I haven't read your stuff yet (yet!) Allyson, but from the descriptions I've seen? Those words weren't aimed at your kind of work. Not even in the same vicinity.
Ben: I didn't ask for any of this. I just want to be normal. Gronx: I wanted to be an underwear model. We play the hand we're dealt.
'Touched'
Natter 37: Oddly Enough, We've Had This Conversation Before.
Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.
sarameg - Jul 19, 2005 12:02:24 pm PDT #1266 of 10002
Allyson - Jul 19, 2005 12:04:19 pm PDT #1267 of 10002
Wait, is this real-world child support, where the money goes to buy food for the kids, or MRA fantasyland child support where the women just buy Ferraris and cocaine? -Jessica
nothing of yours I've read is similar.
We're in the same family, I think. Arrogant and bitching about the inane.
I think the major difference between them and me is a level of such staggering self-involvement that they're completely blind to the consequences of what they write, or to feel any sort of empathy for their subjects. But the bones of it are the same.
Cashmere - Jul 19, 2005 12:06:54 pm PDT #1268 of 10002
Now tagless for your comfort.
Do you call the number back to see who called? Or ignore it? Or what?
Sometimes I ignore it. Sometimes I pick up and answer. But usually I don't bother.
I love my caller i.d.
§ ita § - Jul 19, 2005 12:07:01 pm PDT #1269 of 10002
Well not canonically, no, but this is transformative fiction.
You'd call your writing "candid," Allyson? Noting that the quotes are there for a reason.
sarameg - Jul 19, 2005 12:08:07 pm PDT #1270 of 10002
is a level of such staggering self-involvement that they're completely blind to the consequences of what they write, or to feel any sort of empathy for their subjects.
Aaaand, after many failed attempt to describe the genre that bugs me, you just did.
P.M. Marc - Jul 19, 2005 12:09:02 pm PDT #1271 of 10002
So come, my friends, be not afraid/We are so lightly here/It is in love that we are made; In love we disappear
I think the major difference between them and me is a level of such staggering self-involvement that they're completely blind to the consequences of what they write, or to feel any sort of empathy for their subjects. But the bones of it are the same.
I think the major difference between you and them is that you have a sense of humor and it shows. I get the impression that you're far closer to Sedaris than to any of the aforecomplainedabout writers.
Allyson - Jul 19, 2005 12:14:33 pm PDT #1272 of 10002
Wait, is this real-world child support, where the money goes to buy food for the kids, or MRA fantasyland child support where the women just buy Ferraris and cocaine? -Jessica
You'd call your writing "candid," Allyson?
I do.
Jessica - Jul 19, 2005 12:17:52 pm PDT #1273 of 10002
And then Ortus came and said "It's Ortin' time" and they all Orted off into the sunset
On another kind of journalism altogether:
When a Man Dies in a Sex Act with a Horse -- What's a Reporter to Do?
DavidS - Jul 19, 2005 12:17:55 pm PDT #1274 of 10002
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."
Allyson, I think your writing definitely springs from your subjective experience but it's not really confessional in the way people were criticizing.
Your writing is bracing in its undiluted venom and snark, while streaked with hopefulness and appreciation and community. It's not cringe-making at all.
Lee - Jul 19, 2005 12:18:57 pm PDT #1275 of 10002
The feeling you get when your brain finally lets your heart get in its pants.
Was there cute waitstaff at Buca Di Beppo, Perkins? I mostly remember frowning. It didn't seem like we were expected to have fun.
I remember one very pretty boy. I also remember you frowning, but that may have been at the overdone cheerfulness and not the expectation of fun having.