At our last writing critique group meeting, a book was being passed around. Tammy, one of the WWWPs had loaned it out. Lynn had borrowed it and was returning it. Beth had read it a while ago. Before Tammy could get it back, I snatched it and dragged it back to my lair.
"Whoah. You mean this writing critique group is a little self-made library? You mean you do something besides critique each other's writing?" you say? Not only do we toss books back and forth, we also nibble (on--too often--homemade treats), we drink (mostly tea, but once we drank a satisfying alcoholic concoction that is named after what Meg Ryan faked in the movie When Harry Met Sally), we play proctologist and examine what comes out of one member's anal sphincter every two weeks, and we investigate threats on Linda O'Connell's life. (Writers who are desperate to slow her submission rate down have threatened her with death by wood chipper...a leg of lamb...a nail gun.)
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| photo by www.thedawgsdish.com The book I'm almost finished with is Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl. In the middle of my sneezing and snorting, I think I can finish it tonight. I'm enjoying it so far, but at least two of the women expressed disappointment about one particular part/aspect. (And they wouldn't say WHAT was lacking...) Is the end disappointing? I hope not. \What deliciousness are you savoring right now? (Yes, I know what you'll say, Shay. You're luxuriating in a month-long vacation, and are burying us all under an avalanche of your poems.) What book or television show or project are you immersed in right now? My snot-filled nose wants to know. |
I just (last night - or actually 3 am today) finished The Liar's Club by Mary Karr. I know it was a best seller with critical acclaim, especially for a memoir by a non-celebrity. We all know those never sell, right? (I'm spitting sarcastic venom here.) While at first her style irritated me a bit, she dangled such promise of fulfilling the beginning, I stuck in with her. Then I could only put it down when my eyes couldn't focus or I had to eat. I skipped a shower and ignored email and blogs.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I did. Now I want to read Cherry and Lit, the sequels. Never heard of Cherry but Lit also got rave reviews. Let me say this. Even I chafe a little at what she so blithely skipped, and I did not like the time fluxes, I'd like very much to take her memoir and writing classes. I think I'll look into it.
Oh, I'm also enjoying Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder, which is also the focus of tomorrow's Saturday Writers' speaker Cory David Milles. Tons of good writing advice.
And (how dumb can I be?) I'm hardly able to contain myself a whole week wondering what's going on at Downton Abbey. (Although they better wrap up this Anna story post haste and well done, or I'm going to re-think the whole thing).
btw I hope your snottiness clears up soon! I mean that in a good way.
ReplyDeleteMarcia--
DeleteI liked Karr's Lit the best. But after you read all three, you might disagree. And it's been a few years, but I think that Cherry is the first book in the "series." (But then again, the phlegm is taking over my brain.)
I got into one season of Downton Abbey (a couple of years ago?) but need to begin with the first season and rewatch the ones I've already seen. It's amazing when we get caught up in a series and cannot wait for the next installment.
Thanks. There's all sorts of bugs floating around. This is just the latest one for me.
You know, I just did not like Gone Girl although I will say the writing was very good. I have been reading mostly research lately and been buried in the history of the Katy railroad through southeastern Kansas. For me, it was thrilling. Today I have escaped into Taylor Caldwell's Grandmother and the Priests for my book club's classic read. It is pretty good. I hope your sniffles go away!
ReplyDeleteClaudia--I finished it this morning. It's not a book I want to keep on my shelf--not a book I will reread, but I did enjoy the twists and turns--until the end.
DeleteThanks. Yes, if you encounter anyone sniffling or sneezing, steer clear of them and avoid this bug.
Sorry to report that the only thing I've been immersed in reading is the monthly financial statement from my son's college. But on the plus side...my nose is snot-free.
ReplyDeleteSo, now you're just a snot-box and no longer a snot nose?
DeleteI also snared one of those books. I am writing a...hold your breath... fiction piece for critique. Stretching my writer muscles makes me ache, want to quit, throw a fit, but I will do this!
ReplyDeleteLinda--I am now REALLY looking forward to WWWP night.
DeleteI've heard great things about "Gone Girl" though I've not read it myself. I just finished C. Hope Clark's "Lowcountry Bribe" and have begun "The Shy Writer Reborn," also by Hope. Loved the first and can't get my nose out of the second because, believe it or not, I am a shy writer and she's offering up all kinds of wisdom.
ReplyDeleteLisa--"Gone Girl" has a plot that keeps you guessing. The ending is not very satisfying, but I'm not sure what ending would be appropriate.
DeleteI loved "Lowcountry Bribe" too. I hope her writing book succeeds in making an extroverted writer out of you. ;)
Currently reading "What Alice Forgot". It's a light, enjoyable read with touches of humor. Just realized the author also wrote "The Husband's Secret" and I liked that one a lot. H'mmm. I I must be a fan of Liane Moriarty.
ReplyDeletePat
Critter Alley
Pat--Isn't that cool when you find a great book, and you discover the author has written multiple books?
DeleteI haven't heard of either of those books, and I haven't heard of that author, either. I guess I should put them on my long list of "must-reads."
I would like to say I'm immersed in a couple books and writing projects, but mostly I'm immersed in puppy poop. (But good for you!)
ReplyDelete"The pupp(ies)," she said, in a Cruella Deville-ish voice.
DeleteI'm jealous.
I'm reading the 2nd (just finished the 1st) series of Clan of the Cave Bear... that's not what they are called (I can't remember), but I'm really enjoying them.
ReplyDeleteLynn--My daughter loved that series.
DeleteI just finished Curtis Sittenfeld's Sisterland. It was set in St. Louis, but I couldn't get over the feeling that the author was simultaneously trying to exploit St. Louis and put it down at the same time. The result was a little too much snarkdom, and not the good kind (because we all know there's good-snarky and bad-snarky). Oh, and I laughed at what Marcia said about Downton. It's Downton Day, and I'm with her on the Anna thing.
ReplyDeleteTammy--Yes, it IS Downtown Day today. Enjoy.
DeleteOoops. I meant "Downton" not "Downtown."
ReplyDelete