My goal was to attend an MFA program to better understand the craft behind writing a book, then to write a hilarious account of the horrors and indignities that I suffered through during puberty. My writing sample (or portfolio or whatever the fuck they call it) was an uproarious account of my first bra shopping experience and adjusting to having boobs. This culminated in the absurd experience of a breast reduction at the age of 22. I had a whole draft chapter on my first period and then what happened when I stopped getting it at all at age 17. Funny shit.
The problem is that as I've been studying literature, I find myself writing not so funny stories about the Holocaust and my family, the prejudiced community in which I was raised, and how direct and indirect discrimination impacted my decision to pursue a career in social justice. Sure, sometimes I am able to throw in a good joke about my bubbe's tuchus (that's butt in Yiddish), as my grandfather used a wicked sense of humor to deflect the pain of losing his family in the Holocaust (a tactic I also employ when I talk about subjects that are difficult for me, even if I can't compare what he experienced to anything I did), but I'm finding myself scribbling all sorts of serious little stories. It's both cathartic and distressing to explore these topics.
I hope that as I progress and develop my voice, I can strike a balance between the serious and the hilarious. Writing. Harumph....
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I'm a human soul on your planet who's unknown to you...quite harmless, but probably the least-likely fan you could ever imagine in your worst dreams. Yet I can't help myself; I find your writing quite witty (if a bit caustic at moments).
ReplyDeleteDon't stop writing. Ever.
As my father used to say, "Live long and prosper." Dosvidanya.
Wow, that is certainly cryptic. My worst nightmare is enjoying my blog? Fascinating! Thanks, though, for leaving your encouraging comment and giving me a nice start to an otherwise dreary Monday morning.
ReplyDeleteHere's what I meant by "...least likely fan...in your worst dreams:"
ReplyDeleteI'm an Anglo-Caucasian, married, conservative-leaning (neither a Republican nor a Democrat, as the sleazy ethics of both are WAY beneath me), world-traveled former military officer and ex-CEO of a computer-related business, living in one of 2 properties I own in the SW USA...at least for now, until a good tropical breeze lofts me elsewhere. And sin-of-all-sins...I'm an ordained Christian minister, no less! You'd probably consider me an "old geezer," as I have offspring your age...one of whom, coincidentally, lives in Queens and within the past year has also been featured in the Queens Tribune, as have you. (And how about THIS for a "Six Degrees" connection? His wife is a published author...no kidding!)
Now, are my credentials above not the absolute WORST for a fan of your writing? However, notwithstanding that you and I undoubtedly hold positions galaxies apart on many topics, I have some eclectic interests and good writing transcends much for me. Simply stated, regardless of the questionable (I'm trying to avoid using the word "incorrect" here) politics you may embrace, you're a damn good writer. Through sheer karma, I stumbled into some of your efforts while on an ether-web safari and found I couldn't stop reading. This is NOT a common experience for me with most on-line writing efforts I find.
So tell me this: now that a bit of the veil is lifted...are you better off, or not, for knowing more? An important rule of good writing: some mystery is a good thing.
Regards - "Adobe"
"If you're 30 years old and not a liberal, you probably don't have a heart. If you're age 50 and not a conservative, you probably don't have a brain."
(A quote often attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, although officially he denied it)
I'm way better off, for many reasons. First, I'm very flattered that you enjoy my writing. Given the self-doubt that plagues most writers, it means a lot to me. It's even more meaningful when someone who disagrees with me still is able to enjoy what I write. Although I rant and rave about things, I do tend to have a wide assortment of real life associates who disagree with me, too, and on everything from my anti-shaved snatch stance to religion to politics. It's what makes life interesting, and also how I learn and grow.
ReplyDeleteNext time you're in town, I'll buy ya dinner. :)
What's important, is that you're writing.
ReplyDelete:)
"Amen" to lizriz's comment!
ReplyDeleteBut I DO find myself wondering how anyone could possibly be so opposed to shaved moustaches! ;^)
"Adobe"
P.S. from "Adobe" -
ReplyDeleteYour occasional loathing of mankind isn't entirely out-of-place; taken collectively, we're a sorry and largely unlikeable species. However, some of us believe there's a Higher Power who, fortunately, loves us anyway.
P.P.S. Theo is a definite "10."