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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through "Why I Write," "Telling Stories" .

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Where did the second speaker in "Getting Serenity" first start gambling?
(a) L.A.
(b) Nevada.
(c) Atlanta.
(d) Vietnam.

2. In "Telling Stories," what does Didion say the writer of a short story needs to have that the writer of a novel does not?
(a) A clear idea of what her intentions are.
(b) Time to write.
(c) A structured outline.
(d) A robust character.

3. In "Telling Stories," what publication does Didion work for right after college?
(a) The Washington post.
(b) The New Yorker.
(c) Ms.
(d) Vogue.

4. Where does Nancy's daughter go to school in "Pretty Nancy"?
(a) A private school in Sacramento.
(b) A boarding school in Arizona.
(c) Nancy homeschooled.
(d) A public school in San Francisco.

5. What does one meeting attendee tell Joan happens to kids upon the first time entering a gambling club?
(a) Most do not become addicted.
(b) He loses his money right away.
(c) They are so shocked they leave.
(d) He is hooked for life.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is Alicia from "Alicia and the Underground Press" from?

2. From whom does Didion say she stole the title "Why I Write"?

3. Didion says that one of the pictures in her mind when she began her novel Play it as It Lays came from an incident in what city?

4. What kind of talk does Didion find unsettling during the meeting in "Getting Serenity"?

5. What year was Walter Davis from "Fathers, Sons, Screaming Eagles" stationed in Holland?

(see the answer key)

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