That is a long title....sorry! I am one of those writers who feels the need to tackle a larger topic than just the story. For some reason this is how I have always written, at least since undergrad. Being that I am Jewish, a lot of my writing (poetry and fiction) has revolved around a Jewish theme, usually the Holocaust. I think I do this for two reasons; one because my heritage is extremely important to me, and two because I cannot fathom the hatred found in Hitler and his Nazi party to kill over six million Jews. I feel like writing about this topic helps me to make sense of it in my own mind.
My first short story I wrote my freshman year of college is called "No Room For Dolls." It is about a family that is forced to leave their home in Poland upon very short notice because they receive word of a Nazi raid fast approaching. The two daughters start to pack their necessary belongings, and the older sister has to teach the younger sister a lesson in life...where they are headed there is no room for dolls. Below is a short excerpt. (This was written in 1996 and hasn't been revised since, but I felt like I should share a bit.
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The chaotic streets were lined with overturned boxes, wrecked furniture that had been thrown out of stores, homes, and windows, and swastikas. They were everywhere, they hung from buildings, they were part of every soilders uniform, hugging the muscles of their right arms. The worst were the flags with Hitler's face on them. Swastikas; two black lines that if unbent meant nothing, but together, bent against a white background with a red stripe at the top and bottom, made the most powerful symbol of hatred I've ever seen. Looking out my "Juden" sprayed window I was able to see this symbol every morning.
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For my current piece of work Black and Blue I am not focusing on the Holocaust but another sensitive topic, child and spousal abuse. So, it is clear to me that there does seem to be an agenda in my writing, but it is focused on topics that I am passionate about. I do not want my writing to become a political statement, just want readers to walk away from what they have read of mine with something to think about.
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ReplyDeleteSamara,
ReplyDeleteI like that you write about subjects that people should not forget. It sounds like something you have learned a lot about. As Sarah said it is nice when people write about what they are passoniate about. Good luck with your new work.
Samara, I think it is great that your writing has an agenda, a larger purpose. That is not a negative thing. It is only negative when it is dogmatic and/or drowns out the story. When you can artfully enlighten your reader and make them more aware, you have accomplished something significant. Both your freshman year short story and your book-in-progress sound meaningful.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed with your description in your short story. By the way, I really like your title "Black and Blue"--but there is a novel of the same name by Anna Quindlen. Didn't know if you knew of that book.
Kathleen-
ReplyDeleteI did know there was a story called "Black and Blue" by Anna Quindlen...I actually read it awhile ago. That is why I am trying to find another title for my book...sometimes I think titles come at the very end, when the work is complete. That is most likely what is going to happen.
Great writing, Samara.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a perfect,catchy title for your book, though!
ReplyDeleteSamara, I would love to read more of the short story! I find that as a teacher it is highly important for students to be exposed to various stories about our past. The Holocaust is one of the most frustrating time periods for them to comprehend. Students have a difficult time understanding how it could have happened. Stories like yours help bridge that gap. Keep writing them!
ReplyDeleteMelissa-
ReplyDeleteI am going to need to spend some time looking at the story again and revising it, but I would be more than happy to share it with you. And I completely agree with you that students cannot grasp the idea of the Holocaust because of the sheer number killed and the hatred created by one man. I am 33 and still, I am not sure I can grasp it fully.
Samara, the things that you care deeply about do become the agenda, but I agree with Kathleen. There is a fine line between passionate and preaching. I applaud you for maintaining your passion!
ReplyDeleteSamara-
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome that you are able to incorporate your heritage into your writing. It's funny that I find that I do that with my nonfiction work, be it a paper on literacy in Native Americans or a story about my grandmother for creative-non but not so much in my fiction. Perhaps I can find a way to marry the two...
D.
Samara, this is a great post, and your short story excerpt is very moving. I'd like the chance to read the whole thing sometime.
ReplyDelete