Open Creative Non-Fiction Writing

Bob,

The opening paragraphs come off a bit too abstract for me; I have trouble connecting things together. After that, however, the narrative is fascinating, delving into various histories and ending with a highly intriguing juxtaposition of outsider perspectives. I like the VP character; he adds color, a different view, a foil for narrator to express his true feelings regarding Jefferson st. I’d like to see more of it.

Most of my comments are in-line here, CNF – Week 2 – Jefferson Street 2- Bob Metry – JP comments, but I am very interested in the expanded history of narrator’s family. I would write more about the mother and step mother, and the roles each played in his life. Have you read Middlesex by Eugenides? It’s fiction, I know, but it is epic, just as I feel your family’s history must be. I would highly recommend it.

I also want the scene(s) with Ida described, as she seems the only person left living on Jefferson street. The phone calls, the in-home visits—what exactly do they talk about, and how do they interact? Etc. I hope your endeavors develop into a longer story…