaboration, resulting in the book Low-Fat Love Stories (my first collaboration with a visual artist). The book takes in-depth interviews with women about dissatisfying relationships and transforms them into short stories and visual art meant to counter those we typically see in pop culture. Fairytales have an underside.
My first article for Mogul (a global women's empowerment network) after being named an "Influencer."
A blog about how fiction is effective for teaching sociology to student and public audiences and ... more A blog about how fiction is effective for teaching sociology to student and public audiences and the three major sociological lessons in my novel, Blue.
"Claiming there is no price to pay for speaking up against inequality is akin to colorblindness. ... more "Claiming there is no price to pay for speaking up against inequality is akin to colorblindness. It may be well intentioned, but it is a dangerous lie. When a kid says that they “don’t see race” they may have the best of intentions. They may intend to say, “I don’t judge people based on their race” or “I respect people of all races.” However, saying they do not see race is untrue. They do in fact see race. Even if well-intentioned, this untruth can do far more harm than good. The same is true when those of us who speak up on behalf of justice issues claim there is no price to pay or the price is irrelevant. It’s a beautiful but dangerous lie."
essay about the ethical treatment of student collaborators
Writers have long been blurring fiction and nonfiction, for example, in genres such as historical... more Writers have long been blurring fiction and nonfiction, for example, in genres such as historical fiction and creative nonfiction. There is a new movement with scholars across the disciplines using fiction as a research practice in order to more fully express their cumulative knowledge and to make the research findings more publicly accessible and engaging. The result of this work is called fiction-based research (and is an outgrowth of the widely known arts-based research movement). The tools that fiction-based researchers are using may be of value to any author wishing to combine careful research in their literary writing. Here are 10 tips for turning research into fiction:
Writers hope their work will resonate with readers. There must be truthfulness permeating our wor... more Writers hope their work will resonate with readers. There must be truthfulness permeating our work for it to connect with audiences, no matter what genre we're writing in. Fiction and nonfiction are not as disparate as some might claim. In fact, outdated historical notions that polarize "fact" and "fiction" have long been called into question and deemed erroneous by many. We understand that real life experiences necessarily shape the content of fiction just as literary techniques are used to write nonfiction. In the end, we are all story-tellers aiming to strike a chord in others. As authors like Dorrit Cohn have suggested, in actuality, what distinguishes fiction and nonfiction the most is not really the writing process, but rather the reading process.
Years ago an episode of Sex and the City featured Carrie dating a fellow writer. In one scene he'... more Years ago an episode of Sex and the City featured Carrie dating a fellow writer. In one scene he's telling her about a photo shoot he has to go to when he jokingly says, "I love being a writer. There's so little writing involved." To anyone who spends their days agonizing over their writing and worse yet trying to make it their occupation, the reality of what it means to be an "author" isn't always quite as funny or glamorous.
Most research reports are about as interesting to read as car manuals or insurance plans. They're... more Most research reports are about as interesting to read as car manuals or insurance plans. They're long, boring, inaccessible, jargon-filled and impossible to make sense of. This is how most people feel about research articles across different fields --medicine, health, psychology, education and so forth --and with good reason. Honestly, who among us actually reads this stuff?
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Op-Eds and Blogs by Patricia Leavy
One of our favorite writers, Patricia Leavy, is back with a novel that is one of the most important books you’ll ever read. Shooting Stars is one of those books that, once you start, you cannot put down (yes, 4am bedtime, but happy!). It’s a story of courage, chosen family, and how love–in all aspects–can help heal and grow. It has stayed with me, and I cannot stop thinking about the themes, characters, and how we all need more of this goodness in our lives. Read this...you'll be SO glad you did. And then, like me, you'll recommend it to everyone you know. Good things are like that–you share.
Tess Lee is a novelist. Her inspirational books explore people’s innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Despite her extraordinary success, she’s been unable to find personal happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. He’s dedicated everything to his job, leaving nothing for himself. The night Tess and Jack meet, their connection is palpable. She examines the scars on his body and says, “I’ve never seen anyone whose outsides match my insides.” The two embark on an epic love story that asks the questions: What happens when people truly see each other? Can unconditional love change the way we see ourselves? Their friends are along for the ride: Omar, Tess’s sarcastic best friend who mysteriously calls her Butterfly; Joe, Jack’s friend from the Bureau who understands the sacrifices he’s made; and Bobby, Jack’s younger friend who never fails to lighten the mood. Shooting Stars is a novel about walking through our past traumas, moving from darkness to light, and the ways in which love – from lovers, friends, or the art we experience – heals us. Written as unfolding action, Shooting Stars is a poignant novel that moves fluidly between melancholy, humor, and joy.
No small feat, you might imagine. At the end of the five-day program, however, participants including neuroscientists, artists, musicians, scholars, and journalists came together and made a vow to improve artistic and scientific collaboration.
During the program, entitled The Neuroscience of Art: What are the Sources of Creativity and Innovation?, participants came up with ideas involving imagination hubs, artist-in-residence programs, and the creation of an open-access interdisciplinary journal to bring artists and scientists closer together.
Among this crowd of 50 was author, sociologist, and arts-based researcher Patricia Leavy. At the time, Leavy had written 17 books – fiction and non-fiction - and was editing five book series. She was a recognized leader in arts-based and qualitative research. Her experience in Salzburg left her with the premise for a new novel: Spark.
Salzburg Global recently caught up with Leavy to discuss her new book, her experience attending a program at Salzburg Global Seminar, and how she drew inspiration.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Dr. Leavy, and ask her about Blue, inspiration, finding your tribe, memory, and more. Here’s what she had to say…
Includes Pedagogical Features
•Foundations for studying gender & pop culture (history, theory, methods, key concepts)
•Contributor chapters on media and children, advertising, music, television, film, sports, and technology
•Ideas for activism and putting this book to use beyond the classroom
•Pedagogical Features
•Suggestions for further readings on topics covered and international studies of gender and pop culture
Gender & Pop Culture was designed with students in mind, to promote reflection and lively discussion. With features found in both textbooks and anthologies, this sleek book can serve as primary or supplemental reading in undergraduate courses across the disciplines that deal with gender, pop culture or media studies.
In this respect, Low-Fat Love offers a critical commentary about popular culture and the social construction of femininity. Grounded in a decade of interview research with young women and written in a fun, chick-lit voice, the novel can be read for pleasure or used as supplemental reading in a variety of courses in women’s/gender studies, sociology, psychology, popular culture, media studies, communication, qualitative research, and arts-based research.
This new, expanded anniversary edition has been thoroughly copy edited and revised for a cleaner version of the novel. It also includes new bonus content such as an afterword, a Q&A with the author answering reader questions, and ideas for classroom use.
PRAISE FOR LOW-FAT LOVE:
“Sometimes, when I read an especially wonderful book I say to myself, “I wish I had written that!” And that is how I feel about Low-Fat Love. To write a page-turner of a book that teaches about contemporary gender relationships is a major feat. Patricia Leavy has done that with Low-Fat Love. Truth be told, I love Low-Fat Love because it creates a fictional world that mirrors the gendered one we live in. I can identify with all the different characters and their issues. I would love to be in any college class or book group that was fortunate enough to be reading and discussing it. Brilliant!” -- Laurel Richardson, Ph.D., The Ohio State University
“Patricia Leavy writes with passion, verve and skill. I loved the first edition of LFL, but this expanded edition exceeded my expectations. I would run, not stroll, to get a copy for yourself and all of the important people in your life. I will use this in my relational communication and women’s studies classes because it is beautiful, relatable, and offers smart critique of how pop-culture’s expectations for intimate relationships often lets us down. Leavy offers readers a way to think through their close relationships and demand better of themselves and others.” -- Sandra L. Faulkner, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University
“I couldn’t put it down! Low-Fat Love is a remarkable novel that every women’s studies class and interpersonal class would do well to read. The title is indicative of the search for meaningful, deep, enriching relationships beyond the artificial, low-fat love that is all too pervasive in society today. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.” -- Robin Patric Clair, Ph.D., Purdue University
“My students LOVE the book. One keeps saying, ‘I feel as if I am inside this story … so colorful, so contemporary!’” -- Jeasik Cho, Ph.D., University of Wyoming
“Low-Fat Love is absolutely brilliant. This new edition is a must-read for anyone who has lived, loved, dreamed, and at times, settled for less than what we deserve – in other words, this is a book for everyone. Get it now, set it on your course reading lists, and give it away for birthday and holiday gifts. It will change the way you think about identity, the media and popular culture, gender, communication, feminism, education, emotion, relationships, and the sociology of human being-ism.” -- Anne Harris, Ph.D., Monash University and Australian Research Fellow in Creativity and Arts in Education
“More than anything, Low-Fat Love proves the astonishing talent that Leavy possesses as both a writer and social commentator. This novel manages to synthesize years of research without ever feeling researched, and teaches so much without the reader feeling as if they were being educated. It’s a novel that appeals to multiple audiences, and I know that many of my students, both male and female, recommended this novel to their friends and siblings for the fun enlightenment they gained. In short, read it now. You definitely won’t be disappointed. It manages to be a short, ‘can’t put it down’ book to read on the beach or on a plane, while still inspiring the sort of reflection usually reserved for self-help novels and sociology tomes. A wonderful and inspiring read that I will be using for years to come. Every student should read this book.” -- U. Melissa Anyiwo, Ph.D., Curry College
“This book is a great read. Leavy writes characters that you care about. I read this book over a weekend, barely able to put it down. The story is well-developed, fun, and has great pacing. What makes this book particularly interesting is the way that Leavy, a sociologist with expertise in gender studies, weaves the findings of her social research into the story. She makes sociology accessible to a wide audience. A pioneer in arts-based research, Leavy transcends traditional academic writing to engage a variety of audiences. As a sociology professor myself, I am using this book in my Introductory Sociology course, not only to springboard discussions about gender identity and women’s roles, but also to demonstrate the power of sociology beyond the classroom.” -- Jessica Smartt Gullion, Ph.D., Texas Woman’s University
“Based on my students’ responses and my own enjoyment of the novel, I highly recommend it!” -- Barbara Gurr, Ph.D., University of Connecticut
“The characters are deep and complex, the storyline intertwined, and I couldn’t put it down.” -- Linnea Rademaker, Ph.D., Northcentral University
“I use Low-Fat Love in my Sociology of Gender and Sociological Theory courses. My students and I enjoy reading the text. The students repeatedly tell me in their reviews that reading this book is one of their favorite parts of the class; they find the material relevant and helpful for understanding sociological concepts in an accessible way. If you are looking for a fun read and/or a supplement to your gender courses, I suggest Low-Fat Love!”
-- Cheryl Llewellyn, Stony Brook University
New to This Edition:
*Covers two additional ABR genres: fiction-based research and film.
*Chapter on the criteria for evaluating ABR studies.
*Most end-of-chapter exemplars are new; plus links to online exemplars added for ABR performance studies.
*Chapters restructured to follow a consistent format.
*Implications for creative arts therapies are addressed throughout.
*Increased attention to public scholarship and audience issues.
*Expanded discussions of ABR as a paradigm, playbuilding, and technology.
Pedagogical Features:
*Checklists of issues to consider when deciding how to use a particular method.
*Discussion questions and activities that can be worked on in class or assigned.
*Annotated lists of suggested readings and websites, including links to online performance pieces.
*Instructive research examples from multiple disciplines.
*Flexibly organized so that chapters can be read independently or in sequence.
"American Circumstance kept me up! I couldn't put it down. I wanted to see how the characters' lives untangled. I loved how Leavy challenged my cultural assumptions. This book would be great to teach. Students will have a lot to talk about as they discover a 'sociology of everyday life' embedded in the fiction." -- Professor Laurel Richardson, The Ohio State University