Tag Archives: Bret Lott

Before We Get Started by Bret Lott

Synopsis: An author’s memoir of the writing life. Review: Yesterday, I had the pleasure of having my work ripped to shreds at a workshop led by Bret Lott. I say “pleasure” because (a) he was right, and (b) he made it fun. I knew from reading Before We Get Started that I’d respect his opinion, but what I didn’t know was that I’d enjoy the time as much as I did My favorite takeaway from Lott’s book is that art that endures has some element…

Read More »

Jewel by Bret Lott

Synopsis: A mother’s love is tested when she gives birth in 1943 to a daughter who is, in the lingua franca, is a “Mongolian Idiot.” Review: I picked up Jewel because I’m going to be participating in a writing workshop on Thursday led by Bret Lott. I figured I would read Jewel because it was the book picked for Oprah’s Book Club, and therefore his most well-known work. The book follows the life of Jewel, a Southern woman born in 1904 who spent her formative…

Read More »