Yesterday I took a master class with Kathryn Davis, through A Public Space. It was based on her theory that the first book a writer loves as a child will appear in some form in everything that person writes for the rest of their lives. I signed up for the class because I’m a big fan of Davis’s work, and would gladly hear what she had to say about anything at all about writing, really. I wasn’t sure if I agreed with her theory of the long-lasting impact of first bookish loves, but I went into it with an open mind, completely willing to let her convince me. I mean...she’s Kathryn Davis. She’s a genius. Unfortunately, the structure and length of the class didn’t really allow her the time and space to fully make her argument. It felt like we barely scratched the surface. I went into the class unsure if I agreed and left it still unsure.
I can see the influence more in my life than perhaps in my work? Secret Garden, My Side of the Mountain, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Jane Eyre -- each of them about kids (young women) building a home out of unlikely materials, finding their people, and those people are never the "adults". Absolute fracture between world of adults, where danger and punishment live, and the world of nature where you might die, but it wouldn't be from malice (see Blair Braverman on this topic).
I think the first book I loved was Winnie the Pooh but looking back now I think it was my favorite because my father bought it for me and I spent many years of my childhood away from him. And also because Piglet lived in a house with a sign that read ‘Mr Sanders’ over it and that was my father’s name. I’m still a huge fan of the book and it’s sweetness.
I can see the influence more in my life than perhaps in my work? Secret Garden, My Side of the Mountain, Island of the Blue Dolphins, Jane Eyre -- each of them about kids (young women) building a home out of unlikely materials, finding their people, and those people are never the "adults". Absolute fracture between world of adults, where danger and punishment live, and the world of nature where you might die, but it wouldn't be from malice (see Blair Braverman on this topic).
This is really fascinating to think about..
I think the first book I loved was Winnie the Pooh but looking back now I think it was my favorite because my father bought it for me and I spent many years of my childhood away from him. And also because Piglet lived in a house with a sign that read ‘Mr Sanders’ over it and that was my father’s name. I’m still a huge fan of the book and it’s sweetness.