letter to Jocelyn
Scottie Bowman (rbowman@indigo.ie)
Mon, 02 Aug 1999 08:26:34 +0100
I want to send a warm personal welcome to Jocelyn.
And also a stark warning.
First, what a relief it is to read mail from a newcomer
who can write with lucidity, simplicity & a total absence
of affectation. He (or is it she? - in these parts, Jocelyn
can be either) already shows that modest regard for
the conventions of writing that always identifies the true
professional in the making. No slopping around in
that kindergarten sand-pit of lower case letters,
multiple interpretations & general chumminess that
admirers of Salinger so quickly & so complacently
produce for themselves.
A fifteen year old adult in a community of thirty year old
infants.
Don't stay a moment longer though, Jocelyn. There's nothing
for you here but the gooey stench of corruption. Just look
over here in this corner of the dungeon at my withered
bones hanging in their chains. Get out & join a group
where they actually know & care something about writing.
Scottie B.