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| When discussing my writing, or receiving reviews, I'm always amazed at how people interpret the written word. |
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Hallo everyone!
In a recent round of "Project Write World" , I entered a short story about my (late) Nanny - the lady who had looked after me for the first thirty-seven years of my life. There were a million things I could've written about her. I chose to write about her illiteracy, because that fitted the prompt - and because it's something I feel I could've done for her and didn't work hard enough at.
Here's a link to the story - "That's The Way It Is" [ASR]
What intrigued me was the reviews I got for the story.
kiyasama says:
There's something rather 'painful' about the nanny's story; to be raised with such a staunch belief that you are 'worthless' is no way to go about life.
It's clear that the narrator believes in her, and that moment of self-determination to learn how to sign her name - was a hint of the intelligence buried within.
Thanks for sharing a snippet of just what a section of your society has to deal with on a daily basis. Was there more the narrator could do? Perhaps, but we can only wonder just how much more could have been accomplished.
I think she echoes my dilemma - that I believed in my Nanny's abilities, and felt that there was more I could've done for her. She also understands that it's not just one individual going through this, but a whole section of society. It seems to be something she has learnt of anew.
Now, here's the review from zwisis:
There are so many similarities between your nanny's life and the way she was brought up and many of the people living in Africa today. In Zimbabwe our president (dictator is a more accurate title) was a teacher, but since he took control in 1980 the literacy rates in Zimbabwe have declined. We're now faced with a generation of children that cannot read or write. Factor in the breakdown of the traditional family unit and I truly fear for the future of my country.
Your story is well written and poignant. You say you wished you'd done more for your nanny... well, teaching her to write those three letters was a huge step for her. Isn't it sad how so many people are too afraid to move out of their comfort zone... to break boundaries and move away from cultural ties and beliefs?
She finds similarities between her culture and mine. In that sense, my Nanny's story seems to ring familiar with her. She tries to comfort me by saying that I did what I could, I helped her take a big step ... and tries to think of what my Nanny could, perhaps, have done for herself ...
Here's Joy  's:
Such a moving story. It brings to light how women can be mistreated by the societies they are in, and worse yet, how they can believe in and accept the society’s verdict.
I assume this is a true story that happened to you. If so, I think you did the best you could, and you shouldn’t blame yourself. The problem was not in your trying but in the Nanny’s acceptance of her own situation.
The story shows your attempts and Nanny’s reluctance through scenes, action, and dialogue. The conflict is great and the characters are portrayed well to fit the plot. The storytelling is wonderful and the passages between the paragraphs and scenes flows smoothly.
She sums up the dilemma, offers comfort and comments on the way it has been written.
Now, here's one from Mavis Moog  :
Loved your story, sad though it was. Congratulations on second prize in PWW.
It is interesting and difficult to understand how knowing ones place can be instilled in the fabric of a character. In not very distant times knowing ones place was a virtue like modesty or honesty. This quality was taught to the masses the world over. In Britain the Church did a lot to collaborate in the oppression of working people during industrialisation and before.
Now we see a great refusal to accept that one cannot be whatever one wants to be, a far more positive attitude, even if it can lead to great disappointment. I lose count of the number of 13-year-old boys who are still aiming for a career as celebrity footballers.
There is also another more disturbing result of increased aspirations. Those who don't make it now are considered by some to be real failures. After-all the world is everyone's oyster, is it not? There is a kind of visciousness in all aspects of humanity.
I enjoyed the read.
This one gives a whole new insight into the dilemma. Is it increased aspirations that cause unhappiness? Is it better to let it be, sometimes? I wonder ...
The story seems to have struck a chord with all the reviewers. There are similarities and differences in their responses. I have learnt something from all the responses - but most of all, I learnt that when you put your writing out there, it's out there! Then, it's up to the reader to take from it what she or he will ... and that may come as an unexpected surprise to you, the writer!
Thanks for listening!
- Sonali
PS - Received after this Newsletter was released!
1. Review of "That's The Way It Is" 
2. Review of "That's The Way It Is" |
This one gave me a chuckle - but it also shows how the written word can be interpreted in various ways!
A powerfully moving story - again, can be interpreted in different ways.
Some lovely verses.
This contest is going to start up again soon!
Another chuckle!
Here's a fun activity by a newly-appointed Moderator!
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A big 'Thank you!' to those who responded to "For Authors Newsletter (January 8, 2013)"
Shannon 
Great great NL, Sonali! I love learning new ways to expand my consciousness, which in turn heightens my awareness, which in turn improves my writing. Thank you! 
Brooklyn 
This was a very interesting and creative newsletter topic Sonali. Great job!  I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. 
Mia - craving colour 
A lovely reflection, Sonali. In this fast paced world, its not often we are called to take time to ponder details. Thank you for both the description of wabi-sabi and for sharing the exercises. Mia
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For Authors: May 22, 2013 Issue [#5680]
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