Monthly Archives: January 2011

Chautauqua Documentary Airs

Posted on January 30, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

I’ve done some of my best writing, and thinking, at Chautauqua Institution in New York. For much of my life, I attended part of the nine-week summer season each year, participating in the Boys and Girls Club, making life-long friends, … Continue reading →

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Preschooler Wisdom

Posted on January 28, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

I loved my political theory class at Montclair Kimberley Academy. One of the things we discussed in great detail was the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law. This morning, my husband donned his Flying Spaghetti Monster … Continue reading →

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Reading in Progress

Posted on January 26, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

I’m reading four books. One is my friend Jackie Shannon Hollis’ as-yet-unpublished manuscript, At the Wheat Line. I’m savoring each scene, her lovely voice and Carly trying to make sense of her own life after her mother’s death. Hopefully I’ll … Continue reading →

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Two Recommendations

Posted on January 24, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

So far, 2011 is shaping up to be an excellent reading year. It’s still January and I’ve discovered two new favorites. One is Julia Glass’ The Widower’s Tale, a compelling, multi-dimensional story that reminded me why she’s consistently on my top-author list. … Continue reading →

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Dirty Laundry

Posted on January 22, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

My ancient Crown Frigidaire washing machine was carted off this week. In its place is a shiny white Whirpool Cabrio with lid lock and lots of options. While I’ve heard complaints about the new high-efficiency machines, mine–along with getting my … Continue reading →

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The Interviewer Gets Interviewed

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

I’ve spent much of my newspaper career asking people questions and transforming their answers into a story. Fellow fiction writer Sarah Cypher turned the tables this week, though, and interviewed me over on her blog. You can see the results … Continue reading →

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A Sentence That Changes the Story

Posted on January 12, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

I’ve spent six years working on Body Copy, my most recently completed novel, and I still remember bringing an early piece of it to the Pinewood Table group, facilitated by Stevan Allred and Joanna Rose, my amazing mentors. It was … Continue reading →

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Before and After

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Laura Stanfill

Some objects are more important than others. Take this Starbucks coffee cup, one of two sent to us by my husband’s friend in Korea. We’ve enjoyed the significance of the gift as much as the object itself. Often in fiction, … Continue reading →

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