Those two semesters working with you set me on my slow, but steady, course. Even tonight, I'm teaching a class called "Conflict and Desire" and will credit the Doug Glover method as the foundation for everything they'll be learning about narrative structure. Beyond your wonderful teaching, you always made me feel seen in the best way. I will be publishing my first novel in July. It's got Copula Spiders crawling all over it, and I thank you for that. Here's to your long and wonderful career at VCFA and all the good stuff ahead.
Thank you for these memories! My first residency was in the summer, several years before you. I arrived to dozens of people embracing and all asking in the exact same happy tone of voice, "How was your semester?" I thought, OMG, this is a cult and I thought about turning around the getting the hell out of there. I quickly became a committed cult member. I miss it - and you all.
Loved reading this. I also arrived in or just after a storm, making my way to the office through snow, and seeing Fred Ziemann and no one else. (No beard Icicles, I don't think, but just as welcoming a presence.) Please do share more memories. I very much miss VC. And I understand about endings, too. Finishing my show soon, after fifteen years and over 550 interviews. I think you were in a few of them! Much love and a big hug to you, Doug. Not an easy decision for you, I'm sure.
I remember when we first met I stuck my tongue out at you (before I knew you were from Canada). You from here, living there. Me from there, living here. We kind of cancelled each other out. I cracked up when I saw you lugging a corduroy husband pillow (husbandry pillow? I scoffed) to your car. But I have one now. All the best writers do. Happy trails, dg
I am honored to be included (and hyperlinked, ha) in these memories. You remain the best teacher I've ever had. When people ask me how I was able to write my first novel so young, I tell them that Doug Glover dared me to quit, so I had to finish it. ;) When students ask if they should request you as their advisor I say: Don't be fooled, he's terrifying but also one of the sweetest, most generous men I've ever known. Best of luck with the next chapter, my friend.
Just delicious, Douglas. Thank you for conjuring all these legendary people and moments. Sounds so marvelous; but you have a way of bringing out the excitement in anything you touch! A great gift. I am honored to have been part of Numero Cinq (never knew where its name came from!) and to be, somehow, a part of this lineage of scrappy singers. I am hoping that now that you are indigent and abstinent/obstinate you will have a wee bit more time and I can join you for a walk or get you over here for tea....!
Those two semesters working with you set me on my slow, but steady, course. Even tonight, I'm teaching a class called "Conflict and Desire" and will credit the Doug Glover method as the foundation for everything they'll be learning about narrative structure. Beyond your wonderful teaching, you always made me feel seen in the best way. I will be publishing my first novel in July. It's got Copula Spiders crawling all over it, and I thank you for that. Here's to your long and wonderful career at VCFA and all the good stuff ahead.
Thank you for these memories! My first residency was in the summer, several years before you. I arrived to dozens of people embracing and all asking in the exact same happy tone of voice, "How was your semester?" I thought, OMG, this is a cult and I thought about turning around the getting the hell out of there. I quickly became a committed cult member. I miss it - and you all.
«I thought I had died and gone to writer heaven.»
NC pulled me through some dark places and pushed me into others (in a good way). I almost figured out where you hid the Talisker…
Thanks for the ride, captain.
Loved reading this. I also arrived in or just after a storm, making my way to the office through snow, and seeing Fred Ziemann and no one else. (No beard Icicles, I don't think, but just as welcoming a presence.) Please do share more memories. I very much miss VC. And I understand about endings, too. Finishing my show soon, after fifteen years and over 550 interviews. I think you were in a few of them! Much love and a big hug to you, Doug. Not an easy decision for you, I'm sure.
I remember when we first met I stuck my tongue out at you (before I knew you were from Canada). You from here, living there. Me from there, living here. We kind of cancelled each other out. I cracked up when I saw you lugging a corduroy husband pillow (husbandry pillow? I scoffed) to your car. But I have one now. All the best writers do. Happy trails, dg
What an excellent read! I'm so glad such a place and times existed.
I am honored to be included (and hyperlinked, ha) in these memories. You remain the best teacher I've ever had. When people ask me how I was able to write my first novel so young, I tell them that Doug Glover dared me to quit, so I had to finish it. ;) When students ask if they should request you as their advisor I say: Don't be fooled, he's terrifying but also one of the sweetest, most generous men I've ever known. Best of luck with the next chapter, my friend.
Wonderful.
Just delicious, Douglas. Thank you for conjuring all these legendary people and moments. Sounds so marvelous; but you have a way of bringing out the excitement in anything you touch! A great gift. I am honored to have been part of Numero Cinq (never knew where its name came from!) and to be, somehow, a part of this lineage of scrappy singers. I am hoping that now that you are indigent and abstinent/obstinate you will have a wee bit more time and I can join you for a walk or get you over here for tea....!
A wonderful time. I miss Numero Cinq and I’m very grateful to have it online and intact.
I've taught at four residencies. What delicious memories.