tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-133398352011-11-10T03:25:15.227-08:00www.straightintogayamerica.comLars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.comBlogger1391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-69973368438494651602007-12-14T15:50:00.000-08:002007-12-14T15:52:23.430-08:00

Dear Friends,Long time without writing. Been doing some living, and some reflecting. Some wonderful things to share.Straight Into Gay America:I remember writing this book in the winter of 2005 and coming to the point of not caring if a single person bought the book – I was putting down the words I needed to get out.That throw-it-to-the wind feeling about sales lasted until publication when I

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-41182408489462806742007-06-02T04:14:00.000-07:002007-06-02T04:36:24.220-07:00

Thank you for the many emailed congratulations. Each letter brings a good memory. Here's a surprise.Judging committees send notices to authors who reach the finalist category. Then those who are able show up at the ceremony to discover the final rankings. Yes, I'd submitted Straight Into Gay America for Foreword Magazine's Book of the Year awards. But having received no communication from

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-33925470697421652522007-06-01T03:57:00.000-07:002007-06-01T04:16:25.282-07:00

The biggest compliments I get for writing Straight Into Gay America sound like this,"You write as if you were a gay man. It's as if you've told my own story." Last night Publishers Marketing Association awarded Straight Into Gay America the Benjamin Franklin Award for best book in the Gay/Lesbian category. This recognition from the writing community moved me more deeply than I had expected (

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-73700958262210119172007-05-21T07:24:00.000-07:002007-05-21T07:25:55.593-07:00

My Little Town – Laramie Project to live on.This is a fun note to share…Last time I wrote I shared that The Laramie Project was playing here in our little town of Chelan, Washington. In this town with no history of LGBT equality work, The Laramie Project sold out most of its performances.One attendee, a high school student, saw the play three times. The high school student emailed the principal

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-58568636353460885462007-05-03T07:08:00.000-07:002007-05-03T07:12:59.429-07:00

Our town of Chelan is putting on The Laramie Project Play for three weeks. Eight actors play 80 different characters from Laramie Wyoming. The entire script was created from two years of interviewing town members after young gay Matthew Shepherd was tied to a fence-post, beaten, left stranded for eighteen hours, and then died in the hospital from injuries and exposure.Big Event for a Small

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-17933986772024745142007-04-20T11:41:00.000-07:002007-04-20T11:49:55.189-07:00

Here's good news from www.soulforce.orgSoulforce Equality Ride Honored in U.S. House of RepresentativesThe 2007 Soulforce Equality Ride has been honored by the House of Representatives and written into the congressional record. On Monday, April 16, Rep. Jerrold L. Nadler of New York addressed a tribute to the Equality Ride and its Riders to the Speaker of the House, Rep. Nancy Pelosi."Madam

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-53570343192896418832007-04-11T13:45:00.000-07:002007-04-11T13:49:43.767-07:00

Wow!I've been following the two bus tours of the 50 young people who are travelling our nation and asking for audiences at schools that discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people. At times there has been good conversation. Far too often there have been arrests.And then this... Seattle declares April 11 as Equality Ride Day. And our state legislature just approved

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-13450939033580542552007-03-31T18:01:00.000-07:002007-03-31T18:06:33.023-07:00

With the blogalogue finished with Dave Glesne, I'm back to collecting and sharing stories. Three weeks ago I met some great grandmas in Minnesota. The week before that a couple of amazing grandfathers in Washington. If you'd like to sign up for regular newsletters, you can do so at NEWS on the www.straightintogayamerica.com website. Both of these articles are posted there, too.BTW, I've

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-52947132014687346632007-02-21T05:56:00.000-08:002007-02-21T06:01:02.713-08:00

Post from Dave Glesne: Author of "Understanding Homosexuality."Dear Lars,I can only imagine how time-consuming and energy draining the last weeks have been as you embraced the cause there in your own community. I’m glad for your sake that there finally appears to be some breathing room for you.As you mentioned in your recent post, I suggested that we are perhaps at a natural ending point in our

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-162804074566768482007-02-15T06:37:00.000-08:002007-02-15T06:39:49.353-08:00

Dear Dave,I hope this finds you well. Sorry for the long delay in writing. Spending time trying to keep the world’s most powerful corporation from becoming the dominant player in our community has taken a lot of energy. But now a public amendment process is underway in our city and Wal-Mart has permission to remain open in the meantime, so I can return to other interests.During this past month

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-54886229034355971332007-01-11T06:15:00.000-08:002007-01-11T06:16:13.293-08:00

Dear Dave,On December 29th, I was part of a winning petition to prevent Wal-Mart from opening the 162,000 sq. ft. building that they put in a development where the maximum allowable building size is 50,000 sq. ft. Since then there’s been high emotion and a lot of explaining to do here in Chelan (www.dontboxchelan.com). I don’t know how you and others react, but when overload situations like

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-20939737102992659092007-01-05T16:43:00.000-08:002007-01-05T16:48:15.678-08:00

Post #22: A continuing discussion between pastor/author Dave Glesne (Understanding Homosexuality) and pastor/author Lars Clausen (Straight Into Gay America)Dear Lars,A Happy New Year to you! We enjoyed Christmas with two of our children home with us and a trip to northern Minnesota to visit family there. Between Christmas and New Years I took a week of vacation. However, when one does not leave

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-84389141414791412552006-12-22T13:29:00.000-08:002006-12-29T07:34:06.504-08:00

Post #21: A continuing conversation between Pastor/Author Dave Glesne (Understanding Homosexuality) and Pastor/Author Lars Clausen (Straight Into Gay America)Dear Dave,End of the year blessings. I took some days away from the office, including taking our kids downhill skiing for the first time. But I have kept thinking about our conversation. Though I'm no longer in the pulpit, this rules vs.

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-16054459571237854402006-12-19T15:58:00.000-08:002006-12-19T16:07:10.785-08:00

Post #21: Understanding Homosexuality by pastor and author David Glesne dialogues with Straight Into Gay America by pastor and author Lars ClausenDear Lars,I especially appreciated your most recent post because I think it brought greater clarity for me as to your perspective and how you have come to pattern your life. It is a good thing when a dialogue can result in greater understanding and

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-37721444026447640612006-12-14T14:24:00.000-08:002006-12-14T14:41:40.197-08:00

Post #20 Understanding Homosexuality (author and pastor David Glesne) meets Straight Into Gay America (author and pastor Lars Clausen).In this post Lars considers again how we look differently at the world. Lots of words, but as Dave and I agree, these are core issues for how we live.Hi Dave,I have been absorbing and thinking about your writing for these last few days. It feels good, like being

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-48477945041224495532006-12-11T09:00:00.000-08:002006-12-11T09:03:31.682-08:00

Post #19. Understanding Homosexuality meets Straight Into Gay America. A continuing conversation between author/pastor Dave Glesen and author/pastor Lars Clausen.Dear Lars,One of the joys of this conversation is to be in dialogue with someone who I sense is genuine, honest, and transparent. You let others see who you really are and we appreciate you for it! Thank you for your words in “About

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-51402305085288901982006-12-06T06:28:00.000-08:002006-12-06T06:45:12.761-08:00

Post #18 Understanding Homosexuality meets Straight Into Gay America. A dialogue with author, pastor David Glesne and author, pastor Lars Clausen. Today Lars continues the discussion on theology, revelation, and faith with thoughts on living by Rules or Relationships.Dear Dave,About Church and Not Knowing Much:As we continue this discussion of what we can know that we know, I want to start by

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-76584475494381346442006-12-04T08:45:00.000-08:002006-12-04T08:49:59.816-08:00

Post #17, Understanding Homosexuality meets Straight Into Gay America, a continuing conversation between Pastor David Glesne and Pastor Lars ClausenDear Lars,Thanks for your post of November 27 which moves several central issues onto the table. I too see us turning a corner in our discussion and entering more into the arenas of philosophy and theology. (After writing what follows, I just

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-91980883140224285482006-12-01T11:51:00.000-08:002006-12-01T11:54:04.142-08:00

Hi Dave,Thanks for your concluding section addressing science and data. I’ll try and summarize my concerns and then look forward to moving on to theology and Bible. My sense is that where you finally rest, anyway, is in theology and scriptural interpretation.DATA: I still wish you would take a hard look at the data you're using and the objections that have been raised to these sources by

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-16710760410331644542006-11-29T09:05:00.000-08:002006-11-29T09:09:49.730-08:00

Blog Post #15. Dave Glesne (pastor and author of Understanding Homsoxuality) writing to Lars Clausen (pastor and author of Straight Into Gay America). Today Dave goes back and picks up the Science piece. Lars plans to respond and then we're both agreed we'll try to move onto the topics of God, Bible, and Theology.Dear Lars,I am hopeful that you had a happy Thanksgiving and have enjoyed a change

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-29557611183886221172006-11-27T06:13:00.000-08:002006-11-27T06:26:30.473-08:00

Blog Post #14. A continuing dialogue between Pastor Dave Glesne (author of Understanding Homosexuality) andPastor Lars Clausen (author of Straight Into Gay America.) Today it's Lars's turn.Hi Dave,Thanksgiving Blessings. I keep thinking of what a blessing it is to have this conversation. While some are emailing frustration for not receiving sufficient answers to the scientific data challenges

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1586551273345821842006-11-20T08:53:00.000-08:002006-11-20T09:01:10.465-08:00

Post #13 Understanding Homosexuality meets Straight Into Gay America, a dialogue between Pastor Dave Glesne and Pastor Lars ClausenDear Lars,Because of schedule I have not been able to log in to this blog since my last post of November 9. When I logged on yesterday (November 17), I see that I have been missing a lot of reader activity! Feeling the pressure of sending in my next post, I actually

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-82005976107755330412006-11-12T08:32:00.000-08:002006-11-12T08:42:09.510-08:00

Post #12. Understanding Homosexuality meets Straight Into Gay America, a dialogue between Pastor Dave Glesne and Pastor Lars ClausenDear Dave,Continuing thanks for continuing conversation, and for your last post trying to name our agreements and also to name “the root” of our disagreements. I think you did a good job of this, and I’ll try to reply as directly as I can.I agree it’s hard to manage

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-62679266874849261612006-11-09T15:31:00.000-08:002006-11-09T15:37:09.731-08:00

Post #10 Understanding Homosexuality meets Straight Into Gay America, a dialoge between Pastor David Glesne and Pastor Lars Clausen.Dave Glesne takes a look at some of the agreements and disagreements in our dialogue so far, including listening, distingushing between personhood and behavior, and loving the sinner but hating the sin.Dear Lars,I continue to value our dialogue. I do admit, however,

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-26961985977658931822006-11-02T07:22:00.000-08:002006-11-02T15:38:04.066-08:00

Blog Post #9UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY meets STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA, a conversation between pastor/author David Glesne and pastor/author Lars Clausen.Dear Dave,Thank you again. The challenge of a dialogue such as this is how easily we can open a can of worms. I think of Benjamin Franklin who I believe said something like, “If I’d had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” I’d

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-44762882222123350652006-10-30T16:41:00.001-08:002006-10-30T16:45:29.705-08:00

POST #8UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY meets STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA, a conversation between pastor/author David Glesne and pastor/author Lars Clausen. Dear Lars,My wife Mona and I spent last week at a time-share exchange in central Minnesota enjoying the cool air and varied colors of the autumn season. We are approaching that time of year when we gravitate to the fireplaces in our homes and begin

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-58046170802262303112006-10-25T07:01:00.000-07:002006-10-25T07:12:15.669-07:00

Post#7UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY meets STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA, a conversation between pastor/author David Glesne and pastor/author Lars Clausen. Today Clausen challenges the use of the term "gay lifestyle," and "homosexual lifestyle."Dear Dave,First I want to wish you a good return from your vacation.Second I want to thank you for saying that you could have chosen a better wording by changing

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-74406388836283132612006-10-20T13:24:00.000-07:002006-10-21T05:35:09.377-07:00

POST #6UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY meets STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA, a conversation between pastor/author David Glesne and pastor/author Lars Clausen. Today Glesne clarifies his meaning in using the term "gay lifestyle."Also, Dave is on vacation next week and will return to the blog when he's back home. Have a good vacation!Dear Lars,And I thought I was a morning person!! I notice that you wrote

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-39192538027558038332006-10-18T05:45:00.000-07:002006-10-18T06:09:32.100-07:00

POST #5UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY meets STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA, a conversation between pastor/author David Glesne and pastor/author Lars Clausen.Last time Glesne wrote about how early childhood developments can cause homosexuality. Today Clausen responds, including comments on article by Jeffrey Satinover from the NARTH website, the National Association for Research and Therapy of

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1160829172679951812006-10-14T05:30:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:19.042-07:00

POST #4:UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY meets STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA, a conversation between pastor/author David Glesne and pastor/author Lars Clausen. Today Glesne writes about studies of early factors leading to homosexuality. Glesne includes some of his pastoral view of God and faith, including: all people are equally worth in the sight of God, we live in a broken world, and our identity is in

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1160571696983302412006-10-11T05:49:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:18.729-07:00

POST #3:UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY meets STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA, a conversation between pastor/author David Glesne and pastor/author Lars Clausen.Clausen responds today by narrowing the focus to two points: Glesne’s section on early developmental factors that contribute to homosexuality, and the use of data and statistics to represent homosexual life and practice.Dear David,Thank you for your

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1160398398389940022006-10-09T05:45:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:18.516-07:00

Understanding Homosexuality meets Straight Into Gay America: (Post #2)Here is Dr. David Glesne’s response to Lars Clausen’s request for a conversation. (October 3)Subsequent to this letter, Dave and Lars agreed to conduct our dialogue on this blog in order to enjoy a wider participation. From now on we’ll be posting directly as we write our responses to one another. Thank you for comments to our

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1160224571258066342006-10-07T05:17:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:18.303-07:00

WELCOME TO A NEW CONVERSATION!Dr. David Glesne's book UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY, has been provided free to pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, throughout America. I read Glesne's book, wrote him a letter, and asked for a conversation. Glesne agreed including also that it would be good for us to communicate publically via blog. So here it is, a conversation we can all participate in.

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1159966919557992242006-10-04T06:01:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:18.161-07:00

The reactions to Congressman Mark Foley’s sexual misconduct scare me more than the actions of Foley.Emails from the progressive organizations I subscribe to are filled with calls to remove the Republican speaker of the house and demonize the Republican party. As much as anyone else I want a progressive shift at this November’s election. Yet when I see the Republican and the Democratic reactions

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1159717135327862962006-10-01T08:38:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:17.945-07:00

The Straight Into Gay America documentary is FINISHED!It premieres on October 19th at the 2006 Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in Seattle. The show is at 6:00 p.m. in the Har Exit Theater.Congratulations to Producer Jenny Ting on a heroic year of work to put 90 hours of taping into a 60 minute documentary. Thanks to all who agreed to share experiences for the video. If you'll be in Seattle on

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1159452072295333062006-09-28T06:59:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:17.645-07:00

"Put your money where your mouth is." This means storytelling to me. Storytelling to make a difference. Joyce Arnold is editor of Church Street Freedom Press. and she's used to creating change with words. Still, this is the first time since her 1995 removal as an ELCA pastor that she's gathered her story into an essay. Thank you Joyce.Pastor Joyce Arnold was removed by the same bishop who has

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1158967126478549042006-09-22T15:54:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:17.217-07:00

Gay Into Straight America (www.gayintostraightamerica.com) rolled out of town this morning after a couple wonderful days of visiting at the end of their year-long tour. 40 people showed up to hear them speak at Riverwalk Books on Wednesday night. It was one of the biggest events at Riverwalk Books in a long time. KOZI radio interviewed me in the morning and Dotti and Robi in the afternoon and

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1158795123422101342006-09-20T16:27:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:17.008-07:00

Back from Washington D.C. and Pittsburg. Soaking in new stories. On the trip I read a book that said even if 90% of our population was exclusively homosexual, that would prove nothing about whether it was right or morally neutral.I'm still absorbing that sentence which tells the core premise of this book. I'm still stunned by this open advocacy that LGBT issues are beyond experience, beyond

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1158157379816458102006-09-13T07:05:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:16.731-07:00

Okay, I admit it. It's been strange writing an LGBT equality book while living in a town where I haven't known a single LGBT person. Just one month ago I met my first soon-to-be-resident lesbian. LGBT-wise, people in this town are invisible.I'm promoting an LGBT awareness event here in town. The Gay Into Straight America Tour is making their final stop of a year long tour right here in Chelan

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1157985805552833832006-09-11T07:36:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:16.517-07:00

I guess you never know when you're going to take two weeks off blog writing until the two weeks are gone.I've been pushing the marketing wheelbarrow hard each day since June, and all of a sudden my mind started begging for a bit of space. Reader reviews of Striaght Into Gay America continue to be hugely inspiring. Building momentum just takes a lot of time and work and living with the

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1156982421467648262006-08-30T16:49:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:16.098-07:00

This past week I've been working on the stories that a gay pastor sent to me. You can see it here if you'd like. I'm sending Paul Johnson's story to as many people as I can. Maybe it will make a difference. It's a moving personal account of his journey as a gay pastor who ended up expelled from the church he loved to serve. http://www.straightintogayamerica.com/visionsandexpectationsAnd...I

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1156597236305419652006-08-26T05:50:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:12.093-07:00

This reader struck a chord when she wrote of growing up outside of organized religion:I finished the book this past weekend. Finished it with tears of joy in my eyes! Thank you for your depth, your questioning, your communications from the soul! Growing up outside any organized religion, an outcast from that inclusionary world, I felt every pump of your legs on the journey...felt every shoulder

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1156168010579656942006-08-21T06:31:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:11.935-07:00

Marketing a book is like holding a giant key ring with hundreds of glittering unknown keys. You keep trying different keys, seeing what might open the readership door.This weekend I took my first time away from the book in recent memory. Anne had an art show here in town as part of the Riverwalk Fine Arts Festival. The kids joined us for much of it, throwing balls and doing handstands in the

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1155738084370192892006-08-16T07:13:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:11.861-07:00

So, I got that letter written to folks to share news of Pastor Schmeling's upcoming trial. I sent this on Monday. If you're not on the list and want to be, please sign up.Then I created a website page with media reporting of the charges against Bradley Schmeling. Take a look if you care to, but especially the blog entries that I've linked to from the FREE REPUBLIC website. These vitriolic

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1155478214896252902006-08-13T07:03:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:11.720-07:00

So, how do you just write a newsletter that the church you grew up in, after all these years and all these chances to figure out love, acceptance, and equality for LGBT people, is once again putting a pastor on trial for loving his partner and committing to live his life with that person? It would be so easy just to rant and rave.I decided to create a resource center.It's up at the website,

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1155305074272905732006-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:11.651-07:00

Oh, yeah...the blog...this journal.I'm working on a painful newsletter right now; a couple days back an ELCA bishop filed formal charges against an ELCA pastor for the sole reason of him being gay and having a partner and refusing to resign from his congregation in Atlanta, Georgia. If you're not already getting the newsletter you can sign up at the website (www.straightintogayamerica.com)How do

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1155127574724466662006-08-09T05:38:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:11.515-07:00

This morning I came infor my regular two hours of book workthinking that selling booksis like starting a campfire.How to get those first flames started?Some mornings a dry blade of grass catches.Other mornings the wood feels wet.Each day I bring my matchesin hopes this project will grow into a warming firewith steady sales of booksto feed my familyand grow connectionsto readers.Books feel

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1154701159589989192006-08-04T06:57:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:11.444-07:00

Some of you know my day job is selling websites to authors and helping them share their books with the world.Question - Do you show your Straight Into Gay America website to potential clients?Or do you keep this in the closet until you know them better?My God! If I'm afraid of losing a sale to a homophobic author, what must it be like for LGBT people who face the daily decision of how, when, and

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1154529141974711862006-08-02T07:28:00.001-07:002006-10-14T05:39:11.373-07:00

Here's the good part of writing a book: New Connections. New Friends. New Knowledge. Tom and Stephanie shared their projects with me. They'll inspire you, too.Fish Can't Fly:Tom emailed to offer me his DVD about ex-gay stories. Talk about timely. Brian meet Tom. Tom meet Brian. http://www.fishcan.I've been wanting to hear stories from people who've tried to become ex-gay. The religious right

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1154441464173310132006-08-01T07:01:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:11.236-07:00

I may write more about this sometime, but here's the line:"I found myself on my own at eighteen years of age. "Adjust to the fact that you are no longer our son" I was told when I could not definitively state I was not a homosexual. The low point of this period was when I had to pawn my microscope for eight dollars to buy potatoes, macaroni and butter.""Adjust to the fact that you are no longer

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1154274306268297262006-07-30T08:40:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:10.952-07:00

If you're an author... you know this feeling. You write. You write. You write. And when it's all ready you wonder if you'll connect with anyone. When a stranger writes, it can feel like a miracle. Good energy for getting up in the morning and continuing to spread word about your book. Thanks for this note...Dear Lars, I received your book . . . what a powerful work of the Holy Spirit! How

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1154188614873531022006-07-29T08:54:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:10.873-07:00

I have a slow fuse. The anti-marriage Supreme Court decision this week grows more and more troubling as the days pass and I think of the implications. This morning I collected my thoughts to write a Letter to the Editor of the Seattle Times and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Whether it makes the paper or not...its nice to have a blog...Letter to the Editor : July 28, 2006The "activist judge"

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1154015765619891502006-07-27T08:51:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:08.828-07:00

Some months ago my friends Dotti and Roby asked if I'd help officiate the state sanctioning of their marriage if the Washington State Supreme Court decided in favor of marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. They'd already been married in Oregon, and then later had the state sanction for their marriage revoked. We won't be doing that wedding anytime soon.WA Supreme Court rules against

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1153866096531548522006-07-25T15:06:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:08.749-07:00

Today Chelan, Washington is hosting the Eyes Wide Open exhibit. Anne and I have been helping to organize this day for the last six weeks. Hundreds of combat boots are arranged on the corners of a busy downtown intersection, representing civilians and the 366 National Guard soldiers who have died in Iraq.Like I said, this is a busy corner with tourists from all over the state who are here to enjoy

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1153779168087100742006-07-24T15:08:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:08.664-07:00

Apologies! I didn't have my blog password along during this past incredible week at Soulforce. If you haven't been following the Soulforce week, you can read all the daily reports on the website at LATEST NEWS I'll figure out that password for next time I travel. We sold two cases of books while we were in Colorado. What a feeling to hold that book and now be able to share it with

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1152887471919949012006-07-14T07:29:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:08.341-07:00

Today, in Kansas, 1,000 copies of Straight Into Gay America are headed out from the printers to their distribution center. For all who have ordered books, shipping starts on Tuesday.I hope you'll really love this book. It's been such an adventure to create it. So many people have rushed to help create it in time for this election season.Turns out that my publication date is coinciding with the

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1152714907517695102006-07-12T07:28:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:08.187-07:00

6 days before my publication date ride in Colorado. I was looking through emails this morning, remembering the journey of these last months. The letters helped me remember the variety of reasons we need equal rights. I posted a few excerpts on the website. Maybe there will be connections for others. Here are the quotes. You can also see them on the homepage at

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1152621061494845592006-07-11T05:08:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.974-07:00

Just returned from a 3-day backpack trip in the Cascade Mountains of Washington.Together with another family we hiked up over 9,000 feet, glissaded down a snowfield, and entered the natural world that keeps turning day by day regardless of what I do or don't accomplish.On the first day I thought about all the things I should be doing for next week's book release. One week from today the book

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1152192821042708822006-07-06T05:48:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.836-07:00

This morning I spent another two hours with my best friend Google, working through the lists of websites and blogs that deal with lgbt advocacy. If Google is any guide, LGBT equality is all over the net. LGBT equality is on the wayAfter the two hours and a couple of dozen new messages sent, I'll be lucky if I get one reply. That's the nature of publishing. Wake up every morning, remind yourself

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1152021821030556562006-07-04T06:57:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.769-07:00

Jitters:I'm jittery about the July 18th publication date, and Dad's advice is sounding pretty good right now. This winter he suggested I put my manuscript up on a shelf and wait five years to see if I still feel the same way about what I've written.Shelving my book would have saved me from this current "what have I done?" stage I'm navigating through this week. Maybe you're wiser than me and

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1151851902270949262006-07-02T07:35:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.628-07:00

DOCUMENTARY:Some of us know that Jenny Ting is making a documentary of Straight Into Gay America. She followed the ride last summer and collected 90 hours of tape. Over the winter she got it down to 90 minutes. Now it's down to 60. You need to hit 50 minutes for a documentary showing on television, 35 minutes is you're going to show it with commercials.I showed up at the studio on Friday night to

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1151672335975509252006-06-30T05:52:00.001-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.556-07:00

Wall Street:This afternoon PFLAG rings the closing bell at Wall Street -- THE CLOSING BELL ON HOMOPHOBIA. More and more businesses are recognizing the value of the LGBT market, and they're realizing the importance of LGBT equality.Arkansas Supreme Court:The Arkansas supreme court says gays and lesbians cannot be barred from the foster care system.Straight Into Gay America:The Advocate Magazine

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1151426465247973162006-06-27T09:37:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.410-07:00

Overloaded on Straight Into Gay America. Every day for weeks I've come in to my office between 4 and 5 a.m. to spend two or three hours on preparing for publication.This morning I woke up and realized I've gone blurry with Straight Into Gay America. I emailed my essay into the Advocate Magazine and now I need a break. Sabbath day. A rest day. I had one of those on my tour last summer,

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1151327778649589712006-06-26T06:01:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.344-07:00

I could use a Pride Parade about once a month. And I'd love to do that parade with my kids unicycling alongside of me and Anne carrying our Straight Into Gay America banner, as we did yesterday in Seattle. What a day.Young people and old people. Straight people and gay people. Faith groups by the dozen. Businesses such as Alaska Airlines and Wells Fargo. Longtime advocacy groups like the Human

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1151066756625287852006-06-23T05:27:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.202-07:00

I need a journaling moment. I got to my computer okay for my normal 4:30 a.m. start, then got a little overwhelmed.Yesterday I signed up to be in the Seattle Pride Parade. The kids and I will be unicycling and Anne will carry our Straight Into Gay American banner with the Religious Coalition for Equality.And yesterday PFLAG made a powerful announcement about Straight Into Gay America, including

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1150984556282442412006-06-22T06:48:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.134-07:00

You've been reading about the woman who wants me to keep attending church. I write back about finding my place at the edge. Unicycling builds bridges. Writing creates connections. Here's a person I've never met before, but her words arrived this morning as a new friend. She emailed after reading a free page from A-Page-A-Day. If you want your free pages, SIGN UP HERE...This sounds awfully

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1150894171163725942006-06-21T05:38:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:06.061-07:00

She wrote back, the woman who thinks its terrible that I'm not going to church with my kids. This time she told of 55 years ago, how she and two other women in college were not able to go to seminary to become pastors, as they dreamed of. Two of the women married pastors, and "they were both smarter than their husbands.""So," she asked, "if we didn't leave the church then, why are you leaving

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1150805936805530632006-06-20T05:10:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.983-07:00

Two older women have written these past days.One tells me to get back to attending church with my children. "Quit pouting and get back to church and work for change." She feels terrible that Anne and the kids are walking to church on Sunday morning and I'm not there these days for the kids.The other older woman writes me, "So, you've become a humanist," and sends me references to check out for a

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1150548801144181222006-06-17T05:53:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.916-07:00

Hundreds of Soulforce organizers are preparing to go to Colorado Springs and challenge Focus on the Family.I'll be there on my unicycle as part of my July 18th official publication date for the paperback version of Straight Into Gay America.1. Can you come and join me as I join Soulforce for this event? Beautiful Colorado Springs. Marching from the Denver Capitol to Focus on The Family

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1150464735989343742006-06-16T06:16:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.850-07:00

I am testing the adage, "It is better to give than to receive." And I am having a lot of fun! After the long solitary winter of writing, I'm now giving away Straight Into Gay America to anyone who will have it. Just sign up at www.straightintogayamerica.com and the pages start coming, A-Page-A-Day, delivered to your email.In the first week of the giveaway 208 people signed up. Yesterday, one of

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1150388398191401322006-06-15T09:07:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.784-07:00

The proof came back from the printer. I found a few errors and had to decide whether to take the extra week to get new files sent in, or to go with the minor imperfections. Given our rush to get this book out, I decided to accept the small mistakes. Most people won't see these little flaws, but I know they're there.Which brings me to realizing how much I want perfection, and how easy it would be

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1150207456049627872006-06-13T06:58:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.642-07:00

Jeshua asked some good questions, and posted this on his blog. Check out this singing, song-writing, activist, man of hope, www.jeshuaerickson.comThought you'd enjoy the interview:“Straight into Gay America” June 9, 2006 on 11:26 amRecently I interviewed my friend, Lars Clausen, about his new book, “Straight into Gay America.” Clausen, who holds the Guiness Book World Record for the longest

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1150121522390630732006-06-12T06:46:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.575-07:00

E-Publication in two days.It's my birthday today. A year ago I was celebrating the day at Holden Village, knowing I'd be leaving the next day to start uniycling Straight Into Gay America.When I look back, I realize the strange proportions of last year:Out of 52 weeks, I unicycled for 5 and spent the rest of the time writing - a 10 to 1 ratio in favor of words.Compared to pedaling 1,000 miles,

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1149942412733459702006-06-10T05:07:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.439-07:00

Alternative Title: "Why I'm Giving Straight Into Gay America Away."Saturday morning - another 5 a.m. start with the book. Wouldn't it be nice to be a Steven King, writing full time and having someone else sell books... Still I treasure these two or three hours every morning to work on Straight Into Gay America.With the book now at the printers, I'm turning my attention to the website, to

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1149740161790812612006-06-07T21:01:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.238-07:00

Just back from 4 days at Holden (www.holdenvillage.org where we used to live) and then a couple days of catching up. So much for the daily routine of writing on this blog.Good news to report: Some Washington State citizens had an effort going to try and repeal the Equal Rights just established for LGBT people in this state. They didn't get enough votes to get the referendum on the ballot,

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1149247613320269412006-06-02T04:04:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.102-07:00

Straight Into Gay America is at the printers!My typesetter and I finished in a flurry, and then there was silence. An entire winter of writing is finished - all the five a.m. mornings spent bringing life to words, looking for just the right way to convey the 1,000 miles of unicycling, the people from the journey. and the feelings from my heart.Looks like copies will be available on July 15,

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1149085817800570922006-05-31T07:24:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:05.035-07:00

On Sharing the Foreword by Jody Huckaby.As I prepare to send this message out, my insides scream out, "Don't toot your own horn!""If a good word needs to be said about you, let someone else say it for you." That's my internal conscience.Stepping out comes with uncertainty and mistakes. Not stepping out means to miss the journey. Jody Huckaby wrote after reading STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA, "Yours

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148995441299343222006-05-30T06:07:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.898-07:00

"Hi lars, I admire your courage, energy and zeal. I am afraid, though, that nothing will come out of it all. Keep trucking." (note from an elder friend who has known me since I was in diapers.)"Your work - the living, the writing, and the way in which you and your family share it - helps my wife and me to keep going each day. We are grateful and just a little bit less lonely because of you and we

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148824309042858422006-05-28T06:39:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.813-07:00

So, the wedding was great, (see last post.) But picture this. In one week the Senate votes whether to make it a Constitutional Amendment to ban gay men or lesbian women to ever enjoy the blessing of marriage.At this one man - one woman wedding the brother of the bride was a gay person. He and his partner stood for family photos. They've been together for seven years. I wonder what it feels

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148563681129344372006-05-25T06:14:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.669-07:00

I'm off to Philadelphia tonight for the wedding of friends. Nathan's a long-time friend and he hosted me during my tour last summer. Some of you may remember from my tour postings. At the time he and Maura weren't yet engaged, but prospects looked good!Here's an another preview from Straight Into Gay America, from my visit with Nathan and Maura. WEDDING WISHES!“Look at us. We’re the insiders,”

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148474321537291532006-05-24T05:13:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.539-07:00

Announcement:Last night I sent word of Straight Into Gay America to a dozen blogs.Jeremy from www.goodasyou.org wrote back. "As someone who gets sent any and everything under the gay-related sun, I can honestly say this is something I would actually read, write about, and take seriously. "I've posted my announcement on our website. VIEW IT. Send it to a blog or a friend just by clicking SEND TO A

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148393023480067292006-05-23T06:47:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.475-07:00

People have been asking about our Soulscaper logo ever since Anne first created the guy in 2002. He was two-feet high in vinyl, on the side of Harvey the RV as I pedaled through the 50 states. He's on the cover of One Wheel - Many Spokes, and he's still with us for Straight Into Gay America. (See him on our homepage)Anne's work in feminist spirituality and her love for art inspired dozens and

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148311836160386462006-05-22T08:10:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.400-07:00

"Yours is a story that must be told—it’s difficult to express how your manuscript has provided me with a renewed sense of my own purpose, and that of PFLAG...a truly remarkable and critically important story."Jody Huckaby (Executive Director for PFLAG) sent the foreword today that will appear in Straight Into Gay America. After I read it, I sat for a long time, soaking it in, knowing that I'd

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148218322291068522006-05-21T05:30:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.272-07:00

BTW: Yesterday's Unicycle Jamboree in Sultan, Washington was as big a highlight as ever. (And it didnt' rain).Politics: I felt bad when I read yesterday's newspaper article about the ballot initiative effort to repeal Washington State's gay rights bill.Straight Into Gay America is at the typesetter, ready for production, and I haven't even weighed in against Tim Eyman approaching 5,400 Washington

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148130898426508432006-05-20T06:14:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.210-07:00

Hello dear friends, On Asking For HelpMay 19, 2006Kai's friend stood outside the door,waiting, hoping to get noticed so Kai would bike with him. I was that shy kid when I grew up. But now, if I don't push myself, I'll just wait for people to notice Straight Into Gay America. I'm knocking. Click here for the complete story.Thanks for supporting the STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA journey. We're

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148127813171715602006-05-20T05:07:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.142-07:00

"Are you sure you want to go to the unicycle jamboree? It's raining." And, I thought to myself, "It's a three-hour drive.""I want to go," said KariAnna last night.It's still raining this morning, but the thrill of spending a day with 100 other grade-school unicyclers should brighten our day. Our family is headed to the 4th annual Sultan Elementary School unicycle jamboree. These are the folks who

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1148040269765485332006-05-19T04:47:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:04.050-07:00

Finishing writing a book feels like coming out of a solitary cave. The two hours I spent each morning, all winter, all alone, writing Straight Into Gay America are transforming into a flurry of production and 'get-the-word-out' activity. Progress is happening.Cynthia Gustavson called me yesterday, "The proofreading is finished.""It's a vulnerable book." she told me. Cynthia attended the national

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1147959046000637442006-05-18T05:35:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:03.981-07:00

My friend's son died two days ago. The dad is in his 70's, and he and I used to bicycle a lot together. The son was in his 40's. An agressive brain cancer finally overcame him.I wish I could be with my friend today, but he lives many states distant from my home in Washington State.In the memorial letter that the dad sent out he talked of his son as a fan of organic food and a champion of

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1147873779138783912006-05-17T06:34:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:03.913-07:00

When you read Straight Into Gay America you'll discover how my dad and I disagree about equal rights. I included this part of my life in the book, because it's a part of life that many of us deal with -- Parents wondering about their kids -- Kids wondering about their parents. I included this part because I can still thankfully say that I enjoy the unconditional love of my parents, brother,

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1147785381636993822006-05-16T06:16:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:03.847-07:00

Hello dear friends, Straight Into Gay America: Preview Three Chapters Today!May 16, 2006Today! 3 CHAPTERS F.R.E.E. Straight Into Gay America is moving from my private writing to the public square. Click. Read. Pass it on. We're depending on word-of-mouth.Click here for the complete story.Thanks for supporting the STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA journey. We're currently in the book production phase.

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1147779653913751802006-05-16T04:34:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:03.781-07:00

With publication of Straight Into Gay America just two months away, I'm turning away from the introverted work of writing to the public work of letting folks now that a book is coming soon.Mostly I'm exhilirated at fitting together the pieces of the production puzzle. Some overwhelming moments come, too. Produce. Print. Market. Ship. "If I build a party, will they come?" "What I am I missing?

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1147529143165915472006-05-13T07:05:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:03.700-07:00

Hello dear friends, And the Cover Is...May 12, 2006Another step in the Straight Into Gay America Journey. Here's the new cover for the book and how your input helped us to make this decision.Click here for the complete story.Thanks for supporting the STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA journey. We're currently in the book production phase. Pub-date is scheduled for July 20, the one-year anniversary of

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1147271616047745112006-05-10T07:33:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:03.628-07:00

Hello dear friends, Closing in on PublicationMay 8, 2006Closer and closer to publication. Another cover to view. Free 3-Chapter ebook ready next week. Senate will soon vote on Federal Marriage Amendment. Now is a good time to stand up for Equal RightsClick here for the complete story.Thanks for continuing to follow STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA. Writing the text is coming along well. We'll keep

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1146229186036941552006-04-28T05:59:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:03.558-07:00

Hello dear friends, Supporting Immigration MondayApr 28, 2006Click here for the complete story.Thanks for continuing to follow STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA. Writing the text is coming along well. We'll keep you posted. LarsCLICK HERE TO REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THIS MAILING LIST.

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1145815510214415272006-04-23T11:05:00.000-07:002006-10-14T05:39:03.491-07:00

Hello dear friends, Manuscript Finished!Apr 23, 2006Like coming out of a cave into bright light, I'm done with my winter of solitary writing, just in time for spring. Here's what's next for Straight Into Gay America.Click here for the complete story.Thanks for continuing to follow STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA. Writing the text is coming along well. We'll keep you posted. LarsCLICK HERE TO REMOVE

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1143396087619543802006-03-26T10:01:00.000-08:002006-10-14T05:39:03.424-07:00

Hello dear friends, Equality RideMar 24, 2006Thirty-two Equality Riders are bussing straight into Colleges and Universities that discriminate against LGBT people. They've already been arrested numerous times, but they're still on tour. Plenty of time to catch up and follow this justice ride.Click here for the complete story.Thanks for continuing to follow STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA. Writing

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1142696745433096502006-03-18T07:45:00.000-08:002006-10-14T05:39:03.235-07:00

Hello dear friends, What Friends are ForMar 18, 2006Emails are arriving, "Haven't heard from you, are you okay?" Yep, still writing. Even reading a bit, including FLIGHT OF THE GOOSE, a new favorite. GOOSE needs help to gain its wings. Be a reader who helps authors. Four quick ways to help.Click here for the complete story.Thanks for continuing to follow STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA. Writing

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1136139825965975442006-01-01T10:23:00.000-08:002006-10-14T05:39:02.471-07:00

Hello dear friends, Thank Your Mentors at New YearJan 1, 2006So many people shape my life; I rarely say enough thanks. CHRISTMAS WISH arrived from my 85-year young mentor, suggesting "an army of 85-year olds." Take a look, and thanks for all the ways my life is better because of you who care. Thank You.Click here for the complete story.Thanks for continuing to follow STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA.

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1133987541480534622005-12-07T12:32:00.000-08:002006-10-14T05:39:02.410-07:00

Hello dear friends, "Write for God"Dec 7, 2005The Straight Into Gay America photo album is up. With a fifteen degree day here in Chelan, it's great to look at summer pictures. I've started editing, and getting some good hard pushing.Click here for the complete story.Thanks for continuing to follow STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA. Writing the text is coming along well. We'll keep you posted.

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13339835.post-1132095269647068132005-11-15T14:54:00.000-08:002006-10-14T05:39:02.348-07:00

Hello dear friends, Christmas SpecialNov 15, 2005The Rough Draft is finished! I'm coming out of isolation, collecting articles that share hope for the LGBT community (please write) and offering a Christmas Special for those haven't yet read award-winning ONE WHEEL - MANY SPOKES. Read More...Click here for the complete story.Thanks for continuing to follow STRAIGHT INTO GAY AMERICA. Writing

Lars Clausenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13428189687530690119noreply@blogger.com2