Always Time For One Of The Masters

One of the largest influences on my writing has been Robert B. Parker.  If you've read him, you know he's impressively prolific, and best known for bringing hard-boiled private eye stories into this generation.  In fact, he finished the manuscript that Raymond Chandler, another of my literary heroes, left upon his death (Poodle Springs), carrying the mantle of the noir novel from the 40s to present day.  He then wrote "Perchance to Dream", a novel starring Chandler's famous character Philip Marlowe, successfully keeping Marlowe's character as Chandler envisioned him.  Not an easy task.

So after reading several different books since my last Parker, I felt it was time.  I picked up "Chance", a novel featuring Parker's tough-guy Spenser, written in 1996 when Parker was 64 years old.  The primary features of Parker's writing – sparse, efficient dialogue; short chapters; plot moving forward almost always by Spenser's action rather than something happening to him – are there in full force and make reading the novel something to be savored as opposed to rushed through.

That Parker's plotting is formulaic and recognizable from story to story is irrelevant and not distracting whatsoever.  To complain about it would be like saying it's distracting to drink one bottle of a Napa Zinfandel after the first one because they were both made the same way.  That thought never crosses one's mind.  You just pour, drink, and are thankful.

As a writer, it is inspiring to read good writing, and makes one want to strive to become better.  I go through my days now savoring the prospect of their last portion, when the covers are pulled up and I've settled in with Spenser for as long as I can keep my eyes open.  And I wake up raring to pick up my virtual pen and try to imbue Max and Faye with the same grace and clarity that Mr. Parker wields in bringing Spenser to life.

Thanks for reading!  Enjoy the rest of the week and read something today that makes you say, "Damn, that is good!"  -Jon