~Words Matter~
From the late Maurice Sendak
by Rosalind Foley on 10/21/12
"There must be more to life than having everything."
What Do You Think?
by Rosalind Foley on 10/19/12
In her book Let's Take the Long Way Home, Gail Caldwell writes:
"If writers possess a common temperament, it's that they tend to be shy egomaniacs; publicity is the spotlight they suffer for the recognition they crave."
Why, I wonder, can't the work speak for itself?
Good Value
by Rosalind Foley on 10/17/12
It's been a while since I've attended a writing workshop or conference, but I can't recommend them enough to anyone serious about writing. If the event includes a contest, so much the better. Study the guidelines and enter some of your work in the appropriate category.
What will you get for your money? Information, leads, answers to questions, encouragement, new friends, and proably best of all that thing Anne Morrow Lindbergh called "the cross-pollenization of ideas." There's nothing like hanging out with people who understand this strange urge we have to shape words into communication.
I've never attended a conference or a workshop that wasn't helpful in one way or another..It's likely you can find an upcoming event within driving distance, wherever you are. Check online or find listings in magazines or in club newsletters. Treat the writer in you.
Thank you, Mr. Webster
by Rosalind Foley on 10/10/12
Uncertain of the spelling of a word in the manuscript I was editing, I went to the computer for confirmation. With a few taps of the keys I had my answer. There it was, the word, the definition, the pronunciation, plain and straightforward. Why then, did something about the sterility of it make me sad?
I realized with regret that most cyber-natives will never know the satisfaction of turning soft pages full of information till they find the word they're seeking. There were whole worlds to discover in those old books, and drawings on almost every page.
If we asked our mother about a word, she sent us to the dictionary. One word invariably led to another or an illustration might catch our eye, launching another quest. It wasn't a bad way to learn.
Passing It On
by Rosalind Foley on 09/23/12
When I wanted to encourage a novice writer, I brought her two books: Strunk and White's classic The Elements of Style, and Christopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey. They make for a great self-check, and are the kind that bear re-reading over and over.
Speaking of books, not long ago I came across my copy of What's What, subtitled "a visual glossary of everyday objects from paper clips to passenger ships." Out of print now, some of it is quaint and needs updating, but where else can you find drawings showing the precise names of parts of a sailboat, a hot air balloon or a set of bagpipes? Who knew the kings in a deck of cards are called Charlemagne (hearts), Casesar (diamonds), Alexander (clubs) and David (spades?)
For everything there is a word.
