Gillian Polack's Blog, page 69
April 20, 2014
gillpolack @ 2014-04-21T12:48:00
I've sorted out where my sorry-for-self comes from. It's mostly because of the family history, oddly, but also because the hip etc is definitely healing and I have the waaah one gets when the pain finally diminishes. And yes, this was going to be a tricky birthday because of what happened last year, and nothing has happened so far to make it less tricky. Life does small things, sometimes, at inapposite times.
The family history bit is interesting, albeit uncheerful. Some of you may remember my great-great-grandfather having his leg broken in the Kishinev pogroms and telling his children to run. Not everyone ran far enough. One branch of the family only went as far as Kiev. And right now the Jews of Kiev are being advised to get out of town, for it's not safe to be Jewish in Kiev. And Australia is not an option for any of them, because we have a cruel refugee policy - one that no-one should have to suffer. The only safety for the Jews of Kiev is their own countrypeople not being bigots, and I cannot see that happening. I'm ashamed to be Australian, given our treatment of refugees. Ukrainian Jews have the right to run to Israel, if they can get out, though. Only the far left is, as ever, busy telling me (telling everyone) how wrong Israel is in everything it does. I might be ashamed of the Australian government, but I'm not that pleased with the far left, either. Our zeitgeist appears to be choosing ideology over human suffering.
There's not a great deal I can do about the big stuff or the idiots (except not vote for them, and put in regular protests about their action - both of which I do) but I can certainly fret the small stuff. I'm not actually a fretter of small stuff. Mostly I deal. I whinge from time to time, but I deal. When I get this miserable over something quite small, it generally means there's something whacking and big I can't do a thing about.
I've known all my life that when Australia becomes a bit more racist, other countries in the world are going to go the whole hog. Jews being threatened in Europe is nothing new: it's why my family is here, after all, originally. Mum's mother's family fled Kishinev after the pogroms and deal with extreme bigotry along the way and finally came to a safe place. I think, though, that I had in my mind that those who survived last century would be OK. Sort of like the Great War being the War that Ended All Wars. Except it wasn't. It was just World War I.
This is why I fight small racisms. In the hope we won't get the big ones. Again. And again. And again.
In more cheerful news, I only have nine books to read before Thursday. I shall go to the library the day before my birthday and find something entirely enjoyable to mark the day. Captain America and a good book will work just fine. And now, since Pesach is still hanging round, I shall make myself some matzah brei.
The family history bit is interesting, albeit uncheerful. Some of you may remember my great-great-grandfather having his leg broken in the Kishinev pogroms and telling his children to run. Not everyone ran far enough. One branch of the family only went as far as Kiev. And right now the Jews of Kiev are being advised to get out of town, for it's not safe to be Jewish in Kiev. And Australia is not an option for any of them, because we have a cruel refugee policy - one that no-one should have to suffer. The only safety for the Jews of Kiev is their own countrypeople not being bigots, and I cannot see that happening. I'm ashamed to be Australian, given our treatment of refugees. Ukrainian Jews have the right to run to Israel, if they can get out, though. Only the far left is, as ever, busy telling me (telling everyone) how wrong Israel is in everything it does. I might be ashamed of the Australian government, but I'm not that pleased with the far left, either. Our zeitgeist appears to be choosing ideology over human suffering.
There's not a great deal I can do about the big stuff or the idiots (except not vote for them, and put in regular protests about their action - both of which I do) but I can certainly fret the small stuff. I'm not actually a fretter of small stuff. Mostly I deal. I whinge from time to time, but I deal. When I get this miserable over something quite small, it generally means there's something whacking and big I can't do a thing about.
I've known all my life that when Australia becomes a bit more racist, other countries in the world are going to go the whole hog. Jews being threatened in Europe is nothing new: it's why my family is here, after all, originally. Mum's mother's family fled Kishinev after the pogroms and deal with extreme bigotry along the way and finally came to a safe place. I think, though, that I had in my mind that those who survived last century would be OK. Sort of like the Great War being the War that Ended All Wars. Except it wasn't. It was just World War I.
This is why I fight small racisms. In the hope we won't get the big ones. Again. And again. And again.
In more cheerful news, I only have nine books to read before Thursday. I shall go to the library the day before my birthday and find something entirely enjoyable to mark the day. Captain America and a good book will work just fine. And now, since Pesach is still hanging round, I shall make myself some matzah brei.
gillpolack @ 2014-04-21T09:37:00
My birthday was shaping up to be yet another day when whatever I plan gets scuppered by the universe. The friends who were maybe dropping in, can't, for instance (I can make the next day, a couple have helpfully suggested). And I decided I need something fun, regardless of the availability of friends or the niceness of the universe. Also regardless of the finances.
I'm going to see one of the new release films, if necessary, alone. It'll be the cheapest session (which is daytime, which means not walking in the cold, cold dark, which is just plain sensible and it means that if family emergencies stop haunting some of my friends, I haven't cancelled the one time I could have seen them) and I would rather go with friends. So... I was thinking Captain America (for I have a fondness for superhero flicks). If you'd like to join me, let me know!
I'm going to see one of the new release films, if necessary, alone. It'll be the cheapest session (which is daytime, which means not walking in the cold, cold dark, which is just plain sensible and it means that if family emergencies stop haunting some of my friends, I haven't cancelled the one time I could have seen them) and I would rather go with friends. So... I was thinking Captain America (for I have a fondness for superhero flicks). If you'd like to join me, let me know!
April 19, 2014
gillpolack @ 2014-04-20T12:58:00
I've been told I have to enjoy today, because it's the Christian day it is. Same person who told me I had to enjoy Christmas. I'm very tempted to invite this person over for next Day of Atonement and force them to endure the complete fast, in the interest of all of us sharing everything. Except I shan't. What I shall do is distance myself from the person, since obviously they're just never going to get that there are other religions than theirs. (Easter is worse than Christmas for enforced Jewish joy, to be honest, because of certain traditions that used to make it unsafe for Jews to be seen at this time. I refuse to be happy about people picking on me - I know this is uncivilised of me...)
Deep down, I am so very Jewish that my main thought for this morning (thoughtless comments notwithstanding) is "Nearly back to normal food. Nearly back to normal food. Nearly back to normal food." I have five pieces of matzah left, a tiny bit of matzah meal, no chicken soup and will run out of dried fruit on Tuesday morning.
You can tell someone who has been brought up very traditionally because a fatigue factor sets in after Day 5. We catalogue the food in our cupboards and the dishes in our sink. Right now, I crave normal meal planning and normal cooking. I want to cook my zucchini flowers Japanese-style, but I can't do a tempura batter or a dipping sauce until after Pesach. To add insult to injury, people eat bagels round me and someone actually reminded me they were generally considered Jewish. People were queuing for bagels this morning at the market. I watched ironically.
Fortunately, I'm not as religious as I was brought up to be and there's only a bit of rearrangement to do in my kitchen before I can return to normal. I will go to the shops on Wednesday and get me some nice cheese and some milk and then I'll be fine til my next market trip. I wonder if the zucchini flowers will be good til then?
Mum calls Pesach Chag ha Beitzim, and I bought 30 pullet eggs today, for I got through 24 ordinary eggs in a week (which is as nothing compared with how many eggs the family gets through in the full eight days of Passover). I have a particular fondness for pullet eggs, so a big tray will not make me think "I am tired of eggs." For I'm not, for most of those 24 eggs were eaten by people other than myself.
I didn't buy much else at the market - just the zucchini flowers and some mixed lettuce. I can't really buy a lot til after Pesach, when there are fewer restraints on my cooking. Wednesday again!
Which reminds, me - there are only a few days til my birthday. After the hospital visit and other minor annoyances last year, I'm not planning much. I'm not baking a cake, for I know not who will eat it. I've asked a couple of friends over, but they've not got back to me, so it may not happen. Better to have a quiet day, though, than one on which so much goes wrong. In a perfect world, I dine out with friends, but that means someone organising something and I tried to organise drinks last year after my panel and every single person forgot them (and why we were having them) - better not to organise at all than to organise and have people just forget.
This means that I don't know what's happening on my birthday. Probably work. It's legal to play two-up, though. My birthday is the one day of the year that it's legal.
Also, let me remind my friends in Australia and New Zealand that I'm giving you my birthday as a day off regular work. (I can't do anything if you're rostered on during public holidays - I am powerful, but not that powerful.)
Speaking of regular work, many books await me...
Deep down, I am so very Jewish that my main thought for this morning (thoughtless comments notwithstanding) is "Nearly back to normal food. Nearly back to normal food. Nearly back to normal food." I have five pieces of matzah left, a tiny bit of matzah meal, no chicken soup and will run out of dried fruit on Tuesday morning.
You can tell someone who has been brought up very traditionally because a fatigue factor sets in after Day 5. We catalogue the food in our cupboards and the dishes in our sink. Right now, I crave normal meal planning and normal cooking. I want to cook my zucchini flowers Japanese-style, but I can't do a tempura batter or a dipping sauce until after Pesach. To add insult to injury, people eat bagels round me and someone actually reminded me they were generally considered Jewish. People were queuing for bagels this morning at the market. I watched ironically.
Fortunately, I'm not as religious as I was brought up to be and there's only a bit of rearrangement to do in my kitchen before I can return to normal. I will go to the shops on Wednesday and get me some nice cheese and some milk and then I'll be fine til my next market trip. I wonder if the zucchini flowers will be good til then?
Mum calls Pesach Chag ha Beitzim, and I bought 30 pullet eggs today, for I got through 24 ordinary eggs in a week (which is as nothing compared with how many eggs the family gets through in the full eight days of Passover). I have a particular fondness for pullet eggs, so a big tray will not make me think "I am tired of eggs." For I'm not, for most of those 24 eggs were eaten by people other than myself.
I didn't buy much else at the market - just the zucchini flowers and some mixed lettuce. I can't really buy a lot til after Pesach, when there are fewer restraints on my cooking. Wednesday again!
Which reminds, me - there are only a few days til my birthday. After the hospital visit and other minor annoyances last year, I'm not planning much. I'm not baking a cake, for I know not who will eat it. I've asked a couple of friends over, but they've not got back to me, so it may not happen. Better to have a quiet day, though, than one on which so much goes wrong. In a perfect world, I dine out with friends, but that means someone organising something and I tried to organise drinks last year after my panel and every single person forgot them (and why we were having them) - better not to organise at all than to organise and have people just forget.
This means that I don't know what's happening on my birthday. Probably work. It's legal to play two-up, though. My birthday is the one day of the year that it's legal.
Also, let me remind my friends in Australia and New Zealand that I'm giving you my birthday as a day off regular work. (I can't do anything if you're rostered on during public holidays - I am powerful, but not that powerful.)
Speaking of regular work, many books await me...
April 18, 2014
gillpolack @ 2014-04-19T11:59:00
I totally need to get to the library tomorrow. Ten books are waiting for me. I'd rather get the books today and finish with two of them, but the library is closed and the annual Gibson Passion showing is upon the television. Thank goodness D has let me borrow her North And South DVD. I shall re-watch it and puddle through my work and count the day as quiet.
I had stuff to talk about, and it was all terribly serious (concerning the differences in disciplines that deal with the same subject) but it boils down to me having sorted out how world building plays a terribly important role in the decisions writers make concerning their character choices and the roles those characters thus chosen play. I did my little test article and proved that gender studies is not the right discipline for me, for this (which makes sense, because it fits in with the book-nearly-finished and that's nothing to do with gender studies) and that I really have to turn it into the bigger project I was suspecting it would be.
At least I know now (for my own benefit and for the benefit of my audience at that conference, whenever) why I run into brick walls when writers can't actually conceive of different roles for different people. And the reasons link very tightly into the work I'm almost finishing, and I need to explore them a lot more before I talk about them and... I totally have my research (in two areas) sorted for the next few years.
Playing in someone else's sandpit for a bit was me testing to see if I could just follow the work of which the 17th century novel was part. And I can't. I have to do this other project as well. Both are too much fun to give up and besides, they explain (I think) how we take our everyday assumptions and turn them into story that reinforces privilege, even if we ourselves as individuals are marvellously full of understanding and goodwill to people who don't have such privilege. I've been trying to work out for a long time how we can be part of a problem we hate, and this is the first big bunch of "Yes!"
So I'm going to explore story space and world building on the one part (17th century novel and research projects), and cultural assumptions and how they affect fiction and create our reading worlds on the other.
My own writing has got to grow from this! If my fiction doesn't grow and change, given this research, then I shall dig a hole for myself, plat myself in that hole, head down, and wait for branches and leaves, because obviously change is going to happen very, very slowly.
I had stuff to talk about, and it was all terribly serious (concerning the differences in disciplines that deal with the same subject) but it boils down to me having sorted out how world building plays a terribly important role in the decisions writers make concerning their character choices and the roles those characters thus chosen play. I did my little test article and proved that gender studies is not the right discipline for me, for this (which makes sense, because it fits in with the book-nearly-finished and that's nothing to do with gender studies) and that I really have to turn it into the bigger project I was suspecting it would be.
At least I know now (for my own benefit and for the benefit of my audience at that conference, whenever) why I run into brick walls when writers can't actually conceive of different roles for different people. And the reasons link very tightly into the work I'm almost finishing, and I need to explore them a lot more before I talk about them and... I totally have my research (in two areas) sorted for the next few years.
Playing in someone else's sandpit for a bit was me testing to see if I could just follow the work of which the 17th century novel was part. And I can't. I have to do this other project as well. Both are too much fun to give up and besides, they explain (I think) how we take our everyday assumptions and turn them into story that reinforces privilege, even if we ourselves as individuals are marvellously full of understanding and goodwill to people who don't have such privilege. I've been trying to work out for a long time how we can be part of a problem we hate, and this is the first big bunch of "Yes!"
So I'm going to explore story space and world building on the one part (17th century novel and research projects), and cultural assumptions and how they affect fiction and create our reading worlds on the other.
My own writing has got to grow from this! If my fiction doesn't grow and change, given this research, then I shall dig a hole for myself, plat myself in that hole, head down, and wait for branches and leaves, because obviously change is going to happen very, very slowly.
gillpolack @ 2014-04-18T20:45:00
Of my 2,500 pages, I have under 800 to read and I'm not entirely certain I will be reading all of them (two books by the same writer, and the first one does not rejoice and delight my heart) and nine articles. In case you were wondering.
The reason I'm pleased as punch and am talking about page numbers still is because a migraine intervened (that's what migraines are for, after all) and I'll still make my mini-goal. I also have an outline for the next thing-that-must-be-written, which means I can research to plan, just as soon as I can get the next batch of books form the library. And my flat still has some empty, tidy space. Not enough to keep my mother happy, but enough to impress my messy self.
No other news There is none. (I seem to be channelling poets again. This must stop. I shall have some chicken soup with kneidlach and inform it that it is dinner.)
The reason I'm pleased as punch and am talking about page numbers still is because a migraine intervened (that's what migraines are for, after all) and I'll still make my mini-goal. I also have an outline for the next thing-that-must-be-written, which means I can research to plan, just as soon as I can get the next batch of books form the library. And my flat still has some empty, tidy space. Not enough to keep my mother happy, but enough to impress my messy self.
No other news There is none. (I seem to be channelling poets again. This must stop. I shall have some chicken soup with kneidlach and inform it that it is dinner.)
April 17, 2014
Travelling fans
This post has nothing to do with my small but select fan collection. Quite a different kind of fan!
Every year, there are fan races. The races are partly fundraising and enable fandom to make contact across the miles, by getting the preferred fan in a given race to a major convention. Through the race itself and through the winners, races such as GUFF, DUFF and TAFF, help fans work together to find out about other fandoms, and to make friends. I've made several good friends through the fan funds over the years. I've also participated in auctions and raffles and other fundraising. It's been a lot of fun.
Last year, the GUFF candidate to Conflux (which was the National Convention here at that moment) was Mihaela. She and I talked a great deal about fandom and how it operates. It struck me (for the umpteenth time) that the fan funded trips to the other side of the world weren't a jaunt (Mihaela put in a lot of work, explaining Croatian fandom and, in fact, European fandom as a whole) and it struck me for the first time how exceptionally powerful they were as a tool to get people talking who really need to talk. There's lots of online chat, which is great, but the fan funds help us meet in real life, as well. Mihaela set up so many positive relationships with this side of the world (not just with Australia - also with Singapore and New Zealand) and those relationships are solid and continuing.
Since then, instead of being a general supporter of fan funds (look, an auction! they're fun, let me attend!) I've looked around a bit and thought "What can I do to help this continue?" I've talked to some next-generation fans and found ways for them to get involved (which will happen after June - they're using this round to think about whether fan funds are for them), for one thing, and I've taken yet more of my possessions to Melbourne for auction in June.
For most of us, it's easier than that. A couple of times a year, we can look at a ballot and say "Do I want any of these people to represent Australia/Europe/the US at this convention?" We can donate a small sum of money to vote, and the money is pooled with the fundraising from other means (led by the previous candidates - there's a fabulous community factor built in) to enable the winning candidate to reach their destination. They then do piles of work on behalf of Australian, NZ, European or North American fandom.
There are several options for this open in any given year. The ballot to send an Australian/NZer to London in August is open right now, for instance, and the ballot is here: http://rantalica.com/GUFF_2014_Ballot.php (and you will find I'm a candidate). Anyone who has been active in fandom since before 1 January 2012 can vote. The definition of being active in fandom is quite specific, though I have a sneaking suspicion most of you may well qualify.
The one for Australia/NZ is taking someone to Australia for the NatCon this year*. The ballot to take a North American to LonCon is here: http://www.taff.org.uk/ but is only open until 22 April. The one to bring someone to Australia for our NatCon is, alas, already closed, but there will be another!
I haven't had an open question thread for a while, so I'm going to open one here on fan races. There are people who know more than me who read my blog, so it's a good place to ask dire and deep and difficult questions. Or even to ask "How do I get involved?" The totally easiest way to get involved initially is to vote for your favourite candidate in either of the currently open races, and to keep your eyes open for other races in future. For attendees at major conventions, these are the people you get to meet - so it's kinda nice you get to help choose them.
I've made three false starts to this post, largely because I'm writing about something in which I'm a candidate and however I explain things, it will look like a "Vote for me" (which, in a way it is) and, after the kerfuffle one year with the Ditmars, I have been avoiding even "We all should participate - this is not just about me" posts. So I gritted my teeth and hoped that no ill results from writing about something that includes me!
*amended, because... (see comments below)
Every year, there are fan races. The races are partly fundraising and enable fandom to make contact across the miles, by getting the preferred fan in a given race to a major convention. Through the race itself and through the winners, races such as GUFF, DUFF and TAFF, help fans work together to find out about other fandoms, and to make friends. I've made several good friends through the fan funds over the years. I've also participated in auctions and raffles and other fundraising. It's been a lot of fun.
Last year, the GUFF candidate to Conflux (which was the National Convention here at that moment) was Mihaela. She and I talked a great deal about fandom and how it operates. It struck me (for the umpteenth time) that the fan funded trips to the other side of the world weren't a jaunt (Mihaela put in a lot of work, explaining Croatian fandom and, in fact, European fandom as a whole) and it struck me for the first time how exceptionally powerful they were as a tool to get people talking who really need to talk. There's lots of online chat, which is great, but the fan funds help us meet in real life, as well. Mihaela set up so many positive relationships with this side of the world (not just with Australia - also with Singapore and New Zealand) and those relationships are solid and continuing.
Since then, instead of being a general supporter of fan funds (look, an auction! they're fun, let me attend!) I've looked around a bit and thought "What can I do to help this continue?" I've talked to some next-generation fans and found ways for them to get involved (which will happen after June - they're using this round to think about whether fan funds are for them), for one thing, and I've taken yet more of my possessions to Melbourne for auction in June.
For most of us, it's easier than that. A couple of times a year, we can look at a ballot and say "Do I want any of these people to represent Australia/Europe/the US at this convention?" We can donate a small sum of money to vote, and the money is pooled with the fundraising from other means (led by the previous candidates - there's a fabulous community factor built in) to enable the winning candidate to reach their destination. They then do piles of work on behalf of Australian, NZ, European or North American fandom.
There are several options for this open in any given year. The ballot to send an Australian/NZer to London in August is open right now, for instance, and the ballot is here: http://rantalica.com/GUFF_2014_Ballot.php (and you will find I'm a candidate). Anyone who has been active in fandom since before 1 January 2012 can vote. The definition of being active in fandom is quite specific, though I have a sneaking suspicion most of you may well qualify.
The one for Australia/NZ is taking someone to Australia for the NatCon this year*. The ballot to take a North American to LonCon is here: http://www.taff.org.uk/ but is only open until 22 April. The one to bring someone to Australia for our NatCon is, alas, already closed, but there will be another!
I haven't had an open question thread for a while, so I'm going to open one here on fan races. There are people who know more than me who read my blog, so it's a good place to ask dire and deep and difficult questions. Or even to ask "How do I get involved?" The totally easiest way to get involved initially is to vote for your favourite candidate in either of the currently open races, and to keep your eyes open for other races in future. For attendees at major conventions, these are the people you get to meet - so it's kinda nice you get to help choose them.
I've made three false starts to this post, largely because I'm writing about something in which I'm a candidate and however I explain things, it will look like a "Vote for me" (which, in a way it is) and, after the kerfuffle one year with the Ditmars, I have been avoiding even "We all should participate - this is not just about me" posts. So I gritted my teeth and hoped that no ill results from writing about something that includes me!
*amended, because... (see comments below)
April 16, 2014
gillpolack @ 2014-04-17T14:57:00
I'm in research and writing zone, with much to do. I'm also, however, between reading zones. No Aurealis reading for a little, not Hugo shortlist to work through. I meant to use this time to do more reading for my seventeenth century project, but the day before yesterday I realised that this was a good moment to catch up on some of the books by people who will be going to LonCon. I never want to turn into that person who only reads shortlisted books, and there are so many good writers going to LonCon (some of whom I know, some of whom I have yet to meet) and I have gaps in my reading and the library has books...
The immediate outcome is, of course, that I went onto the library's website and put in a request for as many books by these authors as I can comfortably read before May, while still working on all the work that must be done.
Of course, just reading is insufficient. This was brought home to me when I read the first book (by Mur Lafferty). I start asking questions and those questions must be answered. My question for some of these books seems to be what the differences are for the reader when the writer knows his/her setting intimately and understands the people of the places. What are the narrative differences between a writer writing about home and a writer writing about the other side of the world? (Mur wasn't the trigger for this, actually, the Australian accent in Pacific Rim was. Mur's book just reminded me that I was thinking about it.) These differences apply to built worlds and to our reality transformed and it's extremely interesting.
In a way, I'm applying some of the stuff I worked out for the book (that's still being finished, just not this fortnight) and checking it. Also, I'm reading with my eyes open to these issues. And it's illuminating. Most of the books I don't enjoy are ones that don't use a deeper understanding of their setting and the implications that setting has for its characters. It's not the skill of the writer, but how thin the cultural/historical ice is that they're skating on and whether I can see that ice cracking. understanding of cultures other than one's own definitely affects some readers (in this case, me) because it affects the quality of the world-build and the place of the characters within that world.
Last night's CSFG meeting underlined this. I found myself sitting back and thinking what kind of writer was asking what sort of question. Fewer of us than I expected to see had natural instincts as regards the development or understanding of culture and of individuals within their culture, which was a surprise. Some carefully learn skills. Some demonstrate that they were going to get themselves into hot water sooner or later, or simply write stories based on amazingly thin ice.
I really need to rethink how I teach cultural awareness for writers. I've been assuming that spec fic writers operated within the Humanities and had the same basic understanding as, say, a History graduate. Some do and most certainly some don't. So many have goodwill and some think that goodwill and a bit of uncertainty is enough to develop an awareness of people who come from different cultural backgrounds. Thus we see thin ice.
The skills I taught diplomats and public servants, lo, these many years ago, are similar but not at all the same to those that writers need. I knew this on one level, for I've been working with individual writers on these issues for some time. I didn't make more general correlations between what those specific writers were doing and what the cultural framework spec fic writers in general were operating, though.
My research has given me those tools - I shall use these next few books (25-30, given the time I have to read them in) to hone those tools. I even have a class during the second half year in which I can teach using these tools.
By Sunday, I shall have read 2000 pages of fiction, therefore (I've already read 2 of the books I borrowed yesterday), 500 pages of non-academic fiction, and about ten academic articles (and taken notes from them). My reward on Sunday isn't just 12 more books, it's market and DS9 and all the goodness of life. Also, matzah latkes with cinnamon.
Speaking about the goodness of life, I promised someone (this is a "You know who you are" moment) that I would repost this link during Pesach. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPAcf1RF2ps
The immediate outcome is, of course, that I went onto the library's website and put in a request for as many books by these authors as I can comfortably read before May, while still working on all the work that must be done.
Of course, just reading is insufficient. This was brought home to me when I read the first book (by Mur Lafferty). I start asking questions and those questions must be answered. My question for some of these books seems to be what the differences are for the reader when the writer knows his/her setting intimately and understands the people of the places. What are the narrative differences between a writer writing about home and a writer writing about the other side of the world? (Mur wasn't the trigger for this, actually, the Australian accent in Pacific Rim was. Mur's book just reminded me that I was thinking about it.) These differences apply to built worlds and to our reality transformed and it's extremely interesting.
In a way, I'm applying some of the stuff I worked out for the book (that's still being finished, just not this fortnight) and checking it. Also, I'm reading with my eyes open to these issues. And it's illuminating. Most of the books I don't enjoy are ones that don't use a deeper understanding of their setting and the implications that setting has for its characters. It's not the skill of the writer, but how thin the cultural/historical ice is that they're skating on and whether I can see that ice cracking. understanding of cultures other than one's own definitely affects some readers (in this case, me) because it affects the quality of the world-build and the place of the characters within that world.
Last night's CSFG meeting underlined this. I found myself sitting back and thinking what kind of writer was asking what sort of question. Fewer of us than I expected to see had natural instincts as regards the development or understanding of culture and of individuals within their culture, which was a surprise. Some carefully learn skills. Some demonstrate that they were going to get themselves into hot water sooner or later, or simply write stories based on amazingly thin ice.
I really need to rethink how I teach cultural awareness for writers. I've been assuming that spec fic writers operated within the Humanities and had the same basic understanding as, say, a History graduate. Some do and most certainly some don't. So many have goodwill and some think that goodwill and a bit of uncertainty is enough to develop an awareness of people who come from different cultural backgrounds. Thus we see thin ice.
The skills I taught diplomats and public servants, lo, these many years ago, are similar but not at all the same to those that writers need. I knew this on one level, for I've been working with individual writers on these issues for some time. I didn't make more general correlations between what those specific writers were doing and what the cultural framework spec fic writers in general were operating, though.
My research has given me those tools - I shall use these next few books (25-30, given the time I have to read them in) to hone those tools. I even have a class during the second half year in which I can teach using these tools.
By Sunday, I shall have read 2000 pages of fiction, therefore (I've already read 2 of the books I borrowed yesterday), 500 pages of non-academic fiction, and about ten academic articles (and taken notes from them). My reward on Sunday isn't just 12 more books, it's market and DS9 and all the goodness of life. Also, matzah latkes with cinnamon.
Speaking about the goodness of life, I promised someone (this is a "You know who you are" moment) that I would repost this link during Pesach. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPAcf1RF2ps
gillpolack @ 2014-04-16T17:31:00
I'm halfway through a very long day. But there is good news. In fact, there is excellent news. Damocles had only one sword hanging over him, while, as you know (since I am a greedy tyke) I have several. There is one fewer as of today. My eyes are fine. My eyes are stable. And the treatment that is helping the health in general (notably the changes to diet and the anti-inflammatory meds) are - the specialist said - probably a cause in this.
And now I have a bunch of other things to do, because there were emergencies in the eye clinic all afternoon, resulting in a half hour session taking 3 1/2 hours. I said that I thought it was the full moon and the eclipse and the specialist said "There is a pattern."
For my next trick (the moment Pesach is finished) I will be strict with my diet and will continue the good work.
it's so nice to be told that one's vision is stable and good and altogether behaving!
And now I have a bunch of other things to do, because there were emergencies in the eye clinic all afternoon, resulting in a half hour session taking 3 1/2 hours. I said that I thought it was the full moon and the eclipse and the specialist said "There is a pattern."
For my next trick (the moment Pesach is finished) I will be strict with my diet and will continue the good work.
it's so nice to be told that one's vision is stable and good and altogether behaving!
April 15, 2014
gillpolack @ 2014-04-16T10:40:00
I as persuaded to take a day off yesterday. I did some houseish things and feel my work is out of control, but my life is maybe a half a step closer to being dealable with. Today is a half day off, for I'm in and out like a yoyo. My handbag book is definitely work, though, because I still have much catching up to do before the next teaching part of the year begins.
I'm still a bit erratic from the overwork. I tell myself (whenever this happens) that I should simply not over work, but it seems to be a part of my enjoyment of life. It's like saying "Don't jump into a pile of autumn leaves just for fun." The difference between this time and last time is that I'm definitely more mobile. I can move furniture (a medium bookshelf, this time) without any side effects. I didn't realise how debilitating my aslantness was until I started being able to do things again.
Speaking of which, I quite possibly need to do some less vigorous things. There is paper on my desk and it will not go away without much assistance!
I'm still a bit erratic from the overwork. I tell myself (whenever this happens) that I should simply not over work, but it seems to be a part of my enjoyment of life. It's like saying "Don't jump into a pile of autumn leaves just for fun." The difference between this time and last time is that I'm definitely more mobile. I can move furniture (a medium bookshelf, this time) without any side effects. I didn't realise how debilitating my aslantness was until I started being able to do things again.
Speaking of which, I quite possibly need to do some less vigorous things. There is paper on my desk and it will not go away without much assistance!
April 14, 2014
gillpolack @ 2014-04-15T10:30:00
Last night's seder was a wonderful gathering of close friends. Last night's dreams, however, were so colourful that I woke up and ate. Fortunately all the leftovers need finishing, and the sooner I eat them the sooner I get back onto my regular (and much healthier) diet. Unfortunately, the pain that triggered the minor eating binge will not go. Fortunately, I have more stuff that needs finishing up. Also, I know what provoked the pain and binge. So many big events and so little energy...
Women's History Month (both the live event and online), job interview, Mum's birthday, Aurealis, first seder... all within a month. And this is not counting all the body alignment treatment, and the HEA application and the 2/3 of the certificate. Nor is it counting the book-near-finished nor the chapter near-finished nor the work on the Beast. Come to think of it, nor is it counting my paid work.
I can't think of any more big events before June. This means I can rest up a bit today, and then wildly catch up on work for the rest of the next fortnight, then I can settle into a more maintainable pace of existence.
As a bonus, in a fortnight, all but one of my spare bookshelves will be gone. This means I'll just have the drinks cabinet, a small chest of drawers and one more bookshelf to sell, and a glassless coffee table to somehow dispose of. Then I will know where I'm at. My loungeroom/office is already far more negotiable - the other rooms will be next.
Women's History Month (both the live event and online), job interview, Mum's birthday, Aurealis, first seder... all within a month. And this is not counting all the body alignment treatment, and the HEA application and the 2/3 of the certificate. Nor is it counting the book-near-finished nor the chapter near-finished nor the work on the Beast. Come to think of it, nor is it counting my paid work.
I can't think of any more big events before June. This means I can rest up a bit today, and then wildly catch up on work for the rest of the next fortnight, then I can settle into a more maintainable pace of existence.
As a bonus, in a fortnight, all but one of my spare bookshelves will be gone. This means I'll just have the drinks cabinet, a small chest of drawers and one more bookshelf to sell, and a glassless coffee table to somehow dispose of. Then I will know where I'm at. My loungeroom/office is already far more negotiable - the other rooms will be next.
