Love the pants… You redecorated? I waited until my “last third” to start teaching because that’s when I finally felt I had something worth teaching. Let’s hear it for older teachers too…
I made some changes a few years ago, celebrating being the sole decision maker. My spaces are much, well, girlier now. We should definitely have lunch in NYC at some point.
What a dream gig in so many ways. You give, you get, others gain so much. Love the requirement of No A-holes. Can that become a federal law? Lucky contented cats livin' The Life. Loving the plaid pants, a classic Mad for Plaid fashion statement. "A Bright Star Falls" is easily LMW's saddest of books b/c none of her loyal young readers could easily grasp the cruelty of such jolting loss. But the title resonates through Life whenever an unbearable loss hits us.
Thank you for the shoutout to older students. Some professors on social media this week were lamenting that young students aren't interested in doing the work anymore; I suggested they actually invite, welcome, and care about older students (not just take our money) if they want good students. We do care and we want to do the work, and we want it to improve our chances of continuing to do good work in the world and being valued.
Thank you for writing this! As someone who got her MFA at age 40 (and yes, please, to the t-shirt), I definitely agree. I'm now almost 70 & still take classes of all kinds.
Thanks for a blast from the very distant past. I once wrote bad poetry for Les Standiford during a summer class in Waco, Texas. Later, he was very kind, courtly even, to my beloved mentor, Ann Miller, when I introduced them during a workshop or reading--I can't remember which--in Dallas.
I'm tempted to ask for a mystery box, but I need to be sending many of my own books off to new homes. Good luck with adopting yours out. Love the fashion shows.
I agree with you re the so-called genre distinctions foisted upon us by (usually) literary snobs. Great writing is great writing. Period. And sign me up for one of those "no assholes" t-shirts. Actually, sign me up for seven as I would need to wear them everyday, everywhere.
Love traveling vicariously with you. Have not read Winters Bone but own the movie. Picked it up for ten bucks in gift shop of Kentucky History Center. Our girl Jennifer Lawrence in her first movie. Plugged Woodrell into my library Libby app. It gave me several choices. Thank you. Easy to find again. Will seek out a paper version tomorrow when I do my volunteer shift at Friends bookstore.
Love that those pants scared King. Spent a week doing little day trips around Siena and Florence. Lordy, almost 25 years ago. Wonderful hosts. Home base was an apartment on top floor of building in San Donato in Poggio (on the hilltop).
wonderful post, which I will read or pass along to les (the non-social media guy)! I too love ANN, et al, and look forward to seeing the crew @ WIP in January, where hopefully Stewart will continue to give me geography lessons. Happy Holidays to all xoxoxoxo
Love the pants… You redecorated? I waited until my “last third” to start teaching because that’s when I finally felt I had something worth teaching. Let’s hear it for older teachers too…
I made some changes a few years ago, celebrating being the sole decision maker. My spaces are much, well, girlier now. We should definitely have lunch in NYC at some point.
What a dream gig in so many ways. You give, you get, others gain so much. Love the requirement of No A-holes. Can that become a federal law? Lucky contented cats livin' The Life. Loving the plaid pants, a classic Mad for Plaid fashion statement. "A Bright Star Falls" is easily LMW's saddest of books b/c none of her loyal young readers could easily grasp the cruelty of such jolting loss. But the title resonates through Life whenever an unbearable loss hits us.
Thank you for the shoutout to older students. Some professors on social media this week were lamenting that young students aren't interested in doing the work anymore; I suggested they actually invite, welcome, and care about older students (not just take our money) if they want good students. We do care and we want to do the work, and we want it to improve our chances of continuing to do good work in the world and being valued.
Thank you for writing this! As someone who got her MFA at age 40 (and yes, please, to the t-shirt), I definitely agree. I'm now almost 70 & still take classes of all kinds.
Attending WIP changed my life. No exaggeration. I hope to join you all in Italy in the near future.
Yes to all of this. WIP is hands down the most supportive, most engaging thing I've ever done in my writing (or maybe actual) life.
I'd buy a "no assholes" t-shirt. Endlessly useful.
Didn't know about Woodrell. Ouch. He was amazing.
Thanks for a blast from the very distant past. I once wrote bad poetry for Les Standiford during a summer class in Waco, Texas. Later, he was very kind, courtly even, to my beloved mentor, Ann Miller, when I introduced them during a workshop or reading--I can't remember which--in Dallas.
I'm tempted to ask for a mystery box, but I need to be sending many of my own books off to new homes. Good luck with adopting yours out. Love the fashion shows.
The pizza seemed enough reason to go until I went to the writeintuscany.com site and caught a glimpse of the setting. How can a week be enough?
Sounds like a great gig, and you can't beat the location!
Those plaid pants were made for you! So fab.
What a great trip for you! Climate, food and people are really special!! And the scenery....outstanding! Enjoy your time there!!!!!!!
I agree with you re the so-called genre distinctions foisted upon us by (usually) literary snobs. Great writing is great writing. Period. And sign me up for one of those "no assholes" t-shirts. Actually, sign me up for seven as I would need to wear them everyday, everywhere.
I noticed that someone had cleared the pile of random toys from the AVAM gift shop off this shelf and now the mystery is solved lol
Love traveling vicariously with you. Have not read Winters Bone but own the movie. Picked it up for ten bucks in gift shop of Kentucky History Center. Our girl Jennifer Lawrence in her first movie. Plugged Woodrell into my library Libby app. It gave me several choices. Thank you. Easy to find again. Will seek out a paper version tomorrow when I do my volunteer shift at Friends bookstore.
Love that those pants scared King. Spent a week doing little day trips around Siena and Florence. Lordy, almost 25 years ago. Wonderful hosts. Home base was an apartment on top floor of building in San Donato in Poggio (on the hilltop).
it doesn’t translate perfectly but you can call someone pirla and it’s sort of like asshole. pronounce the i a very long e. peeerla. 😊
wonderful post, which I will read or pass along to les (the non-social media guy)! I too love ANN, et al, and look forward to seeing the crew @ WIP in January, where hopefully Stewart will continue to give me geography lessons. Happy Holidays to all xoxoxoxo
Kimberly, this was obviously about Italy, but I know you know I consider you a vital member of our WIP community, especially our Shabbat tradition.
of course!!! although we might not have a kitchen this year....I will have to come up with something................
Great post, Laura. Look forward to seeing you again next month at WIP!
Love you Laura.