Thursday, August 27, 2009

Write With Fire




I often call Charles Gramlich the hardest working man in my blog world. Reading Write With Fire, I realize this is even more true than I supposed. I have met Charles the same way I know lots of people -- through his blog and through his books. I love having a blog because it gives me a chance to write more with instant feedback and allows me to know people I might never meet otherwise. Who else but Heff is going to agree with me that the new Playboy sucks (Heidi Montag, really?) or review obscure horror movies like Scott or provide me with beautiful artwork like Lana? I can't live without a dose of my beautiful spirited Jodi (proving that brains and looks go together!) or hearing from the walking man, my dear friend and yes, student, of many years ago, Mark. I love Laura's thoughtful approach to topics I might not consider otherwise (Is free good? a tour of the Winchester house -- yes!) and Tim's prose about his life and deepest thoughts. Rob's take on the religious life always leaves me thinking and Jason always makes me laugh. I could go on (and there are many other wonderful blogs I read), but this is to say that I would not have known about Write With Fire without this world.

I love the practical advice that Charles provides his readers in this book. Stay hydrated. (and not with the demon rum, at least not until the end of the day) Work steadily. This is how to write a cover letter. Writing groups are good until they're not. How to take or not take criticism. Charles has written tons of books, stories, and essays, has a beautiful brilliant wife named Lana, and has raised a terrific son, Josh. In addition to all of this, he works as a professor full-time. Feeling lazy yet? I am. Even so, I'm going to get to work today, put down those words, and try to remember to stay hydrated while dreaming the past to create the future.

Michelle's Spell of the Day
"The work goes on, the cause endures." Ted Kennedy

Cocktail Hour
Lots of August birthdays so I'm going to come up with a birthday menu for tomorrow. Suggestions?

Benedictions and Maledictions
RIP, Ted Kennedy! Have been really behind on e-mail, but am going to get it all done by this weekend -- thanks for all the kind words and especially the request for books! You guys rock!

13 comments:

jodi said...

Hi Beautiful, thanks for the little kudos. It tickles me to death coming from you! My favorite b day dinner would be like any other--2graham crackers, Carb Smart yogurt, a pear and a LARGE glass of wine! enjoy doll, Jodi xoxo

Heff said...

Hey, I do what I can, lol.

laughingwolf said...

i'm with you, michelle, i've met a lot of super folk in blogland... you included :)

Scott said...

Michelle,

I planned on picking up Charles' new book anyway, but now I can't wait to read it. Thanks for the review.

I feel the same about 'blogland' here...I wouldn't have 'met' most of you ( Charles is the only one I knew prior), and my life would definately be poorer for it. Oh, and thanks for the nice mention in your entry...it's good to be appreciated, Darlin'! :)

Charles Gramlich said...

I wasn't feeling all that good about many of my fellow humans until I started blogging and found so many kindred spirits here. So much variety and yet consistently excellent posts from around the blogosphere.

Thanks so much for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed the book and I appreciate the kind words. Very good to hear it from another writer whose work I greatly respect.

Lana Gramlich said...

Aw, shucks...You're too kind (as usual.) Write on, woman!

the walking man said...

If I compared myself to Charles or you I MIGHT feel lazy. But what the hell I compare myself to Heff and find I am the hardest working man in blogopia. What I'm not your damn student anymore...shit. I knew I shouldna' put that rum in your Dr. Pepper.

totall said...

hi Charles,

don't know you but will order your book. I'm Dutch.

love, totall

anaisnin.worldslegacy.com

Anonymous said...

"The work goes on, the cause endures." Ted Kennedy

It was the 18th of July, another drunken, sexy Martha's Vineyard day.

I was out drinkin' Boilermakers and my brother was drinkin' Parrot Bay.

And at dinner time we stopped and limoed back to the estate to dine.

And Rose hollered out the portico "y’all don't forget to bring some wine!"

And then she said "There's a telegram from Ted's lawyer taped to the beer fridge."

"Today Mary Jo Kopechne was driven off the Chappaquiddick Bridge."

Paul said...

ah, my muse!

Jason said...

Thanks for the sweet words Michelle. Glad to hear I give the giggles. You always make me think, feel, and fall in love with the species again and again.

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