Although convinced his plays are going to win him fame and fortune ("and glory," he adds, "don't forget the glory,") he makes it clear that this is not why he writes. "That isn't why I do it--these would be results that would be nice; it would mean I could avoid working at McDonald's. "Why do I write? Really? There are two reasons. The first is that I can't help it, that's all. I'm a writer; this is what I do. These people show up in my head and they deserve to have their stories told. And they won't leave until I do. And the other reason, well, everyone wants to write the perfect play or novel or poem--the one that changes everything and makes everyone's problems fade away. I write because I want to change the world. I want to show people the magic of the everyday, of their own lives. I think that will be enough." R


Emily Rena-Dozier '99 is a junior from Susanville, California, majoring in English literature. She wrote about the Kaspar T. Locher Summer Scholarships in our November '97 issue.

Screwscotch: No. NO. It can't be. See, look at it like this. I'm in hell, right? It's not exactly fire and brimstone, but it's some version of the Christian hell; something similar, anyway. So if they're right about hell, they've got to be right about God too, right? So He's got to be this omniscient, merciful being who loves me. I can't believe a God like that would send my soul to eternal suffering because of a little mistake.

Angel of Darkness: Little?

Screwscotch: Okay, huge, but still, this is forever we're talking about! If He loves me He wouldn't make it forever; He couldn't! I'd suffer for a while and that would take care of it.

Angel of Darkness: A touch of punishment and then a brand new, sparkling soul?

Screwscotch: Yes.

Angel of Darkness: That is wonderful denial.

    --Screwscotch





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