Afghanistan, Women's Adventure, and Travel Writing with Maxine Rose Schur and Diane LeBow
Channel: Mechanics' Institute
Date: 2021-12-09

Join intrepid travel writers Maxine Rose Schur and Diane LeBow in an interview with Matthew Félix about their behind-the-scenes experiences in Afghanistan, their insights into the art of travel writing, and how to relish the uncertainties and joys of different travel experiences. Fellow author and podcaster Matthew Félix will moderate a discussion with both writers, both of whom will take questions at the end of the event.

Diane’s travel adventures are chronicled in her recently published memoir, Dancing on the Wine Dark-Sea: Memoir of a trailblazing woman’s travel, adventures and romance. Inspired by her own travels in Afghanistan, Maxine’s advanced picture book, Brave with Beauty tells of the life of Queen Goharshad who in the 15th century, ruled over a vast empire from her castle in Herat, Afghanistan. 

In addition to being chloroformed and robbed on an Italian train, Diane LeBow has worked for women’s rights in Afghanistan, ridden a camel through locust swarms on the Libyan Sahara, and searched for Amazon women’s descendants among Mongolian horsewomen. Her award-winning work has appeared in many anthologies and other publications, receiving thirteen Solas Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Douglass College (Rutgers University) She earned one of the first Ph.D’s in Women’s Studies, University of California (Berkeley/Santa Cruz) Her book Dancing on the Wine Dark Sea: Memoir of a trailblazing woman’s travels, adventures, and romance is available at Book Passage or Amazon. For more visit www.dianelebow.com 

Maxine Rose Schur is an award-winning children’s book author, travel essayist and writing instructor. She has twice won the Lowell Thomas Award given by the Society of American Travel Writers. Her travel memoir, Places in Time about her around-the-world journey was named Best Travel Book of the Year by the North American Travel Journalists Association and was awarded the Gold (First Place) for Travel Literature by the Society of American Travel Writers.Maxine’s advanced picture book, Brave with Beauty tells the story of Queen Goharshad who ruled from Afghanistan and is now considered one of the most powerful women in world history. The book was named the 2020 Best Picture Book of the Year by the Northern California Book Reviewers Association. Find out more about Maxine and her books at www.maxineroseschur.com.