Speaking of subscriptions (see yesterday's post), I also regularly receive Writers Ask, a Glimmer Train publication, wherein various writers interview other writers on topics ranging from point of view; editing; endings; publishing; and the writing life.
Andrew Scott, of Ball State University, interviewed Antonya Nelson, a professor at the University of Houston and author of several novels and short-story collections. "What do you find most difficult about teaching?" he asked. "Is there anything you find yourself stressing over...that students don't seem to grasp?"
Antonya said, "The commitment to the first draft, that's the most tiresome thing about teaching students. When they say, 'I want it to be confusing. I want it to be ungrammatical. I want it to be a big freaking mess.' Well, I don't. You get an F."
I laughed out loud over this, loving her sensibility. And because I appreciated her straightforwardness, I wanted to read her work -- something I've not done before -- so I ordered her short-story collection NOTHING RIGHT from the library. Alas, there's a waiting list, so I may run to Borders, see what's on the shelf (taking advantage of my 30% off coupon. Woo-woo!).
If you've read Antonya, let me know what you think.
Renee Thompson: Writing the American West
City Girl, Interrupted
Photo by Jill Carmel
About Me
- Renee Thompson
- I write fiction set in the American West, and possess an abiding appreciation for our environment and the natural world. My husband recently retired from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and my two daughters are employed in the conservation arena. I live in Folsom, California, and am a liberal married to a conservative. For some reason it works!
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My First Novel
THE BRIDGE AT VALENTINE is due from Tres Picos Press this August. Set in 1890's Idaho, it recounts the story of July Caldwell, the daughter of a sheepman, and Rory Morrow, the son of a cattleman. The men's desire to control the rangeland and their children ultimately deals July and Rory a fatal blow, despite the young lovers' struggle to separate themselves from their fathers' feud. The book's theme -- love, violence, and disputes among families -- demonstrates how trouble comes not from the head, but the heart.
The challenge in writing my book was creating a protagonist willing to oppose her Mormon father to love a Gentile, while conveying the message that women trapped by fate or circumstance always have a choice, but with choice comes consequence -- and sometimes, hope for the future.
The challenge in writing my book was creating a protagonist willing to oppose her Mormon father to love a Gentile, while conveying the message that women trapped by fate or circumstance always have a choice, but with choice comes consequence -- and sometimes, hope for the future.
Photographer in the Making
Steve at Humboldt State, circa 1976. Until I met him, I'd never been camping. Never held an ax in the woods. Now I do both, simultaneously, while standing on one foot. But I still burn the creme brulee.
Website
Alex Rose, an award-winning writer, designed my website (click on pic to go there), and the cover of my book (coming in August 2010!).
Writers, Birders, and Fave Friends
- Alex Rose
- Bird Watcher's Digest
- California Dept. of Fish and Game
- California Rangeland Trust
- Chiron Review
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Jill Carmel
- Kathy Getto
- Lit Park
- Lynn Freed
- Maureen O'Leary: 40 at 40
- Michelle Panik
- Narrative Magazine
- National Audubon Society
- National Wildlife Refuge Association
- One Story
- Pete Fromm
- Ree Drummond
- Rhymes with Bacon
- Sirenland
- Squaw Valley Community of Writers
- The Conservation Fund
- The Peregrine Fund
- Tim Johnston
- Tres Picos Press
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Welcome Friends
Thank you for visiting my blog. When you have a few, please take a look at my website, designed by Alex Rose and programmed by Bryon Grant, two terrific friends.
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