74

FINDING ONE'S STYLE IS A PROCESS "THAT NEVER ENDS, I AM STILL WORKING AT IT" CAPOTE, TRUMAN. Autograph Letter Signed, "T. Capote," to writer Kenneth Silverman, explaining that he is too busy to respond fully [likely occupied by work on Observations (1959) with Alexey Brodovitch and Richard Avedon], and remarking on how one acquires a writing style. 2 pages, 12mo, written on two sheets; vertical fold. With the original envelope, addressed in holograph and additionally signed, "Capote, C/O," on flap above Richard Avedon's printed address. [New York: from postmark], 26 May 1959


  • Notes: In full: "This is not an answer to your very kind letter; it is merely an acknowledgement: I am in the midst of work that does not leave me the time to reply in the manner you deserve. [F]or what it is worth (not much) I made a few remarks on the subject of style which appear in the book 'Writers at Work.' [O]f course I am extremely sympathetic to your interest in the question: so few writers, much less readers, are, or even know that it exists. But there is really no practical help that one can offer: it is a matter of self-dis[c]overy, of one's own conviction, of working with one's own work: your style is what seems natural to you. It is a long process of discovery, one that never ends, I am still working at it, and will be as long as I live. So must you, with every good wish for your health as an artist, and otherwise."

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