It's inspiring in a way, watching writers write. I don't mean sitting by them and staring as they clickety pickety tuck tuck tuck, back space, delete, delete... But watching their angst, and effort as they squeeze into their characters' heads and souls. All of my kids are writers and artists and each struggles mightily like Homer Simpson as he wrestled with an object yelling, "Why won't you be art?"This sketch shows son, Ben getting into character. There be coffee of course. But what you don't see are the dog buscuits he just scarfed, or his teeth marks on the coffee table. And the fire hydrant...I don't even want to go there. But Ben holds his cards close, so I am always blown away when I finally get a peek at what he has been up to.
I don't want to jinx him, but the novel he is working on is somewhere between Hemingway and the Hardy Boys, William Carlos Williams and Martha Stewart's jail journal. The Desert Fathers and those little Hubba Bubba comic wrappers. You rock Ben.
21 comments:
Can't wait to get a peek of the genius that is Ben!
William Carlos Williams meets Martha Stewart's Jail Journal.....Wow! Seriously, that is one book I want to read!
I have enjoyed reading Ben's blog. Now I get to enjoy yours, too!
Shelley
Me too Jolie, but you need to know that around here there is often a faint sound of drumming? Like "duddla,duddla,duddla..." And when you find the source, it turns out to be our whole fam, thrumming their finnies, eagerly awaiting YOUR novel (or picture book). You have been such an encouragement and gift to us all, which is great, but we want to read Jolie's fab book. "have you read the Jolie novel, you fool?" "Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I have. I have a signed copy right here!" "Well, what did you tnink, are you smitten, or what?" "Are you kidding?, Smitten?, I have practically turned to marmalade. In fact I Fed-Xed a copy to Her Majesty. And one to Michelle. And Oprah, which wasn't really necessary, since I think Jolie is on her show next week...
Make that "think". You see I am all flustered just thinking about your book. But I may save "tnink" to use at a later date.
Yes, Shelly, William and Martha are on board. Thanks for being you and fanning our blog flames.We very much enjoy your blog as well, although I steer clear of General Dismay. As for Private Agenda, he is always in good company with himself. Although, Major Sarcasm is cool, and we are pretty tight, yeah right.
I'll bet your family gatherings are amazing! With you all so artsy and creative....
You've got me hooked! Love the picture too.
Tara, they are amazing, though they sometimes resemble the zoo (hence the title of my blog)
Thanks Kjersten. Ditto. Susi is currently working on hand made boxes, and loves looking at your work.
right on. i love that he is a Ben in a wolf's costume. Kinda fitting, I'd say. He is one big old toothy-grinned, giant-hearted genius, to be sure! If he could just stop blogging for half a second he could get some chapters done... ;)
Fiddle-dee-dee...
Love the pic. Can tell from Ben's blog that his novel will rock!
What I've read of the novel DOES rock! I can't wait to read more!
Thanks Corey, I know he truly appreciates your friendship and encouragement.
Martha, he was so lucky to have your input. He is on a roll, and it is exciting to see snatches of the book as it grows.
*You* both rock!
this is lovely. A proud dad extolling the genius of his son. I have to say tho, that i don't tink its just you being proud. From what i've read of his blog, i'm sure his book will be great. Can't wait to read it.
Thanks for the kind words, Monica. It should be good, and a hoot. With all this bloggio-accountability it now needs to be really good, or he's going to have some 'splaining to do.
I love your description Richard!
It's a sparkly day and I am off to teach an outdoor art class. Actually I am testing how to post a comment with a new identity.
Thanks for following me!
Your blog is rocking!
I love this sketch and can't wait to see/read Ben's novel. Speaking of Hemingway, he was once described as an international bar fly-glad Ben is sticking coffee and the dog suit.
Happy summer! There are lots of comments about Hemingway lately. Just saw a good but slightly depressing film called Wrestling with Hemingway.
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