[KEZ]

I don't normally touch short stories. I'm a fan of the epic tales myself, in case you hadn't noticed. But, *sigh* class assignment.

After 3 weeks of reading shorts about suicide, divorce and alcoholism, I decided enough was enough. I'm the only non-major in the course though, so I can only hope it's up to par ><

http://warofwinds.com/p/graysky.htm

My Gray Skies, a slight coming of age story about a boy on a island who thinks he's a man, who thinks he's in love, and who goes sailing. Tell me whatcha think! It's a short one.
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"Find what you're following and chase it down."

[Wayfarer]

Hey!

I couldn't help the urge to just post: Kez, as far as the class is concerned, you have my deepest sympathies. I took "advanced creative writing" my last semester, thinking it would actually be an enjoyable class ( ). I think I could count on two hands the number of stories that didn't revolve around one or more of the drugs, sex, and death theme trio (and if I didn't count my own, I'd almost certainly be down to one hand ). I had about as much basis for enjoying (and to certain extents, appreciating) some of those stories as my classmates had for appreciating mine... which was very little either way. That class contributed in a major way to my final school burnout .

So stay strong! Continue resisting the current general addiction to the "dark, gritty, depressing" cliche!

On the story itself, I think the thing that struck me most (and what I enjoyed most) about it was the tone. I think what it reminded me of was a fairy tale: a somewhat distant narrator perspective, a rather summary manner of narrative; but combining those traits in such a way that it feels like being told by a campfire or hearthfire. Not a common style or tradition at the moment, but still a good and interesting one.

Thinking in the manner of critiques a class like mine might have brought up, I might anticipate commentary on the theme being cliche. Of course, ironically enough, it would be no more cliche than the dark, depressing themes that seem to be so popular. I also wouldn't be surprised if some didn't find what I called the "fairy tale style" to be as enjoyable or worthwhile as I do. These are just guesses (perhaps slightly educated), though, so moving on...

As far as my opinions...

I would've liked seeing the "I'm not most people" thread come back in at the end in some way - I see it at the beginning and brought out in the middle, but I don't see it incorporated into the conclusion, so I think that idea thread feels unfinished or unfulfilled to me.

I did, however, like the character portrayal/development in Becca and Davi. In both cases, I felt it was shown rather subtly and elegantly - a very few lines of dialogue that reveal a great deal in a nicely indirect manner.

Okay, all done now. Disappearing into lurkdom again to resurface on equally random occasions .

[KEZ]

Ah, perfect, thanks Wayf! I had let someone else read it, but kept getting "urm, I dunno! I just like it!" comments, hehehe. I'm expecting to get slammed for not doing something "serious, and of literary merit," but, eh, I loved writing it. That's what matters for me. I write what I like to read, not what will leave a lasting impact on some poor soul's psyche.

[BarbJacobs]

I really enjoyed this story, Kez! If I get a moment this week, I will put my thoughts down- there were so many things I liked about it.

I hope that they appreciate it in your writing group! Angst is not a requirement for brilliant writing, nor does it equate genius.

~B

[KEZ]

Thanks Babs! :3
_________________
"Find what you're following and chase it down."