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)
Category: Popular Culture
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!
July 27th, 2017 — Revisiting Magical Realism for the bloghop — why the unreal matters more than ever
Friends -- I am participating in the annual Magical Realism Bloghop, organized by writer and foremost electronic impresario of the MR scene, Zoe Brooks. For this bloghop, I usually post craft tips, but today I'd just like to say a few words about why MR and other forms of non-realist word art matter to me … Continue reading July 27th, 2017 — Revisiting Magical Realism for the bloghop — why the unreal matters more than ever
July 4th Special — TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER — a senate sonnet project
Friends -- one might argue that we are living in surrealistic times here in the United States. One has only to open one's laptop or peruse the local paper to see magically real headlines and stories which make one wonder what dimension one is actually living in. In honor of this spectacularly unreal-feeling historical moment, … Continue reading July 4th Special — TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER — a senate sonnet project
Reading the 18th Century, March 12, 2017. Rousseau redux: The Discourse on Inequality continued with some cool info on people who read him
Hi everyone -- welcome back as we take a second look at this seminal piece of writing by Jean Jacques Rousseau. Last time, I talked about Rousseau's theory of humans in the state of nature. Now we'll take a quick look at some of his other ideas. Part 2 of the Discourse starts off … Continue reading Reading the 18th Century, March 12, 2017. Rousseau redux: The Discourse on Inequality continued with some cool info on people who read him
me and the enlightenment 1 – 11/27/16
Friends of the unreal -- Well, here we are. The unreal is upon us, and has become fact. Barring a miracle, a surprising recount, an indictment, or an unforseen force majeure, Donald Trump ascends to the presidency. Alot is being said and has been said about the Founding Fathers, our "national character," "who we are," … Continue reading me and the enlightenment 1 – 11/27/16
keeping it real, just this once
Dear friends of the unreal -- I was preparing an inspiring post talking about 4 wonderful artists when the US elections happened. The final tally is in process, but it seems probable that Mr. Trump will become the presidential incumbent. One of the reasons I love magical realism is that this kind of writing allows … Continue reading keeping it real, just this once
That You Were Meant For Great Things — Dream Big, Hope Bigger
My newest story -- and my newest character -- appears courtesy of guest editor and incredible writer/essayist/novelist/activist Ryka Aoki and the beautiful, brave James Franco Review: "That You Were Meant For Great Things"
Does the ending have to work? Thinking about Joanne Harris’ Lollipop Shoes
Friends -- I'm trying to read more self-proclaimed magical realist novels this year, so that I can be a more educated writer AND reader. I'm also interested in the debates as to what is and what is not magical realism. As you know, I made it through 100 Years of Solitude, and just finished Joanne … Continue reading Does the ending have to work? Thinking about Joanne Harris’ Lollipop Shoes
re-pairing, reparationing — Natasha Marin and making the questions real
Friends, This has been an intense summer. So much of the news in the United States today feels -- well -- unreal. I've been at a loss to write about it. So, I've been watching tv and wondering what my white, WASP Republican family would say about Donald Trump if they were still alive. They … Continue reading re-pairing, reparationing — Natasha Marin and making the questions real