A Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is brilliant, and better than the play or the movie. Williams’ introduction (included in the Signet edition, the one I read, and surely in at least some others) really is essential reading for any writer. * R means rage, resentment, regret, resistance, and of course Reeducation. Today my … More Reading for Pleasure Wednesday: Tennessee Williams
In this self-tagging meme, which I invented before discovering that others had already done so, you name fifteen books, not just writers, which have inspired or influenced you. These are not necessarily the books you most liked, but the books that shaped you. I am listing books that shaped me as a person and character, … More Reading for Pleasure Wednesday: 15 Books Meme
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 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
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
…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]…
The avant-garde rules! I read R.U.R., Čapek’s 1921 play, and it is brilliant. You can read it right here. Our post for February 19, 2006 is archived here. It was an expansion on my statement of purpose, the other two key parts of which can be found in the first post (18.II.2006) and on the … More Reading For Pleasure Wednesday (late): Karel Čapek
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
Friday the temperature was still dropping, and the university had decided to save money by turning off the heat. One person went home to butcher a pig for Saturday, but we came home and made lunch. To fully grasp the atmosphere you have to realize that my dining table and benches were made by local … More Feast Zero, After Which I Discuss My Inspiration Award
Long ago I was reading an essay by Ernesto Sábato on José Ingenieros; I lost both my thread and the book. My notes resemble a poem, but are not yet one. I would like to find and read the essay, return to that barrio in Mexico City, and write the poem. For Ingenieros logic and morality … More Through a Glass, Darkly Wednesday: On Positivism
coldhearted scientist وداد 