The Captain Is Out to Lunch. . . .

Please remark before we return from holiday break as to which of Bukowski's observations on writers and writing resonate most with you and why. If you wish, you can also comment on his writing style, which has been widely imitated.

Comics Journalism

Please describe the links, if any, between comics journalism and literary journalism. Is it possible to consider comics journalism a subgenre of literary journalism? Why or why not? You may -- in fact, should -- refer to my essay on Joe Sacco in your response, which should be completed by class Thursday.

A Barrage of Images

Please fill out the similes below by noon, Thursday, March 26 -- and try to have some fun doing it:

as hot as
as cold as
as dark as
as loud as
as silent as
as happy as
as sad as

a nose like
a voice like
a face like
a smell like
a blue like

Some Dreamers Never Wake Up

What did you learn from Joan Didion's "Some Dreamers of the Golden Dream" about writing in general or telling a story in particular?

Respond by noon Monday, March 23.

Marrakech

George Orwell's journalistic essays have been described as having a "you-are-there" documentary feel. Identify at least one technique or characteristic of his writing in "Marrakech" that, in your own opinion, contributes to this effect.

Re-Visionary

Please respond by start of class this Thursday to the observations from an acquaintance of mine, Adam Penna, poet, writing teacher and editor of the zine Best Poem. This is an opportunity, as midterm approaches, to reflect on what we're doing in class and why:

I've found that the best and only way to teach writing is to begin to redefine for my students what it means to write. I spend a lot of time defining terms. Essay = to try; revision = to re-see; research = to look again. For me writing and the teaching of writing are opportunities to listen to oneself talk. Usually, the consequence, for those who are willing to listen, is the realization that they haven't been paying close attention to what they say. Once they begin paying attention inevitably many of the mechanical irregularities improve. And paying is the important term here, considering that it implies a metaphor most people understand. That is, care = time and time = money. Further, I steal an equation my former mentor taught me, which is care = talent. Or, rather, talent is a way of caring, as he put it.

Begin in the Middle. . .

What does the first sentence or three of your story look like? Imagine this is a trailer for your story -- what would it show? Everyone should read everyone else's and feel free to offer criticism, advice, and encouragement. I know I will.

Please complete this by class on Monday, Feb 23.

Remember when I say "begin in the middle," what I essentially mean is "begin with a grabber."