For a brief time as a fifth-grader, I hated books that weren't true, not understanding that all books are true on a certain level, that the stories we tell say something about who we were, are, or wish to be. Instead of consenting to do a book report on a novel, I insisted on reading the biography of Freud. This, I'm afraid, explains a lot. The librarian feared that it might be too adult, my teacher was fed up with my constant campaigning, and in true Taurean fashion, I got my way.
After a while, I decided I wanted to write about crazy people, not treat them. And that stories where far more interesting than facts. Facts could tell you part of the narrative, but they weren't more than a dry bone in the valley of stories. I liked Freud, liked the darker elements of his personality. But I especially liked the case studies, the real patients he couldn't entirely explain. That's when I began to like fiction again, the only thing that could fill in the details.
Michelle's Spell of the Day
"Being a writer is like being a martial arts expert, there's a certain stance and alertness that is required." Kate Braverman
Cocktail Hour
Drinking website suggestion: www.stuffwhitepeoplelike.com
(really funny tongue-in-cheek look at hipster culture)
Benedictions and Maledictions
Happy Wednesday!
8 comments:
I've always been intrigued by the darker elements; only problem is I experience it every day. Not too long ago, my students were laughing about an inmate being escorted to healthcare. He apparently cut his junk off and the officer had to carry it in a sandwich baggy. I couldn't get myself to write about that one (until now).
Hi Darling, I, too, am interested in the abnormal psyciatry aspect. Show me a book or show about a hoarder, cat collecter, drug fiend, etc. and I am in. Don't know why, but I do shudder and realize we are all way close to that line. xo
"After a while, I decided I wanted to write about crazy people, not treat them."
But remember...you have to know your subject. Oh wait I forgot who I was writing too...{;-P}
At first I didn't differentiate between fiction and nonfic in my reading. Then I became somewhat of a fiction snob. I thought it more likely to tell the extra truth. Today I read about 1/3 nonfic and 2/3 fiction and I like the balance.
Michelle,
My reading probably leans more toward fiction, but non-fiction comes pretty close to half, I'd say.
Great pic. :)
Thanks for the welcome back my Dear. I am completely schocked today,this work computer is letting me log into your site again,wahoo. I still read your writing often but have become a lousy writer.
I hope all finds you well in that big old city.
Well I guess I would say I read 90 % fiction,10 % non fiction .
Hi Michelle,
As a homeschooling mom to 2 great kids, I make a point of exposing them to a wide variety of books...we spend alot of time at the library and I encourage them to choose anything that THEY want to read...some of the stuff they end up coming home with is a little scary for me as a mom to handle..especially since I always want to protect them...BUT...I stop myself from censoring them!
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