Sunday, May 13, 2007
It was the best of times...it was the worst of times. My family and I drove up to our "country house" this weekend. My son is fascinated with all things historical, so I bought a full-length tape of "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. First off, my props to the reader, Frank Muller. He is an artist in his own right.
There is nothing that gets me more excited, or makes me feel worse about myself, than good writing. Hearing quality wordmanship on tape is difficult because you have to turn it off to dwell on words (which ticks off other listeners FYI -- but it was Mother's Day, so ask me if I care. After four kids, I have the right to play with the CD player, am I right?)
So for Mother's Day, I went out this morning to Starbuck's (which gave me a migraine after the quality espresso I normally drink, but I digress into snottidom.) I listened to Dickens all the way and read Koontz's BROTHER ODD in the coffee shop as my gift to myself. I hate scary, but this book is so enthralling I forget all about that. He is a modern master.
So...my tale of two cities is the giddiness I feel indwelling in words sewn together in extraordinary ways, and the suckiness I feel knowing I so can't do that. Isn't that how God makes things though? Have you ever noticed how perfectly written life's real conflicts are? THAT is why we need fiction.
So I'm not Dickens. Or Koontz. Not everyone can tell the difference in a Donald Pliner and a Christian Louboutin, between this year's model Lexus and last year's either. Some people can't figure out the Bachelor outcome by the second show. We all have our gifts. Some are just more useless than others. : )
15 Comments:
No offense to Dickens-he is classic-but your books bring me joy he never could.
The funny thing is today as I was reading "Split Ends" I found myself wishing I could write like YOU! You have no idea the tough times your books are getting me through!
Thank YOU for sharing YOUR gift with the world!
Love in Christ,
Steph
Yeah, Kris, to us, YOU are Dickens. I get happy and depressed after reading your books and have to go searching for less-than-stellar fiction so that I'll feel better about my writing.
I'd take Hawthorne or Bronte (either Bronte) over Dickens, but I ken what you're saying Kristin. sometimes quality writing just puts me into la-la land and I have to chew on the vocabulary strings. On the flip side, Charlotte Bronte could've used a little Stockingdale humor to brighten up Wuthering Heights a bit! :)
Loved your post, Kristin! Hilarious! You always inspire me to read more and try harder!
Forget Dickens. I mean, hello? Like *he* could write "Split Ends"? I think not.
I get a migraine from reading Dickens...give me an Ashley story any day!
I've never laughed out loud reading Dickens...keep it up Kristin!
So what EXACTLY did Donald and Christian write? LOL And you and Ashley are treasures to all of us! Who said that about Charlie Dickens?
Oh girls, I wasn't fishing for a compliment, but wow, what a great way to start a Monday. Maybe I should whine more often. ROFLOL Okay, I'm starting my next book today. And it will be funny and full of useless facts. I'm back!~ LOL
You're scaring the Dickens out of us, girl! I mean, when we want him, we'll go there. But when we want YOU, don't give us HIM!
You've got (and you give) us something so unique. We love you for it! And here's to you for controlling the CD player on Mother's Day!
Katy McKenna www.fallible.com
I'm always telling my kids the quote you ended with, "We all have our gifts." Recognize what you've been given and you'll never want to write like Dickens...I sure don't. I love your style...and who cares if you weren't looking for kudos...take them when you can get them. Thanks for the fun post.
Kathy
Give Me One of your book's any day!
Your books have made me laugh and just enjoy whatever moment I happen to be in. I don't want to cry when reading. I want to laugh out loud!
Both you and Diann have kept me in stitches.
Thank you both for the fun and the smiles!
Did you just diss Starbucks? My love? My world? Oh, Kristin, I looked up to you! I adored you! And now? Now!?! I don't even know you...
Swazliland. How? How can you live in a great foreign producer of coffee and like Starbucks? I mean, it's okay. In a bind. But girl, you MUST come here. You must taste fresh roasted REAL espresso from Los Gatos Coffee or the like. People like Starbucks because they don't know any better. It's okay. It's natural...until you get the good stuff. LOL
Ah, yes, Africa...home to earthy and bold beans. Take a trip with me to the local supermarket. What's this? You only carry instant! People here think whole bean coffee is too strong? They'd rather drink freeze dried wannabes instead of the real thing! As they say here in Swaziland, "How! Shame!" Although, Kristin, in retrospect, I realized I may have been too hasty in my rash reaction. When it comes to Starbucks, their espresso isn't what I truly love. I'm all about their whole bean, especially the bold blends (which often come from Africa). So, please, forgive my insensitivity to your migraine brought on by sub-par espresso. I understand ;)
I want to send you some good stuff!! How I feel for you suffering. BTW, is Africa (Kenya & Tanzania) safe to travel? My son has been invited there by his grandfather. He's 12. Email me at KristinWrites@gmail.com : ) Please. Please.
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