Summer is a great time to read. Two of my favorite places to read and to write are either on my front porch or next to Lake Blue Ridge. (Picture of Blue Ridge, GA while I reading for this class) I spent a lot of time on my front porch this summer reading and writing for this class.
We read books I would have never selected but I am so glad that I read them. As a writer, each selection taught me something about being a writer. Each of the books had a distinct voice. I think of what I learned at a “Discover your Voice” writing workshop, that we do not like some books because we just do not like the voice of the author. It’s okay if I did not like every book, we don’t have to like everyone. Even if I did not like every book, I learned something from each one.
From Ernest Hemingway in A Moveable Feast, I came to appreciate the writing friends I have in my life. Their contribution is a listening and critical ear that forces me to write the “one true” sentence.
Tori Muden McClure inspired me for her courage. Her courage went far beyond her rowing adventure; she had the courage of her convictions to write the spiritual side of her story. In A Pearl in the Storm, McClure shared a very personal transformation with complete transparency. I admire that more than her other great accomplishments.
Pat Conroy forced me to look up many words in The Prince of Tides. I am normally annoyed by writing that requires a dictionary, but Conroy wrote so beautifully it was an honor to learn new vocabulary from him. Story was complex model for fiction writers, I will remember this when I get overwhelmed plotting my simple stories.
Elizabeth Strout’s clever use of point of view in Olive Kitteridge taught me the reasons for using omniscient point of view. I will likely use this technique to give more latitude to my writing.
I know I am being very politically incorrect when I say this, but the last three books – I just did not like because of the foreign voice of the authors. I know this is not the “right” attitude to have; my friend Anne Richards calls me a “higher education nightmare.” I am just not a very "multi-cultural" person. I was born on the 5th of July and love everything American. I know that is not popular right now. But Aravind Adiga gave me permission to expose this dark side of my personality. I was going to be a foreign missionary until I realized I had to go to a foreign country – I went to Northern California instead for one summer. And when I call technical support and I hear, “Helloo LEEZA” in an Indian accent, I want to hang up and try again. That aside, I did learn from these foreign authors.
The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga gives me license to write what I just wrote – my real opinion. I would not call it an “agenda” but a preference.
Lime Tree Can’t Bear Orange was beautifully written by Amanda Smyth. My father went to Trinidad to work after he retired and lived there for many years. He loved it. I have no desire to travel there, however wonderful her descriptions of Trinidad and Tobago. I learned from our assignment how to write a scene with my senses – that was fun and I will try that again. I especially enjoyed feedback from class members.
Muriel Barberry is not an author I would care to meet at a book signing. Her comments about not thinking about the readers in her interview with were arrogant, like her characters in The Elegance of the Hedgehog. I do not want to write something so annoying to the reader that they are tempted to put it down and not finish.
Lisa - Happy Belated birthday! I enjoyed your post so much. I too spent a summer in Northern California as a summer missionary in college. We have to compare notes. I love that you are honest about your thoughts on the foreign voices. I tend to be that way, too. I just really love America and American stories--unless it is a spy novel and then I'm all about it, but only if the CIA are the good guys. See? I'm with you. I understand. I think that is part of my fear of writing fiction. I'm such a non-fiction girl with a passion to write with a smidgen of Conroy's talent and fewer "25 cent" words.
ReplyDeleteJessica! Where did you serve. I was in Bridgport, CA not far from Yosemite doing Recreation Ministries - playing my guitar doing campfire services and missing my boyfriend (now my husband) I was just a freshman at Shorter... way too young to be all alone in the Northern California wilderness.
ReplyDeleteI really don't mean to sound so red-neck about foreign authors, but I just like our culture. I am not anti-immigrants, my great grandparents came from Germany and Ireland - not too far removed from me but I love this great country - faults and all.
I love non-fiction as well and look forward to Dr. Neimann Creative Non Fiction class.. have you had it?
My best to you kindred spirit.. we have to stick together at KSU..
Interesting point of view re: the foreign voices. Many of my favorite authors are from other countries. I've always held the view that there's no better way to understand yourself and your own culture than to see it from a foreign point of view or by reading/exploring another culture. But I don't see either of our preferences as right or wrong. We each like what we like.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I think you have to try a little harder to understand the viewpoints of people from other countries. No wonder Anne fusses at you! (But I still like you.)
ReplyDeleteI know I am terrible! Thanks for liking me anyway!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! I was in Santa Rosa, Clear Lake and several small cities throughout. It was a wonderful summer. So sweet about your husband! I didn't meet mine until I was 35--but worth the wait.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean on American authors. I feel like a hick, too, but that is what I like to read. Especially set in places I've been or want to go (only 7 states left until I've hit all 50). I'm a military brat, so I think that helps. I love reading about other countries, but just really like American--but good writing and American. At least we are aware of what we like. :-) I liked what Michael said about that. :-)
I'm taking Creative non-fiction this fall--you?
Yes Creative Non Fiction and Ihave to take teh 6000 because I havent had it yet, I was allowed into the summer classes before I had the required 6000. My new boss is my prof. Dr. Walters.
ReplyDeleteI hope to see you in class if all goes well, I will be there. Someone told me that the book list is huge in there.
Have a great..SHORT break.
By the way, I heard a great song on itunes yesterday and downlaoded it by a woman named BRANCH.. called "I am an American" check it out..you might like it.