Literary Unleashed by Carole Flynn

"I Thought My Career Was Over:" Lauren Slater Unable to Write a Book Since Backlash on "Opening Skinner's Box"

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. 

"Class with the Countess" by LuAnn de Lesseps Arrived in my Mailbox on Friday

For The Real Housewives of New York City fans, I received an advance copy of reality TV show star Countess LuAnn's new book which is due out April 18th.  The promotional material was sent by the firm of Susan Blond Inc.  Blond was a protege of Andy Warhol and is most famous for handling the careers of Michael Jackson and The Clash.  The marketing material features endorsements from Whoopi Goldberg to fashion designer, Catherine Malandrino.  I found the former endorsement rather surprising, as Whoopi is known for her down-to-earth style and demeanor, and the latter predictable regarding the obvious link to the fashion industry.  Bravo fans have seen the Countess grace the front rows of many high-end fashion shows in New York City.  To date, I'm guilty of quickly scanning the book (having been at Harvard's Nieman Foundation for Journalism Conference this past weekend), but am anxious to delve into it more deeply and share my thoughts.

http://www.CaroleFlynn.com

Carole Flynn is the author of Literary Itinerary and Literary Unleashed.

A Nieman Conference Bedtime Story

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.

"I Had No Intention of Writing a Book." The Waiter as interviewed by The Writer

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). 

Generals, Goodwin College, Governor Grasso, Everday Heroes, and Me: a Connecticut Girl

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.

Susan Campbell: Riveting as Always

Please stay tuned for my interview with Susan! I attended Susan Campbell's reading at Manchester Community College last night. Susan is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the Hartford Courant. She addressed a large audience at The Fireside Chat Room, which included fans of her column, fans of her book, and journalism students at MCC. Susan read excerpts from her book: Dating Jesus: A Story of Fundamentalism, Feminism, and The American Girl. With her singular wit and candor, she spoke extemporaneously about the limiting and sometimes hilarious confines of her religious upbringing. She also talked about the social issues she feels compelled to write about in her column--most recently the Rihanna and Chris Brown "story" which she felt was being downplayed (especially by their fans) regarding the serious underlying issue: domestic violence. 

http://www.CaroleFlynn.com

Carole Flynn is the author of Literary Itinerary and Literary Unleashed.