Kevin Thompson

The Lively Art of Writing is a book that has guided me through my journey in writing. Lucile Vaughan Payne was a teacher in the 1960’s who decided to write a book about how to write. This was the only book she wrote, and honestly the only writing book you need. While some of the things in the book are outdated, such as drag races and handwritten term papers, the major points in the book still pulled through. The writing is often clever and snarky, and always made sure to nail in the point it was trying to make. Subtlety never made an appearance in the book (although it was a word that is sure used a lot!) I will always remember leafing through the musty crisp pages over my worn, yellow book. I can vividly recall looking through my dog-eared, highlighted pages to find the information I needed. I will always remember the day my copy arrived in the post, reading the book which would become my entire basis for writing. I will remember this book for the rest of my life, and will hold its values close to my heart for years to come. I doubt Lucile Vaughan Payne ever truly knew how loved and treasured the “little yellow book” is, but I know that if she did, she would be truly honored and humbled. It is the perfect writing example that will always be a frame of reference for any writer. As Lucile Vaughan Payne said, “Language is the most splendid achievement of man, and it is a powerful instrument indeed. Use it with pride.”