GW:Day 6: How Not to Write a Story

The big news of the day is that Dad completed his first ever watercolor. Here it is. I think it's grand, and I especially like how the red really sets off the fish. The best sign is that he already has several ideas for his next fish painting.

This morning, Erin explained to us how to go about writing an absolutely horrible story. If you wish to compose a truly terrible tale, follow these two tips:

1. Be very sure that you know exactly what your story is going to say.


2. People your story with White Hats and Black Hats.

This afternoon was one of the presentations that I was looking forward to all week: Barry Moser and Paul Mariani. They did not disappoint. Barry is a forceful speaker whose presentations are hardnosed, humorous, and illuminating. The two of them together make a wonderful team as it is clear that they are fast friends. Sadly, I was so tired that even with these two dynamos on the podium, I was fighting the Sandman. I was not very happy about that.

Later in the evening, I was pleasantly surprised by the poetry of B.H.Fairchild. His wit and compassion were wonderful. His poem "Rave On" about teens purposefully rolling their automobiles was at once wrenching and fun.