Opening New Pathways (Bird by Bird)

   I would first like to start off by saying that these few chapters were some of the best ones yet. It's fascinating the way that the mind of the author of this book works. Some of her techinques seem almost juvenile, but they work very well. Here were some of the few that I liked that I just finished reading about.
   The idea of using broccoli as your inner voice was astounding. I've never thought of something so farfetched to actually help continue with what you are writing. I mean, I always new that there was an inner voice to help guide you along, but to relate it to the idea that it's like when you're a child and you're trying to think of how to eat your broccoli was just great. It made the whole idea of "inner voice" all the more interesting to hear about.
   The next one would have to be "the radio station KFKD". I'll be honest, at first I thought it was an actually radio station (that's my stupidity sticking out). It was great to read about how everyone faces that noise in there ear that's telling them that they are doing something wrong or trying to discourage what they are doing at that very moment the "station" enters your brain waves. I like the way that she made this known in such a fun way that I'm sure everyone can relate to.
   The final idea that I liked was the index cards. I can say that I won't be carrying around index cards for better memory (although I could so use the memory boost). It's actually really smart, and I would do it, only problem is that I don't think I'd take the time to actually write down my thoughts in the middle of the day when I'm attempting to accomplish something else. Maybe when I get to be as old as dirt (though I hope that day never comes) I will take that idea so I don't become to forgetful and become senile. That just goes to show that this class, as well as this book, can help with life in general, not just with writing.

Finding the Hay in the Needle Stack

            I’ll admit that the choices for stories were a tad dry this time. However, I was able to find three that I can attempt to write about.

            The first story was Black Wings which I was quite intrigued by the idea of being asexual. I don’t think I be able to even try to be asexual only for the fact that I know what I like but that’s besides the fact. I think that it was odd that a fight between two women caused the women in this story to lose her idea of her sexuality, but maybe this is a fact that could be thought of on a much deeper. A small thing that did confuse me about this story was the mention of Lolita. Maybe I missed something in the reading but I’m certain that I didn’t.

            The second story I found somewhat appealing was 10 Birds. I loved the idea of these doves being a metaphor for ghosts. I believe that it really fit the creepy atmosphere that I believe this piece to give off. I thought that it was interesting how the sections were separated into ten sections to relate to the fact of their being ten birds. As for the story itself, I feel like it was quite a spiritual kind of tale and that was what I liked about it the most.

            The final story was Period A Biographical Re-Definition. This tale confused me a lot, but I thought that I caught a hint of what could be some stalker like activity. Besides that though, I can so relate to the fact of not knowing where your memory is going. I can barely remember what happened five minutes ago, not that that really relates. It was also quite interesting to see the tale of what could be two lovers, as they face the challenges of a possibly non-existence relationship, and yes I wasn’t lying when I said I was a tad confused.

            Those were honestly the only three stories I could actually finish. The other stories assigned I literally had to skip and began the next. All that matters, though, is that I found at least a few stories that I can relate to, making this reading journey successful!

Bird by Bird (Continued)

  As I continued reading more into Bird by Bird, I loved the examples she used to make writing easier. To not sound so vague, her example about writing about what you have for lunch is crazy. I never thought anything about my parents making my lunch, mostly because I didn't brown bag it, but in the case of other kids who did all the time, it's astounding. I guess it is a very good example to describe something that you are very familar with, such as what you eat every day.
   Next, I think using a polariod picture to explain how a story unfolds was genius. Just the fact that you don't know what it will look like until it developes was great. I mean obviously you will have an idea of what it will look like, but you will never know fully until that picture (story) is fully developed. I also feel this is a great way to relate modern day photography, past day photography and writing a convincing tale. This is a great way to make understanding writing easier for certain individuals who may be interested in such fields.
   The idea of set design, I believe, falls in the same box as the polariod idea, slightly. Once you can create a breath taking space, then the story practically writes itself. It should also end up like the polariod would, you think you know what it will turn, but you really don't. A great description of the space your story takes place in is key. It is better to have to much then not enough (in most cases).
   The book as a whole is great! Besides the fact of slowly teaching us key strategies for writing, it also has great examples and story on the side that are fun and have a purpose. At first, I wasn't truly sure of the purpose of this book, but I think I'm slowly warming up to it. I'm curious to see exactly how she will further instruct and entertain as the book comes to an end.

Feel Like You're Being Watched?

   Out of all of the longer short stories we read, I was quite intrigued by the section titled Internal. This section is about a person who is supposed to observe their boss' brother, whom is apparently violent and not mentally stable. The only thing that they really get to know is that the brothers don't look alike at all and where he lives.
   The main character starts to question what exactly their boss is thinking. At first they cannot find the brother needing to be observed. The character takes all of their time trying to actually find him and not enough time to observe him when they actually do find him. When they finally do find him, after drilling holes in their walls to see into his apartment, they then realize what may really be happening.
   They begin to worry that they aren't the ones observing the brother, but just the opposite. The character notices him peeking through the holes to see what they are doing at just the right moment for the character to catch them doing it. It's quite erie when you think about it.
   I liked this selction because in a way, it was thrilling. I found myself wanting to know more about the mystery brother and what was really happening. I feel the other did a great job, for the most part, of keeping me on my toes for most of the reading.