Monday, September 28, 2015

THE BLIND LEADING THE BLIND

Charles Holdefer teaches at the University of Poitiers, France, and at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, Rosemont Writers Retreat and elsewhere. He has published four novels with the Permanent Press, including The Contractor, which was also translated into Italian and Russian. His essays have appeared in The New England Review and World Literature Today, his reviews in New York Journal of Books and Dactyl Review, and new short fiction is forthcoming this fall in Chicago Quarterly Review.  This is his blog. 

*         *         *

The Blind leading the blind is how Flannery O’Connor once referred to writing workshops. O’Connor is arguably the most important writer to emerge out of an MFA program, and her opinion is not something I take lightly.

“For most of the year, I don’t teach writing. I’m a literature teacher at a French university, and despite their tradition of écoles des beaux-arts, French institutions do not welcome “creative writing.” It’s viewed with suspicion as a dubious “Anglo-Saxon” import, a sort of New Age intellectual junk food. I’ve been here long enough that perhaps some of that scepticism has rubbed off on me. (That’s surely why O’Connor’s remark resonates.) When it comes to literature in the classroom, we tell ourselves that we are defending a sort of rigor.

“In the summer, though, I board an airplane and come back to the U.S.A. to see friends and family and, yes, to lead writing workshops. The experience is a marked shift, like switching into another language.

“Workshops are fundamentally different from literature classes because they address the question of process. From a teacher’s point of view, it’s messier and requires improvisation. How do you stoke the creative impulse? Is it possible to generalize for a group of individuals with different tastes and experiences in life?

“This is a slippery zone, and perhaps because I hear O’Connor’s voice at the back of my mind, I’m at pains to warn students of common stumbling blocks: issues narrative arc, characterization or word choice. I also give manuscripts some hardnosed line editing, in defense of a kind of rigor which, truth be told, is sadly lacking in much academic writing. (It’s the profs who are a bunch of snowflakes, in my opinion, not the novelists.)

“Still, these are only first steps, encouraging competence. But there’s more to writing than competence. Truly excellent writing—this is what O’Connor is concerned about—must push beyond the comfort zones of competence and take risks. It has to dance along the precipice of conventional expectations. It cannot play safe and it might need to offend. It has to push toward something unknown.

“And this is where process comes into play. A workshop is not really a class that a writer completes and gets a grade. (Even if some institutions like to pretend otherwise.) Rather, it’s a moment that a writer passes through, engaged in a highly personal exploration that only he or she can pursue. No teacher or peer can tell the individual where to go next or what the “answer” is. (Or what merits an “A”.) But the group situation can make an individual more aware of this predicament, of this artistic solitude. This, in itself, is pedagogical.

“Usually, I try to plant questions, to steel the writer for the sterner tests ahead. What are you going to do when you leave a cozy workshop circle where people readily agree to read and discuss your work? What are you going to do when you’re denied the comforts of groupthink? What the hell is driving you? What are you looking for when you face the page, alone?

*        *         *       

“Here’s a true story: when I was getting an MFA at the University of Iowa, one of my odd jobs to support myself was in the Special Collections department of the university library. I was briefly assigned the task of organizing the personal papers of Paul Engle, who’d served as director of the Iowa writing program for many years.

“These papers were a terrible mess. They’d been kept in a ramshackle barn in Engle’s back yard that also served as his office. I remember personal correspondence with Robert Penn Warren covered with bird shit. There were letters from W.H. Auden, Carl Sandberg and a youthful Gwendolyn Brooks.

“My assignment was simple: to shake off the bird shit and other detritus and put the materials in chronological order. An easy task, really, but I was a bad worker, because I got distracted and spent a lot of time reading the correspondence. (That wasn’t supposed to be part of the job, but snooping in someone else’s mail can be irresistible fun.) Eventually my supervisor grew impatient with my slow pace and shunted me off to another task.

“There was one letter from the late 1940s that made a strong impression on me. Engle was away from campus and spending a sabbatical in Florida, and a colleague at Iowa sent him a chatty update about goings-on at the workshop. He dropped various names of writers clearly considered as hot prospects (none of which were recognizable to me) and it’s only later, buried deeper in the letter, that there’s an allusion to a certain ‘Flannery.’

*        *         *

“Well, she did all right. Too bad this teacher appears not to have fully recognized her gifts. (Though it should be said that others in her workshop circle realized she was someone special, and championed her work.) In the end, though, her achievements remain the idiosyncratic artistry of someone who learned and then moved on.

“And what do I mean by moving on? It’s not necessarily a simple symbolic break of leaving home or school or a writing circle. O’Connor, after a brief time in the northeast, resettled on the family farm near Milledgeville, Georgia, where she spent the rest of her life.

“Geographically or professionally, she didn’t go far. Failing health, sadly, was one reason. But it was also because her personal exploration had attained another level. She was working through answers to the question, “what the hell is driving you?”

“It’s well-known how important O’Connor’s religious convictions were to her fiction, but it’s also worth saying that a reader or aspiring writer doesn’t have to share those convictions (I don’t) in order to learn and delight in what she accomplished.

“Such a powerful yearning to make sense! Yes, it’s an imperfect, sloppy, perhaps “fallen” world. This is blatantly obvious in our institutional settings. Yes, blind lead the blind.

“But isn’t that a testimony to how much we want to see?”

 *         *         *

If you want to contact  Charles Holder you can  contact him at holdefer@yahoo.com  and I hope you will also leave your comments here.

COMING NEXT WEEK a blog from Mike Adelberg entitled GIVING VOICE TO THE ASSHOLE. This is one you surely don’t want to miss.


Marty


54 comments:

  1. How marvelous to read about and hear from this excellent writer, and how gratifying to learn he's teaching literature in France! And how typical, somehow, of the French attitude toward art and letters that they don't allow you to teach (or coach, I think is more like it) creative writing.

    I read and reviewed Back in the Game in Basso Profundo, and wanted to acknowledge that the Permanent Press continues to do superior work. Thanks, guys.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Luke, thanks for your review. Much appreciated! I like your Basso Profundo site. It's a nice mix of contemporary and older works, showing the ongoing conversation in literature.

      Delete
    2. The Cockeyed Pessimist: The Blind Leading The Blind >>>>> Download Now

      >>>>> Download Full

      The Cockeyed Pessimist: The Blind Leading The Blind >>>>> Download LINK

      >>>>> Download Now

      The Cockeyed Pessimist: The Blind Leading The Blind >>>>> Download Full

      >>>>> Download LINK 4k

      Delete
  2. Luke, thanks for your review. Much appreciated! I like your Basso Profundo site. It's a nice mix of contemporary and older works, showing the ongoing conversation in literature.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You may need take a look here for an interesting study tips.

    ReplyDelete
  4. We also enjoy providing b2b email lists to get other countries.The data is authorized by acquiring company information database not only from the united states but All other countries such as Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Middle East, Singapore, New Zealand, Asia,Europe, Russia and a lot more Nations. The list is strategically segmented into the form of industry, the name of the organization, name of contact person, job title, purchase email lists contact info, the quantity of workers, and sales of their enterprise to mention a couple.
    Our searchable email listing provides you a more specific, yet relevant information to use.Not all email providers have access to each country's database. Using an global email list, you can advertise your business globally without needing to spend lots of money going from 1 nation to another. With true b2b sales leads, it is possible to build your global relationships and could mean expansion of one's business .

    ReplyDelete
  5. Internet Download Manager 6.38 Build 9 IDM Crack Patch with Serial Key download is a kind of shareware download manager owned by an American company called Tonec Inc. IDM Patch Free Download captures any type of download in an impressive time limit and then completes the download in a very short time and at a faster speed as compared to any other download manager at the moment.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Music Sustain is a music blog dedicated to sharing stories and news, exploring the past, present and future of music’s most legendary and enduring artists. We cover major and emerging artists from all genres of music including rock, blues, jazz, hip-hop, punk, indie, country, R&B music metal, hardcore, pop, classic and electronic.

    ReplyDelete
  7. long term rentals in Dubai ae is one-stop destination where you can find fully furnished serviced apartments and book luxury serviced accommodation for long, mid-term and short corporate and non-corporate stays.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We are the most trusted online loan search and loan advice site in South Africa. www.friendlyfinance.co.za Find a lender in just a few minutes. Apply today!

    ReplyDelete
  9. "Archie 420 Dispensary welcome anyone 21+ to stop by and have a one of a kind Marijuana experience with us.
    No trip to the Evergreen state is complete without a visit to archie 420 Marijuana dispensary.
    Also, you can Check out Midweek specials: $2 off ANY pre-roll Tuesday and $2 off ANY 1 gram Wednesday! We accept variety forms of payments.
    The Archie's do strive to provide a broad range of quality Marijuana products to fit any budget!
    Archie's are conveniently located at our main office: 380 Quivas St, Denver CO, 80223, USA and 45 Lisbon st San Francisco California 94112 USA and.. Buy vape pens online Branch Unit in 2300 Windy Ridge Pkwy SE - Atlanta GA ,USA
    Archie 420 menu include all taxes, menu is subject to change and Items do sell very quickly.
    Finally, no Medical card is required. As a result, come to Archie's online shop and experience modern age of truly legalized marijuana and we offer a variety of strains to satisfy the most discerning of consumers. We are open 24/7 and you are always welcome."

    ReplyDelete
  10. "Archie 420 Dispensary welcome anyone 21+ to stop by and have a one of a kind Marijuana experience with us.
    No trip to the Evergreen state is complete without a visit to archie 420 Marijuana dispensary.
    Also, you can Check out Midweek specials: $2 off ANY pre-roll Tuesday and $2 off ANY 1 gram Wednesday! We accept variety forms of payments.
    The Archie's do strive to provide a broad range of quality Marijuana products to fit any budget!
    Archie's are conveniently located at our main office: 380 Quivas St, Denver CO, 80223, USA and 45 Lisbon st San Francisco California 94112 USA and.. Buy vape pens online Branch Unit in 2300 Windy Ridge Pkwy SE - Atlanta GA ,USA
    Archie 420 menu include all taxes, menu is subject to change and Items do sell very quickly.
    Finally, no Medical card is required. As a result, come to Archie's online shop and experience modern age of truly legalized marijuana and we offer a variety of strains to satisfy the most discerning of consumers. We are open 24/7 and you are always welcome."

    ReplyDelete
  11. Crystal online pharmacy is a trusted online drug store with a wide range of products to suit the needs of ther clients. Crystal Pharmacy do strive to offer the best service and ship products world wide. All the products listed on their website are Available in stock. Buy Leucine online Expect your order to be processed Immediately when you send your request. They deal with varieties of drugs for customers satisfaction. They also cross barriers with their products and struggle hard to meet human satisfaction. When shopping with them, Be safe and secured and you will realize how swift they are with our services.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Leveraged & Equity Investment Partners is engaged in structuring, placement and underwriting of corporate, project, infrastructure, infrastructure finance real estate and renewables financing and investment requirements.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Find the perfect handmade gift, latina candles vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Crystal online pharmacy is a trusted online drug store with a wide range of products to suit the needs of our clients. Crystal Pharmacy do strive to offer the best service and ship products world wide. All the products listed on our website are Ava in stock. Expect your order to be processed Immediately when you send us your request. Buy drugs to increase Anxiety We deal with varieties of drugs for our customers satisfaction. We cross barriers with our products and struggle hard to meet human satisfaction. When shopping with us, Be safe and secured and you will realize how swift we are with our services.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Archie 420 Dispensary is a trusted Cannabis dispensary base in Los Angeles California USA. It is one of the top dispensary in this part of the country. CBD products They do deliver Marijuana in the USA and to over 25 countries in the world. You can always visit their dispensary in Los Angeles using the address on their website. Place your order and get served by the best dispensary in the planet. Have fun.

    ReplyDelete
  16. ac repair and services in kukatpally Extend the Lifespan of Your System with Proper Maintenance Like all machines, air conditioners benefit from regular maintenance; we know that for a fact.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Impresión online en gran formato, Imprenta digital gran formato imprimimos roll ups, photocalls, vinilos, lonas. Envío gratis

    ReplyDelete
  18. We're professional stainless steel fabricators in sri lanka. We design and manufacture commercial kitchen equipment, hotel equipment, restaurant, bakery, catering items.


    ReplyDelete
  19. We are a clean skincare brand, 100% organic and made with what the earth has given us first. Our product formulations came from listening to our ingredients. From their benefits, scents and results, our products are truly science of the earth. https://www.behance.net/firstbaskincar We wanted to step back from the long list of hard to pronounce scientific gibberish and provide ingredients relatable and understood. We are very proud to be one of the first few on the market to be ECO-Certified under the COSMOS standards, and for us we want to leave the earth better than we found it.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Are Anabolic Steroids and Body Building Supplements Safe to Use?


    Anabolic steroids and lifting weights supplements are a questionable way that numerous competitors and jocks to construct muscle. Frequently alluded to as these steroids, these enhancements are introduced in both regular and engineered structures. Heaps of the debate concerns the engineered structure because of the destructive results that weight lifters can experience the ill effects of. Characteristic anabolic enhancements will in general be less destructive whenever utilized with some restraint. In any case, anabolics Anabolic steroids advance cell development and division, which is the regular standard behind weight training since it causes enormous muscles framed from more modest ones.

    Lifting weights Supplements have been demonized by a standing for an assortment of reasons. At the point when competitors and maltreatment of anabolic steroids muscle heads, they acquire an upper hand over their rivals. Thus, authorities in the game of cricket to weight training thought about anabolic steroids and enhancements contrary to the guidelines. This is apparent in the new outrages identified with baseball whizzes like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire. During the 1980s, the World Wrestling Federation additionally experienced a major embarrassment that prompted the utilization of anabolic steroids and enhancements in the news. These and different outrages have added to the helpless standing of these questionable anabolic enhancements.

    Training on the impacts of anabolic steroids and enhancements is important to help direct individuals from them. Sadly, large numbers of the competitors in secondary school have gone to anabolic enhancements to help them acquire an upper hand against their rivals. With the constructive outcomes that are depicted by proficient competitors, more youthful clients are regularly unconscious of the ramifications as long as possible. Numerous anabolic steroids supplement clients experience the ill effects of hypertension, which can prompt a lot of genuine ramifications and can't be fixed on the body of the client.

    Despite the fact that steroids identical to a lot of debate, it isn't liberated from results positive. In the event that you need to assemble muscle quick, anabolic steroids and enhancements is one approach to do as such. They were additionally utilized in an assortment of clinical medicines until it was restricted in 1988. Pediatricians utilized anabolic to invigorate development in kids with hindered development chemical. Specialists likewise have utilized steroids to help malignancy and AIDS patients increment their hunger and fabricate bulk. Up to this point, specialists additionally used to prompt pubescence in young men. Presently, clinical medicines use testosterone for this reason and to assist competitors with recuperating wounds.

    Enhancements of manufactured steroids are dubious on the grounds that they give expanded strength and bulk, yet at extraordinary expense to the wellbeing of the client. The normal way, in any case, might be less hurtful. Regardless, even common anabolic maltreatment can be inconvenient to their wellbeing and bodies. By and large, can be the master or mentor to exhort you and assist you with finding the most valuable type of lifting weights material to assist you with accomplishing the best outcomes.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Buy Modafinil Online – Buying pills like Modafinil is not easy. Are you trying to purchase modafinil online? If your answer is Yes, then you are in the right place. In this buyer’s guide, we are going to cover everything you need to know about the most popular nootropic in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Why Your Online Business Needs A WordPress Website

    The WordPress site framework is currently the most generally utilized site building stage on the web, with more than 22% of all dynamic areas utilizing it. This site program has the usefulness to assist your online business with procuring income also giving as a total substance the board framework.

    There are in excess of 75 million WordPress sites on the web and it is supposedly utilized by numerous lofty associations. On the off chance that it is adequate for them, it will doubtlessly be sufficient for your online business.

    A Flexible Website Builder.

    WordPress is an entirely adaptable program for an online business. You have the choice to post customary news things onto your site and make explicit item deals pages. You can decide to permit remarks on your pages which makes client created content as peruser's remarks. Updates can be planned for advance so that pages can go live at a pre-decided time and you can make certain pages private so just your clients with the particular URL can get to them.

    Creator Management.

    The program permits you to have numerous clients with various degrees of power. You can let others to make and add substance to your site without giving them full access rights to the whole site situation. You likewise can check and support any updates before they go live.

    wordpress website templates.

    At the point when a guest lands on your site, you just have seconds to dazzle them and convince them to remain. With the site layouts (called subjects) you can transfer an immense wide range of topics at the snap a catch. A few subjects are free and some have a little expense and there will be a topic that gives the look and highlights that you need for your online business. You can likewise effectively review and trade between subjects to see which one you like best.

    A WordPress Website Design To Suit You.

    The fundamental site download is a minimal programming system and you do have to add the additional items, or modules, to expand your site's abilities. Numerous modules are free and permit you to do various things including the formation of mailing records, contact structures, connect following, site design improvement frameworks, site investigation and the sky is the limit from there.

    Since there are so numerous WordPress sites on the web there are individuals everywhere on the world who create additional items, modules, topics for you to download to your site. What was once utilized for publishing content to a blog has now developed into an exceptionally incredible program to assist you with making a site that will attract the traffic and bring in cash for you.

    ReplyDelete
  23. testbankgo Testbank.Shop | For All Your Test Bank and Solution Manual Needs

    ReplyDelete
  24. If you're looking for free movies online feel free to visit the site. watch free movie online You can watch unlimited movies and tv shows without any registration. Bazflix has thousands of movies and tv shows online.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Finally, an experience that is as close to the plant as possible, delivered in a tasteful and convenient way.

    The MuhaMeds Vape comes in both 500mg and 1g cartridges, which last ~150 and ~300 puffs each. Once finished, simply disconnect from the battery unit and dispose of it. Each 4-second activation yields ~3.5mg of cannabis oil. muha carts

    We are also happy to let you know that Muha Meds products do not contain any additives, PG, VG, or vitamin E. So you can buy Muha Meds online at our shop and get it shipped to you anywhere in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Archie 420 Dispensary is a trusted Cannabis dispensary base in Los Angeles California USA. It is one of the top dispensary in this part of the country. They do deliver Marijuana in the USA and to over 25 countries in the world. You can always visit their dispensary in Los Angeles using the address on their website. Place your order and get served by the best dispensary in the planet. Have fun. Visit: Buy Pineapple Express weed online

    ReplyDelete
  27. Just 99 Web Design is a full-service digital marketing agency that provides local and nationwide businesses with affordable marketing solutions. Since 2016 Just 99 Web Design has been working with startups, small-to-medium-sized businesses on starting, growing, and sustaining a thriving business through digital marketing and branding. The company takes pride in delivering tangible and measurable results to help companies grow. website designer near me

    ReplyDelete
  28. Beter gevonden worden op Google is nu makkelijker dan ooit. Vandaag nog beginnen met Adwords? Neem dan direct contact met ons op! beginnen met adwords

    ReplyDelete
  29. Alluramin, produkt feromonowy dla par, jest wytwarzany z naturalnych źródeł roślinnych i został naukowo udowodniony, że jest silniejszy niż jego konkurenci. Te potężne feromony mogą pomóc poprawić twoje życie seksualne i wywołać zwiększone uczucie atrakcyjności. Stosowanie Alluraminu w życiu miłosnym może skutkować silniejszym fizycznym atrakcyjnością i silną komunikacją werbalną. Ten produkt sprawi, że poczujesz się niesamowicie i pachniesz. http://intymnosc.801a.info/feromony-meskie/

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our PayPal USA verified account

    ReplyDelete
  31. I’m excited to uncover this page. I need to to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! 룰렛

    ReplyDelete
  32. I’m very pleased to discover this site. I want to to thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely savored every part of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to see new information on your blog 스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  33. I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You Feel free to visit my website;

    ReplyDelete
  34. It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Maybe you can write next articles referring to thisarticle. I want to read even more things about it! Feel free to visit my website; 한국야동

    ReplyDelete
  35. Sweet blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you Also visit my site: Feel free to visit my website; 국산야동


    ReplyDelete
  36. Awesome dispatch! I am indeed getting apt to over this info, is truly neighborly my buddy. Likewise fantastic blog here among many of the costly info you acquire. Reserve up the beneficial process you are doing her e. Feel free to visit my website; 일본야동


    ReplyDelete
  37. This was an incredible post. Really loved studying your site post. Your data was very informative and helpful. I think you’ll proceed posting and updating frequently. Looking forward to your subsequent one. Feel free to visit my website; 일본야동

    ReplyDelete
  38. Residential and Commercial Demolition and Asbestos Removal company in Vancouver BC and nearby areas. Fully Licensed, Free Consultation Visit: Residential and Commercial Demolition and Asbestos Removal company in Vancouver BC and nearby areas. Fully Licensed, Free Consultation

    ReplyDelete
  39. I finally found what I was looking for! I'm so happy. 우리카지노


    ReplyDelete
  40. Líderes en productos Gamer y Electrónicos, Accesorios Tecnológicos, Audio, Electrodomésticos, Relojería, Smartphones, Despachamos a todo Chile en 24 horas Centec

    ReplyDelete
  41. Great Blog with lots of useful information Ac Repair in Hyderabad Thanks For Sharing such a informative blog.

    ReplyDelete
  42. https://gamezoom.xyz Getting a exercise lover can substantially enhance your muscle-building effects. Your lover could be a useful supply of enthusiasm for staying on your exercise routine program, and pushing anyone to increase your endeavours while you work out. Developing a trustworthy spouse to sort out with can also help make you stay risk-free since you will possess a spotter.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Gwaranacja 12 Mies. ! Kupując instagram followers u nas masz pewność natychmiastowej realizacji. Nasz automat działa 24/7 Najlepsza jakość do ceny. obserwujący na insta gramie.

    ReplyDelete
  44. "I like to look at an article that makes individuals think.토토사이트
    Besides, thank you for allowing me to remark!"

    ReplyDelete
  45. Freelancers Incubator is a European educational institution specializing in the field of freelancing and fersonal growth. Become a freelancer

    ReplyDelete
  46. The Cockeyed Pessimist: The Blind Leading The Blind >>>>> Download Now

    >>>>> Download Full

    The Cockeyed Pessimist: The Blind Leading The Blind >>>>> Download LINK

    >>>>> Download Now

    The Cockeyed Pessimist: The Blind Leading The Blind >>>>> Download Full

    >>>>> Download LINK 1X

    ReplyDelete
  47. Need professional WordPress Web Design Services? We're experts in developing attractive mobile-friendly WordPress websites for businesses. Contact us today! https://just99marketing.com/wordpress-web-design

    ReplyDelete
  48. 토토커뮤니티를 통해 안전한 토토사이트를 찾은 것은 매우 어려운 일입니다. 저희토토세일러는 까다로운 검증을 걸쳐 최대한 안전한 토토사이트, 메이저사이트, 안전놀이터를 여러분께 소개해드리는 것이 목표입니다.

    ReplyDelete