Month: June 2013

The Great Debate: Electronic vs. Dead Tree Books

Which are better - eBooks or print ones? In today's digital world people are increasingly looking online for their entertainment. But is there anything that will get people to read books again? While eBooks and audio books are helping, is that enough? Is anybody reading anymore? I may be wrong but it seems to me … Continue reading The Great Debate: Electronic vs. Dead Tree Books →

The subtlety of words

In fiction, word choices are as important as they are in poetry. Recently, a friend of mine put the following up on Facebook: Advice both elegant and succinct on how to distinguish between the words "elusive" and "illusory," from "Fowler's Modern English Usage," 2/e: "The elusive mocks its pursuer, the illusory its possessor." One of … Continue reading The subtlety of words →

Magical Realism In Literature – Does it Work?

When and how should authors ask us to suspend disbelief? Not long ago, I read the book Jacob's Folly by Rebecca Miller. About half of the story takes place in 21stcentury New York. The other half takes place in 18th century France. Bringing this all together is the narrator, who is a fly. But he … Continue reading Magical Realism In Literature – Does it Work? →