reader / writer / teacher
Over the last year or so I am finding I have more and more unread or half finished books on my desk and shelf. I think that has to do with an issue of focus and depression. And I have revision tasks I’ve put off and off for far too long as well. My Monte … Continue reading when a writer loses the way
I’ve been listening to One Hundred Years of Solitude as an audiobook and watching this documentary on Marquez’ life and work. I’m still taken by the idea of a large story following several generations–seven generations I think and I’m taken by the idea he was influenced by his Grandparent’s stories where local stories, fantastic details … Continue reading documentary recommendation: gabo–the creation of gabriel garcia marquez
Just heard of this film adaptation from Lois Lowry’s novel. Looks well done. Continue reading the giver film adaptation
The first time I heard Thug Notes I found it very funny and engaging. I played it for my Lit 111 students. We liked the break down in a less elite language. And I love to see books and ideas from books featured in so called new media. I wonder though if this quick summary of … Continue reading thug notes
The other day a student came in to the office while I was reading a graphic novel and asked me what I was doing slacking off at school. He seemed to think I was getting away from my responsibilities. Well, this holiday I’m thankful I will have a bit of time off soon to prep … Continue reading thankful for graphic novels
My friend and mentor Will Hochman answers some questions and gives his opinion on the new Salinger documentary. Continue reading will hochman on salinger documentary
Finished reading through Algren’s The Man with the Golden Arm and I’ve enjoyed the story of self-destruction. I can see why this book is such a classic. Does feel a bit overwritten at times but Algren’s Chicago is a gritty and dirty place–very naturalistic. I most enjoyed the sweeping third person narration. Continue reading quick thought on the man with the golden arm
Rereading Borges’ The Garden of Forking Paths this morning. And the idea of a chaotic novel or a novel with confounding paths of time consoles me as I’ve been thinking Semi-Orphaned is a mess of vignettes and scene/organization that spirals. Hopeful that I have found a plan for the chaos. “No one realized that the book … Continue reading a book and a labyrinth
Sat down today–all day today–working towards an August 15 contest deadline for my Semi-Orphaned manuscript. Here is a quick excerpt: Animales Neto was over on the bed shirtless and crudo, shaking his head at the reality of missing his father’s funeral service, when he raised both arms to smell his pits. He started digging in … Continue reading semi-orphaned aug 15 deadline
Found this great wiki page on Tom Spanbauer and literary minimalism: http://creativewriting.wikia.com/wiki/Dangerous_Writing Continue reading tom spanbauer literary minimalism page
Here’s a quick excerpt from the writeup in the August San Francisco Book Review: Star Rating: 5 out of 5 “Raw and highly emotional at times, Jaramillo’s stories give a realistic look in to the lives of his characters as he presents short vignettes that hint at a deeper family saga. His style is easy to read … Continue reading the house of order writeup in the san francisco book review
Happen to be reading through The Man With the Golden Arm this summer. Now news of Algren documentary. I’m looking forward to it. Continue reading nelson algren documentary
Enjoyed Sergio Troncoso’s fiction workshop the past ten days and wanted to post some of my notes on the rest of the Yale Writer’s Conference. Day One: Keynote speech by author and medical doctor Richard Selzer asked us to combine our interests and occupations with our love for language. Loved the idea he gave us to … Continue reading more yale writers’ conference notes
Looks fascinating. Salinger documentary now has a trailer. Here’s the link: http://movies.yahoo.com/video/salinger-trailer-1-192014811.html Continue reading salinger documentary trailer
