I'm not a fan of derivative fiction, but response can be powerful, and thanks to the great writers who inspire us. Many years ago, as a final project for a master's class in writing, I was tasked with writing a story in response to another. I chose "I Stand Here Ironing" by the great Tillie Olsen. Powerful evocation of a mother's fear for her daughter growing into an inhospitable world. I wrote a story about a black single mother whose white husband had abandoned her and her three children years before. She lived day to day, paycheck to paycheck, her only respite the two or three times a week, after work, she took a run. When the harsh reality of the world invades, she stays close to home, knowing she will never run again, and we know, without something to call her own, she will at best languish and at worst perish. The story eventually turned into my first novel. Response is a terrific prompt. randykraft.substack.com
I'm not a fan of derivative fiction, but response can be powerful, and thanks to the great writers who inspire us. Many years ago, as a final project for a master's class in writing, I was tasked with writing a story in response to another. I chose "I Stand Here Ironing" by the great Tillie Olsen. Powerful evocation of a mother's fear for her daughter growing into an inhospitable world. I wrote a story about a black single mother whose white husband had abandoned her and her three children years before. She lived day to day, paycheck to paycheck, her only respite the two or three times a week, after work, she took a run. When the harsh reality of the world invades, she stays close to home, knowing she will never run again, and we know, without something to call her own, she will at best languish and at worst perish. The story eventually turned into my first novel. Response is a terrific prompt. randykraft.substack.com