Here’s a writing exercise I haven’t given to any of my classes (yet), mostly because I’m not sure when they’ll be driving. Stop at a historical marker. It may be one you pass on a regular basis without sopping or one that you see on a trip. Read the marker and look around you. NoteContinue reading “Historical Markers”
Author Archives: Kendall Dunkelberg
Morning Walk in Snow
This morning was a rare snowy day in Columbus, Mississippi, and Zinneke and I took our usual walk along the Riverwalk. On the way, all was quiet. Not many vehicles on the street, and only a few pedestrians. Some of our friends were down near the river, sledding with kayaks. Once we got to theContinue reading “Morning Walk in Snow”
New Year’s (blog) Resolution
Early this New Year’s morning, I had a dream of teaching a creative writing class in an apartment. All my students showed up gradually, starting at 1:00 a.m., since the class time hadn’t been announced. I had them all do calisthenics to warm up and dreamt up several ideas for class. I probably won’t makeContinue reading “New Year’s (blog) Resolution”
Comfort Food: Pumpkin Bread
Everyone has their own ideas about comfort food. I know I certainly have my old stand-by’s, dishes that I gravitate to when I need that little something extra. Often those are the foods of our childhood, but now and then we find new ones. Risotto is one of our faves for its rich, creamy texture,Continue reading “Comfort Food: Pumpkin Bread”
A few thoughts on eBooks
A student in one of my classes has started bringing a funny little book to class — her Kindle. She loves it, and I can see the allure (especially given the weight of most students’ backpacks), but we’ve come across a problem. Her Kindle editions don’t include the original page numbers! So how can sheContinue reading “A few thoughts on eBooks”
Finding Myself
One of the joys and pains of authorship is finding yourself in print. Of course, it is a joy when you have slaved over a manuscript and seen it through to publication. Nothing compares to the moment a new book comes out or a poem appears in a magazine. But is it vain or isContinue reading “Finding Myself”
It Could Have Been Music
As I turn from grading exams and essays back to getting ready for this year’s Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium, coming up in less than two weeks, I am thinking about this year’s theme. It could have been a musical theme, at least judging by our poets. Shirlette Ammons’ book includes an extended play CD withContinue reading “It Could Have Been Music”
Front Row Happiness
My internal geek is happy. I finally found the solution I’ve been looking for, and it’s been right there all along — an overlooked piece of Apple software, Front Row. (Click on the icon to see what Apple has to say about it.) When we first bought the Mini, I knew it came with FR,Continue reading “Front Row Happiness”
The Real Point
I’ve been thinking about my last post, and though I’m happy with what I wrote, I do feel I fell into the trap that most educators get caught in when talking about the value of what they do. We tend to think of the future. We educate students so they can go out into theContinue reading “The Real Point”
What’s the point?
At the beginning of the semester, I sometimes stop to wonder what is the point to this education thing, especially for undergraduate creative writers. Often at AWP conferences, panels bemoan the number of writing programs out there (usually MFA programs but it applies to undergrad as well) and lament the prospects for their students. SomeContinue reading “What’s the point?”
Kendall Dunkelberg 