Reading an anthology featuring stories from 1925-1940 I have discovered a few standouts: Robert M. Coates, Nancy Hale, Nathan Asch, William Maxwell, and St. Clair McKelway. Their contributions are first-rate, demonstrating brilliance in storytelling and language, brilliance in substance and style—and I am dizzy with awe and admiration. These writers were wordsmiths, in complete control, and their work has shown me, among other things, the essence of good craft.
Through the years a number of writers (and musicians and filmmakers) have inspired me to keep going and chase the possibilities. I have adhered to that plan since the beginning, appreciating both the successes and the failures. Additional pleasure comes from mentioning writers—past and present—who have influenced me, a practice that I will carry on always. Some of those influences can be found in the Additional Information section of my AuthorsDen bio.
I am always learning and trying to improve. I've been guided by reading the best writers; all the hours of reading, time well spent.
As for the box-set, I look forward to reading on and to discovering more treasures. No doubt there are plenty in a collection containing three thick volumes of stories, each running 400 to 800 pages. That means I have a long, wild, stimulating journey ahead of me, one that to date has been rewarding by every measure.
