Word: thomson
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...experience with Diana Thomson's fiction class this fall stands above and beyond a whole multitude of highlights in what for me has been a very exciting and satisfying first year at Harvard. While immersing myself in extracurricular activities that included drama, work, and an active social life, I found little reason to give serious attention to my three other general education courses during the first half of the year. On the other hand, Mrs. Thomson made my first encounter with creative writing not only a learning experience, but also the only class in which I felt a real academic...
...fiction I feared that my unknown abilities would stand in the shadows of the deservedly more recognized students whose first papers imparted a slight sense of awe to the entire class. But something turned around after those first few weeks, something I would have to attribute to Diana Thomson's warmth and encouragement as a friend as well as a teacher. My papers started to reflect me as a person and as a writer and I sensed a great deal more feeling and confidence with what I was doing in fiction. I gained more and more control as I went...
...expository skills of fiction students can be dealt with through the current method of screening applicants to fiction Expos for evidence of previously established competence in these skills. I would willingly concede that reading short stories on the side also helped me a great deal, but Mrs. Thomson actively encouraged this anyway. I believe critical essays on these other works as would be required by Expos 18 are unnecessary and cannot but detract from the student's opportunity to develop his or her own writing style...
Along with several other Nieman fellows, a number of Harvard undergrads and people from the Cambridge community, I am now taking here and is a testament to Ms. Thomson's ability both as a teacher and (sorry, Prof. Marius) a human being. Writing--any writing, but particularly fiction writing--is a very personal thing and often is difficult to discuss with others. However, under Ms. Thomson's direction, our group of 15 men and women has achieved the interplay of feelings and ideas that is so essential to a "learning experience." We've also produced some damn good writing...
...come from a newspaper that has the sometimes deserved reputation of being the best-edited in the country. As a part of that paper for more than a decade. I think I know good writing when I see it and good editors when I see them. Diana Thomson is a fine editor. She is also a fine teacher. Before she is forced to leave. I thought Harvard should know those two things. --Frank Van Riper Nieman Fellow