Lauren Slater spoke to a crowd of undergraduate and graduate writing students at The University of Connecticut's Konover Auditorium last week. In attendance, were also some longtime fans of Lauren's work, including me. Having myself just emerged from graduate school at Wesleyan, and having been immersed in my own writing, I was unaware of the backlash regarding her 2004 book.
Continue reading ""I Thought My Career Was Over:" Lauren Slater Unable to Write a Book Since Backlash on "Opening Skinner's Box"" »
Twas the night before Walt's panel, and all through the Sheraton
Not a creature was stirring; except two named "Flynn."
The serious conference attendees were nestled in their beds,
While visions of writerly encounters danced in their heads.
And I in my nightgown, and my son in his swim trunks,
Had just boarded the elevator for a ride back to our bunks.
Continue reading "A Nieman Conference Bedtime Story" »
Steve Dublanica is running a few minutes late for our phone interview. He flips over to my call to tell me his agent is on the other line. Once we reconnect, I’m immediately put at ease by his calm voice and his apologetic tone, “Sorry to do that to you, Carole. It was about my upcoming book.”
I feel an overwhelming sense of relief. As tough as Steve was to his customers, it seems like he’s going to go easy on me (plus there’s the added bonus of no “crop-dusting”—read my book recommendation at: http://www.caroleflynn.com/recommended_reading_waiter_rant. It will make sense).
Continue reading ""I Had No Intention of Writing a Book." The Waiter as interviewed by The Writer" »
I heard General Petraeus speak on Friday night. No matter your thoughts on the war or what political camp you fall into, he's a courageous leader and a decorated General. To list all his achievements and awards would require a lengthy biography; you can find that elsewhere. Similarly, if you're expecting this article to focus on the war; stop reading it right now. This isn't about whether getting into Iraq was right (it wasn't), whether leaving Iraq will be easy (it won't), or whether I agree with America occupying other countries (I don't). If you are confused by my tone, you aren't the only one. I'm rightly skeptical of wars and those who are in charge of them.
Truly, this article should be about the war and politics since General David Petraeus, Commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) spoke about that in Connecticut on Friday night. All the local television news affiliates rightly covered that: ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. The newsprint article written by Pat Eaton-Robb, distributed by the Associated Press, was run in national newspapers, like The Washington Post. The AP got it right too.
Continue reading "Generals, Goodwin College, Governor Grasso, Everday Heroes, and Me: a Connecticut Girl" »