This week on The Write Question, host Lauren Korn speaks with Stephanie Land, author of Class: A Memoir of Motherhood, Hunger, and Higher Education (Atria/One Signal Publishers). Maid, Stephanie’s first memoir, was centered on her life as a working mother, as a housecleaner, but it was also a story about her dream of becoming a writer. In the immensely readable Class, Stephanie takes us with her as she pursues that dream, as she finishes college and earns her undergraduate degree in creative writing at the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. Facing barriers at every turn—including a byzantine loan system, not having enough money for food, navigating the judgments of professors and fellow students—Stephanie finds a way to survive, once again.
Stephanie Land is an American author and activist whose writing focuses on social and economic justice, as well as parenting under the poverty line. Her debut book, Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive, was a New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a limited series on Netflix. Stephanie’s work has been featured in numerous outlets, and she is a frequent speaker at colleges and national advocacy organizations. Class is her second book.
—
The Write Question team for this episode was Lauren Korn, host, co-producer, and editor; and Chris Moyles, co-producer, editor, and sound engineer. This episode is supported by Montana Book Co., located in downtown Helena, Montana, since 1978, offering new books for all ages, vinyl records, and community activism. For delivery in Helena and shipping online, visit mtbookco.com.
The Write Question logo and brand (2022) was designed by Molly Russell. You can see more of her work at iamthemollruss.com and on Instagram @iamthemollruss. Our music was written and recorded by John Floridis.
Funding for The Write Question comes from Humanities Montana; members of Montana Public Radio; and from the Greater Montana Foundation—encouraging communication on issues, trends, and values of importance to Montanans.
The Write Question is a production of Montana Public Radio.
