Vote It Up: Book Blip

April 14, 2010

My week in words, thus far

Okay, so Monday night was book club panel/library fundraiser.  Tuesday night was writing group.  I started meeting with the group a year ago, right after I was downsized out of my grant-writing job for public radio.  At the time it was a diversion and a step toward committing to my personal writing.  At the time, I wasn't so sure I was going to commit to the group.

Last night was the first time the group has responded to one of my essays.  It was really quite helpful!  The feedback was similar to feedback I've received before: they like my humor, humility, and see growth in the characters.  But here's my problem: I always write 3 pages.  No matter what, my internal page monitor stops my fingers from tapping at precisely 3 pages.  It's weird.  I took 2 pages of notes on how to expand the piece - an essay about raising a feminist daughter.  The group insisted that I include observations from my upcoming weekend soiree.  Oh haven't I mentioned it?  This weekend I attend, I shit not, the Derby Princess Tea with my daughter (in full princess regalia) and mother-in-law.  I'm tempted to wear my holy jeans and crappy Chuck Taylors with a tiara on my head, but I don't want to offend my mother-in-law or embarrass my daughter. 

Tonight I tutor.  It's been a writerly, readerly week.

3 comments:

  1. Hey Amy, I just finished reading "The Year of Living Biblically" by A.J. Jacobs, which I guess is creative non-fiction. It's about a Jewish guy who's really pretty agnostic but decides to try to live for a year by following the Bible literally. He's open-minded, funny and honest in his portrayal of his year and I recommend it. You may also find it interesting because while he's doing this, he has a 2 year old and during the year his wife gives birth to twins.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks, Debbie. Strangely, my friend Debby also recommended this book to me (and my book club). He spoke at the Jewish Festival of the Book this past year. I may read it as part of my MFA work in the fall, and if so, I'll certainly blog about it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. i am extremely jealous of the 'tea' you get to attend. please please please send photos and updates!

    ReplyDelete