Renato Ortiz

I am in New Orleans and cannot concentrate on this blog because the city is so magical. New Orleans is in the Caribbean, and Maringouin is not, and that is the difference. Here you are never far from some form of feather, cowbell, tambourine, or steel pan. I am ensconced at the Sound Café working … More Renato Ortiz

The SPLASH Awards

The Anxious Black Woman has given me a Splash Award. I am honored to be included among the illustrious and fascinating blogs she lists! The Splash award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs. When you receive this award, you get to: 1. Put the logo on your blog/post. 2.  Nominate up … More The SPLASH Awards

Global Whiteness

Some time ago I taught the novel I am studying now. Its characters are classified by color according to a complex system of differentiation, and of concern to many is whiteness: attaining it, increasing it, limiting it, maintaining it. A student came to ask me about the classification system, which she had not entirely grasped. … More Global Whiteness

Not Last Night, But the Night Before [so to speak]…

…I was tagged by Geoffrey Philp for the 25 writers meme, in which you name 25 writers who have influenced you. These are not necessarily your favorite writers or those you most admire, but writers who have influenced you. Then you tag 25 people. I will choose the writers and tagged people as quickly as … More Not Last Night, But the Night Before [so to speak]…

Henry Miller

1. Work on one thing at a time until finished. 2. Start no more new books, add no more new material to “Black Spring.” 3. Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand. 4. Work according to Program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointed time! 5. When you … More Henry Miller

Rue Royale

The days are noticeably longer. I need Mardi Gras presents, and it is a whole day’s trip to go and get them. I have ordered them by letter, to an old fashioned address: Hové Parfumeur 824 Royal Street New Orleans, LA  70116 Here is a fascinating book about Edgard Dégas, Kate Chopin, and George Washington … More Rue Royale