groop therapy

Groop met late last night for a session examining a first chapter by Marika. Since the work is written in the mystery tradition, there was discussion of genre. Some baulked at the term, others embraced it, but it was agreed that critique of the work itself was important whether certain conventions were in play or not.

This prompted a meta-debate about the project of critique in general. Then such practical matters as narrative voice, pacing and how best to introduce the victim in a whodunnit were considered. Yes, writerly work is being accomplished.

As critique wound down, however, Nick brought up suicide. We've lost a number of friends and acquaintances to what is estimated to be the 15th most common cause of death in the world (just after diarrheal diseases) and by some strange coincidence my latest entry to the AJ Episodes discusses it (something I didn't realize last night).

This sobering topic was adroitly derailed when, in an act of conversational jujitsu, the discussion turned to Ben's blue belt ceremony.