ALL-TIME AMERICAN WRITERS TOURNAMENT
Writers and their fans love a party.
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Ernest Hemingway was able to squeeze in some trout fishing at a nearby river early that morning.
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Fans of Walt Whitman greeted his entrance into town, then followed him everywhere.
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We were surprised at how much trash talking the “Big Four” writers did at the event, especially Mark Twain and Whitman. Apparently it’s an American tradition of long standing. You get a hint of this in our initial report.
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Our reporter Mel Diper (@meldiper) did three interviews before becoming indisposed. Here are statements gleaned from his notes:
Poet Maya Angelou: “I was exquisitely gratified by the experience, I truly was. A spring tonic to renew the spirit. Such men. I feared entanglement with brutes! But they were, all four of them– even Ernest– very charming.”
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Participatory Journalist George Plimpton: “I met the organizer of this event once before, you know. Don’t trust him!” (To a waitress): “I believe I’ll have a be-ah.” (Note: beer.) “It’s been ye-ahs” (years) “since I had one.” (An assistant of Plimpton’s pays for the beer. Like many writers of his station, George never carries money.)
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Critic/Novelist Mary McCarthy: “Young man, have you been drinking too much? You are not looking well!”
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Stay tuned for more reports from the venue!
