Week 12: One of My Favorite Writers is Denis Johnson

Hello class! In reviewing this week's assignment checklist, I was excited to see you're due to read a piece by Denis Johnson. He is a writer of fantastic imagination and intensity. Enjoy the reading, and enjoy the other assignments for the week! I look forward to seeing your new work. Read on to review some of Week 11's "Great Hits". (I stopped using the phrase "Greatest Hits" when it became apparent that all of you were producing heartfelt, inspiring work. Now, I'm just cycling through groups of writers to acknowledge your fabulosity as a matter of routine.) Also, look for a new Writing Tip at the bottom of this post. Best of luck as you continue to write! Enjoy this beautiful Spring weather, too! -AP GREAT HITS Kimberley's "Interviewing Universally - 'Boldly Going Where No Man Has Gone Before...'" http://alittlecynical.blogspot.com/2011/03/writing-prompt-34-interviewing.html In opening this post, Kimberley writes, "In the world of Sci-Fi geekdom, he can be considered an anomaly - or worse - a heretic." This introductory line, as well as the following writing, results in an amazing article about the choice to love BOTH Star Wars and Star Trek. Kim profiles a man named Alexander, who claims to love both series, and explains exactly why. Best of all is Kim's treatment of this subject matter. Whereas she takes it seriously enough to thoroughly examine it, she creates humor by exaggerating the social consequences. Excellent work, Kim! Nynn's, "Yummy Goodness" http://lafraser.blogspot.com/2011/03/prompt-34-yummy-goodness.html This post is so much fun to read! I love Nynn's description of a comfortable Happy Hour scenario where attention is paid to the drink itself. So often, bar scenes have little to nothing to do with the love of a good drink, but in this post, Nynn describes appreciation for something delicious. I especially like the context that Nynn gives us. Knowing that she doesn't know much about alcohol allows us to feel a sense of innocence and joy in reading that we otherwise may not. Great job, Nynn! Matt's, "Reflections of a Once and Former Randian" http://oneguytwodeserts.blogspot.com/2011/03/reflections-of-once-and-former-randian.html Thank you, Matt, for coining the new word "Assholiness". :-) This is a great example of writing that develops a coherant rant. Rather than trying to prove his opinions, Matt allowed himself the dignity of authentic, uncensored expression. Because he expressed his opinions in the context of storytelling, they have more appeal, regardless of readers' personal opinions about political topics that Matt discussed. I also appreciate Matt's ability to reflect on another piece of literature in a descriptive and clear way, as a way to develop his theme. Thanks for a wonderful post, Matt! Writing Tip of the Week Read, Read, & Read Some More Some of you may wonder why reading examples of personal essays in your textbook is such a routine part of our coursework. I could imagine it's much more enjoyable to write something of your own than to read and reflect in your Writer's Journal. The reason why you're asked to read is because reading is an essential tool of writing. Writers read a lot. We read so we can learn from other writers, stay inspired, and develop our vocabularies and imaginations. If this week, or any other week, you have "Writer's Block" when you sit down to write your posts, consider reading as a part of the writing process. Pick up a book by one of the writers you've enjoyed reading in your text, or email me for suggestions, and go back to your writing with fresh eyes.