MISSOULA — Stephanie Land, author of the acclaimed memoir "Maid," has released her second book, "Class," published by Atria/One Signal on November 7. This latest memoir continues her story, set a decade after "Maid," as she settles in Missoula while pursuing her degree and aspirations of becoming a writer despite ongoing challenges.
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"Class" explores Land's experiences as a single mother raising her daughter Emilia in a poorly insulated apartment in Missoula, alongside the emotional and financial struggles she faces. The narrative takes a turn when Land becomes pregnant with her second daughter, Coraline, complicating her already difficult circumstances.
Throughout the book, Land expresses her frustration with a bureaucratic system that she feels stifles her progress. Despite these hardships, she also articulates moments of joy and connection, sharing memories of hikes with friends and evenings out in Missoula.
In a recent interview, Land reflected on various topics, including the difficulties of writing about personal experiences in a small town, her decision to present her sex life candidly, and the challenges of managing anxiety while on book tours.
Land highlighted her fondness for live music, recalling memorable summer concerts, particularly mentioning an encounter with musician Jason Isbell, who has served as a mentor for her. She also nostalgically described the Top Hat bar in Missoula as a chaotic family-friendly venue filled with children run amok.
When asked about the rising cost of living in Missoula and its impact on community accessibility, Land expressed skepticism, noting that housing costs have outpaced wages for many workers in the area. She reflected on previous experiences in Port Townsend, where gentrification has also displaced many residents.
Discussing her creative process, Land explained that after the release of "Maid," her initial idea for a second memoir evolved significantly, especially after she faced personal challenges during the pandemic, which included multiple miscarriages. Eventually, with encouragement from her new editor, she was given the freedom to write authentically, resulting in the creation of "Class."
Land's approach to writing about sensitive subjects, including her sex life and the complexities surrounding Coraline's conception, comes from a desire for empowerment and authenticity. She stated her intention to tell her story truthfully while taking care not to gossip.
In her vision for a creative writing program, Land emphasized the importance of teaching the business side of writing and making courses accessible to a more diverse student body, including those balancing work and family responsibilities.
Reflecting on the life of a writer and the isolation that can accompany success, Land candidly shared her experiences during her first book's tour, where she grappled with anxiety and the unexpected challenges of newfound fame.
Land aims to use her platform to voice the frustrations of marginalized people and to candidly share her journey, knowing she has the opportunity to narrate her experiences in a way that many others cannot.