East Germany, that is. I've been trying to write alot lately about the people that I encountered in the place I have been facetiously calling "Bad Germany," by which I mean of course the erstwhile soviet satellite, The German Democratic Republic or Die Deutsche Demokratische Republik. I have a strange short story making the rounds … Continue reading an interruption: The magic of the east, in COUNTER PART, “Twin Cities” ep (Spoilers)
Category: Art and Literature
2nd visit to bad Germany, part 1
Friends -- I’ve been writing about the German Democratic Republic (aka East Germany, aka "bad" Germany) in the light of discussions about communism, Russians, the cold war, and most recently fascism and the connections to all of these things in this country. Here’s the first installment of my 2nd trip. By 1985, I had received … Continue reading 2nd visit to bad Germany, part 1
A tale of two countries (part 1)
Friends – I generally use this blog to talk about the unreal, but today I want to talk about something real. I want to talk about a country that used to exist. It’s gone now. It’s been gone for almost 30 years. And most of us don’t remember its existence. That’s how successfully it has … Continue reading A tale of two countries (part 1)
Scared of Magical Realism? Try this writing exercise (writing prompt from Mount SAC Writers Weekend 2018)
scared of fancy schmancy magical realism? try this writing exercise!
Isn’t it Romantic? prose, poetry and magical realism
Dear friends -- I've been out of the blogosphere for some time, because of activism and teaching. I'm excited to share that my little book on how to write Magical Realism is coming out in a few weeks. I'll keep you posted. But along the way, I wanted to share my thoughts about prose … Continue reading Isn’t it Romantic? prose, poetry and magical realism
Rameau’s Nephew for president?
Listening to the news lately, I've been struck by -- who hasn't? -- the zaniness of our politics. And particularly the "who knows what he's gonna say next folks?" quality to our current president. Lindsey Graham said something that really stuck with me. Something to the effect of, "Well, I talked to this one president … Continue reading Rameau’s Nephew for president?
January 2018. thinking about the cruel 18th century
I've been away from this blog for a number of months, teaching, travelling, and like many of you, agitating. I didn't get as far as I wanted to in talking with you about the Enlightenment, and I'd like to continue in that vein. But... how to write about it this year? Then an idea came … Continue reading January 2018. thinking about the cruel 18th century
