Feb 18, 2018 | Current Ned Note, On Writing
published on Toni Morrison’s birthday: February 18, 1931 I’ve been pondering writing a new novel that illuminates a horrific period in my family’s heritage. As I re-read Toni Morrison’s Beloved, it became clear to me that her techniques of emotional withholding...
Feb 9, 2018 | Current Ned Note, On Writing, Past Notes
A reader on the crowd-sourcing platform Quora asked a question about how to deepen their reading practices and read beyond just mere plot. Here’s a post I made in reply that provided some hints and strategies for deepening one’s reading practice and...
Feb 5, 2018 | Current Ned Note, Past Notes, Poetry
Black History Month: February Middle Passage Robert Hayden I Jesús, Estrella, Esperanza, Mercy: Sails flashing to the wind like weapons, sharks following the moans the fever and the dying; horror the corposant and compass rose. Middle Passage: voyage...
Jan 28, 2018 | Current Ned Note, Past Notes, Poetry
Black History Month: February Phenomenal Woman Maya Angelou Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size But when I start to tell them, They think I’m telling lies. I say, It’s in the reach of...
Jan 23, 2018 | Current Ned Note, On Writing, Past Notes
Posted on the day Ursula Le Guin died October 21, 1929 – January 22, 2018 I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Ursula Le Guin. In honor of her legacy, here’s an excerpt from acceptance speech when she received the National Book Foundation’s Medal...
