Eve Rickert, co-author of More Than Two and founder of Thornapple Press, dives into the journey of creating the second edition of her influential book. She discusses the blend of preserving the original's essence while updating sensitive topics like ethics and abuse. The complexities of hierarchy in polyamorous relationships are also explored, emphasizing transparency and personal growth. Eve highlights the evolution of non-monogamous literature, reminding listeners of the ongoing debates around love and relationships in today's society.
The collaborative process between Eve Rickert and Andrea Zanin in creating More Than Two, Second Edition resulted in significant revisions and new insights on jealousy and ethics in polyamory.
The removal of personal stories in the updated edition reflects a shift in societal norms and a focus on the educational content rather than individual experiences.
Deep dives
Collaboration and the Editing Process
The process of creating the second edition of 'More Than Two' involved significant collaboration between the co-authors, Eve Rickert and Andrea Zanin. Eve initially brought Andrea in as an editor to help address her reservations about revisiting the original manuscript, which was a decade old. As they delved into the text, they found that the project required more extensive rewriting than anticipated, leading them to collaborate closely on new material and revisions. This teamwork facilitated a smoother creative process and resulted in a text that integrates both authors' insights more effectively.
Significant Changes and New Chapters
A major overhaul in the second edition included substantial new chapters, most notably on ethics and jealousy, which were received as refreshing additions. Eve described the new jealousy chapter as particularly significant, providing modern insights into managing complex emotional landscapes in polyamorous relationships. Furthermore, the decision to include a chapter on abuse presented critical information in a straightforward manner, aiming to empower readers to navigate difficult dynamics. These additions represented a shift toward acknowledging the complexities of non-monogamous relationships more thoroughly than in the first edition.
Personal Stories and Privacy
The authors made a radical choice to remove all personal stories from the updated edition, a departure from the original format that included personal anecdotes. Eve expressed that this decision stemmed from a desire to protect her privacy and reflect a shift in societal norms concerning personal storytelling. The flow of the text remained largely uninterrupted without these narratives, ensuring the focus stayed on educational content rather than individual experiences. This change was indicative of a growing awareness of the consequences and responsibilities associated with sharing personal histories publicly.
Navigating Political Themes
The discussion of political themes related to relationships marked a significant development in the book's narrative framework. The authors emphasized the interplay between personal choices and broader socio-political issues, navigating the delicate balance of discussing power dynamics within relationships. Eve acknowledged the potential for polarization due to their overt political stance, reflecting a conscious decision to engage with these topics rather than shy away from them. The nuanced approach taken in the discussion of hierarchy demonstrated a commitment to exploring the complexities of power in interpersonal dynamics.
Eve Rickert, co-author of both editions of More Than Two, is on the show to discuss the process of creating More Than Two, Second Edition, what about it is different, why a second edition, and more.
You can get More Than Two, Second Edition anywhere books are sold, with the official release date Sept 2, but preorder from the links provided by Thornapple Press here to support them: https://thornapplepress.ca/books/more-than-two/
Laura and Ready for polyamory have a big book release coming up as well; get Monogamy? In this Economy? before it comes out Aug 21, check out tour stops as they get added, class dates, and more at my linktree here: linktr.ee/readyforpolyamory
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