Literary Links

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These are my favorite kinds of articles to read. Reading about books and writers inspires me to write more and to write better. I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorite articles from this week.

For people that are wondering what MFA creative writing programs are like, this article will give you some insight! All of it reads true and I'm glad someone was able to eloquently put this experience into words.

This article about making it through writing critiques kind of goes along with the first. When you're in a grad program for creative writing, you have to go through workshops a lot and being well prepared to take whatever comes at you is essential!

I'm going to be adding these titles to my list of books to check out from the library. Debut novels are always inspiring to read. I love seeing how writers achieve such great first novels.

Feel like spending the summer in Paris? Why not write while you're at it! The expats living in Paris provided us with phenomenal works of art by prolific writers (Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald, I could go on) and I imagine there's no better place to write than in the cafés where they created their classics.

On My First Day as a Graduate Student

And what an eventful day it was! It started the same as any other with an early morning trip to the gym and plans to sprawl out on the grass of the Boston Common to get some sun. But, no, that did not happen. Instead, as I killed time on my computer waiting for it to get just a bit warmer, I received an email from a literature professor, following up with my application to be a Teacher's Assistant. I scheduled a time to meet with him, then regretted scheduling the interview for four o'clock, giving me five hours to think and worry about it.

But luckily, we did some stuff to take my mind off it. Around 11, AJ and I went to Brattle Book Shop. I picked up a short fiction anthology, edited by Joyce Carol Oates, and The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides, for $3 each!

From there, we walked over to Boloco at their Commons location where it was free burrito day! Neither of us have tried Boloco before, but every time I walk by I'm tempted to try everything! Their shakes, salads, bowls, and burritos all sound delicious and—with it being free and all—we decided it was the perfect time to try it out! The line was kind of long but we were there before noon and the line only got longer after that. AJ got a chicken teriyaki burrito and I got the chicken tikka masala burrito. They were both delicious and (we each got a small burrito) the perfect size. We will definitely go back to Boloco—it's free burrito day at their School St. location in two weeks. 

After that, all I had left to do was get ready for my interview and class. I changed into the most grown up outfit that was conducive to the sweltering heat. My shirt had birds on it but the skirt was J. Crew so I figured it worked. I went to the meeting, was there a little early, and talked to the professor about the job. It sounded great and he gave me a little assignment to do—grade a student paper—to see how I work and he invited me to sit in on the first day of class, which I did this morning. I felt surprisingly old, even though I was an undergrad just a few months ago! But I did feel pretty lucky to be taking a British Lit class for free! I haven't been offered the job yet, but fingers crossed!

After the interview, I ran home quickly, changed into jeans, ate a quick omelette for dinner before over packing my schoolbag with books, paper, a laptop, and lots of pencils and hurried back out to school. My class was on the 11th floor of a building on Boylston. I was in awe when I walked into the classroom, one whole wall was made of windows, giving me the best view the Common, the State House, Beacon Hill, and beyond. I was very distracted during class. 

Some of us were early and some other students filtered in just after 6 so we spent the first ten minutes or so doing a free write on the prompt, the best time of day. We didn't have to read it or share and it was a great way to start the class. I'm usually terrified of in-class free writes but this one came pretty easily for me! There are 12 of us in class, all of different ages and stages of life. Some people have been writing for a long time and are very experienced in workshops and some others are relatively new to fiction writing. 

The professor, Daphne, was wonderful and smart and made everyone feel comfortable. After the free write, we went around the room a few times to introduce ourselves, talk about our writing background, and who were our favorite authors to read. We went over the syllabus, which told us all how much work we will have, and made a schedule to workshop our fiction. We then read a great short story and had a discussion on it for quite sometime. The class is supposed to last from 6 to 9:45. Last night, we left class around 8:20 and I was in bed by 9:30 and I kept thinking to myself 'I would still be in class if this weren't the first day.'

We were assigned two short stories, one by Chekhov and one by Grace Paley, to read and prepare for discussion, two student stories to read and write critiques on, and we each have to write a 3-5 page story or story fragment which takes place all in one scene. I'm glad we have smaller writing assignments on top of the short stories we will write for workshop so that it doesn't feel like we only have to write twice a semester. My first short story is due for workshop on September 17th!

I'm looking forward to next week's fiction workshop and this coming Tuesday I will have my first day of my other class called Teaching College Composition. 

MFA Stuff

A little update. As some of you may know, the day that AJ and I moved to Boston for his internship back in March, I found out that I was accepted to an MFA Creative Writing program in Boston. From the moment that I received my acceptance email, my mind has been preoccupied with MFA related thoughts: what my classes will be like, all the writing I'll be doing, and what my future will look like upon graduation. If there's an article that has the letters MFA in the title, I read it. I can't get enough.

So, a few days ago, on a whim, I checked to see if any changes had been made to my previously blank class schedule for grad school. I was oh so pleasantly surprised to find that it was no longer blank! I have a schedule! And it's a wonderful one, too. I am taking two classes (they suggested only 2 for your first semester). One is Teaching College Composition and the other is Fiction Workshop. Each class is once a week for 3 hours and 45 minutes. I have class Tuesday night and Wednesday night and that's it!

Having my schedule makes me realize how soon school will be starting and that it is very real. It's coming! And it just so happens that in the same week I got my schedule, Bustle.com has put out two great articles regarding books and writing.

The first is about books that you should read before starting an MFA program. It's a great article but it freaked me out—I haven't read any of the books listed! I have to get on that. Now.

The next article is also about books. These, however, are books that you should read before writing your first novel. This might not be universal for all MFA students, but one of my goals is to write a novel (at least a draft) by the completion of my degree so this is a handy list!

I love articles that suggest great books for different reasons. I hope you enjoy these, too!

Books For Writers: An MFA in Five Books

There have been many times that I've expressed how important I think it is to get writing advice straight from a writer. And I'm about to do it again!

These five books are written by writers for writers and I think they are essentials to any writer's library. In the future I will do a post for each book individually, but for now I want to give you an overview of each. Even though I'm on my way to begin an MFA program in creative writing, I believe that these books will give any writer a good introduction to what an MFA program offers. All of these writers were or are successful and some of them have also taught in MFA programs. If you enjoy writing, are considering applying to an MFA program, or just enjoy learning from authors be sure to check out these books!

Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them by Francine Prose. Out of the five books, this is the first one that I received and read. I had been eyeing it once I became obsessed with Francine Prose but I've always preferred reading fiction to nonfiction and I was unsure if I'd enjoy it as much. I got it for Christmas a few years ago and I sucked it up right away! Prose's advice, observations, and her opinions and analyses on other writers are golden. It's like hitting the advice jackpot. Not only is Prose a writer of all genres who has been successfully published many, many times, but she has taught both literature and creative writing in MFA programs. Who better to take writing advice from? Not to mention, the suggested reading list in the back of the book will inspire some serious reading. 

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King. When you talk about successful authors, you cannot neglect Stephen King. This book allows readers to understand how King became a writer as he discusses his childhood and his recovery from a near fatal car accident. At times it does read as an autobiography but that's exactly what writers want to read from other writers. The tone of this book—confident, laid back, and open—leaves you feeling encouraged and as if you are partaking in a friendly conversation with King. Wouldn't that be a treat? Not only does King give out his wise words, he includes his own extensive reading list, a draft with his personal edits, and some interesting tidbits about his own life. Did you know he's in a writers-only band with Amy Tan? Me neither. 

Aspects of a Novel by E.M. Forster. One of the older books on my list, published in 1956, and reads much differently than the others. This is because the book is really a series of lectures on the different elements that form a story: story, character, plot, fantasy, prophecy, and pattern and rhythm. The writing is very clear and his suggestions are amplified and put to life with the many real examples he uses to prove his points. I include this book on the list because it is more structured and more focused on specific elements that are required for good writing. It's a bit more tangible and Forster's lectures can be put into practice using writing prompts. I also like that this is an older book because it goes to show that the art of writing will always be important and relevant. 

Letters to a Young Novelist by Mario Vargas Llosa. Just thinking about this book makes me happy and makes me want to write. I find that it is also the most uplifting and encouraging book on this list. This book is truly written in the form of letters, intended to encourage a young writer to maintain their creative desire while imparting his wisdom along the way. His insights are original and well-crafted. The book itself is rather thin so it will not take a long time to read, but you will close the book feeling satisfied and educated by a brilliant writer. Also, the length of this book will allow you to read it time and time again and I promise you that you will be driven to do just that. Do not be fooled by the word 'young' in the title. This is not meant for preteen or anything of that sort, it is meant for a writer who might be a novice or who needs encouragement. If that is you, this book will do wonders to the way you view writing. 

Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. While this book is like the others in the way that it discusses prose and writing technique, it focuses more on cultivating good writing habits, reading like a writer, and getting into the psyche of a true writer. Brande claims that any writing problems are blamed on the personality of the writer. It approaches the line of being a self help book, not to improve your writing but to mentally turn yourself into writer. Brande provides exercises and examples that help her readers tap into the unconscious in order to dig deeper creatively. Another old book on this list, it is inspiring because it includes countless pieces of advice to make yourself truly believe that you are a writer. This book is perfect to round off this list. It has elements that are truly unique to Brande's approach on writing advice. 

Currently Reading: The Bell Jar

Remember when I said that Ficciones was not an easy read? It's not an easy read, it is hard. I'm struggling and I'm almost ashamed to say I am setting it aside. There are so many books that I still want to read that I don't want to get bogged down by one that I just can't pull myself through. I'll pick it up again one day but for now I have moved on and oh, what a great book I have moved on to.

I feel like this book is one that all girls should read at whatever point in their lives. I'm surprised it has taken me this long to finally read but I think I am at the age where I can appreciate it more thoroughly.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath follows the path of Esther Greenwood, a Smith college student who suffers from depression and mental illness. The story begins when Esther is living in New York City and working at a magazine during the summer before her final year of college. That plot would be story enough, but Plath takes us through Esther's life when she returns home to Massachusetts for the rest of her summer during which time her mental state continues to decline.

I'm over halfway through the book at this point because it is impossible to put down. This morning I had to force myself to get out of bed, not because I was tired but because I just wanted to lay there all day and read about Esther.

The depiction of the way her brain works is clearly drawn and makes her depression understandable. Her suicide attempts are extremely detailed and almost excruciating to read, you feel for her so deeply and you want to help but there's nothing you can do! It's painful but I think it's important for people to read, especially because these scenes are written by a woman who dealt with her own depression and internal demons.

I won't go in to much more detail so that I'm not repeating myself when I write a review once I finish the novel in it's entirety, but this book is very similar to Pamela Moore's Chocolates for Breakfast so if you enjoyed that, you will enjoy book too.

Again, this is a book that many, especially female English majors, have read by the time they hit their twenties and I think that's phenomenal. This is a book that everyone should get their hands. You will find yourself in Esther if you have ever dealt with depression. If you have never had to deal with mental illness, you will be shocked and awed at this depiction of it. I think that in the world today, there is so much discussion of mental illness, that it will do every well to have a great understanding of it. Reading this novel is the perfect way to begin to grasp this issue.

Literary Links

Ever wondered what your favorite author's signature looked like? Thanks to Buzzfeed, now we know! Check out these famous authors' famous signatures. They are all far more legible than I would have imagined!

An interview with CJ Hauser about her debut novel, The From-Aways. A perfect book for summer, especially for those who vacation in a small town every year or for those who inhabit that small vacation town all year. The book focuses on friendships, family relationships, and small town qualities.

This is neither an article or anything new, but I think readers and writers alike will enjoy this link! I found my way to Marisha Pessl's website to see if she has any new books in the works (I wrote about her first novel here) and found something better! Pessl allows readers to send her questions about her writing, inspiration, and anything else you want. She posts the questions and her responses on her website. Why don't all authors do this? I love things like this!

In my opinion, nothing is better than getting advice straight from writers themselves. Here are a collection of authors doling out their best writing advice! I will definitely bookmark this for the future.

I read this review of Cristina Henriquez's newest book on Saturday in the New York Times and immediately placed is at the top of my to read list. I think it is brilliant that she is using her skills as a writer to bring a contemporary, political issue to a wider audience through a creative medium.

While wasting time at my old internship one day, I came across Emily Gould and was captivated. Her first novel is forthcoming and her wit and personality are enough to make it a bestseller. Check out this review and see if it interests you! It will definitely be a book that characterizes Millenials.

Lastly, since we already talked about the best books of the year so far, here are the books that are most anticipated for the next half of the year.

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Keeping Up

No, not with the Kardashians. With myself. I'm really proud of the writing I did in June. I love looking at the listed archives and seeing my number of posts grow each day. I love that I greatly increased the number of posts I published from May to June. The number almost doubled and I'm so proud of that!

That's why I don't want to fall back in July. I want to keep up with June. It reminds me of being college. If I made Dean's List one semester, I felt that I had to make it the following semester and so on because if I didn't, it would mean that I had slacked or failed from past performances. It's not necessarily sane, but it's motivating!

So, that's my goal. To write more than the 27 posts I wrote last month while still keeping up the quality of the content. I imagine that this goal will stick as I continue this blogging journey.

What about you? Do you have any goals—blogging or otherwise—for July? I hope your July is off to a great start!

The Original Sex And The City: A Book Review

It was almost a month ago that I started reading The Group.  It does not usually take me this long to read a novel, but this one requires and deserves all the time you can give it. A well known, bestselling novel by the widely published writer, Mary McCarthy, The Group is an exceptional book that was groundbreaking in it's time and, in my opinion, still is.

As I mentioned when I previously wrote about this book, the story is centered on the lives of seven Vassar graduates in the years after their graduation. It opens with the marriage of one of the girls, Kay, and ends with a funeral—I won't disclose whose.

The writing is superb, which doesn't even need to be said when discussing a McCarthy book. It's a given. The characters all maintain specific and unique qualities but they are all realistic and personable. All of the girls go through hardships and successes. They deal with issues such as contraception, sexism, family crises, motherhood, bankruptcy, and heartbreaking relationships. McCarthy writes about these topics with depth, sympathy, and honesty. There's no sidestepping of awkward or uncomfortable situations and McCarthy allows you to experience each moment alongside the character. Rarely have a read a book that is so exceptionally truthful and realistic in regards to its characters, and that is what sets this book apart.

Because of the topics written about in this book, it was considered controversial. It was even banned in Australia. However, it did not deter sales at all. The Group landed on the bestseller list upon its publication and held its place there for two years. Further, it has inspired more current works based on the storyline, plot, and air of controversy. Candace Bushnell's Sex and the City was written as a modern adaptation of The Group and went on to have exceptional success.

Yes, this books takes time to read, but that makes it all the more recommended. Books are not meant to be run through at a high speed. They should be savored, enjoyed, and studied. Reading slowly through a book allows for reflection. You can form your thoughts and your own ideas about the characters and what they are experiencing. Who cares how long it takes you to read The Group? As long as you are enjoying it, take all the time you need.

There are a lot of characters and all of the main characters are women who come from interesting and occasionally similar backgrounds and all are equally well educated. Occasionally, it can be difficult to recall which storyline belongs to which woman but the writing style helps correct this. McCarthy dedicates about one to one and half chapters to each woman and often weaves the one or two girls into the storyline of another to keep them relevant and in your mind. Some girls have more focus on their story than others but that's ok, it would be impossible to dedicate the same amount of pages and words to each girl—it would become superfluous and the book would never end. Also, we do not get to see each girl in each year of the story. Often, we will get the story of one girl and then jump forward two years to get the story of the next girl. While it might sound confusing, it makes the reading very clear and understandable.

Some argue that this book is autobiographical, as McCarthy did graduate from Vassar in 1933, the same year as the girls in the book. She lived in New York City and was partial to communist groups after converting from Catholicism to atheism, a sentiment that can be seen by how some of the girls refer to the Church. Also, there is a very large focus on different political groups and sectors in the 30s. I had difficulty following the book at these moments simply because I do not know enough about that part of history. And this book truly is influenced by the time period in which it takes place. Everything that happens is influenced by the politics and social norms of its time. The book could not have been written any other way and it could not have been written any better. It is a masterpiece of prose and storytelling.

I recommend The Group to everyone because everyone can relate and everyone should experience a book by Mary McCarthy. I believe that it will interest women who have lived in New York City, have graduated from a private liberal arts college like Vassar, and women who have ever experienced the sensation of belonging to a well-defined group of girlfriends.

Have you ever read The Group? What did you think about the story and how it was written? If you've never read it, would you consider it?

The author, Mary McCarthy

Things to Remember When Writing

1. You can always edit and revise and your first draft should reflect that. Use your first, second, maybe even third draft to get your plot figured out and your characters clear. Worry about the language that will make your piece exciting to read towards the final drafts. Do not try to make your first draft publishable, this will only cause stress and disappointment when you realize that is too difficult a task.

2. Have a plan before you sit down at your computer. Starting with a blank mind and no idea what you want to accomplish in your writing that day is an easy way to make yourself feel uninspired and quit early. I like to take a few minutes with a notebook, write down which story or article I want to work on and jot down a few ideas for a scene or topic points for an article.  I don't always accomplish everything I write down, but I feel that writing—rather than typing—jump starts my brain and creativity. I also find that it can be a good thing when I don't do everything that I write out first because that leaves me with some extra ideas to come back to the following day.

3. Read and don't feel bad about it. I have a hard time just relaxing and reading because I feel like it's a luxury that is taking up time I could use to do something more important. Don't get me wrong, I love reading and I would do it all day if I could! But I always end up feeling guilty about it. This is something I need to stop because all writers will tell you that reading is just as important as writing. It expands your vocabulary, it introduces you to writing styles and stories you would never think of, and it could really help with your own writer's block. Writers need to read so make sure you schedule enough time into your busy day for reading.

There is tons of advice out there for writers by writers and I find that it really helps to keep me focused and motivated when I think about some of these things. It is easy to get discouraged when writing, for many reasons, but these three things keep my mind in the right place.

Do you have any advice for writers or positive thoughts you use to stay focused?

On Blogging: Four Months In

About a year ago I wanted to start a blog but I didn't. I struggled to. I read multiple blogs on a daily basis. I would check the same blog a few times a day to make sure I wasn't missing a new post because I enjoyed reading blogs that much. It made me want my own.

But I didn't know how to make one. I didn't, and probably still don't really, know how to format a website and play with the HTML. I didn't know how I would get readers or what kind of content I'd even post! And because I didn't know any of this stuff, I was scared. I was scared that I would fail and disappoint myself so I just avoided it. But I still never got it out of my mind!

Four months ago, I finally just did it and wrote my first blog post! It made me happy and I kept writing posts. At first, they weren't really posts about anything in particular—they still aren't really, but who cares? I love putting together a simple post and hitting publish. It makes me feel great to have created a little something that's just out there in the online world now. I went on a writing binge last night and the feeling of completing so many posts made me really happy.

I like getting my writing out there, on Collective Lifestyle or other websites that feature articles, but I know that I don't have a lot of readers on my blog. That's ok, because I'm having a lot of fun without readers! If people enjoy reading what I write, great! I'd love for people to enjoy this blog and read it for their entertainment and happiness. But I hope that I would continue to write even if I never gain a following.

June has clearly been my most successful month as far as posting goes. I track my success and progress by the amount of posts I publish and I always try to beat the previous month. February, my first month, was easy to beat. In April, I slipped a bit and had one less post than March and in May, I only had a handful of posts more than the last two months. June is different, because I've really been getting into the swing of writing. I have over 20 posts and the month has not ended quite yet, although it did go fast!

As badly as I wanted to start a blog last year, I'm enjoying it far more than I imagined and I am so happy that I took the plunge to just write and publish! If I want to keep improving upon my number of posts each month, I have a lot of work to do for July! I may have to start posting multiple articles a day.

I'm excited to see where this blog goes and I know that, no matter what, I'll continue to have fun doing exactly what I'm doing right now!

Literary Links

I love Buzzfeed and this article might just be the best thing they've ever published. Ernest Hemingway's  food diary really made me laugh, although I think his sentences would have been even longer. And Dan Brown's was perfect!

You may have seen my Summer Reading List for Collective Lifestyle, but the books I included would never have made this list of highbrow Beach Reads! The books are good, and what the books say about you are hilarious!

Another World Cup related links this week. What if there was a World Cup for writing? Who should partake?

I could easily make this entire post consist of links to Buzzfeed articles but that might be kind of bland considering most people read Buzzfeed on the daily. But anyway, here's another Buzzfeed list of books that all creative types should read. I'm already putting these books into my Amazon cart.

A Thought Catalog pairing of books and songs that are perfect for one another. I love Regina Spektor's Fidelity. Another pairing that would be good on the this list: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and the song Mad World by Tears for Fears.

Remember last week when I posted a link regarding the lack of soccer in literature? Well this article proves me wrong! Check out these books that do feature soccer and read like a baller. 

Sunday Morning

Just a quick Sunday post to say hello before CBS Sunday morning starts.

For those who are interested, I just came across this interview by The Masters Review with Laura Van Den Berg, whom I wrote about here last week. It's a great insight into writing, form, and inspiration. Also, she talks about one's writing habits and workspace which I, too, wrote about last week! Be sure to read the interview and check out Van Den Berg's works!

Things coming up, a post about hiking and another about Pre Cana!

Writing Or Typing

In the age of the computer, laptop, and tablet writing longhand is becoming obsolete. I tried to fight it as long as possible. In college, I NEVER brought my laptop to class to take notes. I always preferred writing out my notes in a lined notebook with a mechanical pencil. I rarely even used pens.

When it comes to writing fiction, though, I feel most comfortable typing on my laptop. I think this is mainly because I'm timid when I'm writing. I never know if what I'm writing is going to work or if it will last through a revision. By typing on my laptop, I feel like it's much easier to erase or start over and add a paragraph in the middle of a page that didn't exist before. Writing on paper, to me, seems more permanent and it makes me feel like I have no room for error because making changes on paper is harder.

Instead, I'll plan out what I want to write on paper; I'll write down questions I want to answer, ideas for scenes, character names and traits, and plot ideas among other things before I open my laptop to begin writing.

There still are downsides to writing on a laptop, though. My laptop is eternally connected to the time consuming, mind numbing hole that the internet can too often become. I don't have great self control and I find myself becoming distracted with funny articles, time wasting quizzes, and Facebook photos of people I haven't seen (in person) in years! When I finally look up at a clock and see that I just wasted three hours pinning photos of kitchens on Pinterest, it makes me wish I had opted for notebook writing that day.

So is one choice better than the other? Maybe, or maybe it depends on the writer. Believe it or not, there are still authors who write everything the old fashioned way. For example, Joyce Carol Oates. She has 56 novels, 30 short story collections, and volumes of plays, poetry, and nonfiction work to her name. All of which were written by hand. And her novels are typically long, mind you. Her most recent novel is over 500 pages.

Author Lily King, whose most recent novel Euphoria is generating a great deal of praise, recently stated in an article with the Boston Globe that she writes by hand with a pencil before transcribing it onto her computer as part of her revisions process.

Another famous author, the late Truman Capote, had a similar method. He divulged his own writing method in a 1957 interview with the Paris Review. Capote wrote both his first and second draft of a story or novel in pencil. He would type the third draft on a typewriter using yellow paper. The fourth and final draft would be done in the same manner but with white paper, marking it as complete.

Knowing that so many established writers have been successful writing long hand, I wonder if it could be a known but unheeded key to literary accomplishment.

How do you write? Do you think there is a better option when it comes to notebook or laptop?

Now I want to buy a typewriter and see if that makes a difference!

My Work Station at Home

A few weeks ago, I wrote about forming writing habits and the different types of work stations that people use. Since I am home in Connecticut for the summer, I am back to using my desk in my bedroom for most writing tasks.

My desk really only functions as a surface because it has no drawers and is an open top desk but I never open it—my room is kinda crowded so the less space it takes up, the better! My desk always looks the same. I keep my laptop in or on it's case. I keep at least one or two notebooks where I plan out writing schedules or daily tasks. My purple day calendar, a cup of coffee, a glass of water, pens and pencils, and the book A Reader's Book of Days by Tom Nissley are always at hand.

It's a crowded space and I can really only do one thing at a time, which might be a good thing. When I work here, I turn off the over head light in my room and use a standing lamp. The area is kind of dark but I prefer this kind of lighting than the bright over head. In the summer, I'll open one of my bedroom windows to get a light breeze. It also helps me feel less guilty about being closed up in my bedroom on a beautiful summer day like today!

While I feel comfortable writing here, facing my wall, I do hope to get myself out of my comfort zone when it comes to writing. In the post I mentioned above, I wrote about an author who can write anywhere and anytime. I feel like I struggle with that. I can't write from a couch because it feels too casual and unfocused. I get distracted if I'm writing in the same room where people are doing other things. If I don't start writing in the morning, I feel like I can't get into the groove later in the day.

Some writers are similar to me in that they have a specific schedule and setting for writing because their lifestyle is conducive to that and that is great! I would like to be able to adapt to any setting and be able to crank out words regardless of time and place because I feel like that would be better for my lifestyle. I live in a sometimes crazy household; I live with my wonderful mother, my jokester grandfather, and a few pets. My sisters are in and out from their own nearby apartments and cousins stop by because we have a very open door policy! That's why I feel I need to adapt to anything. I'm far from an established writer and I can't be picky about how and when I write. I just need to write!

What do you guys think? Can you write anywhere or do you need certain things to fall into place? Any tips for learning to write anywhere?

Transvestites and Nazis: A Book Review

The cover of the book may be misleading, yes the majority of the story takes place in Paris and the city is one of the most important characters of the book with an extreme development over the course of the story. But the romantic sentiments one feels when seeing a photo of the iconic Eiffel Tower, which conjures ideals about the romantic city, will quickly be dashed as the reader delves into this crazy, impossible tale that is so well told.

If you read my last post on this book, Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932, you know that I was enjoying it. The book is a masterpiece of research and storytelling. Every sentence carries deep meaning and is filled with beautiful language that enhances the timing of the story and the mood of the characters.

All of the characters have value and well-drawn lines. There are quite a few, and the fact that Francine Prose gives each of them a distinct personality is helpful in keeping track because it can become difficult. The way the novel is written as a compilation of the characters' memoirs, biographies, letters, articles, and autobiographies is unique and fits the story. I cannot imagine the book being written as a linear tale in the way most novels are done.

The book is engrossing, despite its length, although it can drag towards the end due to the fact that all of the characters need to wrap up their own stories. You can feel the ending coming but it takes a little while. The way history—parts of history that many people might be familiar with surrounding the German occupation of France and the athletic world of 1930s Europe—it woven through the characters' narratives is artistic. I love history and know a good deal about European history but I learned an awful lot through reading this book.

Lovers at the Chameleon Club, Paris 1932 is not a book that can be put down and left for a period of time. It demands your attention and complete focus as the story is quite intricate. Nostalgia plays a great role in the lives of characters as they recall childhood, how Paris was before the occupation, and how life was before complications got in the way.  These emotive moments will please readers and offer some relief from the harsher realities that the characters face regarding war, discrimination, and loneliness.

The cast of characters, really though, is reason enough to read this book. They are all amazing people to read about and their stories are captivating. After reading this book, make sure to check out Francine Prose's other books. She writes both fiction and nonfiction so she has something for everyone!

Currently Reading: The Group

I really did just start reading this book but it's one I have been eagerly anticipating! Written by Mary McCarthy in 1963, it's the story of a group (of course) of girlfriends who graduate from Vassar College in 1933. I'm less than a full chapter into the story (it has really long chapters, but still) and I can already tell that this is another one of those books that is an absolute treat to read! McCarthy's word choice is impeccable. It's so smart and witty and impossibly perfect for her characters and for the feel of this novel. The girls (there are 8 of them in 'the group') behave just as you would expect a group of Vassar graduates from that day to behave. All of them are interesting and a little quirky and even a bit envious.

The story begins at the wedding of Kay, one of the girls, to a man named Harald. It is a week after their commencement and following the reception, all of the girls will go on their own way through the adult world. Some go to Europe, some go into publishing or nursing, and some go on to form new relationships. McCarthy follows the paths that the girls travel through their lives apart and they are only brought back together when one of the girls dies.

Some call this McCarthy's best book, which is saying something because she has a large repertoire of extremely praised books. So far, I am greatly enjoying this novel. Something people who might want to read this book should know, I do not view this book as a light, summer read. The paragraphs and chapters are long so you have to be able to devote good chunks of time to reading it. Also, the verbiage requires constant and close attention so it is not easy to read if there are other distractions present otherwise you will find yourself going back a bit in the book to reread things you may have missed or to find out who is speaking. I don't mind any of that, the content of this book is well worth the necessary attention. The only thing that is troubling me about the novel thus far is the abundance of women in the group. As I said, there are 8 of them and I often am confused as to which girl belongs to which previously written backstory or character description. However, I am hoping that as I continue reading it will become more clear.

I definitely recommend this book to women that are interested in the lives of academic women of the past, to anyone who enjoys a witty novel that requires some concentration, and to anyone who loves good prose and a well-written sentence.

June + Some Thoughts

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It's the first day of June and I wanted to write a post about this new, fresh month that has yet to be filled up. The days will go by fast, just like April and May seemed to end before I got a firm grasp on the month. June is a good month; it contains the first day of real summer, even though the entire month feels like every other summer day.

It is also the only month of summer that does not really feel like it's a last dash to spend every day soaking up the sun and filling up free time with warm-weather activities because Fall is coming soon. No, June is the beginning of summer. It's a month in which you can enjoyably luxuriate in the hot days and dry heat. It's relaxing and slow, at least that's how it feels to me.

While I usually try to fill each month and week to the brim with productivity, I want to relish this month. Yes, I still want to be productive as I hate feeling like I wasted time, but perhaps I will be less worried about time wasted and more worried about time enjoyed.

Even if I'm feeling particularly lazy one afternoon, rather than sit on the couch in front of a television which I am not even giving much attention to,  I will sit outside on the deck either reading or just thinking and enjoying.

I will try to go to the beach often and I will try to spend an abundant amount of time with family.

I will eat fresh foods that one can not get outside of these Spring and Summer months.

I will keep writing: on my blog, in my journal, in notebooks, in Word Documents, and in text messages to loved ones.

I'll look at flowers and learn their names and origins.

I will listen to the birds' songs and try to differentiate the species.

I'll go to the Wednesday night concerts at the beach.

I'll stay busy, but I will be busy with things that are self-improving and positive. I will be busy with things that are filled with loved and thanksgiving and suddenly this post is turning religious. But I can't help but see God and His love in these Summer months. They are so filled with beauty, happiness, and perfection. I won't worry about how quickly these days go by and how one day Summer will be ending even though it feels like it's hardly started. I will just enjoy the day as it comes and goes, from sunrise to sunset.

New York City in Novels

Last week I wrote an article for Collectivelifestyle.com about books that take place largely in New York City. I'll give you the list of the books included in the article, but for more of a synopsis and praise, you can read the article here!

The list of books include:

The Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann

Soledad: A Novel by Angie Cruz

Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

The Interpreter by Suki Kim

Push by Sapphire

Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

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Currently Reading: Chocolates for Breakfast

I love when I get the feeling that I have stumbled upon a literary treasure and that is the feeling I get whenever I open this book. Chocolates for Breakfast was published in 1956 and is written by Pamela Moore. I was especially drawn to this book when I found out that Pamela was only 18 when this book was published, not to mention in her last year of college...at 18 years old. The book was translated to many languages and was an international bestseller. Pamela Moore continued writing but none of her other novels compared in success. At 26 years old, she committed suicide. 

The book is amazing and is often compared to The Catcher in the Rye because it deals with youthful angst and anxieties as well as depression and the desire to grow up. It is considered to be autobiographical as Pamela and her main character, Courtney, were both children of divorce and were shuttled between their parents' separate homes in Los Angeles and New York City. 

The book begins when Courtney is at boarding school in New England. The end of a relationship with a female teacher leaves her upset and causes her mother, a struggling actress, to pull her out of school to move in with her in California. There, Courtney grows up as she mingles with movie stars and lives the life of an adult far too early. 

What is most amazing about this book is, of course, the writing. Moore is able to grasp the feelings, confusions, and contradictions of youth without shoving it in her reader's face. She's subtle in her writing but so powerful. The simple sentences that hold so much more meaning than one realizes upon first reading. It really touches on the life of a young adult with such perfection and with extreme realism. 

The book went out of print decades ago and was brought back by the help of another author, Emma Straub. The edition of the book that I have was printed in 2013 by Harper Perennial and contains lots of interesting extras such as old articles about the author and book as well as photocopies of early drafts of the novel. 

Most of the books I write about I would recommend to other readers but this one I recommend above and beyond all others! Anyone will enjoy it and will relate to it. To prove my point, I will leave you with a small quotation that is one of my favorites thus far in my reading:

"It's gray. It's gray and dim. Do you know what I mean? It's dead leaves in the swimming pool and smoke in the bedroom. But I guess that doesn't make sense to you."

You can learn more about the book and author here. 

Also, how awesome are all these older covers of the book from past editions? I think they are more representative and truthful to the content and feel of the book than the newest cover.

Shakespeare Saturdays: Hollywood Twists

One reason that Shakespeare's plays have remained relevant and important for so long is because people continue to reinterpret and adapt the historic plays. While many adaptations line the streets of Broadway or make their way to small town theaters, Hollywood plays a large part in remaking and modernizing the very best of his plays. Below are some of my favorite adaptations!

10 Things I Hate About You. I know I'm not alone on this one. This movie, based on The Taming of the Shrew, came out in 1999 and people are still quoting the famous poem at the end and fawning over Heath Ledger's smile. Of course, this movie does not stick to the original script or storyline, but it's a hilarious and updated take on love, trickery, and happy endings. This one makes my list because The Taming of the Shrew is my favorite Shakespearean comedy.

She's The Man. Again, another given. The movie is based on Twelfth Night and is such a good rendition of the play. It sticks to the bare bones of the plot but makes it absolutely hilarious, starring Amanda Bynes before she went cray cray. The comedy of it is truly Shakespearean and his influence is very apparent throughout the hijinks and missteps of the colorful characters.

Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet. This is one of my favorite movies and it is especially unique because it takes the exact, word-for-word script of Shakespeare's play and just updates the setting. I think I like the use of the original script so much because it shows that understanding the language is attainable. And, because it's a Baz Luhrmann film, everything is over the top and dramatized and that's always fun to watch.

Love's Labor's Lost. I love this play, even though it is not one of his most popular, because it is all in rhyme which makes it perfect to adapt into a musical. Kenneth Branagh did just that—also, everyone should watch Branagh in some form of a Shakespeare remake, he's in or has created a ton of them. Alicia Silverstone stars in this adaptation and I found the watching the movie made reading the play more fun and entertaining. The dance and singing scenes are occasionally cringeworthy but there's plenty of humor in it, as well!