ok, so the "jesus year". my friend liz said something about her friend turning 33 and having her "jesus year" and wanting to make it good. and non-religious me has to ponder it for a minute before i realize why 33 is the jesus year (spreading the word and getting crucified ring a bell?). and then i realize that i just turned 33, so this is my jesus year. but then i was a smart-ass and said something about traveling around and hanging out with prostitutes. hardy-har-har.
but the thinking behind it is that 33 is the year you're supposed to make an impact, to change something in the world...some even think it's your peak year (artistically, popularity, what have you). but since i know i'm far from peaking yet, i think i'll use my 33rd year on this planet to get my act together and get on the path to making my voice and art what it's meant to be. honestly, i'm at the end of my MFA and i have nothing completed yet to prove my artistic worthiness. and while what i've written is good, it's not where it needs to be. i think some of it borders on sentimentality (something writers need to avoid, unlike genuine emotion), and some it it suffers from being journal-y (like writing on this thing will help that - HA!), but i think i've got a handle on words, on their importance in prose (i've got two people to thank for letting me know how much my words can affect them). even though most writing teachers would tell you that when writing stories and novels, you can have throw-away sentences or even paragraphs, i think every word you choose is important to the middle layer of a great story - the bottom layer being an interesting topic and story, the top layers being images and a metanarrative, making sure everything works together to form an all-encompassing experience that leaves the reader breathless and wanting more. so i guess i'm saying novels should be like foreplay. hmmm...that's an interesting thought and something i'll have to incorporate in my thinking process when i do rewrites. the first draft, for me, is always about just getting the basic story out...like i've written anything more than a first draft. maybe i should write a full complete story first before getting all philosphical.
Now for another book review: "Men and Cartoons: Stories" by Jonathan Lethem. this collection of short stories started off well enough with a story called "The Vision" - which is about kids and superheros and what happens to us when we grow up, or don't in this case. i like characters that get stuck in some aspect of their childhood, because i think most people do, although they may not realize it or admit it. it was good enough to keep me reading. but the stories just got boring or ridiculous, especially "Access Fantasy" which is a sci-fi piece about the underclass of a city living in traffic jams, wishing for an apartment on the other side with the "haves". i've never read anything else my Lethem, but he seems like a very uneven writer. if he can get a book deal, then there's hope for me someday...and that's the cockiest thing you'll ever hear me say about my writing.
edited to add: what is up with men over 65 hitting on me recently? they try to get private computer lessons, give me money for lunch in exchange for a kiss on the cheek, or just get a devilish look on their faces. it's starting to freak me out now.
and check out my photo site (the link is in the sidebar) for photos of my nephew. you can't deny his cuteness.
current mood: contemplative (implies slow directed consideration, often with conscious intent of achieving better understanding or spiritual or aesthetic enrichment)
current song: "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones - and i don't want to read any hate comments on Tom Jones. He rules.
but the thinking behind it is that 33 is the year you're supposed to make an impact, to change something in the world...some even think it's your peak year (artistically, popularity, what have you). but since i know i'm far from peaking yet, i think i'll use my 33rd year on this planet to get my act together and get on the path to making my voice and art what it's meant to be. honestly, i'm at the end of my MFA and i have nothing completed yet to prove my artistic worthiness. and while what i've written is good, it's not where it needs to be. i think some of it borders on sentimentality (something writers need to avoid, unlike genuine emotion), and some it it suffers from being journal-y (like writing on this thing will help that - HA!), but i think i've got a handle on words, on their importance in prose (i've got two people to thank for letting me know how much my words can affect them). even though most writing teachers would tell you that when writing stories and novels, you can have throw-away sentences or even paragraphs, i think every word you choose is important to the middle layer of a great story - the bottom layer being an interesting topic and story, the top layers being images and a metanarrative, making sure everything works together to form an all-encompassing experience that leaves the reader breathless and wanting more. so i guess i'm saying novels should be like foreplay. hmmm...that's an interesting thought and something i'll have to incorporate in my thinking process when i do rewrites. the first draft, for me, is always about just getting the basic story out...like i've written anything more than a first draft. maybe i should write a full complete story first before getting all philosphical.
Now for another book review: "Men and Cartoons: Stories" by Jonathan Lethem. this collection of short stories started off well enough with a story called "The Vision" - which is about kids and superheros and what happens to us when we grow up, or don't in this case. i like characters that get stuck in some aspect of their childhood, because i think most people do, although they may not realize it or admit it. it was good enough to keep me reading. but the stories just got boring or ridiculous, especially "Access Fantasy" which is a sci-fi piece about the underclass of a city living in traffic jams, wishing for an apartment on the other side with the "haves". i've never read anything else my Lethem, but he seems like a very uneven writer. if he can get a book deal, then there's hope for me someday...and that's the cockiest thing you'll ever hear me say about my writing.
edited to add: what is up with men over 65 hitting on me recently? they try to get private computer lessons, give me money for lunch in exchange for a kiss on the cheek, or just get a devilish look on their faces. it's starting to freak me out now.
and check out my photo site (the link is in the sidebar) for photos of my nephew. you can't deny his cuteness.
current mood: contemplative (implies slow directed consideration, often with conscious intent of achieving better understanding or spiritual or aesthetic enrichment)
current song: "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones - and i don't want to read any hate comments on Tom Jones. He rules.
Ha,
Queenie,
anyway first of all I wanted to say that I didnt know that song was by Tom Jones. I agree its a great song but pretty funny sounding and that wasnt hate, that was recgonizing both sides and besides I really didnt mean it in a bad way.
Its okay that you dont believe in Jesus, at least your not like me, recruting people. lol!(I dont really do that).
Say your 33? I mean you look maybe oh ....about 27. 33 so not but anyway its okay. That doesnt make you old. It makes you wiser. I know this all sounds cliche but I mean it.
Also about your writing. Stick with it Queenie. You'll get it. I have no doubts about you.
SIGNED:
TEENAGEXOUTCAST
TO:
THE QUEEN OF HEARTS
PS. Your right about yesterday Queenie. You do ROWK!!!!!
later....