I could write a terrific novel. The tone is the problem. I’d like it to be serious, tragic, yet gay & rich & creative. I need a master, several masters. Lawrence, except in Women in Love, is too bare, too journalistic in his style. Henry James too elaborate, too calm & well-mannered. Joyce Cary I like. I have that fresh, brazen, colloquial voice. Or J.D. Salinger. But that needs an “I” speaker, which is so limiting. Or Jack Burden. I have time. I must tell myself I have time.
