Reminds me of my own youth when I carried around both a dictionary and a thesaurus. I was pretty obsessed, and I took some ribbing for that! For me, that impulse to know words has been further aided and abetted with the advent of reading on screens. I love the esthetics of a physical book with its more refined typography, but I increasingly find myself reading digitally, mainly because it makes accessing a word’s definition as simple as tapping on it. What might have taken minutes with a book, can now be accomplished in an instant. That ease of use has caused me to look up words far more than I would have in the past. Before, I might have skipped a word I was only mildly curious about. Now I don’t have to hold back. The answer to whether to ‘dictionary’ or not can be rendered moot in the time takes to ask the question.
Chuck, I love the way you connect dictionary use to a discussion of whether it is better to write simply with everyday language or to write with all the complexity and nuance the English language affords. The answer, of course, is yes. Faulkner and Hemingway show us that either approach can produce powerful writing and art. It’s the job of the writer to find his or her own voice, and to use whatever approach most resonates with them. In that journey, I think it’s important to understand there are no wrong approaches, and nothing should start out off the table. The quality of any writing is not the result a particular style, but of the writer’s intention and facility.
Hi, Chuck. Sounds as if Eagle passed you the book that launched your writing career, which I should point out includes your ability to delve into your musical adventures as both a musician, composer, and musical talent scout, as well a recording artist. Add that to filmmaker and your notable book you've authored, and Rene has most of what he'll need much much later when describing you is necessary. You arrived long ago, but you continue to spread your wings, and I await the sequel to your book. BTW, have you read Bud Shrake's book, Blessed McGill? It's one of the best books I've had the ultimate pleasure to read. I did also enjoy his bestseller Custer's Brother's Horse. The Borderland is decent, as well. Suffice to say, I'm happy you're a successful human on this rock and look forward to more success for you on whatever road surfaces you encounter. Now, if we can be fortunate enough to survive this group in power.
Reminds me of my own youth when I carried around both a dictionary and a thesaurus. I was pretty obsessed, and I took some ribbing for that! For me, that impulse to know words has been further aided and abetted with the advent of reading on screens. I love the esthetics of a physical book with its more refined typography, but I increasingly find myself reading digitally, mainly because it makes accessing a word’s definition as simple as tapping on it. What might have taken minutes with a book, can now be accomplished in an instant. That ease of use has caused me to look up words far more than I would have in the past. Before, I might have skipped a word I was only mildly curious about. Now I don’t have to hold back. The answer to whether to ‘dictionary’ or not can be rendered moot in the time takes to ask the question.
Chuck, I love the way you connect dictionary use to a discussion of whether it is better to write simply with everyday language or to write with all the complexity and nuance the English language affords. The answer, of course, is yes. Faulkner and Hemingway show us that either approach can produce powerful writing and art. It’s the job of the writer to find his or her own voice, and to use whatever approach most resonates with them. In that journey, I think it’s important to understand there are no wrong approaches, and nothing should start out off the table. The quality of any writing is not the result a particular style, but of the writer’s intention and facility.
Hi, Chuck. Sounds as if Eagle passed you the book that launched your writing career, which I should point out includes your ability to delve into your musical adventures as both a musician, composer, and musical talent scout, as well a recording artist. Add that to filmmaker and your notable book you've authored, and Rene has most of what he'll need much much later when describing you is necessary. You arrived long ago, but you continue to spread your wings, and I await the sequel to your book. BTW, have you read Bud Shrake's book, Blessed McGill? It's one of the best books I've had the ultimate pleasure to read. I did also enjoy his bestseller Custer's Brother's Horse. The Borderland is decent, as well. Suffice to say, I'm happy you're a successful human on this rock and look forward to more success for you on whatever road surfaces you encounter. Now, if we can be fortunate enough to survive this group in power.
Bill McGuire
Beautiful writing.