Steven Zoltan Brust's "On Writing"

[Bryan James]

Constant observers of this message board will undoubtedly recall all of my exhilirating posts, and thereby will remember that I have given reference to Steven Brust on at least two occasions.

I doubt that I will ever be the reciprocant of such an honor, because Mr. Brust is a goofy old fart and I don't expect to submit anything of appreciable length for potential publication for a decade.

There is a point to this post, and even I might eventually be lucky enough to find it, and, having been so lucky, I might be sorely disappointed after arriving at the lack of an illuminating conclusion.

Ok. No one but writers or masochists are reading at this point. Some might argue that the two categories overlap considerably, and I would not disagree the slightest bit. So anyway, if you enjoyed or found inspiration from King's "On Writing," you might be interested in pp. 393-399 of Brust's "The Paths of the Dead," wherein he semifictionally covers the practice of writing in his most recent style.

While I can't recommend the book itself to those previously unacquainted with Dragaeran history (and indeed, I doubt I have read more than half of Brust's work regarding the same), the last few pages are entertaining for those who either are, or who aspire to be, wordsmiths.

I must specifically point out Brust's Second (of Two) Theories of Literature:
The novel should be understood as a structure built to accommodate the greatest possible amount of cool stuff.

I don't think that anyone could logically argue against such a postulation.

BJS
Rest In Peace all recent departures, famous or mundane

[EMARX]

Please indulge my ignorance. I do not know who or what you are really talking about but damned if I don't believe every word of it.
I cannot logically or even illogically argue against the postulation in question.
Thank You

[Bryan James]

This is probably the most appropriate place for this quick post.

For some strange reason I started getting an AARP (American Association of Retired Perverts?) magazine in the mail. Although I'm to young to be a member, I also got a membership card hidden around the office here somewhere.

In the recent July/August magazine, theres an article by A-List writer Elmore Leonard.

Mr. Leonard's favorite Rule of Writing? Try to leave out the part that readers tend to skip.

The gist of the rest of the article would not be unfamiliar to those who have read 'On Writing.' Worth reading though, so call your Grandma or your Aunt Tilly and ask her to save the copy.

BJS

[Dani~]

I could listen to you two talk all day, both great writing styles! I must be one of the masochists you speak of Bryan, as I made it through the whole post and EMARX's reply and enjoyed every sentence!

[EMARX]

Remember the old Woody Allen line: I wouldn't join any club that would have me as a member.
Bryan- They obviously find kernels of wisdom and intelligence of a man many years your senior, in your writings.