Comments for Mormon Renaissance

Comment on Writing Salon: Creative Writing at BYU by writer

writer — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:30:38 +0000

I realize this is a little late, but I’d like to respond to the question:

“What I’d really like to ask, point blank: do you feel that BYU is helping you to improve your writing and progress towards publication?”

which was then answered with this comment:

“I’m getting most of that out of the political science department, not the English department–not because the English department isn’t that good, but because the political science department expands my mind and gets me asking questions about the world.”

I can see where onelowerlight is coming from, as I get material from Earth Sciences classes, but what you’re referring to is really material, and not writing better or publishing. As writers, we are responsible for putting good stuff in our heads. We then take that stuff and make something out of it. A Creative Writing Program helps writers to be more effective sayers of whatever it is they say. It certainly won’t and shouldn’t tell you what to say. If you have nothing to say, then work on saying nothing interestingly. Eventually, you’ll say something.

As far as the BYU faculty, I don’t know. But as of Fall 2009, BYU is offering, officially, a CW MFA.

Comment on Review: New Play Project’s Lost & Found by khairilz

khairilz — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:02:14 +0000

Nice Info, I will visit again. Thanks For sharing the information

Comment on Mormon “Home Literature” and Romantic Fiction by wooden driveway gates

wooden driveway gates — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:56:35 +0000

I don’t normally comment on blogs but your post was a real help. Thank you for a great topic, I will be sure to bookmark your site and check it out again. Cheers, Amy xXx.

Comment on Review: New Play Project’s Lost & Found by Doug & Laurel

Doug & Laurel — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:15:06 +0000

Hi
I stumbled across your blog on LDS BLOGS. I thought you mighe be interested in a site my wife and I just built called MormonsMadeSimple.com, which uses simple, explanatory videos to explain the Mormon faith. Feel free to feature any of these videos on your blog, or just share them with non-member friends. We’re hoping these videos will be missionary tools to help members share their beliefs. Anyway, sorry to spam your comments section. I couldn’t find any contact information for you on your blog.

- Doug & Laurel

Comment on The Individual or the Group as Basis for Mormon Art? by Herman Doyle

Herman Doyle — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:52:31 +0000

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Comment on Heidegger and Mormonism: A Possible Literary Aesthetic by Carter Frederick

Carter Frederick — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:03:10 +0000

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Comment on Nostalgia Unleashed by Carroll Patterson

Carroll Patterson — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:01:16 +0000

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Comment on The “Great Mormon Author” by Ulysses Blake

Ulysses Blake — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:20:07 +0000

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Comment on Writing Salon: Creative Writing at BYU by Heidi Harvey

Heidi Harvey — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:04:22 +0000

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Comment on Mormon “Home Literature” and Romantic Fiction by L.M. Steen

L.M. Steen — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:37:13 +0000

As a new writer of an old subject, I’m convinced that the romance genre, even in it’s finest form, seems to be something we need as humans. The Bible is full of love stories whether good or bad. Our lives are pointed toward it and the Lord instituted the feelings between a man and a woman right from the Garden. To say that such feelings shouldn’t or don’t exist seems to be contrary to the human necessity of being loved. Also something we have been given by our Father.

The solution might be to have well-written novels that acknowledge the need to be loved, the need to be touched, and the practical needs in life that we all face, while drawing from a deeper well within the reader that reflects the spirit in all things.

A huge difference exists, however, in the general market versus the LDS market. My novel, as that of other LDS writers of “romance”, does not associate the use of blatant sexual content. To do so confuses the lines between real romance and loving, which should continue after marriage, through marriage, and stay with us in the hereafter. That, and the laughter.

That said, we then need the Steinbecks to write the books. Men and women who are far better trained than this older woman who writes what she’s seen in life. Add to that a generation that has been raised to appreciate a good book and actually read it.