Thedirtyblonde: Welcome. You’re probably right that it was Z. We have a mutual admiration society thing going. Plus I think she’s hot as fuck, but don’t tell her I said that.

Roberta: The creepiness is entirely mutual.

^ this is why i like this blog.

[i feel like a creepy suck-up now.]

I always appreciate critical comments, even as they don’t give me the warm tickle of the loving comments - Jim’s right that they are important. Life’s not all warm tickles, as we well know.

That said, I don’t think I would choose not to say something a certain way because it sounds unnatural or because no one else would say it that way. On the contrary, I’m glad that my writing feels awkward or unnatural to some. I think that accurately reflects my reality.

Clarissa: Do they discuss writing style a lot in Ibiza? ;)

That’s odd Jim, ‘cause I feel I’m right all the time.

Firstly, the use of language - whether economical or (ahem) lavish - is surely a stylistic choice? A writer may be able to say something in three words, but it could well lack the style, creativity and personal touch they choose to give it by stating the same thought in nine words or more. If everything is going to be about being concise - saying something in as few words as possible - then most writers may as well give up now and get jobs as estate agents. (Okay, estate agents may not be a good example in the current economic climate.)

Secondly, as a reader of this piece, I don’t think the phrase ‘I am spent’, which you suggest, would be nearly as clear as the line that Ani chose to open with. Certain details may indeed be filled in later in the paragraph, but I think this opening line sets out the idea perfectly. Indeed, ‘I am spent’ would open itself to many more interpretations that would then become confused with the details that are revealed later.

Just my view, of course.

Chris: My toes are positively wiggling with glee.

L: Me leiste la mente, bella. At one point I had a couple of sentences in there about drunk tattoos which I couldn’t make work. Now, I am thinking the bosom, but that would be completely selfish as it doesn’t make for a very classy look.

Jack: Well, I *have* been trying to get more protein in my diet … fact. ;)

I can SEE this. This is just
beautiful. But you’re not next
to me. But I would like to be
the meat in that sandwich…

I thought long and hard about this.

Feet.

Are the thing.

Feet are the new black.

x

Yes, but you’re not looking a day over eighty-four, that’s the main thing.

“Next to you, I am three-year old worn panties.”

I recommend Cillit Bang.