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Comment on So much for patriotism by Jessica Lyon

Jessica Lyon — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:11:34 +0000

Yes. Except they don’t see them as prizes. They see them as entitlements. They shouldn’t even have to try to win them. We should offer them up on platters, in lieu of our sweat and our tears. Indeed, why should we have any self respect at all. …As my mother has always been fond of reminding me: No one ever said life was fair. And, as I often retort: That doesn’t mean we have to take it lying down! Blog on, Ms. Welsh! Blog on!

Comment on So much for patriotism by JoAnn Welsh

JoAnn Welsh — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:43:40 +0000

Oh, I think it’s always been bad — I just think we’re sliding backwards. The protections we’ve struggled to enact for individuals are like the jugs set up in the carnival game — and depending on my degree of hopefulness, I waver as to how easy those jugs are to knock over. It’s as if wealthy and powerful people are whining that about the unfairness of making the jugs too heavy. How are they supposed to win their prizes?

Comment on So much for patriotism by Jessica Lyon

Jessica Lyon — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:35:16 +0000

I agree completely that most of us, especially the have nots, don’t have much power today. And, that questioning those in power can be a dangerous choice. But, I’m not sure I agree that this situation is worse at this time in history than at any other. Granted, I’m a cynic. Actually, I’m one of those hard to pin down types who has moments of great hopefulness (Election Day 2008 comes to mind) and many, many moments of thinking this world is one big socio-economic nightmare (notably, every time I hear some selfish, Conservative jackass going off on upper income tax rates). I digress. But, seriously, I pretty much think that speaking truth to power has always been risky, and it always will be. Even on a biological level it seems that if you rock the boat, you’ll likely have to contend with people who are (or, at least, who think they are) bigger, stronger, smarter, and wealthier than you.

Comment on ‘Tis the Season for Reading by Victoria

Victoria — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:43:12 +0000

oh, and can you link your blog to Fbook or something? just so i know when to comment)))

Comment on ‘Tis the Season for Reading by Victoria

Victoria — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:42:19 +0000

i love anything by Lahiri! just re-read the Namesake, actually – for like the 5th time. have you read anything else by her? after i finished the Unaccustomed Earth, i actually had to sit for a bit w/my eyes closed, just to let it settle)))

Comment on Progress, but no Pilgrim by JoAnn Welsh

JoAnn Welsh — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:52:38 +0000

You’ll have to wait for the swoopage — Trust won’t be done til mid-2011 at the earliest. And I have to say that I miss ladies’ night at Orbit. (In fact, it’s so bad I even miss grading.)

Comment on Progress, but no Pilgrim by JoAnn Welsh

JoAnn Welsh — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:51:17 +0000

I agree that one should write everyday — I just don’t do it. And the more non-writing days that go by, the more overwhelming it feels when I go back. It amplifies the blank-screen paralysis. I usually imagine the chapters out before I write them, but I don’t really outline each chapter. I do have a list of all the chapters of the book, so that is my basic novel outline. Of course, much of that can change as time goes by. I don’t really know a lot of the characters until I start writing them, which can take me down a different path. What’s your process?

Comment on Progress, but no Pilgrim by Victoria

Victoria — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:38:37 +0000

You missing C-ville! who would have thought! although yeah, upstate NY can do this to you))) haven’t read the first book, hope to read both in one fell swoop

Comment on The Things We All Carry by rebecca welsh

rebecca welsh — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 01:20:59 +0000

I can’t believe you are my sister. You are very smart and talented.

Comment on Progress, but no Pilgrim by Colleen

Colleen — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:49:20 +0000

I’d be interested to know a little bit about your writing process. Do you agree that one should “Write like a mule” everyday to keep the train, as a piece of advice in your previous post suggests? Do you do idea mapping? Character sketches? Chapter outlines? Do you write chapter One first? etc.