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My thoughts on writing and other random things as they come up. |
| This is a blog where I keep my thoughts and daily comments about writing and WDC. |
Saw this great You-Tube video by Terry Brooks today called Why I write about elves.  .Made me think about things a little differently. One thought I had while listening to his talk (about how reader is half the equation) is that writers get to be the either the ultimate magician/sorcerer, or the ultimate facilitative teacher. Writers get to put building blocks in place that allow readers to travel within their own imaginations. This can be a deliberate manipulation based on an understanding of the human psyche and story structure (magician) or a genuine desire to set things up to allow the greatest possible imaginary experience for the reader. Kind of a cool talk. I have a new respect for the author, and will have to check out some of his books! (PS why are so many authors former lawyers?) Sil |
| New works up at Melancholy: Getting Religion at A&W and Love Is They specialize in poems about longing. Current theme is LGBT+ But they take poems outside the current theme as long as they are about longing of some type. |
| Sometimes it takes a while for things to sink in with me. I've heard lots of people talk about what makes literary fiction, literary fiction! In other words, why is it not popular fiction? It wasn't till today that I really started to feel like I got a better grasp on it. Forgive me if I ramble, I'm still trying to put this all together in my mind. I was reading an interview in Midwestern Gothic about Eric Shonkwiler . It interested me enough that I went to read one of his short stories off his website: The Man After Me (Pank). The short story reminded me of Nathan Poole, one of my favorite short story writers. Anyway...I digress.After I read that story I realized that the 'what was happening' was a relatively common incident (although it has various uncommon aspects), but it was heavy on introspection and empathy, and had a strong command of the tools of writing as well as the language itself. So it seems to me the difference is in degrees, angles and emphasis. I thought of it a bit like this: In popular fiction, the drama carries the tune. In literary fiction, the tune carries the drama. It seems like in literary fiction, we are given opportunities within normal human experience (perhaps in extraordinary circumstances) to foray deeper into the human psyche, respond with deeper emotional resonance. In popular fiction, what is happening (the more shock and awe the better) and who it is happening to - seems to be the focus. Anyway - I feel like I'm growing my understanding. Luckily - I like both types of fiction. :) Sil |
Here is a great place to submit. They do themed months, but also take general poems about longing anytime. Melancholy Hyperbole. Fast turn around. 23% acceptance (according to Duotrope). Happy Monday! Sil |
I wanted to write something today, so I did my usual things and checked the cramp and daily flash for inspiration. "Invalid Entry" Needs a better title.I've been recruiting writing friends to WDC. I hope some of them join and share in some of the same wonderful benefits I have enjoyed. Feels good to be writing again...even if it is a little awkward! C |
I don't know how or why but I am writing A LOT these days. Poems are pouring out. I wrote an essay. I'm going to write another (essay) today. I'm revising my FIRST novel! (my second one still isn't finished and it's....simmering or something. At least that is my excuse). It's kind of exciting! Hope summer is leading to many fruitful things for you as well. Best, Sil |
| This article from PW about the MFA program was very interesting. I'm rather sad that it doesn't include options for "old foggies" like me. Annie Proloux said in her speech at the AWP that she wished there were more opportunities for older writers, that they often have a breadth of experience to bring to the table. I agree! Still thinking MFA. But not as strong! C |
| I've been thinking a great deal about what Nathan Brown said at the recent OWFI conference about the academy and accessible poetry. I love his list of top poets, and I'm working my way through it. Finishing William Stafford today. Lifted from his facebook page: "Quite a few folks at the Oklahoma Writers Federation conference wanted me to re-post this list of my favorite poets to read… so… here it is: I've spoken at some events lately where I've had people say, "Ok, then… if I should give poetry another chance, who should I read?" Some in-the-know might disagree with my list, but give these poets a try: 1) Stephen Dunn 2) Tony Hoagland 3) Billy Collins 4) Ted Kooser 5) Sharon Olds 6) Mary Oliver 7) George Bilgere 8) Wendell Berry 9) Charles Bukowski 10) Martín Espada 11) Bob Hicok (earlier work) (I'm reading: "Animal Stories" & Words for Empty and Words for Full") 12) Robert Pinsky 13) Spencer Reece 14) Gary Soto 15) Adam Zagajewski 16) Kay Ryan 17) Naomi Shihab Nye 18) William Stafford Go for "New and Selected Poems" collections. They're the "greatest hits" albums of the poetry world… I know I've forgotten a few. But I gave it my best shot." I've underlined the ones I've already read extensively. Highlighting in purple the rest as I read them. He also mentioned Ben Myers (Lapse Americana) as one of his top five, but forgot him when listing them on the facebook page. I like my poetry so accessible you can drive a wheelchair through the 36" doorway. Excited to see what I find on this list. Best, Sil |
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