Funny story. A while back, I posted that my review of Yusef Komunyakaa's Warhorses was accepted at an online magazine. Well, the issue is currently being put together, but my essay was one of the first up, so I was able to view it a couple days ago...but before I get to the interesting part, a bit of backstory.
I was told that since I was submitting a book review, I didn't have to title my essay-- it could just be the title of the book, and underneath "Reviewed by Brett Strickland." Or something along those lines. Since I had no snappy title, that's what I left it as. What I was not told, was that if I didn't pick a title the editor would slap one on for me.
So imagine my surprise when I clicked on the link to my review, and was greeted with an essay titled "Severed Genitals." Whoa. For a few moments, I was in a state of mild shock.
Now, I have to admit (sorry mom) that phrase is in the essay. But as a title, I'm not sure what it's meant to convey...luckily the editor was kind enough to let me change the title to "Love in a Time of War" (the title of section I in the book), which is a bit more fitting for the contents of the review.
I've included a link below for anyone interested in reading it. It's only about 600 words. The goofy picture of me at the bottom was taken by Angela before I left for "my first day of school" last summer.
Komunyakaa Review
I actually sent the review to Yusef Komunyakaa (he won the Pulitzer for poetry in '94, and is currently teaching at NYU), and he responded this morning, saying thanks, and that he was in Poland. Sort of fun. It's nice to be part of a subculture where the celebrities can still be tracked down for correspondance.
cheers.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Race until Aug. 24th
The fall semester begins August 24th, which will involve another full class-load, and teaching two sections of Freshman Composition. The reading period for most university literary magazines will begin (some already have), and I'll start sending out my triple-folded poems and query letters. I'll also begin a mentoring process for teaching Creative Writing in the Spring, and sending out applications for PhD programs in creative writing, and Angela and I will begin the now familiar process of finding out where we're going to be living one year from now.
I'm looking forward to fall, but it's also forcing me to evaluate both what I've done with my summer, and what I still need to do with the last two odd weeks.
My major summer projects (1. Compiling the list of poems for my reading list, and 2. Finishing my screenplay, "Hoopsnake") are now finished. All I need to do is put Hoopsnake through one more revision next week, and then it's out the door to a multitude of agents. The week after that, I'm pulling out the old syllabus, dusting it off, and cleaning it up for a new batch of freshman. One major change this fall is that I'm teaching a "Laptop Section", which means every student is requred to have a laptop for class, and there's more emphasis on incorporating technology in the teaching. Which is a lot of fun. To me, incorportaing technology into the classroom translates as, "play funny youtube clips."
Finally, in the last two weeks, I am racing to watch as many films as possible. Last night I knocked down Humbolt County, which started out slow, but ended up better than I thought-- Chris Messina plays a really interesting character. (I didn't know who Chris Messina was a month ago, but when I saw him in Away We Go, I was blown away, and looked him up. He plays Burt's friend in the movie, who's wife keeps having miscarriage's. His monologue at the club, about whether "you don't know whether to name it or bury it," is incredible writing.)
On the docket for the next few days:
1. Two Lovers (It was just added to Netflix instant watch!)
2. Papillon
3. The Soloist
4. Burn After Reading (I've lost my desire to see this, but feel obligated since Brad Pitt is in it.)
5. Notes on a Scandal
6. Lonesome Dove
That should get me through a few days. I also started Ordinary People, but after 40 minutes couldn't stand it. The acting was good, and typically I would enjoy the plot, but I felt like the movie was trying too hard, and it became painful. The young boy reading Jude the Obscure, and the class discussion on powerlessness...the patient-psychiatrist relationship that now borders on cliche....Anyone seen it and disagree?
I'm looking forward to fall, but it's also forcing me to evaluate both what I've done with my summer, and what I still need to do with the last two odd weeks.
My major summer projects (1. Compiling the list of poems for my reading list, and 2. Finishing my screenplay, "Hoopsnake") are now finished. All I need to do is put Hoopsnake through one more revision next week, and then it's out the door to a multitude of agents. The week after that, I'm pulling out the old syllabus, dusting it off, and cleaning it up for a new batch of freshman. One major change this fall is that I'm teaching a "Laptop Section", which means every student is requred to have a laptop for class, and there's more emphasis on incorporating technology in the teaching. Which is a lot of fun. To me, incorportaing technology into the classroom translates as, "play funny youtube clips."
Finally, in the last two weeks, I am racing to watch as many films as possible. Last night I knocked down Humbolt County, which started out slow, but ended up better than I thought-- Chris Messina plays a really interesting character. (I didn't know who Chris Messina was a month ago, but when I saw him in Away We Go, I was blown away, and looked him up. He plays Burt's friend in the movie, who's wife keeps having miscarriage's. His monologue at the club, about whether "you don't know whether to name it or bury it," is incredible writing.)
On the docket for the next few days:
1. Two Lovers (It was just added to Netflix instant watch!)
2. Papillon
3. The Soloist
4. Burn After Reading (I've lost my desire to see this, but feel obligated since Brad Pitt is in it.)
5. Notes on a Scandal
6. Lonesome Dove
That should get me through a few days. I also started Ordinary People, but after 40 minutes couldn't stand it. The acting was good, and typically I would enjoy the plot, but I felt like the movie was trying too hard, and it became painful. The young boy reading Jude the Obscure, and the class discussion on powerlessness...the patient-psychiatrist relationship that now borders on cliche....Anyone seen it and disagree?
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