the character of Ned Beaumont and believe the clues were
nicely spaced. Great plot.
Most of all I like his style. Short, simple, crisp, direct, biting
sentences. I’ve also been reading Grace Metalious’ No Adam In
Eden . A later work by the author of Peyton Place. A lot of pure
female sensuality in it. A very underrated writer, in my opinion.
Someday I’d like to write a critical article about her. Grace
understood people better than any writer I know of. I wonder why
even the feminists seem to ignore her.
She took it all on – sex, love, hate, child abuse, abortion, wife
beating, crime, hypocrisy, abuse of power, homosexuality – the
works. I seem almost alone in thinking she’s great.
Completed Chapter 38 tonight. An all new chapter, with all new
material. Junked Chap. 39 as needless, poor, badly written, and
irrelevant. Glad to be rid of it.
Glancing back at my old timetable for the completion of this draft.
Looks as if I might come in right on schedule.
Spring is here after a complicated winter.
56
CHAPTER THREE
No Eden In Adam
April 4, 1978
Work has been a real bitch the past few days. I hate it when the
welfare checks come out. It wouldn’t be so bad if these dorks would
just do what they’re supposed to do as insofar as the paperwork is
concerned. But no. they expect us to just do it for them. It drives me
crazy.
Finished Chapter 40 last night. The page total is 122.
Tonight I also did a nice notebook draft of Chapter 41. I have a
few reservations about this section, but think I can flesh it out
tomorrow.
I know I am pushing myself, but I want to get this damn thing
finished.
May have found a typist for it. A woman at work named Lisa said
she would type it on her IBM Selectric if I pay her fifty cents a page.
I wonder if she can also keep her mouth shut. The idea of having
someone at work knowing my business – well, I don’t like it.
Still, I would very much like to have a nice clean typed copy of the
manuscript ready soon. The big push is underway – I can’t stop
myself. I’m writing continually. The fiddling around period is over.
I’m totally focused on the work, getting out the work. This feeling of
incompletion bugs me to death.
My weekend in Eugene at the state Democratic convention was
productive. I got there late because I accidentally ran the state truck
off the road while I was up in Swisshome. Sheesh.
For several hours I tried to dig it out by myself, to no avail.
Finally, a local named Tubby Beers (that’s his real name) helped pull
me out. Cripes, why do I screw up like that?
At the convention I saw Ron Madison doing his thing. He’s a dork
if ever there was one. Gimme a couple of runs at him and he’ll be
gone in no time. I saw him make a fool of himself on at least two
occasions Saturday.
57
I really want to run for the state legislature. I hunger for it.
Sometimes I ask myself why and I have no explanation. It’s a visceral
urge, that’s all. There’s no other reason.
Jim Kozlowski was in top form. He’s really in his element now,
cracking the whip over the central committee. John Thomas, Dave
McNeese, and myself all plan to run for state central committee slots
after the primary. We want to be thorns in Jim’s side.
The book the book the book. I am on the verge of completing the
greatest literary achievement of my life. More than anything else, I
want to see it be commercially successful.
* * * *
April 6, 1978
Yes! Today I found a copy of Gracie’s novel The Tight White
Collar. First time I have ever come across it. And, of her four novels,
it’s the only one I haven’t read yet. Last weekend I read No Adam In
Eden. I also liked that one a lot. Reminds me of my own family – a
bunch of people who can’t stand each other are forced by poverty to
live together.
AAARRRGGHHHH!
Sound familiar?
Why is Grace Metalious virtually ignored as a writer? Answer me
that. I think she’s terrific. Peyton Place is
nicely spaced. Great plot.
Most of all I like his style. Short, simple, crisp, direct, biting
sentences. I’ve also been reading Grace Metalious’ No Adam In
Eden . A later work by the author of Peyton Place. A lot of pure
female sensuality in it. A very underrated writer, in my opinion.
Someday I’d like to write a critical article about her. Grace
understood people better than any writer I know of. I wonder why
even the feminists seem to ignore her.
She took it all on – sex, love, hate, child abuse, abortion, wife
beating, crime, hypocrisy, abuse of power, homosexuality – the
works. I seem almost alone in thinking she’s great.
Completed Chapter 38 tonight. An all new chapter, with all new
material. Junked Chap. 39 as needless, poor, badly written, and
irrelevant. Glad to be rid of it.
Glancing back at my old timetable for the completion of this draft.
Looks as if I might come in right on schedule.
Spring is here after a complicated winter.
56
CHAPTER THREE
No Eden In Adam
April 4, 1978
Work has been a real bitch the past few days. I hate it when the
welfare checks come out. It wouldn’t be so bad if these dorks would
just do what they’re supposed to do as insofar as the paperwork is
concerned. But no. they expect us to just do it for them. It drives me
crazy.
Finished Chapter 40 last night. The page total is 122.
Tonight I also did a nice notebook draft of Chapter 41. I have a
few reservations about this section, but think I can flesh it out
tomorrow.
I know I am pushing myself, but I want to get this damn thing
finished.
May have found a typist for it. A woman at work named Lisa said
she would type it on her IBM Selectric if I pay her fifty cents a page.
I wonder if she can also keep her mouth shut. The idea of having
someone at work knowing my business – well, I don’t like it.
Still, I would very much like to have a nice clean typed copy of the
manuscript ready soon. The big push is underway – I can’t stop
myself. I’m writing continually. The fiddling around period is over.
I’m totally focused on the work, getting out the work. This feeling of
incompletion bugs me to death.
My weekend in Eugene at the state Democratic convention was
productive. I got there late because I accidentally ran the state truck
off the road while I was up in Swisshome. Sheesh.
For several hours I tried to dig it out by myself, to no avail.
Finally, a local named Tubby Beers (that’s his real name) helped pull
me out. Cripes, why do I screw up like that?
At the convention I saw Ron Madison doing his thing. He’s a dork
if ever there was one. Gimme a couple of runs at him and he’ll be
gone in no time. I saw him make a fool of himself on at least two
occasions Saturday.
57
I really want to run for the state legislature. I hunger for it.
Sometimes I ask myself why and I have no explanation. It’s a visceral
urge, that’s all. There’s no other reason.
Jim Kozlowski was in top form. He’s really in his element now,
cracking the whip over the central committee. John Thomas, Dave
McNeese, and myself all plan to run for state central committee slots
after the primary. We want to be thorns in Jim’s side.
The book the book the book. I am on the verge of completing the
greatest literary achievement of my life. More than anything else, I
want to see it be commercially successful.
* * * *
April 6, 1978
Yes! Today I found a copy of Gracie’s novel The Tight White
Collar. First time I have ever come across it. And, of her four novels,
it’s the only one I haven’t read yet. Last weekend I read No Adam In
Eden. I also liked that one a lot. Reminds me of my own family – a
bunch of people who can’t stand each other are forced by poverty to
live together.
AAARRRGGHHHH!
Sound familiar?
Why is Grace Metalious virtually ignored as a writer? Answer me
that. I think she’s terrific. Peyton Place is
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