I've never commented here before, but I just wanted to say that I would read any reading you assigned via this substack! If you made a habit of posts like this one (only when it feels fun to you), I would be really happy and I'm sure others feel the same!!
Thanks for talking about what you do in your classes and for this great story. I just happened upon it, and was drawn in once I started reading it. I found your analysis of what made the read so satisfying very helpful. I resonated with that feeling of "doing something that at first seemed generous and natural, and then later having second thoughts about it" (i.e. worrying about serial killer-type thoughts, etc. . . . ) Shades of "A Good Man is Hard to Find." Thank you.
well, damn—she sure does. how awesome to feel like i'm getting just a taste of what it would be like to sit in your workshop. and now i have a new writer to explore. the story—and your analysis—had me riveted. thank you.
Another great letter. Your literary analysis is always smart and unpretentious. It’s written for fellow writers not as lit crit, which is a compliment. I’m going to read her collection with you in mind. Many thanks!
She does! Have you seen Certain Women, Kelly Reichart’s gorgeous adaptation of three of her stories? So *literary* a movie. I watched it twice and liked it even better the second time.
I've never commented here before, but I just wanted to say that I would read any reading you assigned via this substack! If you made a habit of posts like this one (only when it feels fun to you), I would be really happy and I'm sure others feel the same!!
Thanks for talking about what you do in your classes and for this great story. I just happened upon it, and was drawn in once I started reading it. I found your analysis of what made the read so satisfying very helpful. I resonated with that feeling of "doing something that at first seemed generous and natural, and then later having second thoughts about it" (i.e. worrying about serial killer-type thoughts, etc. . . . ) Shades of "A Good Man is Hard to Find." Thank you.
Wonderful analysis...and now I know what chiasmus is!
well, damn—she sure does. how awesome to feel like i'm getting just a taste of what it would be like to sit in your workshop. and now i have a new writer to explore. the story—and your analysis—had me riveted. thank you.
Truly hoping you end the discussion of this story in your classes with, “Maile Meloy fucking rules.” 🌱
Congrats on the coming book launch! Bummed Michigan isn't on the tour this time around.
i read both ways is the only way i want it because of your blog and i LOVED IT :)!! this rocks !
Thank you for reminding me that this Maile Meloy collection is ripe for a reread.
Brilliant as ever. It’d be fascinating if you shared the syllabus of one of your classes.
this substack is about 1000x more useful to me than my screenwriting mfa, which i abandoned.
Loved reading your analysis. Thanks for giving us a peak into your classroom! Put the author's book in my cart. Definitely going to check it out now.
Another great letter. Your literary analysis is always smart and unpretentious. It’s written for fellow writers not as lit crit, which is a compliment. I’m going to read her collection with you in mind. Many thanks!
This is so great!
She does! Have you seen Certain Women, Kelly Reichart’s gorgeous adaptation of three of her stories? So *literary* a movie. I watched it twice and liked it even better the second time.