Lilly commented on Brenda DoHarris's response:
Do I sense a bit of snobbery? Or is it just me? What's with the "due to" and "caused by" and "because as experienced teachers of English, they had a very clear understanding of my literary intention"
Get a hold of yourself. There are so many other experienced teachers of English who also found your novel was a molasses read.
Lilly,
No, I don’t see snobbery in DoHarris’s comment on my interpretation of her words. Writers are like that. They are fervently attached to the words they write, and to the meanings they attach to those words. DoHarris is no different.
On the other hand, there may be some attempt on her part to belittle my views in suggesting that I don’t have enough teaching experience (as Birbalsingh for instance) to understand her literary intentions. I am not bothered by that. I review as an interested reader and consumer (which I’m sure she appreciates). Besides, it doesn't take years of teaching to recognize an author's use of devices to a rather meagre literary end.
Birbalsingh and Sukhdeo (who both identify her literary devices) suggest Doharris's major "literary intent" is to chronicle the period of which she writes. I suggest a female-centered, ethnic, coming of age literary attempt. They appear enthusiastic about her efforts; I am not.
I anticipate I’ll get a lot of what-I-Intended-to-do since I am inviting all the writers I review to write back.
But, (unless I specifically ask) overall I place the value of a writer's DECLARATION of his or her literary intentions somewhere next to his or her favorite breakfast menu---yep, waaaaayyyyy waaaaayyyyy down at the bottom of my list of noteworthy things.
Thanks for stopping by Lilly
