Rita Mae Brown (b.1944) is an American novelist, poet, screenwriter, and humorist. Her works are deeply influenced by her commitment to civil rights activism, lesbian and gay liberation, and the early feminist movement.
Born in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Brown got expelled from the University of Florida at Gainesville for participating in the civil rights movement. She joined Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before moving to New York University from where received a degree in Classics and English. Brown also holds doctorates—in literature and in political science.
In her late 20s, Brown wrote a novel called Rubyfruit Jungle (1973,) a funny coming-of-age story of Molly Bolt and her lesbian experiences in high school and beyond. It was rejected by several publishers before finally appearing in 1973 to great acclaim.
Rubyfruit Jungle was one of the first American novels to portray a lesbian character in a liberated way. It was republished in 1977, translated into many languages, and became an enormously popular book. For many years, it has been a standard text in college courses on women’s studies and lesbian literature.
Brown has also published over 40 books, including Sudden Death (1984,) Venus Envy (1994,) Alma Mater (2002,) and The Sand Castle (2008.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Rita Mae Brown
The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.
—Rita Mae Brown
Topics: Originality
Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment.
—Rita Mae Brown
Topics: Experience, Mistakes, Judgment, Decisions, Failures
Creativity comes from trust. Trust your instincts. And never hope more than you work.
—Rita Mae Brown
Topics: Work, Creativity, Trust, Hope, Hard Work
I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it.
—Rita Mae Brown
Topics: Goals, Simplicity, Happiness, Relaxation, Aspirations
I believe in a lively disrespect for most forms of authority.
—Rita Mae Brown
Art is moral passion married to entertainment. Moral passion without entertainment is propaganda, and entertainment without moral passion is television.
—Rita Mae Brown
Topics: Television
A deadline is negative inspiration. Still, it’s better than no inspiration at all.
—Rita Mae Brown
Topics: Goals
Education is a wonderful thing. If you couldn’t sign your name you’d have to pay cash.
—Rita Mae Brown
Topics: Education
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