So, I've been in cahoots with a published poet and writer (google J. Reuben Appelman--I'm sure he won't spit at the publicity) who's giving me some direction on my work---especially in how to make a book of poetry read like an actual book where there is some kind of commonality between each piece.
His style is not mine, nor is mine his, but I do admire his mastery of the craft---and I think *admiration* is what makes a good reading/editing kind of relationship work. It's like when you go in to get your hair cut and walk out with your hair looking just like the girl's who cut it even though you SPECIFICALLY asked to be spared the whole helmet looking thing in the back. Yeah--I'm mercifully not in that kind of situation. I don't feel J. is trying to turn my stuff into what he would personally write, but appreciating it on its own merit, while still telling me where I'm weak.
You can imagine then that I smiled a bit when I received this feedback yesterday:
but to be more specific: i think the language, the rhythm lulls me into a sensuality of place, pockets me somehow into a topography particular only to these poems, a nice world i am in where landscape and longing interact or play to one another somehow perfectly, and yet -- and it's a big yet, for me -- i'm only half in the know. the second one even moreso, tho some beautiful lines such as the ending. the first one, i am half with you beautifully, half misunderstanding. i think your perfect poem will blend your narrative sensibility, including that ability to convey simple things simply, with the avante sensibility for image. as a poet, i really think if you spent 6 months to a year making a book happen narratively, you'd have something fantastic and publishable of course. i am not master, just a practitioner, but this is my hunch.
Still smiling.
I am not one to take a compliment without watering it down a bit in my mind so as to not fall off this little tuffet of humility I am currently balanced on----but I took this one full strength.
Maybe I'll share the poems that gleaned this compliment one day, but for now I really am feeling like I'm writing my best stuff and not ready to leak it yet.
Random question so you guys have something to comment on: What is your favorite kind of cookie?
Told you it was random.
~~~Have a good one :)!~~~
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20 comments:
choclate and butterscotch chip cookies with pecans, warm out of the oven, with a glass of ice cold skim milk.
Heavenly.
But I'll also eat Nutter Butters :)
Cookie? Did someone say cookie? I'll take peanut butter cookies with snickers in the middle. Mmmmm.
Congrats, by the way!
That dude can WRITE!
Cookie? Yes please.
Wow, congratulations, that's quite the compliment.
Cookie, the white chocolate chip cranbery cookies I posted a while back. Delicious stuff.
dang, that was deep. seriously spread your wings and fly girl... get published you are gifted.
cookie? so traditional, i'm very chocolate chip. if you'd like my favorite recipe, let me know.
xo
Way to go! (I think....you poets speak a different language than me. Even his compliment was poetic and left me "half in the know".) Can't wait to see this published book of your's, although, you'll have to sit and explain most of the poems to me. :)
As for cookies, I like them all. Don't think I could choose a favorite.
wonderful and well deserved compliment.
Either sugar cookie or cranberry walnut with almond frosting. . .
It feels so good to get a compliment from someone who knows what they are talking about, isn't it? Can't wait to read that book.
Chocolate Chocolate Chip and Macadamia Nut..... YUMMMMM!!!!
Congrats on the wonderful news. We know you are a great writer but how nice to be acknowledged so greatly by a real published poet!!!!
I just love that he used the word "sensuality" in his critique. Jennifer, you know that is all kinds of awesome. Admit it.
Officially requesting an autographed copy of your poetry, please.
p.s. PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES, please. Amen.
Chocolate Chip with Walnuts
Have a blessed day!
Lula's right...it IS all kinds of awesome. yay!!!
And peanut butter. :)
That's wonderful! How lovely you're a poet! I think it's really hard to find a good editor/ writer relationship and that perfect balance of helpful critism and praise. Kudos to you!
Congrats on the great feedback.
No bakes.
I love what he wrote. And the evocative "sensuality of place." I am going to have to find a way to use that phrase in conversation.
And the cookies? Great American cookie company's sugar. Or Toll house chocolate chip - without the chocolate. Sacrelidge I am sure.
You are smart to take the compliment at face value and enjoy it. And, please, please share the poems one day. Favorite cookie? Has to be made with real butter......has to be soft and chewy and contain NO raisins. :)
How cool to be getting closer to having a published book. I wish I were as driven and motivated as you--but not everyone can be a writer right? And I've never really wanted to be one, actually.
The boring who is me likes chocolate chip--but the chocolate with chocolate chip are even better--especially when they're rich, and dark and thick and chewy.
That's really awesome, congratulations on the compliment!!! Cannot wait to read the poems.
Fave cookie IS...Oatmeal butterscotch cookies!! Love them fo-eva and ever!!
I'll take a tray of my exmother-in-laws xmas cookies with a peanut butter cup in the middle of them. She would always bake two trays....one for me and one for everyone else.
I always have to remind myself that I write for two or three distinct people. Myself, the person who I am writing to/about and the rest of the world as an audience.
I really get a kick out of people trying to tell me what my poem is about, especially when they get it right (diane for one).
And we would love to read some of your work!
Did I mention it almost sounded Shakespearean (spelling?) to the non-reader, non-writer, not talented in that area type? And I don't mean that it's Shakespearean in the sense that it's masterfull (although it might be and I just don't know it), I meant it was Shakespearean because I needed an interpreter to even get it....
So....Jennifer P. says it's a compliment, then I'll believe her.
Alright, alright, all joking aside, I did start to understand his writing about halfway through, after I calmed down, and took my time, and payed attention. It was fun. I didn't know people could even give critiques that way.
Do you ever get the feeling that your whole paragraph is just PACKED FULL of writing errors? Oh yeah.....
Anyway.....Hmmmmmmmmm.....I'm not a favorite cookie eater type of gal. It's sad....no cookie for me I guess.
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