On the Southern Literary Trail discussion
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One Writer's Beginnings
Group Reads: Moderator's Choice
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Initial Impressions, One Writer's Beginnings, December, 2015
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Diane wrote: "Started it yesterday, finished today. As I promised, short but very sweet. She mentioned "Delta Wedding", her first novel. She said that the first scene where Laura is on the train going to Shell M..."I find it interesting that she was one who admitted to living a sheltered life, who was fortunate to have been raised in a close knit family, but that didn't keep her from being a keen observer of the human condition.
I think her work as a photographer was also a beneficial influence on her writing. Not only in helping her to frame her stories, but also as a source of inspiration for stories.
For example, she writes that her short story "Why I Live at the P.O." was inspired by a woman she photographed ironing in the back of a small post office.
The story is a humorous treatment of sibling rivalry, something that seems to be totally absent from her own family, but something I'm sure she must have observed in other families.
I loved the conversational tone of this delightful book. I felt like Miss Eudora was sitting with me on her front porch telling me about her life. She mentioned how she loved listening to stories as a child--not just stories in a book, but also listening to her mother's friends talk. She was very observant, and it shows in her fiction. She has a good sense of place, a sense of humor, and knows how people interact with each other.This was a great moderator's choice, Diane.
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Connie wrote: "My review of "One Writer's Beginnings" : https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...",
Your review was both thoughtful and insightful, Connie. Nicely done.
You can hear Miss Eudora read "Why I Live at the P.O." here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmnzd...
and "A Worn Path" here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2avAy...
I don't know why she read the first story at such a rapid clip. That isn't the voice I hear when I read her. She reads the second one much more the way that I would expect.
Diane wrote: "I think there is a book in existence that shows her photos for the WPA, I need to hunt that down."One Time, One Place: Mississippi in the Depression is the 'original' book of those photographs.
A couple of years ago I saw an exhibit of some of her work at the Ogden Museum in N.O. It was impressive.
I googled "photographs of Eudora Welty", and there are several good sites with her photographs, including a youtube presentation by Smithsonian Magazine. Howard had a good point in how her photography influenced her writing.
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Other portraits may be seen at "The Bitter Southerner" an online Magazine aimed at Southern Literature, Life and Art. Here's the Link: http://bittersoutherner.com/eudora-we...
Enjoy!
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The Photography of Eudora Welty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBDLz...
Mike wrote: "In light of folks' references to Eudora Welty's Photography, here's a wonderful film on her photographic work. It's wonderful.The Photography of Eudora Welty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBDLz..."
Yes, I watched this a couple of days ago. I agree that her photography was outstanding. Also, thanks Mike for the link to "The Bitter Southerner," not only because of the portraits of Welty, but because it looks to be an interesting publication and one that is new to me.
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The Photography of Eudora Welty https://www.youtube.com/..."
I thoroughly enjoy The Bitter Southerner. Always worthwhile reading!
Teresa can relate to this, I think. In an interview that I read, Miss Eudora said that less is resolved in short stories, but more is suggested. She was also quoted as saying: "I'm a short story writer who writes novels the hard way, and by accident." Meaning, I assume, that sometimes her short stories take on a life of their own and evolve into novels.
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I think I can relate, Howard.I agree, Diane. Nothing out of place, or out of mood, can be excused, as it might be in a meandering, baggy novel, for example.
Welty is a short-story master.
Please share your initial impressions as you delve into this little gem.