A respite from constant writing- I'm now revising like crazy, getting ready for a reading in Williamsburg on Saturday, washing bedclothes (first of the month), and going back to the high school to play piano for the senior showcase.

Some thoughts- That Harvard kid accused of plagarizing? I think there's more to it than dirty dealings and 'absorption' of other books.

I think a lot of the problem is: all the books she's accused of lifting from are cookie cutter anyway, as are many of the adult feel good trade paperbacks you find at the front tables at bookstores and big stacks at Costco.

Have you looked at the passages they cite as copied? It's all vapid- young girl-speak to common shared cultural experiences (Indian, my ass- it's the same everywhere- certain dishes on special days, the way a place smells in your memory).

She's simply not a good enough writer to be able to write more complex prose- it's juvenile fiction basically- meant to be read by young girls. Give her twenty years and some real issues, then we'll see.

And shame on the people who raised her up for their own gain- shame, shame, shame!