Editor in Chief

Another love letter to Liza

This is not just a birthday wish.  It is also a thank you letter and a writer’s acknowledgement.

The first entry to this blog appeared on the 30^th of April, and there were three concerns. Number One, I wondered if there would be enough stories to write about.  No worries! There is still a depth of family lore to probe, and a recent post was a whimsical meditation on bottle caps. So far, I feel safe on prompts.    

Number Two, there was considerable doubt as to the self-discipline required to meet a self-imposed, twice-a-week deadline.  Well, last Friday was # 55, and only once did a post appear a day late; but there was an earlier one that went up the day before.  Frankly, I have surprised and pleased myself by postponing my legendary procrastination. So far, I feel safe on that score also.

Finally, Number Three!  Would it be good enough to claim ownership?  That is not for me to judge; but based on the comments on Word Press and FB, there is a positive vibe from a small but friendly readership. That is largely attributable to the presence of a brilliant editor. 

Liza, I cannot thank you enough for your steadfast and spot-on contributions to this project that means so much to me.  We know there are no perfect people, nor perfect marriages; but there are people who are perfect for each other, who sharpen each other, and who help each other to thrive.  Your loving attention to my writing is a snapshot of your loving attention to me. 

Among the things that you bring to this writing table is your skill set.  Your French major educated you in linguistics and grammar in more than one tongue.  You labored off and on for twelve years crafting a book, and that has given you real insights into the writing process.  You sought advice and criticism from other writers, and that has given you a keen eye for the writing conventions that need refining.    

For example, when I get too wordy, you remind me that “less is often more.”  When I channel my inner Winston Churchill and write mile-long sentences, you are quick to see the run-ons. You encourage me to consider my inner Ernest Hemingway.  There is power in the simple sentence.  This give and take is just one example of working things out together to strengthen the final product.

And when you speak of antecedents, or complex and compound sentences, or the rhythm of a paragraph, or the proper use of commas and semi-colons, or the richness of word usage, or the beauty of conciseness and clarity, or the internal poetry of alliteration … well, I just love it when you talk dirty. 

But the best part of your editorship is not just the words on the page.  Something else has come sharply into focus.  Originally, I was determined to go it alone, selfishly wanting to bask in whatever credit came along.  It was vainglorious, and I became impatient with your desire to contribute. 

It took me a while to see that our journey together on “blog prep” is just as important as the online destination.  These editing get-togethers are lovely touchpoints for us.  I had been seeing your help as a path to improve my writing.  You saw it as a path to improve us.  With your love and support, I believe both things are true.  Thank you.

Happy 75^th Birthday!

Love, Me