Fall Issue Meeting & Mixer

Cherrywood Coffeehouse in Austin, TX has become unofficial meeting and party headquarters for Lipstick Pages.

We welcome past, present and future contributors and supporters of our art & lit webzine to celebrate the summer issue, which will be completely online the first week of August, and to plan the forthcoming fall issue. Lipstick Pages' meeting and mixer at Cherrywood will also be a great time to get to know each other - and welcome the new, amazing volunteer staff of editors.

Get there early, get there late - we just hope you get there to enjoy good company, food and beverages. Cherrywood has great choices and specials, and you can share a pitcher of beer with us - then stick around for a live music after dark - featuring VC CHLDKRFT!

We are seeing an increase in interest in Lipstick Pages, as well as an increase in art and literary submissions. We'll have the fall deadlines announced online, and possibly in print, before the meeting - so check thelipstickpages.net/submissions.htm after Monday, August 3rd for details if you'd like to contribute original art and/or literature for the fall issue. Then make plans for a productive and fun meeting and mixer on August 21st.

A New Facebook Page - And A New Attitude

As some of you avid social network users may have noticed, Facebook underwent significant user interface changes. As a result, we no longer have a Facebook account However, I was able to persuade them that we were a legitimate organization interested in connecting with other Facebook users who might be interested in our website. As a result, we now have new page with at least half of our friends from the old account listed as fans.

I'm not sure happened with the others, so I'd appreciate your help in spreading the word to Facebook users who hold an interest in the creativity of women.

These words struck me personally today, about the important role of the creative woman in shaping and improving society and the world, once we silence that inner-critic:

"Why have we not had more female writers, painters, scientists, sculptors, or artists. One explanation offered is that many women do not perceive themselves as creators, follow their interests into career preparation, or place importance on the works they produce. Moreover, the problem may be further exacerbated even when a woman produces an original, creative work of art, as some researchers have found that women are more conscious of criticism and find it more difficult to deal with negative perceptions of their work." - Sally M. Reis, "Women and Creativity," in the Encyclopedia of Creativity

In my own creative work, I've listened to that inner-critic too many times, doubting my abilities to produce something that society will deem valuable. These words inspire me to promote women as creators. The concept of women creators defies a patriarchal hegemony of art and literature. As it should be: women are just as capable as men in creating works to be appreciated - works that change the way we think and act.

The idea of representing a radical publication excites me, and inspires me to not censor my work, nor the work of other talented women. As editor, I will encourage creativity among contributors and insist that the voices of inner-criticism and self-censorship be muted. Of course, I will use my experience as a writer and copy editor to create the best women's webzine possible. But I won't silence my creative sisters' unique voices.

So along with a new face and body, Lipstick Pages has a new attitude.

I hope you enjoy all three.

Danna Williams
Editor