16 Comments
May 4, 2023Liked by Brandon

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!!

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May 4, 2023·edited May 4, 2023Liked by Brandon

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.

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Wonderful analysis...and now I know what chiasmus is!

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I had to look it up too!

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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.

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Truly hoping you end the discussion of this story in your classes with, “Maile Meloy fucking rules.” 🌱

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Congrats on the coming book launch! Bummed Michigan isn't on the tour this time around.

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Jul 2, 2023·edited Jul 2, 2023

i read both ways is the only way i want it because of your blog and i LOVED IT :)!! this rocks !

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Thank you for reminding me that this Maile Meloy collection is ripe for a reread.

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Brilliant as ever. It’d be fascinating if you shared the syllabus of one of your classes.

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this substack is about 1000x more useful to me than my screenwriting mfa, which i abandoned.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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This was my first exposure to Maile's writing, now I am enamored.

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