Would the cashew nut that the brothers use in ‘Not Forever’ to imitate their grandfather be considered a through-line object? Asking because the cashew nut -- just this ordinary piece of food -- is something that takes on meaning with the repetitive way the brothers use it. Like when I think of the flashback scenes with the Grandfather I always picture the cashew nut being placed in one of the brother’s ear lobes. That, and how this proxy through-line object cultivates in a certain gesture towards the end of the novel involving the grandfather’s actual hearing aid.
I would love to write a letter to Santa and read it to a group of drunks (but Only on a Wednesday). Thank you for the reason on the through line activity. I can use it in all sorts of things I am writing or have written. Thanks Chuck.
Was just in a Zoom meeting with Monica discussing essays, and the gift shop at Los Alamos came up. It got my gears grinding on commodifying memories. How we often buy souvenirs mindlessly and never see them or remember the event again. Then I got to a question I couldnt answer.
Do the memories we have that don't have objects attached to them matter more? Are they more valuable when they werent commodified?
I’m currently working my way through the Complete Mark Twain Short Stories (a rather huge paperback). And I adore The Innocents Abroad! My favorite gag of his is playing with the tour guides; whenever shown work by someone like DaVinci, one of the group would always inquire about the artist, “Is… is he dead?”
Also I’m tickled because your lesson is so perfectly timed for something I’m tinkering on while waiting for my Golem book to be snatched up. A retelling of Medusa with a vagina dentate instead of snakes on a hermits quest. I can use this non-fiction travel form so thank you so much for that!
Your Through-Line Action
The reading sounds so exciting. Such great writing tips!!!
“Letter to Santa Claus” night sounds like a great time! Any chance they’ll be recorded/posted for those of us who won’t be able to make it?
Love me some snark!
Would the cashew nut that the brothers use in ‘Not Forever’ to imitate their grandfather be considered a through-line object? Asking because the cashew nut -- just this ordinary piece of food -- is something that takes on meaning with the repetitive way the brothers use it. Like when I think of the flashback scenes with the Grandfather I always picture the cashew nut being placed in one of the brother’s ear lobes. That, and how this proxy through-line object cultivates in a certain gesture towards the end of the novel involving the grandfather’s actual hearing aid.
That was beautiful. THANKS!
I often cite The Awful German Language as one of the funniest articles I ever read.
I would love to write a letter to Santa and read it to a group of drunks (but Only on a Wednesday). Thank you for the reason on the through line activity. I can use it in all sorts of things I am writing or have written. Thanks Chuck.
Count me in for a letter to Santa!
Was just in a Zoom meeting with Monica discussing essays, and the gift shop at Los Alamos came up. It got my gears grinding on commodifying memories. How we often buy souvenirs mindlessly and never see them or remember the event again. Then I got to a question I couldnt answer.
Do the memories we have that don't have objects attached to them matter more? Are they more valuable when they werent commodified?
I want to read that now!
Great analysis.
Tourists can be so uncouth. I’ve seen cigarette ends in glacial pools.
And don’t get me started on dolphin botherers😂
I suppose taking a piece of a building could be the ‘proof’ people now seek in selfies.
Humans are such trophy hunters in so many ways. The “I was there” element so often eclipses the experience itself sadly.
So many things a writer could do with that concept and it sounds like Twain employed it well.
Oh, I have PLENTY to say in a letter to Mr. Claus.
I’m currently working my way through the Complete Mark Twain Short Stories (a rather huge paperback). And I adore The Innocents Abroad! My favorite gag of his is playing with the tour guides; whenever shown work by someone like DaVinci, one of the group would always inquire about the artist, “Is… is he dead?”
I'll try my hand at the Letters to Santa Claus
Unsure that I’d be able to write anything worth reading, but what a fun thing it would be to come listen!
Count me in for a letter to Santa!
Also I’m tickled because your lesson is so perfectly timed for something I’m tinkering on while waiting for my Golem book to be snatched up. A retelling of Medusa with a vagina dentate instead of snakes on a hermits quest. I can use this non-fiction travel form so thank you so much for that!
O.R. Christmas.
Pretty sure it’ll be ready in a month.