June 2, 2011

Letter - 5/24/11

by Patrick Rathsack (author's profile)

Transcription

Letter 5/24/11

Hello,

I am writing this letter in order to post something. I have failed to mail in anything new for two weeks. It is frustrating for me because I am spending large amount of time creating material. I am unsatisfied with everything I have produced recently. I need more time to complete a body of work worthy of your attention.

I feel defeated because of my lack of skill. It seems to me that my writing is getting worse. The harder I try to improve the more dissatisfied I become. I am in desperate need of proper instruction. I am doing my best to learn on my own but if falls short of meeting my need.

College courses in writing are beyond my reach. However, I am using the resources available to me. I have a couple of books that I am studying. The first one is the HARBRACE COLLEGE HANDBOOK tenth edition by John C. Hodges and Mary E. Whitten. The second is THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE fourth edition by William Struck Jr and E.B. White. The volumes are comprehensive but hard for me to absorb. I also seek out the help of the better educated inmates around me.

I hope to show improvement over time. The environment I am in hinders my progress but it will not stop me. I have other areas of growth that have been retarded by the restraints place upon me. I continue to push forward in spite of all the obstacles.

Now, it is time for me to play my guitar so I will say goodbye.

Patrick Rathsack T-45624
M.C.S.P. C-14-221 up
P.O. Box 409060
Ione, CA 95640

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grace Posted 12 years, 1 month ago. ✓ Mailed 12 years, 1 month ago   Favorite
Thanks for writing! I finished the transcription for your post. I never liked The Elements of Style. Actually, I think it is overly formal for any current writings. A recent newspaper article spoke of the demise of WHOM...no one uses this word anymore. Please keep practicing. Stop being your own worst critic. You brain needs to hear...I AM A GOOD WRITER and I WILL BE GREAT SOON. Grace

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