BCC Shines a Light On: Diane Gottlieb
Name of the piece published by BCC:
When/where was it originally published:
The Jewish Literary Journal, 2022
Tell us more about your piece! What is the background of the piece? What led you to write it? What’s your process?
Oh, this piece! It went through many iterations over several years. I wanted to tell a complicated story with many parts—each of which I believed was necessary for the whole to feel whole. Thoughts of death—and being confronted with a loved one’s sudden, violent death—often bring up spiritual questions. When my first husband died in a car accident, I looked for spiritual answers. As I age and feel that clock ticking, I again feel drawn to God. Contemplating “the end” brought me back to my beginnings, which I included in the piece. I wanted the essay to do that full circle thing. And, of course, it had to include trees!
How did you feel when it was first published and how have your thoughts or feelings on the piece changed from then to now?
I was incredibly grateful when the essay was published. It is a piece that is so close to my heart. Looking at it now—and at the experiences I wrote about—from a bit more distance makes me feel even more tender towards the woman I was and have become. Seeing it published for a second time is so very special! Thank you, Bulb Culture Collective!
Is there a specific message you would like readers to take away from reading this piece?
Hmm. I hope the piece speaks to people in whatever way they might need. I guess the takeaway that feels most important to me right now is that there is growth to be had from pain and loss and that life is filled with beauty and meaning and love your trees!
What else would you like to tell readers about your writing? (Doesn’t have to refer only to your BCC piece)
I’m mostly writing poems now—and having great fun!
Where can readers find more of your work? (Website/social media, etc)
I have a publications page on my website—along with a WomanPause blog page, where I interview amazing women over 50 who are rediscovering themselves.
You can find me there: dianegottlieb.com and on social media @DianeGotAuthor.
