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
it’s personal
Friends – the murderous attack on the Pulse is personal. Why? Because I grew up with queer people. When I was a little girl in Manhattan, I knew women who lived together and who wore flowers in their hair, waltzing up and down Madison Avenue and painting up a storm in the Hamptons. My grandparents … Continue reading it’s personal
June 6th, 2016, Wrestling with Mr. Robot — will the revolution be televised?
There's a great rant near the end of the season finale of Mr. Robot featuring wonderful Christian Slater. This rant about the uncertain nature of reality reminds those of us who remember of a much younger Christian Slater ranting in another film as another seductive bad guy who blows things up. So it's a deeply … Continue reading June 6th, 2016, Wrestling with Mr. Robot — will the revolution be televised?
May 16th, 2016- 100 years of solitude: the futures-past of the novel
Well, Friends, I did it. I just finished 100 Years of Solitude. Um. *shrugs shoulders, looks into the evening sky* It's a beautifully written novel, certainly, and I'm grateful to Kathleen Alcala for her observation that she was struck by how much the narrator sounded like members of her family telling fantastical tales from a … Continue reading May 16th, 2016- 100 years of solitude: the futures-past of the novel
03/26/16 — repeating names, everything but the kitchen sink, and the point of 100 Years of Solitude (maybe)
Dear Friends -- Huzzah! I'm about halfway through Gabriel García Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude. As I started the book, I queried some folks over at the Magical Realism Facebook group about the novel, and while most comments were positive, one brave person said the book was just about unreadable. I have to admit that … Continue reading 03/26/16 — repeating names, everything but the kitchen sink, and the point of 100 Years of Solitude (maybe)
Before I read Marquez– Kate Durbin, Anna Nicole Smith and the unreal heal
Dear friends -- I have not yet read 100 years of solitude. I know. It's a schande, as we say in Yiddish. How can a writer who works in MR, NOT have read this novel? I own it now, and I keep looking at it. I keep trying to start. But I can't start, because … Continue reading Before I read Marquez– Kate Durbin, Anna Nicole Smith and the unreal heal
Stephanie Barbé Hammer Writing (Un) Real 