We sang “Happy Birthday” to Sarah Selecky at the Station House last night. We kind of forgot Sarah was vegan. The cake was for the party, it just wasn’t for Sarah. But, it was delicious, very lemony.
If Sarah were a cake, I would say she is a money cake (how come no one makes those anymore?). She is a surprise. She is a gift. She is as sparkly as a new loonie.
I’ve taken a lot of courses and workshops, so while I was excited about the one-on-one sessions, I didn’t really expect to Sarah to have anything too new to say about writing. If I come away from each session with one little tidbit, even if it’s just a reminder, I thought, I’ll be satisfied. Ha! I’m like Levi after his first day of Kindergarten.
Last night’s lesson was about creating subtext in dialogue. We were each given a character and a desire. We had to write four lines of dialogue. In the first line, the reader does not know the desire. Second, it is hinted at. Third it is suggested. Fourth, it is stated clearly. Then with a partner, we read our lines alternating between our characters.
Since I botched the in-class exercise, I thought I’d try again. Here’s the result (my prompt is a question Sarah asked at our first workshop: How are you and writing doing these days?)
Writing: With Levi starting Kindie, all the kids are in school now.
Karen: Didn’t I just vacuum in here yesterday?
Writing: Karen, bring your coffee and sit with me before you get too busy.
Karen: Last night’s dishes are still in the sink.
Writing: We missed date night again last week.
Karen: Do I really have to fold the kids’ clothes? I mean, couldn’t I just toss them in the drawers?
Writing: You always say we’ll sit down after the kids go to bed, but then you’re too tired.
Karen: Housework is so tedious. I’m meant for bigger things!
Writing: Karen, we need more time for us.
Karen: I want my housekeeper back.
~ Third time festival goer, second time writer-in-residence student, first time blogger,
Karen McLeod
