Tuesdays with Story
Writer’s Mail
06-19-12
Quote of the week . . .
“Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” ~ Anton Chekhov
Tuesday at the B&N . . .
I Am Poem ~
Millie began by sharing her poem, which had to fit a format. Greg, in general, thought it was an accurate description of life from youth to old age. Pat was looking for some more imagery in the middle stanza, and felt the Pearl metaphor should be pushed to the limit. Judith thought there was room for more stanzas. Alicia was looking for more specifics. Rebecca thought the Sapphire Sky sounded 40.
Life on Hold ~
The group encouraged Millie to read from chapter 35. Rebecca liked that the protagonist took charge, and thought the crash wasn’t clear – was it the truck hitting the jeep or the rocks falling on the jeep? Alicia suggested the boyfriend jump out the window rather than run through the hotel to get outside, and thinks there needs to be a buildup to the protagonist using the word “bitch.” Greg wondered why Millie didn’t have one character jump in the jeep and try to drive it out of the way, and can’t picture how the boyfriend is knocked out. Perhaps she could make it clear what noise wakes them exactly. Pat thought the culprit responsible for pouring the gravel wouldn’t hang around when another character’s back is turned, and asks if he’ll be arrested does the arrest matter to the story? Greg suggested setting it up so the driver can’t get away. Rebecca sees the desk clerk having a larger role, with perhaps a frying pan. Pam thinks the trooper chasing the rental car needs more info. Aaron has a problem with the cops leaving someone with a head injury all alone, and a discussion on police protocol follows. (more…)
Tuesdays with Story 