Books
When Cleo Wade was struggling through her latest book, she called up this longtime friend.
Bustles Without This Woman is a series of essays honoring the women who change and challenge us every day.
I couldnt be a poet without Mary Oliver.
But I want to focus on the day-to-dayness of friendship.
Every friendship is a love story.
We fall in love with our friends, and we go on dates to get to know them.
I met my best friend, Liza Voloshin, 15 years ago in New York City.
We had some mutual friends and had seen each other around.
She had this very dramatic appearance; I thought she was so cool.
I said, You know, I found this witch shop in my neighborhood.
Would you want to go with me and get something?
(I grew up watchingPractical Magic.
She said, Yeah, of course.
That was the first time wed ever spoken.
Id invited her over to my little apartment on 30 St. Marks Place.
It was the tiniest little thing.
We called it the litchen because it was a living room and kitchen in one.
We had to work so hard to feel safe and make it.
She helped me write my first poems.
Id written poetry as a child but buried the dream for a long time.
She helped me rediscover it.
Liza truly impactedthis book.
Like with most writing, first drafts are bad.
Id written a big chunk of the book, and I called Liza.
I need you to come over.
Im going to order dinner.
Im going to pour wine.
I need you to sit and read these pages in front of me.
She came over and did exactly that.
She really helped me find my way.
They should feel like their friend is sharing a deeper experience with them.
So much of our bond is that were proud of each other.
Were so happy for each other.
Without this woman, I would be less brave.
As told to Leila Barghouty.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
This article was originally published onOct.
