Reply to Peter K

Peter K, you ask how I weave between dialogue and narration (or monologue). The fact is I learnt the style mainly from five writers – all American and all quite some time ago. 1920 -1940 I think. Damon Runyon, William Saroyan, O'Henry (for his surprise endings) Mark Twain (who said I remember everything from the past even if it didn’t happen) and somewhat later, Hemingway.

At an early age I found in those five writers the ingredients for story telling that I should follow. Simplicity, awareness, passion, drama, sensitivity, consideration of their subjects and easy telling. I added poetry and flow to all that and they took precedence over being strictly correct. Other bits and pieces I got from a myriad of sources, but the framework was laid down by those writers. I re-read Saroyan’s Best Stories and Runyan’s More than Somewhat at least once a year. Thank for your encouraging comments. I was going to do some gardening today but it’s raining again. Regards.