Writing Conference Feedback

For the past couple weeks, I had the great pleasure of attending the Rutgers Camden Summer Writing Conference.  I just got through everyone's incredible comments on True Stories, and as some of them had me laughing a little too loud in the library, I wanted to share.  Categorized, of course.

On the aquarium story

"Why was he so reluctant to leave the hippos if he’s so helpful and knows she wants to see some sharks? . . . Also, who doesn’t want to see the shark tunnel? That’s the best part."

"Sharks keep moving . . . and I think this says much about the character."

"More sharks."

The narrator (aka me) as a bad person

"CK has definitely charmed the pants off me! I admit to more than mild annoyance with your reluctance to embrace this relationship."

"Does she have a job? What does she do when she’s not analyzing this relationship to death?"

"Just say it!" (On the line “I cannot speak.”)

Things you'd only get at a literary conference

"Write something else – something more intriguing." (On the word “gross.”)

"sub v./adv. w/ v.?"

On the use of repetition / shuffling / non-linear time / the meaning of truth / everything this story is about

"Hasn't this happened once already?"

"I’m not sure why this is being repeated."

"Are we talking about the same person?"

"I had no idea enough time had elapsed for such hair growth."

"Wait…another one?"

"Never mind . . . I understand now."

"Just tell the real truth."

Other moments of confusion

"I’m confused here.  Do you mean he ordered the coffee in glass mugs?"

"Can’t gauge sex quality, but definitely pain."

"How possible?" (on my description of my the restaurant where my sister worked “where no one ever goes” and she gets "her first tip in days”)

"To me this might have knocked the tooth out or cause more duress." (on hitting my tooth with a hammer)

Best Overall Summary

"I like also that this is a narrative of feminine ambivalence about romance – the prevailing cultural myth is being reluctant while secretly pining away to be partnered." (I think a boy wrote this - who knew?)

 The True Story, or Vicious & Multiple & Untrue After All will premiere as part of First Person Arts RAW at the First Person Arts Festival (November 8-17, 2012).