Honor Student

The wind had stopped.

It was quiet.

The sky hung over us like a dead man.

We felt each other's hearts

and knew love would be found anyway.

That was really something, Caroline.

It was so full of hope.

And the expression you used about the sky.

The sky hung over us like a dead man.

Yes. Like a dead man.

Teresa.

What do we call that?

I'd call that alright.

That's a simile.

Right, Mr. Howarth?

That's right, Wanda.

You've personified the word 'sky' here

and given it a human quality.

Teresa.

Can you give me an example of a personification?

Earth to Theresa.

Please respond.

Ladies.

Under the opening eyelids of the morn,

We drove afield; and both together heard

What time the gray-fly winds her sultry horn.

Yes, that's a very good example.

The writer in this case, Milton,

says the morning has eyelids like a man.

Time's up Mr. Howarth.

On that note I have to say goodbye.

As you all know, this class completes our course.

You might be back, Mr. Howarth.

She's right Mr. H.

Most of us have been in here more than once.

Well if I do see any of you again,

I hope it's on the outside.

But I would like to thank you for your great work.

I hope I've given you some useful tools to help you

with your writing.

And remember, each of you has a story to tell.

So sit down and write it.

And who knows?

Maybe I'll be reading yours someday.

Hey Teresa.

You got a sec?

Did the class help you at all?

I haven't been able to write since I got here.

I know.

But every writer's felt like you do now.

In prison?

Hm.

Metaphorically speaking.

Yes. Blocked.

Unsure of yourself.

It's obvious you're really smart and well-read

but you haven't written a word for me.

Twelve sessions together and I didn't get a single sentence

on paper from you.

Well, I got a couple years here to kick it around.

So you are thinking about something.

Just start writing.

You might surprise yourself.

It's about a young woman.

A girl, really.

16.

Went to university early.

Ah.

An honor student.

Yeah.

Top of her class all of her life.

Then she goes to college and um,

she gets mixed up with a professor.

Oh, an affair.

And it goes bad for her.

Him, too.

She kills him.

And?

That's all I got.

Well it's a start.

It's a bit broad but that's okay.

I mean there's definitely conflict there.

So write something down, damn it!

I will.

And thanks.

Hey! It's my job.

Good luck.

Good news, Lana.

You are definitely pregnant

and the tests show this baby's viable.

Oh my god.

That's great.

I really want this baby.

I know you do.

So, your husband.

It's probably a good time to tell him.

I want to wait a little bit more.

When we lost the last one, he got very depressed.

And we both did.

Believe me I get it.

I know it's been tough on both of you.

But you have to stay calm and relaxed throughout

the whole pregnancy.

I don't want you to overtire or worry yourself.

I know the drill.

No stress.

Good.

I'm going to start you on some new medication

for your blood pressure today.

And you keep close tabs on your insulin.

I always do.

It's gonna happen Lana!

Hard at work?

Oh it was either this or shoot the computer.

Your sister really came through.

It's the best wedding present ever.

Well instead of scaring my chickens call Erica.

She'll extend the deadline.

My extremely patient publisher's already extended it.

Twice.

Return the advance.

After your last book you can afford to sit back and wait

until the muse strikes.

Sure, yeah, sign away the money and my self-respect.

I need to get a new book out

before everyone forgets who I am.

Hey I was thinking maybe we could go out for dinner tonight,

in town, after your talk.

What talk?

At the bookstore?

Is that tonight?

Your public awaits.

Oh god.

So? Dinner?

In town, time to talk?

Yeah.

Yeah.

From the sound and the fury to Huck Finn.

All good stories are well-structured.

And by structure I mean more than

beginning, middle and end.

I'm talking about layering in subplots,

which if they're done right carry the theme

while the main story moves along.

Excuse me?

Yeah.

So you're saying plot

is more important than character.

You need both.

Any plot is much more satisfying

if it focuses on real characters.

So you write one book nobody buys

and then Killer Student sells, like hotcakes.

What do you think made the people eat it up?

You know?

I don't know.

I poured my heart and soul into it.

But I do that with all my writing.

I guess there's just something about a good murder, right?

Okay, I think maybe time for one more question

and then we'll let Nick sign some books.

Where did you get the idea for Killer Student Mr. Howarth?

Uh, where does any idea come from?

People.

Situations, right.

The unconscious soup that all writers spoon up.

But it isn't just about the idea,

it's about the execution.

Okay!

This made me a big fan.

When's your next one coming out?

Soon.

Don't worry.

Very soon.

Hi Mr. Howarth.

I'm a big fan too.

You know I had to read it twice.

The first time I just couldn't believe it.

Let me tell you what to write.

After all, we work best that way.

To a very real character...

who found herself in a very real plot.

I, uh, I appreciate your support.

No doubt.

Tell me!

You still teaching?

No, I haven't since, well not for some time.

Well. That's my loss.

Hey, it's late.

Okay, a few more.

Thanks.

We should have had dinner in town tonight.

I'm sorry.

No, you couldn't leave

before you'd signed everybody's book.

Who was that girl at the end?

Which one?

The pretty one.

Oh that's just a former student of mine, that's all.

I taught her years ago.