Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 September 1885 — “H. H.” as a Critic. [ARTICLE]

“H. H.” as a Critic.

* Never use an obscure phrase or an unusual word when direct language or a simple term will express your meaning,” is a principle I have often heard her enjoin. Mercilessly as she could condemn in generalization, she showed the most delicate consideration when she made a personal application. She often prefaced some little criticism of my work with the remark: “Now, you won’t mind if I call your attention to an expression here that I don’t like ? I don’t find fault with the thought, but here is a word that must be changed. Yon understand that this is all a mere mechanical matter—just like any other trade. I have had a little more experience than you, and am a little better artisan; that is all. It is nothing but artisanship.” “Oh, Mrs. Jackson! Drop those three extra syllables, and call it art. ” “ No, artisanship 1” she would insist, with emphasis.— Overland.