I haven’t composed a ‘list post’ for a while, and I do love lists…
Here are some musings inspired by two programs I have attended at The Warner Library…
Book Club
1. Twenty five people, showing up in the cold of February, to discuss a classic novella was impressive.
2. Twenty five people, showing up in the cold of February, to discuss a classic novella about a fishing community in Maine was indicative of both a literary and climate-transcending community.
3. Being among the youngest in a group was new and nice.
4. Listening to people wax Romantic about a novella described as rather “plotless” was refreshing. People liked the slower pace and descriptive vignettes of Sarah Orne Jewett’s, The Country of Pointed Firs. Nice!
5. Hearing an older man say, “This book was so boring, I wanted to throw it out the window,” was pretty funny.
6. The lovely librarian handled all comments with grace and moved the conversation along. She was a skilled facilitator.
7. I shall return.
Writers’ Forum
1. Being in a group of mostly prose writers was new and good for me.
2. Being one of the only poets in the group made me miss my poets of the past.
3. The combination of doing writing exercises, participating in critique, and reading examples of accomplished writers created a good balance.
4. Critique was honest, and at times a bit tough, but generally supportive. Good thing I went to art school.
5. Nonfiction writers are fantastic…especially those with science backgrounds who have written about birds or food. Spiritual women who offer clear, intuitive feedback also rule!
6. Memoir writers, young adult fiction writers, experimental poets, creative nonfiction writers, and aspiring novelists have my respect.
7. I will return.
