oh the Taffy Brodesser-Akner story is priceless. Just yesterday I came across this advice from her. When writing a story, a proposal, or an essay, ask yourself three questions:
1) What is it about?
2) No, what is it really about?
3) No, what is it really really about?
I'm asking myself this about EVERYTHING now! Driving my husband crazy.
I watched Oppenheimer and it was super boring and then I remembered I don't like biopics and get cranky when a movie doesn't finish in a cool 90. Also it didn't pass the Bechdel test wtf
Anatomy of a Fall is 2.5 hours long and it moves at a very deliberate pace, but it may end up my favorite. The boy's performance is amazing. That said, I'm not crazy about long films, but maybe that's because I saw Gettysburg in the theater.
I know it's not the point (and I do love the point and find it useful and frustrating as so much of good writing advice is) but that dress/vest/sleeveless trench is EVERYTHING.
Oh, I LOVE The Moon By Night. I re-really the whole Austin family series every several years. I related much more to Vicky than I did to Meg of the Wrinkle in Time series. I think Zachary Gray might have been my first bad boy literary crush.
Always open your newsletter, and buy your books! I also try to see all the Oscar nominees and often go to the Charles for showings. I missed 2 this year - one by choice. I did love Poor Things the most.
a) I was intimidated by Full Docent at first. But the sharp black turtleneck and Western boots are too genius. I’m in.
b) Wrote down all the recs. (Thank you!)
c) And thanks to Ellen Clair Lamb. Laughed out loud at her comment. (I called the dating life “Vietnam” when I was in it because it was Miami in the aughts and brutal.)
d) Have not seen all the nominees, but really enjoyed “Past Lives.” I know you’re not saying, but so curious to know what you think of its “there” after the there. I’d never known “See you then” to mean so much.
Anjanette, I've used the term "that's their Vietnam" to others when referring to the mess people got themselves into. Recently, however, The Youngs have started to say, "Wha?" It's like making a reference to the War of 1812. I've changed it to That's their Afghanistan, but it doesn't roll off the tongue in the same way. What's your recommendation? Stick with Vietnam or go with the times and reference Afghanistan?
Ha! I think you're on to something, @route66gal. I say let's update. I feel like I'm on an out-of control time machine every time a student gives me a blank stare, and I realize they were born after the year 2000 and have no idea what I am talking about. But to me that year was "not so long ago," "the other day," "recently." :)
If only Smart Little Boys were a critically endangered species...stuck on a remote island...far from the uncaring masses...they could entertain each other into extinction.
Hey dear Laura, thank you for the shout-out! Coming from you, my favorite writer of crime fiction and essays and a scary memoir! Love the ensemble. Still trying to read the titles on the book shelf. xo
I don't have anything clever to say. Just wanted you to know that I do love - and open - your newsletter. In fact, it's the first and only thing I've done today, my 55th birthday. Keep writing and I'll keep opening.
"Smart little boys" seems to be a thing! Who knew?
OMG yes, the smart little boys. Years ago, I quit the online dating scene after one guy said, "At last, a woman intelligent enough to understand me."
Thank you for using "comprise" so beautifully.
OMG -- a guy said that to you??! Whoa. What a jerk.
(And yes, agree about "comprise," which people misuse all the time. But then I'm an insufferable schoolmarm, so there's that.)
oh the Taffy Brodesser-Akner story is priceless. Just yesterday I came across this advice from her. When writing a story, a proposal, or an essay, ask yourself three questions:
1) What is it about?
2) No, what is it really about?
3) No, what is it really really about?
I'm asking myself this about EVERYTHING now! Driving my husband crazy.
https://catapult.co/dont-write-alone/stories/so-youre-writing-an-essay-but-what-is-it-really-about-anna-held
I watched Oppenheimer and it was super boring and then I remembered I don't like biopics and get cranky when a movie doesn't finish in a cool 90. Also it didn't pass the Bechdel test wtf
Anatomy of a Fall is 2.5 hours long and it moves at a very deliberate pace, but it may end up my favorite. The boy's performance is amazing. That said, I'm not crazy about long films, but maybe that's because I saw Gettysburg in the theater.
I'm at 8 out of 10, and I haven't disliked any of them. Anatomy of a Fall is a smidgen ahead of Oppenheimer, and yes the dog is amazing.
Loved it. Also, talking about a very deliberate pace: Wim Wenders' Perfect Days, about a guy who cleans public toilets in Tokyo.
I know it's not the point (and I do love the point and find it useful and frustrating as so much of good writing advice is) but that dress/vest/sleeveless trench is EVERYTHING.
Oh, I LOVE The Moon By Night. I re-really the whole Austin family series every several years. I related much more to Vicky than I did to Meg of the Wrinkle in Time series. I think Zachary Gray might have been my first bad boy literary crush.
You and Laura are inspiring me! I read the Austin series multiple times as a tween but have yet to revisit as an adult.
Ugh. Thats supposed to say I RE-READ the whole series. Stupid autocorrect.
I always look forward to opening your newsletter☺️
Always open your newsletter, and buy your books! I also try to see all the Oscar nominees and often go to the Charles for showings. I missed 2 this year - one by choice. I did love Poor Things the most.
I love The Charles, it's my go-to.
Just a mention of “Diner” melts my cold, cold heart.
Be happy you’re no longer a reporter and thus don’t have to get data on how far down into your story most people read. Eek.
And I, too, love “The Moon by Night,” and all things L’Engle.
a) I was intimidated by Full Docent at first. But the sharp black turtleneck and Western boots are too genius. I’m in.
b) Wrote down all the recs. (Thank you!)
c) And thanks to Ellen Clair Lamb. Laughed out loud at her comment. (I called the dating life “Vietnam” when I was in it because it was Miami in the aughts and brutal.)
d) Have not seen all the nominees, but really enjoyed “Past Lives.” I know you’re not saying, but so curious to know what you think of its “there” after the there. I’d never known “See you then” to mean so much.
Anjanette, I've used the term "that's their Vietnam" to others when referring to the mess people got themselves into. Recently, however, The Youngs have started to say, "Wha?" It's like making a reference to the War of 1812. I've changed it to That's their Afghanistan, but it doesn't roll off the tongue in the same way. What's your recommendation? Stick with Vietnam or go with the times and reference Afghanistan?
Ha! I think you're on to something, @route66gal. I say let's update. I feel like I'm on an out-of control time machine every time a student gives me a blank stare, and I realize they were born after the year 2000 and have no idea what I am talking about. But to me that year was "not so long ago," "the other day," "recently." :)
If only Smart Little Boys were a critically endangered species...stuck on a remote island...far from the uncaring masses...they could entertain each other into extinction.
Docent ensemble: the BOOTS! Fantastic!
Smart little boys reminds me of the Pavement talk in Barbie!
Hey dear Laura, thank you for the shout-out! Coming from you, my favorite writer of crime fiction and essays and a scary memoir! Love the ensemble. Still trying to read the titles on the book shelf. xo
I don't have anything clever to say. Just wanted you to know that I do love - and open - your newsletter. In fact, it's the first and only thing I've done today, my 55th birthday. Keep writing and I'll keep opening.
Happy birthday!
Love!!