Obama on Writing

[DeepModem Mom]

Media Bistro: Obama on Writing

Pam Coughlan over at Motherreader was at an Obama event in Fairfax, VA, yesterday where he was asked what he would say to young writers:

"He was surprised by the question, which he admitted was one he hadn't heard before, but didn't hesitate to answer. He referenced his two books, and specifically mentioned how he wrote them himself, along with many of his speeches. With a light inflection, he said, 'In terms of getting a job, knowing how to write is a good thing.' He talked about how he kept a journal, and how it was important for teaching him not only how to write, but also how to think.

But my favorite part was when he said, 'Over the course of four years I made time to read all of the Harry Potter books out loud to my daughters. If I can do that and run for president, then you can find time to read to your kids. That's some of the most special time you have with your children.'"

According to MSNBC he also said "these days kids know how to text message... but when you are applying for a job they will not be asking if you know how to text message."

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/authors/obama_on_writing_89046.asp

[Clark2008]

1. I've read two Harry Potter books out loud to my son.

:hi:

[DeepModem Mom]

2. That's a lot of hours, Clark -- good on you!

:applause:

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

3. Awwww

I just love that guy - what a terrific father. He certainly has every right to remind people what helps kids to succeed in life when he's practicing what he preaches. He often talks about turning off the TV and reading to your kids, as well as other parental responsibilities that will help kids be successful in school. Gobama! :bounce:

[JoFerret]

4. I like that he wrote his books himself

he is a good writer.
Of course - Harry Potter will not win him friends among a certain evangelic set.

[LisaM]

5. I've attempted to read his book (the first one)

I'm sorry, but I think his books are really overwritten. It is NOT good writing. Go ahead, flame me all you want, but it's just not good writing.

The publishing industry cranks out a lot of crap these days. What's lacking is the real writers, the Fitzgeralds, the Joyces, even the Kinglsey Amises and Barbara Pyms (and what's even more lacking in some cases are their talented editors).

I have been indulging myself lately with the Beat writers. Often overlooked, sometimes really brilliant.

Obama should be surprised to get a question about being a writer.

[Ashy Larry]

7. I've read both his books.

I think the first one is pretty good for someone who had never written a book before. And very good when compared to other books by politicians. I know what you mean about it being overwritten (he went overboard with the descriptive langauge in some parts) but I think overall the writing is not bad.

The second book is a lot more watered down and politically correct but its not bad.

[LisaM]

9. To be fair, it's not a genre (political memoir) that is known for stellar prose

His is probably no worse than most, but phrases like "she bore him a son" and saying his father had skin "black as pitch" and his mother skin as "white as milk" just make me CRINGE! (It also didn't sell very well the first time around, IIRC).

Not that I don't support his reading to his kids. Good for him.

[LiveLiberally]

10. I take your point; my point is ....

Obama is not a writer; he's a politician who knows how to write. Which is miles ahead of the vast majority of them. :)

[DevonRex]

6. He doesn't miss a chance to encourage parents to read to their

kids, to spend time with their kids. And how he emphasized the importance of writing skill to future employment.

[blogslut]

8. Reading to the kids is win/win

Especially if you do it as a bedtime ritual. It calms them down. It teaches them how to read and to appreciate literature.