15 March

Zelda Watch: Short Story Class

by Jon Katz
Zelda Watch
Zelda Watch

We’re on a four times a day Zelda watch, her belly has dropped down a foot in the last few weeks, I have a feeling there might be two little Zeldas in there – Red is in for a challenging Spring. I suspect she will be a great sheep mom, she is so vigilant, strong and protective. I’ve ordered a lambing kit online, it’s on the way, some spray to clean and protect animal umbilical cords, the vet came Friday and left syringes and vitamin vials. Zelda will have her lamb when she is damn good and ready, we have a stall cleaned out, stuffed with hay, equipped with heat lamps waiting for her.

This morning, I am off to Hubbard Hall to teach my first short story class. The class was limited to eight, we admitted two more people, but one messaged me last night that she had suffered a panic attack at the thought of taking the class, and another applicant is sick and will probably not be able to come. So there are seven which is, in many ways, a perfect number, and a diverse and interesting group, including one gifted and charismatic local high school student. If one more person wants in, I’ll be interested but I’m happy with this group.

I’m hoping we can publish the stories we create in e-book or print form when the class is over. I love teaching and my goal is to focus on what people do well, not what they don’t. Writing should be exhilarating, fun. . From what I hear from writing students, most creative writing classes are like taking an enema, I don’t want to do that. I’ll bring cookies, copies of my short story collection “Dancing Dogs,” and Red will come to the classes. When Red is around, nobody gets uptight for too long. I’ll take some photos and share them.

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