(1) I updated the template on my blog, so there are a few minor changes lurking about. The Blogroll is cleaner and now includes Liann's spiffy new blog, Patriot to Heaven. Also, because I was jealous of her layout over there, I've included a "Books I'm in Now" section. I hereby order all those in our circle of bloggers to add such a list, just so's we can see what other people are reading and learn from/check out/mock their interests.
(2) The writing continues apace. I had a very good day last Friday, so that what were large, unconnected scenes now hang together as one fifty-eight page single-spaced narrative. A few folks are previewing this chunk o' draft for me as I continue on. I had a fair day on Sunday, and today has been a bust so far. But I'm still at it. Lord willing, the practice of just sitting down at the computer every day is a good habit into which to get. I take comfort in Joseph Heller's comment, "Every writer I know has trouble writing," and Katherine Mansfield's adjuration, "...better far to write twaddle or anything, anything than nothing at all." I think this blog counts as twaddle...
(3) Nothing. There is no third thing. (Have I made this joke before? Probably. Curse Monty Python and their mentally indelible sketches! Blame this one on the Spanish Inquisition...)
5 comments:
A book secttion? Keen! Wizard of Earthsea- I read that a million years ago. Can't, for the life of me, remember anything about it. Guess I better get a copy and refresh the grey matter.
Done and done.
I haven't read Earthsea in a long time, either, but I remember really liking the first book and wanting to try getting through The Tombs of Atuan again one of these days.
One of the many neat little facts I learned last year about A Wizard of Earthsea was that it was one of the first mainstream fantasy novels to feature non-Caucasian protagonists. I don't remember really noticing that fact when I read it (not in the sense of "I didn't notice they were brown-skinned," but rather "I noticed it but it didn't specifically catch my attention"), but apparently it was a huge deal for many non-white fans of fantasy.
So, you know: just one more reason to like it.
Hello, Michael.
I just had to comment on your blog, which I came at by way of Marilyn's blog, which I found while surfing, "Next Blog" at the top of my screen.
So, with that introduction, I have to say, Wow. I am so amazed, humbled, impressed, (I can't even think of the right word) at your insights. I went out today in search of a book you recommended to Marilyn; Creating a Life you Love. When I went to the Christian bookstore, they didn't have it, so I went to Barnes and Noble. They didn't have it either, but I asked the woman who was helping me to order it if she would read the description. It sounded so good, I think she was even going to get a copy for herself! :-) So, thank you.
The blogoshpere is such a fascinating realm, and I have stumbled on to some amazing sites, met some fascinating people, and learned a wealth of information. It is especially fun and interesting to learn about other Christians around the country, and get acquainted. I hope you don't mind if I lurk here, and pop in with a comment every now and then.
I don't know what you do for a living, but you have such insightful wisdom in counsel I hope you do that on the side, at least!
Tracy
Beth—Yeah. I've read A Wizard of Earthsea like three times now; whenever I'm lacking another work of fantasy, I pick it back up, hoping that I'll figure out how LeGuin gets depth of background worked in so effortlessly, and how her sparse dialogue still conveys character so well without sounding hokey.
On that note, I've read A Year at the Movies a couple of times already as well, but I'm using it as the basis for my 015 class this fall, so I'm having to really parse it out carefully this time around.
Ornery's Wife—First off, does your husband willingly bear the name "Ornery"?
Secondly, you are more than welcome to poke around my blog (especially if you continue to lavish undeserved praise...), and I suspect that everyone else in our circle would say the same. We're a pretty motley bunch, but we welcome anyone willing into our little family. So, welcome.
Michael;
My goodness! Would I go public with a name like ornery's wife if it weren't so?? The thing is, he looks so mild mannered, and kind, and he has this sweet smile that has everyone fooled. But, indeed, the man has an ornery streak a mile wide, and I think he actually enjoys the moniker--so much so that his license plate has "ONERY" on it. (because i had a blonde moment at the tag agency and forgot how to spell it!)
As for the praise, I am getting good at it since I have made it my life's mission to be grateful for all the good that comes my way. It was not, however, undeserved. I have read your comments on several of your associated blogs and am always gratified by the words. They are "just right" for the situation.
Finally, I am so excited to be welcomed as a part of your little group. It seems to be filled with "real" people, not afraid to share their lives and hearts, willing to bear one another's burdens and able to laugh at life and themselves. I feel much richer for the association!
Tracy
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