November 5th, 1967

Running into problems with Sanglorians Run with Jesse Carter, my professor in the Novel Workshop. In discussion with him, I had to defend my technique. He’s strictly a realist.

He doesn't dig surrealism & doesn't think my approach of building from realism of first chapter to nightmare is feasible. I have to reconsider. Self-doubt sets in.

I consider adding small surreal elements in beginning & then letting them mount. Structure is the passing from conscious to the deep unconscious.

He doesn't like loose insecure structures. I think they're more valid in surrealism as dreams don't have structures.

I go over every way I can accommodate him. All I do is get sick & depressed & stop writing.

Then Keith reads the first chapter in the Novel Workshop & the students love it.

Finally I meet with Wallace Markfield, my mentor in Directed Writing.

“I’m not sure where you’re going with this,” he says, “but keep on going.”

I spend the week typing 125 pages. Treat myself to a can of Dinty Moore beef stew.

» November 7th, 1967 : Big Sur