We’re experiencing an unusually cool few days here (outside Orlando), so it’s a nice time to catch up on what the 2 Rules contributors have shared this week. We published our most widely read piece so far–you’ll have to keep reading to find out which one it was. It’s also been nice to check out the 30 Days, 30 Poems selections again. Cool weather makes the perfect environment for cuddling with cats and for us to talk about what kinds of things we might want to do in the future here with 2 Rules of Writing, too. We’re keeping busy, and working to bring you the kind of great writing you come here for. We’re glad you’re here and we hope you keep coming back.
Monday
I didn’t know any queer adults.
Except that’s not really true.
I didn’t know that I knew queer adults. But they were there.
On Monday Erika brought us a heartfelt confessional piece about the struggles of growing up queer without queer role models Erika also explains why the misuse of the word “grooming” is dangerous. At a time where people are trying to debate the humanity of queer people, you may find yourself moving from “ally” to “activist” after reading this piece.
Tuesday
Even as I am writing this I have to take a moment to let the pleasure of memory wash over me before I can continue.
Adam’s fourth letter from Bangalore takes us deeper into the world of Indian cuisine. Immerse yourself in the whole sensory experience of eating and food while you discover some things about the differences between northern and southern Indian foods. You’ll also find some recommendations for wonderful food-related Bollywood films. Also, what food-post would be complete without a recipe?
Wednesday
Explore, excavate, then explicate.
Find your own voice.
Join poet, teacher and 2 Rules contributor Huiwen Shi as she teaches Shirley Jackson’s short story “The Lottery.” In this classroom visit, Wen brings us a Billy Collins-inspired poem about what can happen as a result of rules and competition between students. There’s real frustration and sadness here as we see how these structures can interfere with some of the real lessons. There’s also the opportunity for Wen to vent her frustrations through some really great writing.
Friday
Erika: Alas, poor Shakespeare. Love is, indeed, love. And pirates are sometimes gay.
Adam: But yeah. I had this vision that I would be able to spend a good chunk of the flight reading. Reader, I did not. I did get through about 50 pages. But there was something about the writing. Atmospheric. Descriptive. Beautiful. Uneasy.
On Friday, as usual, we brought you our Watch/Listen/Read recommendations. Both Erika and Adam have Shakespeare on their minds this week, although in very different contexts. The music recommendations are really all over the map: from Bach to Anoushka Shankar to Broadway and more. We really try to make sure there’s something in Watch/Listen/Read for everyone and this week seems to be an especially good way to sample a little of this and a little of that. Great music comes in all styles. Great writing does, too.
Saturday
But how does it feel?
Sensory details are an important part of how a writer creates the world around you. The Cat Crew wants to know about how you use sensory details to create your world. Are you sparse with your details, leaving the reader to fill things in? Are you going to tell us about the exact shade of crimson on banner? It sometimes seems like mouse-milking to concentrate so strongly on such small details. But the cats like mouse-milking. It combines two of their favorite things in life. Not to mention that that kind of attention to details is what makes for strong writing. Read more and share your thoughts with us for Caturday.
Looking ahead
Coming up this week we continue our celebration of poetry. Adam and Erika will bring you new writing. We’ll have a new entry from John Saward and more from Erik Piece, too. The cats will be back on Saturday too, with their latest question.
Make sure you‘re all caught up with your favorite 2 Rules writers and features by checking out all of our Sunday Summary posts.