Category Archives: Uncategorized

You make yourself vulnerable. You let people know more about you than perhaps you really should. You could find yourself facing bizarre questions or comments from colleagues. You question your sanity. You may experience regret. You get feedback. But each … Continue reading →

Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. – Herman … Continue reading →

I didn’t have as much time today, but I’m finding the Melville connections compelling. Trying to tell myself it’s just a shitty first draft. Nothing more happened on the passage worthy the mentioning; so, after a fine run, we safely … Continue reading →

At last I’ve set myself down and done some writing. I’m re-revising an essay I revised for Judy Elsley’s memoir writing class last fall. Here’s the first day’s worth. I’m calling it “Fanning the Flames”–for now. Some years ago—never mind … Continue reading →

http://ythisbook.com/2012/04/28/updates-and-amphetamines/#comment-132

except for one student project, which I expect to receive Monday…otherwise, I’ll just give an “I.” it’s been a grading marathon: all weekend, every day this week, and today. then I also had to review the 4120 portfolios for Mali. … Continue reading →

If I was running a marathon, I think this is how I’d feel as I approached the last mile: so tired, so ready to quit–yet I can almost feel the finish line. Why did I assign so many papers? 27 literary … Continue reading →

Five months later, to the day, I’ve finally edited the interview and included a brief biographical introduction. One more thing off my desk 🙂 brooks_bjm_04_2012

updated 6240 syllabus & schedule since Mike asked… Course description In 1893, historian Frederick Jackson Turner declared America’s geographical frontier closed (based on the most recent census); however, he also argued that American writers before and since have used the concept … Continue reading →

I listened to a Diane Rehm show about alcoholism, and one of the show’s participants made this comment: “stay in the middle; people on the edges fall off.” Perhaps this is the appeal of edges. Standing on the precipice, looking over … Continue reading →