Book recommendations and empty compliments.
What I've been consuming.
Some good news: I’ve finished writing the 5th draft of Stone and Water! I need to edit for grammar and typos before sending to my generous beta readers: Mandi and Leslie (thank you for offering).
It’s taken some time, and I’ve changed the Point of View (POV) in a couple of chapters to balance out the storyline. It’s better than before, but I think I need one more draft to add some more narrative.
I’ve read a couple of excellent books in the last month, both recommended by the old Master Bather:
.I had never read anything by either author, but am keen to read more. I love discovering a new author who writes well and has a back catalogue. Unfortunately, neither is available in my library. Fortunately, I put them on my Christmas wishlist and Santa Claus delivered the goods.
Sanora Babb’s memoir, ‘An owl on every post,’ tells the story of her family moving to the Colorado Plains about 110 years ago when she was under- 10 (I think). They share a dugout with her Grandfather in the harsh winters and unforgiving summers while her father struggles to make ends meet as a novice farmer.
Babb’s writing is sublime and the story is rich in location and historical context. Her grandfather’s relationship with, and understanding of, nature stands in stark contrast to the ‘Drill, baby, drill,’ mantra of someone whose closest relationship to nature is walking around a manicured golf course.
I want to read everything Babb wrote now (I’ve put all her books on my wishlist!)
I love a good author biography, even if I have read little of the subject’s work. Julie Phillips writes with detail and admiration for her unique subject.
In case you didn’t know (like me), James Tiptree, Jr. was a science fiction writer of short stories who came to prominence in the late 1960s. No one knew until a decade later that he was a woman: Alice Sheldon.
Sheldon led a varied and fascinating life, trying to emerge from the shadow of her pioneering mother. The sheer scope of her life experiences is mind-boggling and I doubt if many authors can compare (Hemingway would boast he had more, perhaps?).
I doubt a modern author, fresh out of the Creative-Writing factory, would warrant such an extensive work. Nor should they.
Latest review on Amazon for my novel, The Poster.
On empty compliments and how to make them genuine.
In a recent post,
told how a complete stranger complimented her on her dress.She said, “I know you are headed out, but I had to tell you, you make that dress look beautiful.”
This came to mind when I watched episode one of the third season of ‘The White Lotus.’ The Mancunian girl says to a complete stranger, ‘I love your outfit.’
The stranger beams with pride: she was complimented on a possession rather than an ability. It seems shallow.
In the hotel bar scene in ‘Out of Sight,’ Jennifer Lopez tells George Clooney, ‘You really wear that suit.’ Adapted from an Elmore Leonard book (he is a master at writing dialogue), this scene sizzles with sensuality.
When complimenting people, it seems to be more genuine and worthwhile to compliment their actions rather than their possessions.
Of course, if you never do anything worthwhile and spend your life collecting material goods to show off to those less wealthy, you may want people to compliment you on your house, your car, or your diamond tongue stud. You can then be buried with those goods like an Egyptian Pharaoh and sail across the heavens.
Splendid and bravo! I don't read genre fiction, so I would be a bad beta reader for you.
Congratulations on finishing your 5th draft!!! That's very exciting. Progress always feels good and should be celebrated. Thanks for the recommendations—I've added Sanora Babb's book to the queue. And thanks for the mention of my post. It is interesting to consider whether a compliment is genuine or not. I believe there is much potential for a hearty philosophical discussion on that topic!