Olin 102. 7:00 pm. What did I expect? I expected it to be boring. I expected it to be pedantic and vapid, as many lectures on this campus are. Two professors, talking about writing. How bad could it get?
I sat down. And was instantaneously intrigued. Amy Weldon started out the night by reading an excerpt from her novel-in-progress. It was of a girl named Janie, and her extreme infatuation with a half-Brazilian boy named David. David was beautiful. As the scene progressed, Amy's voice intonation rose and fell with each passing moment. Janie was with David! David was with Rain. Everyone was smoking pot! Kevin the gay guy made a move on David. All the while, Janie watched. It was the way Amy had thrown herself into these characters, as if they were only an extension of herself, that captivated me there. I had lost all sense of self, sitting there with the scene washing over me, taking hold in my head. It was beautiful writing. But not beautiful in the happy, romantic sense. But beautiful in the way you are able to feel the words, have them become a part of your life, even if only for a passing moment.
Next on the agenda were a series of essays on camping by a professor named Rachel Faldet. They were satirical and hilarious! She was so adamant about her relationship with nature and its detrimental effects on her self-esteem and overall morale. This writing style contrasted with Amy's novel, being non-fictional it made it for a different type of relationship between the reader (Rachel) and the audience.
The purpose for the lecture was to show the professional relationship between writers, and how important that interaction truly is. The writers are able to critique each other, encourage, guide, direct, suggest changes, all of which are helpful throughout the writing process. It was valuable to see the process mid-stream, and see how the relationship molds the actual material written.
I was very happy with my lecture choice, and was pleasantly surprised with its content.
Ms. Gabbert
Next on the agenda were a series of essays on camping by a professor named Rachel Faldet. They were satirical and hilarious! She was so adamant about her relationship with nature and its detrimental effects on her self-esteem and overall morale. This writing style contrasted with Amy's novel, being non-fictional it made it for a different type of relationship between the reader (Rachel) and the audience.
The purpose for the lecture was to show the professional relationship between writers, and how important that interaction truly is. The writers are able to critique each other, encourage, guide, direct, suggest changes, all of which are helpful throughout the writing process. It was valuable to see the process mid-stream, and see how the relationship molds the actual material written.
I was very happy with my lecture choice, and was pleasantly surprised with its content.
Ms. Gabbert
3 comments:
Ms. Gabbert,
Thanks for your comments about Amy and Rachel's presentation. Clearly they model excellent writing and a passion about what the do. Do be sure that you comment on each of group member's blogs, too.
Jim
Rachel-
I really enjoyed reading your blog. It was great to hear your thoughts on their writings and the contrasts that exist between their styles.
Lara
Rachel
After reading both your and Emily's blogs, I am sad that I did not attend this lecture. I would have been intrigued by the way these two professors interacted with each other and I feel like I would have thoroughly enjoyed hearing their stories.
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