timothy j. lambert

I listened to Mark Doty talk about "the challenges of the memoir" yesterday. I could watch and listen to him for hours. Days, even. It must be wonderful to have him as a teacher. Though everything he said was geared to memoir writing, I could easily relate it to writing fiction and plan to use some of the things he talked about to develop future characters. Met Mr. Doty afterwards while smoking outside with Mark and Becky. I love it when I'm with Becky in these situations, because I can stand, gawping like a dolt in admiration, while she speaks for the both of us.

I was far better composed at the welcome party last night, though. It was held in the courtyard of the W hotel, which was a gorgeous setting. It reminded me of the birthday party scene in Prince's movie, Under the Cherry Moon. I spoke with many gifted and truly wonderful people. Too many to list here. After the party we--Becky, Mark, Lisa, Marika, David, 'Nathan, and FARB (or sometimes BARB)--went to dinner. Although, some of us had breakfast. Then we hung out in the courtyard of Lisa, 'Nathan, and David's hotel, which was breathtaking. It was like a small jungle. It reminded me of the place in the movie Crossroads where Britney and her friends stayed when they were in New Orleans. Their rooms were enormous, gorgeous, and made me feel as though I were not a girl, not yet a woman.

I think I know where we'll stay next year.