ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

Ladies' Mirror, Volume I, Issue 4, 2 October 1922, Page 30

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

[No MS. zvill be returned unless accompanied by stamps. No liability is undertaken re voluntary contributions. Name and full address must appear on the MS. itself

M.S., Patangata, via Otane.— Many thanks for appreciation. We hope to fulfil all expectations. Thanks for offer; at present we are suited, but will file your letter. Your little contribution very seasonable. Will be used shortly. Miss A.K., —“The Ladder Down the Cliff” is under consideration. Verse also.

J.F.C., St. Albans, Christchurch. — “The Difference” is a charming sketch, but somewhat slight. It has the making of a rather good little storv.

Miss G. J., Devonport.—Your article is a most excellent beginning in that particular kind of writing. The matter —ideas —are interesting, but the style requires brightness to redeem it from prosiness. An apt quotation, provided it is fresh, a terse way of expressing an idea, above all concentration of meaning into the fewest possible words, provided they leave no doubt as to that meaning—these are some points to be aimed at in writing prose. H.S.H., Gisborne.—l like “A Fantail's Song,” it is dainty. The hedgesparrow is certainly an imported bird. One is tempted to wish that he were the sole representative of the sparrow family. The warbler, “riro-riro,” as the Maoris call him, is the native songster.

“Kia-Ora,” Te Kuiti.—Many thanks. Your story is too long drawn out, without making headway. There is an art in telling a story—of painting a word picture in descriptive work without an abundance of adjectives. It should be done in a few vivid, wellchosen words—sometimes by suggesting, rather than by stating with meticulous detail, and the use of many words. This is where terseness tells. Wordiness not only checks the zeal and interest of the reader, but it weakens the picture and the meaning. Practice in precis writing would be of the utmost help to you. C.E.R., Mount Albert.—“ The Unsympathetic Visitor” has many good points. The idea is quite good, but requires vitality in its treatment. A long drawn out narrative in the past tense can become rather dreary. Vera’s long, long thoughts before the arrival of her visitor- —though they may bci true to life—would quench the reader’s interest half way through the story. Have you studied the construction of a really good short story? You will note that the interest is caught and held almost from the first sentence.

Marion T„ Wellington. Your versclets show promise; but require a good deal of revising. “Crash" does not rhyme with “dash,” nor “soon” with “croon.” The grammar is faulty in line three of the fifth verse. You cannot be too severe in criticising your own work. A good plan is to lay it aside for some weeks and then to re-read it with a critical eye.

The Editress will be pleased to receive for publication a type-written copy of their favourite verse or short poem from readers of “The Ladies’ Mirror.” The name of the poet should always be appended, and the sender should give her own name as well.