We had our first critique session with Terry Bisson today, whose approach is quite a bit different from Pat Wrede's. Where Pat seemed to focus more on story mechanics and motivations, Terry seems to be more concerned with the big picture. What is the story trying to say, and did the author succeed? We're looking at larger issues now, which is good; it's a natural progression of the workshop. He's also very focused on the economy of prose, about saying exactly what you want to say in as few words as possible. The workshop has taken on a different tone now, a more serious let's-really-get-down-to-business tone than before.

At one of the breaks between critiques, I told him about how I appreciated that he had responded to me when I had emailed him a few times in the past. I was certain he wouldn't remember (and I was right), but he seemed pleased that I had contacted him.

For lunch, a group of us walked down to Panchero's, a cool Mexican restaurant on Grand River Avenue. It was nice to have a change of pace. Not that the food in the cafeteria is bad, but they tend to serve the same things over and over. I need a little variety now and then.

On the way back, we stopped in The Curious Book Shop, and I bought another book, a new one this time: Meet Me in the Moon Room by Ray Vukcevich, published by those nice folks at Small Beer Press. I saw it in there the first time we went, and decided this time to get it. I'm glad I brought an extra empty bag for all this stuff I'm getting.

We got another three stories to critique today, including one of mine, "Erin, Yes", the all-dialogue story (I was able to get it up to 1200 words, btw). We have overflowed again, with three ready for Wednesday already. If this keeps up, we may have to put a cap on the number of stories each person can submit, which seems incredible to me. Prolific group we have here.