2 FEB 2022 ONLINE/ASYNCHRONOUS POST three

2/1/2022

Use this space to post your "in-class" writing for Wedns.

Two things: first, because of our Snow Day and because I made our Wednesday asynchronous and online, I will collect Writer's Notebooks for this week (2 February 2022) and next week (7 February 2022) on Wednesday, 9 February 2022.

Second: Read this short excerpt, available by clicking on this link, from the flash non-fiction collection In-Short. This is the same collection that last week's in-class writing "Around the Corner" came from. I highly recommend it. Read the excerpt entitled "Falling Stars". You are welcome to read the other one "Three Yards" but my focus is on "Falling Stars". For today's in-class writing, part of your Writer's Notebook, write for about 7 minutes about a best friendship. You might write about it as a memoir. You might write about it as fictional. It all depends on where you think you are going with your writing in our class. Whichever you choose, consider how you will write it as Young Adult. Keep in mind the characteristics of the genre we talked about in last week's class to think about things like voice, tone, character, perspective, conflict, etc.

Enjoy!

NOTE: As this is an asynchronous assignment, you need to have this and all of the other posts from this week completed by class time on Monday, 7 February 2022.

11 Comments

Monique Santos

2/1/2022 12:39:44 pm

From the reading, “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid, the author was clearly listing out if not all then many of the typical stereotypes and sexist comments girls are usually faced with, whether it is through subtle behavior or crude and more apparent gestures and sayings. The author went into detail on when and how to wash clothes, when and how to eat your food so you won’t disgust others, how to sew, how to not look like a slut, how to grow and take care of things, how to properly clean, how to smile and behave, especially around men. Overall, the theme of this story is how to behave like a girl and set a good reputation as a lady all while growing up in this society. When reading I noticed that it does not matter when it was set place because comments and expectations like these are still apparent to this day. Although I could not fully relate as times are slowly but surely changing, but I could relate to some, such as making sure to set a good impression as a woman.
In the second reading, the theme I conjured up is young love and the things we would do to achieve it. The author creates an easily likable protagonist named Victor, that creates the mission to get the girl. Similar to any other typical middle schooler, all Victor can really think about is this girl, Teresa. I believe the author is trying to make his readers remember the good ole days of middle school when we would try to peruse our crushes and the awkwardness that came along with that time of age. When reading I was reminded of my middle school experience and the classes that I had to take such as the typical math, English, gym, and a language. Similar to Victor, I also was not a fan of math and could relate to his character in that sense.

James Tickle

2/2/2022 10:43:20 am

James Tickle
1/31/2022
“Girl” and “7th Grade”
Jamaica Kincaid and Gary Soto appear to be trying to accomplish a similar goal with “Girl” and “7th Grade” respectively, that being the portrayal of an adolescent/child overwhelmed by the circumstances in their daily lives. However, they accomplish it in drastically different ways.
“Girl” consists of a string of rapid pseudo-instructions that sometimes evolve into bits of broken conversation. We don’t get scene, we don’t get characters’ names or descriptions beyond knowing that the focal character is a girl of an undisclosed age, and we are left to infer the identity of the character whose commands are overwhelming her. Her voice is only known to us in scarce thoughts that help add to the feeling of being overwhelmed. The string of instructions sometimes feel like they belong together, and sometimes come completely out of left field. For example, there are two lines about ironing things without creasing them, which then shifts to how to grow okra. The discombobulated information helps create that dazed feeling, as if the girl is constantly being pelted with all this information, and it is overloading her brain. Ultimately, I think “Girl” succeeds at leaving me feeling overwhelmed. It does a very good job of putting the reader in the shoes of this kid. But honestly, I don’t care about her in the slightest because she doesn’t feel real. There’s no buildup of character, so this short story consists of two homeless voices talking in a void. It feels detached from reality; we don’t even know the characters’ names, and because of that, I doubt I’ll remember this story for very long. The way “Girl” is written is interesting. It is a cool idea, but because it takes so many liberties with the groundwork of storytelling, I think it will fail to have a lasting impact on me and others.
In contrast, “7th Grade” takes a more traditional approach to storytelling. We are immediately introduced to our main character, Victor, on his first day of seventh grade. By the second paragraph, we are aware of his struggle: he likes Teresa and he wants her to notice him. We go through embarrassing moments with him as he tries to accomplish his goal; we feel his doubt in himself, and the eyes of the other children judging him. We can feel when he starts to be overwhelmed, when his haste makes him embarrassed, like when he lies in front of the whole class, saying that he can speak French, making a little fool out of himself. But in the end, Teresa sees him, and that makes it better. He’s rewarded for the chances he took. I was rooting for Victor along the way – I cared about him because he felt like a real person. Soto took no risks writing this story. It is very generic and relies a well-established formula for telling a tale. But it succeeds in making me care about the main character, which “Girl” does not achieve. I think there something to be said about sticking to traditional storytelling methods. There is little need to reinvent the wheel when it fits fine.

2/2/2022 10:45:45 am

James Tickle
2/2/2022
“Is Your Dad Single?” “Maybe” “The Secret Letter”
Erin Baker, Jessica Williamson, and Paola Ayala are all telling personal stories from their youth about finding their place in the world. In “Is Your Dad Single?” Baker discusses how her father’s remarriage left her feeling misplaced in her own home, and how she fell into rebellious anger as a result. Williamson’s “Maybe” recounts experiences of failing because of ill preparedness and failure as a result of sabotage. And Paola Ayala discusses her fear and relief of coming out to her mother in “The Secret Letter”.
Despite touching upon deep issues, each speaker is taking a very lighthearted approach to their content. They seem to be trying to create a more inviting and relaxed atmosphere to make these topics more approachable. All three are constantly fishing for laughs, and the audience is biting at the hook. I think their sort of satirical but mostly serious attitudes are a big success. The speakers play with emotions in a such a way that the material never feels too heavy because their satire gives relief. I can see how that would work for a YA audience, especially if they have gone through or are currently experiencing any situations similar to the ones of the speakers. Not only would it be reassuring to hear from other voices, but they made it through to the other side and are in a positive enough mind set to laugh about it.
I think there’s something to be said about tone here. These three recordings are proof that serious subject matter can be given a light spin and still retain a serious undertone at their core. None of these stories are disrespected because of the humor, in fact, it makes them all the more approachable. And the more approachable something is, the easier it is to spread the message. And Baker, Williamson, and Ayala’s messages are worth spreading.

Matthew Marini

2/2/2022 11:08:19 am

The mall was desolate. When the town of Hanover announced that they would be closing the mall within the next two years, Owen and I of course took it seriously at the time. But for whatever reason, the reality that we would have to visit our favorite childhood location for the last time at some point never seemed to be approaching until it was too late. Today, me and Owen will be visiting for the final time. The feeling is more bitter then sweet, especially because his younger brother, Ryan, was unable to say goodbye with us. The three of us have been through so much. Hell, me and Owen got Baptized at the same church at the same time. So many of those memories took place in this very mall. As we walk, we reminisce over the good times in each spot. The time Ryan cut off a lady to get the last free sample at Auntie Anne’s, the time we road the rollercoaster simulator in the arcade, and so many more.
We’ve reached the mall’s Walmart outlet. The memories here are seemingly endless. As always, we were going to exit the mall for the day through Walmart. But instead of one of our parents picking us up, we headed for my car. We truly have grown up. As we look on to our childhood “spot” for the last time, Owen turns to me. He says nothing, but the grin on his face tells a thousand words.

2/2/2022 11:58:05 am

It’s not easy for me to make friends. My body and mind just won’t let me relax around other people. I’m always on guard, always peering around the next corner, always jumping at even the quietest of noises. Those things don’t lend themselves to being liked by other kids. Patrick is nice to me, he always been, but he’s nice to everybody. He invites me to hang out with him as often as he can, but it’s never just us. Every time Will, Flakes, or both of them are there. To their credit, they try to pull me in, but my guard never comes down. They crack jokes at each other’s expense and laugh so hard it makes my throat hurt. I get to see what real friendships look like while ending up as the quiet girl beside the boys who looks tired of their crap. I bring down their faces whenever they take the time to look at me. But Patrick never stops trying to bring me in. I don’t know why he isn’t sick of me. If I were him, I’d be sick of me.

2/2/2022 01:14:46 pm

As cliche as it may sound, Oliver and Hunter were best friends since they came out of their mother’s wombs, side by side in hospital rooms 201 and 202. They have been through all kinds of arguments and downfalls that have nearly ended their friendship. However, they have powered through it just like any other power friendship duo. Now and then when problems arise, Oliver questions if it will be the end but Hunter is there to prove Oliver wrong every time. This time was unlike any other, even more so than their other moments. It was the decision of college. Something they have both put a lot of thought into since it was something they were both very passionate about. Education meant a lot to both of them which was another defining factor of what made their friendship as strong and everlasting as it has been. Although, their career paths and desires were opposite. Opposite enough where their dream colleges were in different countries. While Oliver’s dream school is Oxford, England, to pursue his English degree, Hunter’s is New York University to pursue his Business degree. This time, in the midst of it all these life-changing decisions, as Oliver is distracted with his education, his career path, his new relationship, and more, Hunter’s attention is towards his friendship with Oliver and if their friendship will brace through these transformations.

Gabby Curtin

2/2/2022 01:51:45 pm

I stare up at the night sky through what remains of the broken and crumbling ceiling. The stars are brighter here than at home. The town below is dark, so there's no light pollution to break up the shine from the stars.

"Pen?" Jo whispers so softy I almost miss it.

"Yeah?" I whisper in return.

There's a soft and cold sea breezes that makes both of us shiver and move closer to each other.

"I'm scared." When she speaks this time it's just slightly louder than before. I don't respond, but instead I move my hand closer to hers, gently brushing my pinky against hers. Within a few seconds she wraps it around mine and takes that as a sign to continue. "I like to think I'm strong, fearless, but I'm not. I'm moving to LA alone. I'm going without you." Her voice gets quieter with the last word. "It's only been us since kindergarten. Whenever I'm upset or bored or happy I go to you. If that happens there, when it does, what will I do then? I can't do it by myself."

"Josephine," I squeeze her pinkly gently with mine, "you are so much more than you think you are. You are strong and you're funny and you light up a room when you enter it. Just because I'm not there, doesn't mean that will change. You don't need me to be the amazing person you are. You're so kind, you'll find someone there who can fill my place."

"That's where you're wrong." I hear her turn her head to face mine, so I turn mine in return. "No one can ever fill your place." She whispers staring at me with her soft brown eyes which exude kindness. "No one will be as special to me as you are."

Alexa Delling

2/6/2022 02:49:18 pm

April was coming to an end and May was near. We rush to the New Hampshire house after our busy week at work. I pick Syd up and immediately sob at the stressful work week I had. She gets it. We went on to discuss how difficult it is working in a daycare during these times, in which we both suffered under during the spring semester. The sun is warm, but not too warm yet, almost like the two tiny front teeth growing in a baby’s mouth, breaking the surface but not quite yet through. I look around on the sixty degree day, sun beating down on the glistening lake water, Syd and a few of my other closest friends surround me. I feel at ease. I feel at home.

Tyler Solomon

2/6/2022 08:07:13 pm

Tyler Solomon
Professor Torda
ENGL 389: Young Adult Writing Workshop
February 02, 2022
“Is Your Dad Single?”, “Maybe”, and “Secret Letter”
After listening to “Is your Dad Single?” by Erin Barker, was an extremely captivating story. It was a great representation of having to adjust to having relatives and showed how swiftly life can change for someone. It started off with black humor which made the story engaging. The fact that the speaker was able to openly mock how their mother departed from their home showed how care-free and how she was able to satirize a situation that is often characterized as depressing. Then when the story starts discussing how her Dad finally had a relationship with another woman, she gradually began to hide her life more challenging than before. The speaker announced to the crowd that she threw eggs on her own house. This story obviously made for young adults because it relates to the family hardships that could happen at a young age when a parent walks out.
“Maybe” by Jessica Lee Willliamson started off while reciting how she remembered how the musical Annie went. She noted how open tha these characters were in the musicals. The speaker got the strength to get up and sing the song “Maybe”. She informed the audience that she instantly regretted performing the song since she forgot the lyrics and had stage fright. The speaker also makes fun of the fact that she was crying in front of her audience and openly mocked herself. Much like the other speaker she mocked her own past. She purchased a doll and was able to be more comfortable performing the next time. The doll was named “Hardy”. Unfortunately a boy got a hold of the doll, and ripped it off the mouth. This is a story that young adults and even older adults can relate to because it is about someone who is facing their fear. A common fear which is public speaking.
“The Secret Letter” by Paola Ayala, was a story that focused on a letter that she had found was from a girlfriend and the narrator was concerned if their mother found it. The Narrator is extremely concerned that the mother found out the letter. Afraid to inform her mother that she is gay, and the mother assumed she was pregant. Then th narrator finally informed her mother that she was gay, and after that she felt relieved. This story relates to and is apart of the young adult style because there are times when adults are hiding something from their parents.

2/6/2022 10:19:49 pm

While Reading “Girl” by Jamaica Kincaid, it is another young adult story that revolves around what a woman is expected to do and how different things such as sow a button. This story primarily focuses on the responsibilities that a woman has. The author focused on the typical misogynistic and sexist comments that a woman can unfortunately sometimes go through. This story also focused on why it is important for a woman to dress appropriately because she is usually judged for her looks. It included the different responsibilities such setting the dinner table and ironing the clothing of family members. It showed how much of a challenge it can be.
Then there is “Seventh Grade '' by Gary Soto, which focused on Victor as he navigated his way through the seventh grade. This is a great story and provides a relatable protagonist as he shows that he is quite nervous to experience seventh grade. They displayed the different interactions that he had with his fellow peers. This is an accurate portrayal of a teenager who just entered the seventh grade. It is a great representation that the dialogue is different between each person that the victor encounters. One can tell that he is interested in Teresa. When Victor and Michael were talking they had normal discussions that teenage boys would have at that time such as baseball, movies, and their parents. These are all aspects of normal teenage life that make these characters believable. Then when the story transitioned into the classroom setting, it felt even more believable.
In both of these works the authors are trying to make a world that is relatable to the reader. It is reliant on cultural lifestyles such as womanhood and how teenage boys relate to one another. This is what puts these stories into the young adult category.

2/6/2022 10:21:41 pm

When I first met Callista I knew she and I were going to click and be good friends. She was went to the boys and girls club. When I met her I noticed that she was interested in drawing and a quiet person. She had fair skin and wide blue eyes, and a frail figure, with long brunette har. I tried to have a conversation with her because she was different from everyone else in Masrshfield. Most Marshfield people are loud, self-centered, and extremely clicky. Callista was the opposite of them. When we talked, she opened up tio me about her life and it was extremely shocking to her how her other was abusive towards her and was a drug addict. Callista lived with her grandfather and I lived with my grandmother. We were able to connect with each other due to having difficult pasts. Then We were both in high school drifted apart since I was in the grade above Callista.
Callista and I reunited when we I saw that she started to work at the local grocery store, where I worked. We started to hang out again and helped each other out when it came to homework and hung out more so. We even complained about the same supervisor and looked out for each other when to life.
Having a friend like callista reminded me to never judge a book by its cover. Much like myself, She had a challenging home life and remains to be an independent individual. She had to be resourceful and groew faster than most. She inspired me to be a better person. We may not see each other as much as we used to but our friendship strong and when we do, it feels like I’m back in high school, and still work at the dreadful grocery store.

2 FEB 2022 ONLINE/ASYNCHRONOUS POST three

Use this space to post your "in-class" writing for Wedns.

Leave a Reply.

ENGL 389-001

Archives

Categories