Would love to read Jane Austen’s take on our contemporary life.

I don’t think I knew that pens without drug names on them existed until I was in high school.

This was the first year that I unequivocally felt glad that I didn’t go.

I get more positive rejuvenation from our Utah Geek Dinners when you attend than I could ever get from a free video camera in a SWAG bag.

I think you’re right. Emily wouldn’t have set foot in Chicago this year. Jane Austen, on the other hand, would have been there, skewering the activities with a razor-sharp wit.

I think Dick likes it too.

So, I have never even been a part of a book club, though I am joining one next month. I confess usually I end up reading old Harlequin romances in my free time. Such wonderful cliches of domineering men and virginal super-women.

PS – Must say I also like the formality of “Mr. Bennett” vs. the casual reference of “Dick.” See you sometime, Ms. Jane.

On my site design and header, thank you. I love it. I love a lot of clean empty white space, and I LOVE the header Alma Loveland (checkout her site by clicking on the “design by” button on the right sidebar) drew for me. LOVE it.

That actual phrase, however, was one I coined back in 1999. My thesis was actually accepted as a paper at the 1999 Emily Dickinson conference in Amherst, but Mr. Bennet and I went to Japan instead that summer, to teach English. Sometimes I wish I’d kept up in the academic world, but after awhile, there’s only so much to say, even about Emily Dickinson (I mean, if you’re not interested in establishing that she was a lesbian or something).

By the way, I’ve been thinking about becoming a “commentor” instead of a blogger. Think there are any sponsors willing to support someone who just loves to feed off what others post?

AND, another observation: As a teacher of students ranging from 6th to 11th grades as well as teachers of all grades, I’ve learned that writers love comments about their writing. Of course, students only want to receive positive responses while “mature” writers say they welcome all observations. SO, I think there’s a place for “professional” commentors, don’t you?

Yes, sometimes I wonder when voices sound so similar, but I think this has been somewhat of a literary trend throughout time. Certain metaphors and forms of humor are popular, and we imitate the writing we like either on purpose or accidentally. (At least I try to — I mean in the sense of trying to improve, you know?).

Oh, and swag is anything you’re given at a conference or event, from sponsors or companies hoping that you’ll blog positively about their product. The best swag I’ve gotten so far (though since it came in the mail I’m not sure it technically qualifies, but it was free product), was no-wedgie panties from Hanes for Sally. Came just in time for back-to-school last year.

(Hello? Hanes? Can you hear me? School is about to start again, and my kids are still growing.)

Finally, I should mention my collegiate career more often. It was very impressive. (very). (oh yes).

Don’t you feel, however, that sometimes blogs start sounding so much like all the others in their genre, that you wonder if one person is authoring them all? (Impossible, I know, but it’s interesting to find a common voice in so many – give or take a few profanities.)

Lastly, I am so impressed with the topic of your honors thesis – anything that includes Emily D. is impressive.